Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1745 – "Icky Sticky"
Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Shane (26, living with Type 1 diabetes for 23 years)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Benner welcomes Shane, a candid and insightful 26-year-old who has managed type 1 diabetes (T1D) since the age of 3. Together, they explore the realities of growing up with T1D, transitioning to adulthood, navigating new independence, health technology, challenges like drinking and cannabis, and finding purpose outside of diabetes. Through anecdotes, advice, and honest discussion, this episode offers practical strategies, encouragement, and community for those affected by T1D.

Key Discussion Points

1. Shane’s Diagnosis & Early Childhood with T1D

• Diagnosed at age 3 (June 2002)
  • Shane recalls a single memory: being on a toy car in the hospital, but most memories are from stories or photos.
  • No prior family history of T1D; support came from family despite “a lot of confusion” in the beginning ([4:11-5:29]).
• Parental support
  • Father helped with painful site changes for insulin delivery.
  • Mother managed doctor visits, insurance, and logistics for Shane and his siblings ([6:24-6:51]).
  • “I wasn't very confident in checking my blood sugar until I was about nine. I didn’t like pricking my finger...my dad would help me...my mom took me to the doctor.” ([5:50-7:06])

2. Developing Independence & Diabetes Management

• Learning to self-manage
  • Parents instilled honesty (“don’t sneak food”) and trained Shane early in carb-counting and being open about eating.
  • Shane never developed disordered eating or hid diabetes: “I never had any weird feelings about food. I was very much in tune with my body...just vibe with it.” ([9:07-10:40])
• Peer Comparisons
  • Saw other kids with higher A1C who struggled with honesty or management; learned from their experiences ([9:17-9:48]).

3. Transition to New Diabetes Technology

• First CGM: Adopted around 2020 (beginning of COVID).
  • Initially resisted due to dislike of “another site” on his body ([13:27-13:31]).
  • Uses Dexcom G7 currently; started with G6 ([11:19-11:25]).
  • Cited practical annoyance: "Those get a little gross sometimes with the tape around." – Shane ([12:16])
• Improvements with new tech
  • CGM led to better A1C and self-awareness: "My A1C has been consistently below 7...It’s definitely opened my eyes..." – Shane ([17:37-17:50])
  • Observed real-world data (24-hour trends) changed his understanding of diabetes management ([18:27-19:54]).

Memorable exchange:

“You almost said what I think is maybe one of the more valuable parts about a CGM is...if you step back 24 hours, you can see the whole thing in one picture. You go, ‘Oh, I’m not good at this.’ ”
— Scott ([19:23])

4. College Life & Health Decisions

• College transition

  • Gained weight ("freshman 15" took him from 155 to 190 lbs).
  • Played club hockey; injuries and priorities led to joining a fraternity instead ([34:22-36:32]).
  • Experienced drinking culture (“I don’t know how I did it sometimes, Scott… The biggest thing was I didn’t want low blood sugar while drinking” – Shane ([37:09-38:01]))
  • Recognized the risk: “I always knew the sensation of having low blood sugar while drinking… it feels like nothing’s there.” ([38:17-38:29])
  • Acknowledged experimentation with cannabis and vaping; ultimately left behind after graduation ([59:00-59:24]).

• Managing T1D with Alcohol & Drugs

  • Beer affected blood sugar; weed and nicotine did not ([61:34-62:09]).
  • Noted the mental and physical toll of unhealthy lifestyle, leading to reflection and course correction ([58:13-59:24]).

5. Adulting: Work, Insurance, and Growing Up

• New responsibilities
  • Felt the impact of moving off parental insurance – “It’s a full step into adulthood…I was definitely worried about it.” ([42:29-43:48])
  • Adjusted to cost of living and finances; shares perspectives on expectations vs. reality for young grads ([43:03-45:04])
  • "No one tells you about benefits, taxes, bills, before you see your first paycheck."
    • Scott ([43:16])
• Building adult skills
  • Worked first in large companies, then pivoted to smaller, contract-to-hire opportunities in integrated supply management.
  • Values fitness and community: hockey league led to networking and landed current job ([31:23-31:53]).

6. Relationships, Dating, and Social Connections

• On Dating with T1D
  • “It’s very important, so you want to let them know [you have diabetes]…if I’m acting different I might have low or high blood sugar.” ([25:23-25:52])
  • More embarrassment telling coaches than romantic partners; tired of over-explaining T1D ([26:07-27:39]).
• Making friends and home life
  • Leaned on fraternity for close friends and professional networking ([45:46-46:05]).
  • “I have roommates...we split rent…All my roommates have been aware, and always ask if there’s anything they can do” ([54:04-55:18]).
  • Prefers not to let diabetes define daily interactions: “I try to go throughout the day myself, just like, I’m not going to let this get in the way.” ([55:38-55:53])
• Modern dating
  • Emphasizes how digital everything has become, both for finding relationships and for everyday connections.
  • “Now it feels like I need to boost myself [on dating apps], versus when they were so new it was a lot more just like…” ([52:44-52:55])
  • Stays socially engaged with bowling, hockey, dart leagues, and by trying new activities—even things he’s not good at ([47:01-47:30]).

