Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1719: Santa vs. Cookie
Host: Scott Benner
Date: December 24, 2025

Overview

This playful, holiday-themed episode features a festive tale that blends Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve journey with real, practical strategies for managing type 1 diabetes. Told in poetic verse, the episode uses Santa’s classic milk-and-cookie stop at every home as a metaphor for handling carbohydrates, insulin dosing, and blood sugar management. The message is clear: be bold with insulin, don’t fear food, and leverage technology and planning for a safe, confident life with diabetes—even on the busiest, treat-filled nights of the year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Santa Prepares ["Twas the night before Christmas..."] – 00:00

• Santa is preparing for his worldwide trek, but before heading out, he checks his continuous glucose monitor (CGM):
  • "He looked at his sensor. The arrow was straight, a perfect 100, a number so great."
• He confidently tweaks his insulin pump—showing that even with a packed schedule, monitoring and adjusting insulin should be a priority.

2. Being Bold With Insulin—Not Afraid of Food [“We don’t fear the insulin, don’t fear the food.”] – 00:24

• Santa refuses to let the traditional cookies derail his sugar management:
  • “We just get the timing to set up the mood.”
• He listens to podcasts (a nod to Juicebox listeners) and applies practical advice:
  • “I’ve listened to podcasts throughout the whole year.”

3. Pre-bolusing and Carb Management [“He programmed a bolas before he took flight...”] – 00:28

• Santa proactively doses insulin for anticipated carbohydrates:
  • “He programmed a bolas before he took flight to cover the snickerdoodles planned for the night. I’ll wait 15 minutes.”
• Emphasizes the importance of pre-bolusing—giving insulin before eating to better manage post-meal blood sugars.

4. Stay Ahead of Lows Without Fear [“No time for a low or for feeling quite sick.”] – 00:38

• Santa addresses both highs (from cookies) and lows (from activity), critically balancing both, underscoring preparedness.

5. Using Technology: CGMs and Pumps [“He slid down the chimney, his pump in his pocket...”] – 00:41

• Santa has his insulin pump with him at all times, modeling best practices for diabetes device use—even when he's busy and mobile.

6. Responding to Glucose Changes in Real-Time [“Once over the ocean, a beep filled the air...”] – 00:50

• He notices a dropping blood sugar—a probable low—from his CGM:
  • “A diagonal drop gave the reindeer a scare.”
• Instantly acts:
  • “Relax. Shouted Santa. I see the slight drop. I’ll sip on this juice box and cause it to stop.”
  • Showcasing quick response to trends, not just numbers.

7. Celebrating Success and Confidence [“He viewed the results with a satisfied glance...”] – 01:01

• The drop levels, the data looks good, and Santa celebrates his ability to act proactively and prevent problems.

8. Closing Message: Confidence Through Management [“Happy Christmas to all. May your numbers be tight.”] – 01:11

• Ends on a note of empowerment and well-wishes to all listeners living with diabetes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Santa, on embracing technology and planning:

  “He looked at his sensor. The arrow was straight, a perfect 100, a number so great.” (00:04)

• On modern diabetes philosophy:

  “We don’t fear the insulin, don’t fear the food. We just get the timing to set up the mood.” (00:24)

• On pre-bolusing:

  “He programmed a bolas before he took flight to cover the snickerdoodles planned for the night. I’ll wait 15 minutes.” (00:28)

• On acting fast:

  “Relax. Shouted Santa. I see the slight drop. I’ll sip on this juice box and cause it to stop.” (00:57)

• Closing sentiment:

  “Happy Christmas to all. May your numbers be tight.” (01:11)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Santa prepares for his night, checks sensor | | 00:24 | Philosophy: Don’t fear insulin or food | | 00:28 | Pre-bolusing for cookies, timing insulin | | 00:38 | Staying vigilant, avoiding lows | | 00:41 | Wearing a pump, managing on the go | | 00:50 | Responding to a falling blood sugar | | 00:57 | Correcting a low with juice | | 01:01 | Data review and safety confidence | | 01:11 | Inspirational close and holiday wishes |

Final Thoughts

Through this imaginative retelling of Santa’s night, the episode distills key diabetes management strategies—pre-bolusing, not fearing treats, responding to blood sugar trends, and using technology—into an approachable, memorable story. The combination of holiday cheer and diabetes education empowers listeners to confidently enjoy festive moments while staying in control, reminding them (in true Juicebox style): “Be bold with insulin!”