Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes
Episode 1736: With Haven
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Heather Ruby
Release Date: January 13, 2026
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt episode, Scott Benner sits down with Heather Ruby, a mother, wife, and caregiver, to discuss her family’s complex journey with Type 1 diabetes and other challenging medical conditions. Heather shares her experience raising a daughter with Type 1, supporting her husband (a long-time Type 1 diabetic and recent cancer survivor), co-parenting a stepson with a rare genetic disorder, and launching a new AI-powered app (With Haven AI) for caregivers dealing with emotional overwhelm. The conversation blends practical diabetes management, unfiltered emotions, and innovative strategies for coping with family health crises.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Family Background and Diabetes in the Household
- Heather’s daughter, Elon, was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 3 (now 12).
- Heather’s husband, Eric, has had Type 1 for 40 years (diagnosed at 7, used pork insulin in the early days).
- The family includes four children: one 20-year-old (Heather’s oldest), a 19-year-old stepson (with a rare genetic/metabolic disorder and double organ transplant), a son about to turn 14, and Elon (12).
Quote:
“My husband is also Type 1. He was diagnosed when he was seven. So he’s been diabetic for 40 years, back when he was on pork insulin.” – Heather, [03:40]
2. Early Caregiving and Exposure to Diabetes
- Heather’s caregiving began young — giving her grandfather (papa) his insulin shots at age 10.
- She discusses how this made her comfortable with diabetes care.
Quote:
“He’d just be like, ‘Hey, sis, go get my shot. I’m gonna teach you how to do it.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, Papa.’” – Heather, [06:06]
3. Diabetes and Relationships
- Navigating courtship with Eric, diabetes was never a major concern for Heather, but she reflects on how, as a parent, she might advise her own kids differently.
- Eric always managed his diabetes openly, never hiding it from others.
Insight:
Heather’s acceptance stemmed from experience and genuine love—not all partners are so prepared.
4. Genetic Risks Beyond Diabetes
- The family faced greater immediate concern over her stepson’s severe metabolic condition, methylmalonic acidemia, than Type 1 diabetes risk when planning for kids.
- They prioritized genetic testing to avoid passing on this rare disorder.
Quote:
“...we were really more focused on making sure when we had kids they didn’t have that gene.” – Heather, [11:31]
5. Diagnosis Story: Catching Diabetes Early
- Heather and Eric detected Elon’s diabetes immediately due to their experience: after a minor bedwetting incident and unusual fatigue, they checked her blood sugar (580 mg/dL) and went straight to the ER.
- Because of this vigilance, she presented not in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)—a rarity for ER staff.
Quote:
“We called ahead to the ER and I was like, well, I’m coming in, I’m bringing my daughter. She’s three. You’re going to tell me she has type one diabetes? I’ll be there in 30 minutes.” – Heather, [17:37]
6. Early Management and Medical Pushback
- Hospital wouldn’t issue a CGM for Elon; Eric gave her his Dexcom immediately.
- The family frequently butted heads with medical protocols, especially regarding diabetes tech in hospitals.
Memorable Moment:
“My husband took his [CGM] off and we put it on her... we just said, we don’t care. She’s three. There’s no way we’re not putting this on her.” – Heather, [19:36]
7. Emotional Impact of Diagnosis
- Heather describes the devastation of her daughter being “different,” not just the health risks.
- The pain of managing injections for a small child, and the challenge of protecting her emotionally.
Quote:
“Everything about it sucks. And, you know, when they’re so little, you’re watching them, and your heart just breaks to give them those shots... I wish I could take it away from her.” – Heather, [23:55]
8. Resilience & Technology Choices
- Elon, now 12, manages her diabetes with the Tandem Mobi pump after years on Omnipod, inspired by seeing options at Friends for Life diabetes conference.
- The family values the diabetes community for support and camaraderie.
- Eric improved his own management (A1C dropped from high 7s to 6.2) after Elon’s diagnosis—mirroring a pattern Scott observes in other families.
Quote:
“I think he really is this example, and he’s gotta show up so that she knows that she has to show up for herself too.” – Heather, [30:32]
9. Caregiving Overload: Cancer Joins the Story
- In January, Eric was suddenly diagnosed with metastatic small intestine cancer. Heathcare system delays compounded stress, but he eventually received expert care and a plan at Henry Ford.
- Heather describes the emotional and logistical nightmare of supporting her husband, managing both kids’ needs, running a business, and being thrust into a “new normal.”