7. Physical Activity & Exercise

• Sports & T1D Management
  • Played multiple sports in youth (cross country, swimming, wrestling, hockey).
  • Currently plays adult league hockey, removes insulin pump during games for safety, resulting in temporary blood sugar spikes ([31:23-33:08]).
  • Advice from Scott: “You could always bolus a little before you start and bolus a little after the second period, maybe.” ([33:17-33:24])
• Transition to Running
  • Post-college, took up distance running—half marathon, 25k, marathon. Needed large amounts of Gatorade and food to manage lows.
  • “I was the only person with Gatorade just strapped on in the race…like Batman with Gatorade going for a run.” – Shane ([69:04-69:17])
  • Realized the challenge and physical cost: “I gained weight from trying to run because you were feeding so many lows.” ([69:50-69:54])

8. Reflection, Mental Health, and Growth

• Facing Anxiety & Reevaluation
  • Recognizes the role of anxiety and the fruitlessness of self-medicating (“You’re telling yourself this is helping me, but deep down it’s not.” – Shane ([59:31-59:40]))
• Stepping into Adulthood
  • “I think I had to just go through this process.” – Shane, reflecting on maturity and needed life experiences ([74:44-74:48])
• Hopes for Future
  • Now healthier, more active, aiming for marriage and family: “Yeah, I do.” (re: wanting to get married, [62:55-62:56])
  • Open about concern for future diabetes complications, but optimistic:

    “Right now I’m doing a lot better than I was two years ago—in a multitude of aspects: mentally, physically, financially.” ([73:19-73:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On first memories:
  "I have like one very vague memory of being in the hospital...but besides that, I don't know." – Shane ([3:04])
• On telling others about diabetes:
  “I was sick and tired of explaining the same thing over and over...I was one of the only people I knew who had diabetes.” – Shane ([26:49])
• On the value of CGM data:
  “If you step back 24 hours you go, 'Oh, I’m not good at this.'” – Scott ([19:23])
• On health and social life:
  “There’s been plenty of times where diabetes has gotten in the way. I can’t go out or I can’t play in a game because my blood sugar is so high or so low. Afterwards, I don’t have the mental capacity to go out and interact...I just want to stay in.” – Shane ([29:51])
• On breaking unhealthy patterns:
  “Once I lost the association of people that smoked weed—weed went away.” – Shane ([59:20-59:24])
• On reflecting and moving forward:
  “I’m not worried though, because I know I can do this.” (on getting own insurance) – Shane ([42:50])
• On personal growth:
  “Right now I’m doing a lot better than I was two years ago…mentally…physically…financially.” – Shane ([73:19])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Diagnosis and Memories: [2:46–4:39]
• Family Support & Early Management: [5:06–7:18]
• CGM Adoption & Changes: [11:08–13:31], [16:05–17:50]
• College Life, Sports, and Risk Behaviors: [34:22–39:01]
• Impact of Drinking and Drugs: [37:09–39:34], [59:00–62:09]
• Transition to Adulthood/Insurance: [42:29–45:04]
• Social Life, Dating, Modern Friendships: [46:00–52:55]
• Exercise Challenges Post-College: [69:04–70:23]
• Reflection, Mental Health, Future Outlook: [73:19–74:44]

Takeaways & Practical Strategies

• Honesty and communication about diabetes are lifelong assets—both in families and with new people.
• Health tech like CGMs and insulin pumps can transform diabetes management, but adoption is emotional as well as technical.
• Awareness and mindfulness in habits (alcohol, drugs, eating) is crucial for well-being in the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
• Exercise is both a challenge and a tool—done thoughtfully, it supports both mental and physical health.
• Building a social network—through sports, hobbies, or organizations—matters, especially for people with chronic conditions.
• Reflecting on your life, embracing change, and seeking community are key to thriving with diabetes.
• Everyone’s road to self-acceptance and healthy adulthood is unique—but sharing personal journeys, like Shane’s, helps make diabetes make sense for many.

Final Thoughts

Shane’s story is a testament to the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life with diabetes—from childhood confusion, parental teamwork, and then the messy, triumphant process of forging independence. The episode is layered with practical insight, humor, and goodwill, offering listeners both concrete ideas and real encouragement for their own journeys with or alongside T1D.

Listen to more: JuiceboxPodcast.com
Community: Juicebox Podcast - Type 1 Diabetes (Private Facebook group)
Featured practical episodes: Bold Beginnings, Defining Diabetes, Small Sips

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