Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes
Episode #1731 – Medtronic for the Win
Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Linda Carrier
Overview
In this episode, host Scott Benner speaks with Linda Carrier, a long-distance runner and type 1 diabetic of nearly five decades. Linda chronicles her journey from 1970s diabetes management to being an unstoppable force completing marathons on every continent, supported by modern pump and sensor technology. Their candid conversation weaves Linda’s personal and athletic accomplishments with the evolution of diabetes care, the impact of community, and the practical realities of living well—boldly—with insulin.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Linda’s Diagnosis, Family, and Early Messaging
[02:05–11:42]
- Linda was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 14, nearly 49 years ago.
- She’s one of three siblings (out of seven children) who developed type 1 diabetes.
- Early messaging was deeply discouraging: “The messaging to me was we wouldn’t live long… [and] not being active.” (08:36, Linda)
- Told not to play sports anymore and to expect limited lifespan:
“When [my husband] asked me to marry him… I basically told him, I said, you know, I'm probably going to be dead before I'm 34, so… if you’re okay with that...” (09:39, Linda)
- Influenced her to live with a sense of urgency, embracing a “YOLO” attitude and seeking a life without regrets.
Evolution of Diabetes Management: Then and Now
[15:57–25:58]
- Started with two daily mixed insulin injections, strict eating schedule, and rigid routine.
- Discovery of the NovoPen in Sweden in her mid-20s offered her more freedom:
“It was like heaven sent… it was the best thing ever.” (16:51, Linda)
- Transition to an insulin pump, encouraged by her endocrinologist (a fellow T1D) and her sister, was a “revolution.”
- Early pump anxieties included its visibility, practicality in daily life, running, intimacy, and clothing—issues improved over the years with new products and community-shared solutions.
Surpassing Predictions: Living “on Borrowed Time”
[22:04–25:55]
- Linda spent years believing she’d die by 34.
- Passing that milestone reset her worldview:
“When I hit 34… we celebrated… I am still alive.” (22:16, Linda)
- Developing a mindset of “living on borrowed time,” which “frees” her to seek adventure and maximize life:
“If I am, then that’s allowing me to do things… like bungee jumping in New Zealand.” (25:04, Linda)
Adapting to—and Embracing—Technology
[26:36–35:21]
- Open to tech updates but not a first adopter—“I let other people try it first.”
- Long-time loyalty to Medtronic pumps; used various CGMs as the technology improved.
- Latest closed-loop systems, like the Medtronic 780G with Guardian 4 sensor, have transformed her daily experience:
“I feel like a non-diabetic 99% of the time because I don’t even think about it.” (31:25, Linda)
- The impact extends to her husband, who finally sleeps without worry:
“As soon as I got this pump, he even told me, he's like, oh my gosh. It's so freeing for him.” (28:54, Linda)
- Wishes for improvements: thinner, smaller pumps; bolus and adjustments via phone; more discreet use in social settings.
Linda’s Approach to Long-Distance Running with T1D
[36:07–41:00]
- Ran from a young age, never stopped after diagnosis; ramped up as an adult.
- Early on ran with little knowledge of in-run glucose trends, just carrying Skittles/juice “in case.”
- Learned (with help from savvy endos) to adjust for “after exercise” lows—eventually, tech like the pump made this easier.
- With the 780G/CGM combo, running marathons became almost routine:
“I now can run a marathon where all I do during the whole race is… at the water stops, I'll… take a sip of [diluted Gatorade]… and I almost always will end the race at about 110, 112…” (39:21, Linda)
Epic Running Achievements: Marathons, Ultras, and Global Adventures
[41:00–49:02]
- As of this episode: 95 marathons, aiming for #100 at the Sydney Marathon (August next year).
- Completed all World Marathon Majors and all 50 states.
- Has run "7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days" challenge three times!
- Tackles big, wild races like 50-milers, deep-mine marathons, has aspirations for North Pole and Athens.
- Sees social media as a powerful motivator and connector to a global community of runners and T1Ds:
“I started seeing things like the World Marathon Majors... I thought, oh, that'd be really cool.” (41:00, Linda)
Community, Mindset, and the Future
[49:02–62:18]
- Celebrates that new generations of type 1s won’t be told their lives will be short or limited.