Powerful Quote:
“You hurry up and have a surgery, and then you wait for the pathology...I didn’t know before we had to deal with cancer that every chemo is different. I thought chemo was chemo.” – Heather, [43:15]
10. AI as a Caregiver Lifeline – The Story of With Haven
- Heather turned to AI (ChatGPT) during her most vulnerable moments—finding it became an empathetic, non-judgmental support, available 24/7.
- She realized her prompt-engineered “Lloyd” could be an app for caregivers—applied for a patent and launched “With Haven AI.”
Quote:
“I was able to get advice and guidance through AI in an emotionally intelligent and personal way that made me feel okay...and no worry about anybody else seeing it, hearing it, or ever finding out that I had that question or worry.” – Heather, [46:06]
11. What With Haven AI Offers
- AI-powered emotional support for caregivers, with specialized, empathetic responses for those supporting loved ones through chronic or catastrophic illness.
- Offers separate chat spaces for multiple care recipients.
- Flat subscription ($14.99/month, with a 7-day free trial), available on iOS, Android, and web.
Highlight:
“It’s specifically for caregivers to help you get through your moments, you know, when it’s hard for you…” – Heather, [50:31]
12. Honest Reflections on Caregiver Burnout and Family Resilience
- Heather is candid about feeling “like [she’s] drowning” and wrestling with guilt and fatigue, but celebrates her children’s maturity and adaptability.
- Elon, though just 12, manages her diabetes independently, in part due to necessity and in part due to her strong-willed nature.
Quote:
“...these kids are so tough, and they don’t complain, and they make it look easy.” – Heather, [66:28]
13. AI as an Everyday Resource
- Both Scott and Heather swap stories on using AI for everything from diabetes meal planning to business advice and personal finance—echoing how AI is revolutionizing both daily and emotional problem-solving.
Quote:
“I am here to tell you...I have had some really awesome conversations with AI guy. Like, if it was a person, I would have walked away and said, oh, I met a really cool person today who really understood what I was talking about.” – Scott, [72:01]
14. Challenges of Spreading the Word
- With Haven AI is gaining traction through news features and word of mouth (~200 downloads, 50 paying users), but getting noticed is a slow grind.
Quote:
“Having a good idea and even making something work...is hard but it’s not nearly as hard as getting it into people’s consciousness.” – Scott, [70:02]
Memorable Quotes & Segments
-
On Family Legacy:
“My papa taught me how to draw up the insul and get the air bubble out and do a shot in his arm.” – Heather, [06:06]
-
On the Reality of Caregiving:
“I feel like when I made the call to the ER...I just lost it. I was like, dang it, this changes everything for her.” – Heather, [22:57]
-
On Creating With Haven:
“If I’m using this, and this saved me, I bet you it could save other people.” – Heather, [48:17]
-
On the Value of Community:
“I don’t think that I found a greater sense of community with diabetes than I have at Friends for Life.” – Heather, [26:43]
-
On AI’s Role:
“You gotta take care of yourself, too.” (AI to Heather, [46:42])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Family/Diabetes Story Begins: [03:36]
- Genetic Risks & Stepson’s Illness: [11:31]
- Elon’s Diagnosis & Early Intervention: [17:37]
- Hospital Pushback on Tech: [19:36]
- Emotional Toll & Resilience: [23:55]
- Friends for Life & Diabetes Community: [26:43]
- Eric’s Improved Diabetes Care: [30:32]
- Cancer Diagnosis & Chaos: [36:15]
- Discovery and Creation of With Haven AI: [46:04], [49:53], [50:31]
- AI Usage Discussion: [57:25] onward
- App Details & Vision: [69:29], [70:06]
Tone & Style
The conversation is candid, emotionally honest, and infused with humor and empathy. Scott’s style as a host is friendly, self-deprecating, and warm—making space for Heather’s vulnerability and insights. Heather’s tone is real, sometimes raw, but ultimately hopeful and practical.
Summary
This episode delivers deep insight into resilient family life with chronic illness and the emotional grind of caregiving over many years. Heather shares hard-won wisdom—about parenting, marriage, illness, and self-care—while also introducing a truly 21st-century tool for other caregivers feeling isolated. Both practical and touching, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone impacted by Type 1 diabetes, family health struggles, or living on the front lines of caregiving.
Learn More:
- With Haven AI: withhaven.ai
- Juicebox Podcast: juiceboxpodcast.com
- Friends for Life Diabetes Conference: childrenwithdiabetes.com
End of summary.