- Sees resilience and adaptability as personal—but shaped by history, family, and personality.
- Critiques the notion of “noncompliant” patients, highlighting the complexity of personalities and coping strategies.
- Technology has radically improved quality of life, lowering barriers and risks for all T1Ds, regardless of management styles:
“No matter what side of the spectrum you’re on... we can slap a CGM and a pump on you. You can live a nice long life, right?” (54:58, Scott)
- Finds mutual empowerment and practical tips through diabetes community—at races, as a Medtronic ambassador, and online:
“You learn so much from people that are in the community as well.” (59:49, Linda)
Looking Ahead
[62:24–64:49]
- No plans to stop: “If I end up having a heart attack… drag my ass across [the finish line] and put [the medal] on me, bury me with it.” (62:44, Linda, joking)
- After 100 marathons, wants more adventures—Athens, North Pole, “deepest marathon on earth.”
- Keeps her “YOLO” spirit, staying grateful for every day with the help of modern technology.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 08:36 | Linda | “The messaging to me was we wouldn’t live long… [and] not being active.” | | 09:39 | Linda | “[Husband proposed]…I’m probably going to be dead before I'm 34… if you’re okay with that…” | | 16:51 | Linda | “It was like heaven sent… it was the best thing ever.” (About discovering NovoPen) | | 22:16 | Linda | “When I hit 34… we celebrated… I am still alive.” | | 25:04 | Linda | “If I am [living on borrowed time], then that’s allowing me to do things… like bungee jumping in New Zealand.” | | 31:25 | Linda | “I feel like a non-diabetic 99% of the time because I don’t even think about it.” | | 28:54 | Linda | “As soon as I got this pump, he even told me, he's like, oh my gosh. It's so freeing for him.” | | 39:21 | Linda | “I now can run a marathon where all I do during the whole race is… at the water stops, I'll… take a sip of [diluted Gatorade]… and I almost always will end the race at about 110, 112…” | | 46:57 | Linda | “I've done [seven marathons on seven continents in seven days] three times.” | | 54:58 | Scott | “No matter what side of the spectrum you’re on... we can slap a CGM and a pump on you. You can live a nice long life, right?” | | 59:49 | Linda | “You learn so much from people that are in the community as well.” | | 62:44 | Linda | “If I end up like… having a heart attack… drag my ass across [the finish line] and put [the medal] on me, bury me with it.” | | 64:41 | Scott | “You have a great life. This is really awesome. Good for you for making that life for yourself after somebody told you you weren't going to have one.” |
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 02:05: Introduction to Linda Carrier and her diagnosis story
- 05:00: Family history, autoimmune context, and generational impact
- 08:36: Early medical advice and emotional consequences
- 15:57: Insulin routines and technological breakthroughs
- 22:04: Passing her “expected lifespan” and mindset change
- 26:36: Adoption of pumps and CGMs, loyalty to Medtronic, tech’s effect on life quality
- 31:25: Living like a “non-diabetic” thanks to automation and algorithms
- 36:13: Running and diabetes—real-world strategies and marathon experiences
- 41:00: Global achievements: seven continents, 50 states, ultramarathons
- 49:02: Hope for the next generation and family stories of resilience
- 54:58: Technology as a great equalizer
- 59:49: The vital role of community/peer learning
- 62:44: Linda’s never-quit approach to running and life
- 64:41: Reflection on thriving despite grim early predictions
Tone & Language
Linda is energetic, candid, and inspiring—with a down-to-earth, “roll with it” attitude, dry humor, and genuine empathy for others with diabetes. Scott’s tone is warm, conversational, and supportive, peppered with personal anecdotes and thoughtful, sometimes playful questions.
Summary
If you haven’t listened:
Linda Carrier’s story is one of defiance and determination—refusing to accept early medical fatalism, she forged a life of adventure, athleticism, and contribution. The episode walks through the lived evolution of diabetes care, highlighting how mindset, medtech, and a robust community can transform prognosis and possibility. Linda’s insights, practical tips, and “borrowed time” gusto, set alongside Scott’s accessible, empathetic hosting, make this a rich, motivating listen for anyone touched by diabetes—or by the power of perseverance.