Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1747 Tandem Kids: Adelaine (Jan 25, 2026)
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Adelaine (10-year-old with Type 1 Diabetes)
Setting: Friends for Life conference, Orlando, Florida

Episode Overview

This episode features a heartwarming and insightful interview with Adelaine, a 10-year-old who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2024. Scott and Adelaine discuss her diagnosis story, adjusting to life with diabetes, her experience with the Tandem Mobi insulin pump, connecting with others at the Friends for Life conference, and the everyday realities of growing up bold with insulin. Throughout, the tone is conversational, supportive, and encouraging—with plenty of honest moments reflecting both challenges and small victories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Adelaine’s Diagnosis Story

[01:13 - 03:01]

• Diagnosed in January 2024 after developing Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Symptoms included feeling “really sick,” inability to keep food down, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.
• Hospitalized for five days following diagnosis.
  • Quote:
    “Well, I got into DKA and I was, like, really sick. And then at like 1am in the morning, I went to the hospital, the ambulance, and then right away the paramedics knew ... but they couldn't say it for sure.” – Adelaine [01:27]

2. Early Diabetes Management

[03:28 - 04:08]

• Started with injections and quickly transitioned to using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
• Became aware of insulin pumps through observing other students at her school.
• Decided herself, over time, to pursue getting an insulin pump.

3. Integrating Technology: Choosing the Tandem Mobi

[05:20 - 05:54]

• Adelaine uses the Tandem Mobi insulin pump, chosen for its innovative features and convenience (“the tubing I can put on my pants”).
• Liked that it was one of the newer models and found it fit her needs well.
  • Quote:
    “I think the main reason was because, like, the tubing I can put on my pants is like that. And it’s one of the more newer ones.” – Adelaine [05:44]

4. Social Life and Diabetes at School

[06:02 - 07:25]

• Several peers at school also use diabetes tech; some use the same pump.
• Other students frequently ask what her CGM is.
  • Quote:
    “They end up asking me because they see it on my arm, my Dexcom, and I’m like, ‘oh, what’s on your arm?’ … I’ll try to explain … and then they just basically say, ‘okay.’ And they walk away not knowing anything.” – Adelaine [06:28]
• She feels proud rather than self-conscious about her diabetes technology.
• Closest friends are more aware and informed, and would know how to help in an emergency.

5. Building Independence and Resilience

[07:33 - 08:55]

• No sleepovers yet, but hopes to build more independence as she grows.
• Attended a music camp where she was the only person with diabetes, felt accomplished managing her blood sugars alone.
  • Quote:
    “There wasn’t really, like, anybody there that really had type 1 diabetes. And so to be able to do …” – Adelaine [08:04]

6. Coping and Confidence

[09:01 - 09:10]

• Good relationship with her parents; feels supported without being “bothered.”
• Relies on herself and family equally for management.

7. Favorite Snacks & Tips for Lows

[09:13 - 10:25]

• Favorite low snacks: Smarties (especially pink/red), fruit snacks, gummies; prefers Smarties for faster effect.
• Learns from Scott that chewing gummies longer helps quicken sugar absorption.

8. Everyday Life Outside Diabetes

[10:25 - 15:00]

• Discusses interest in pets (would love a corgi named Mirabel or Biscuit).
• Looks up to public figures with diabetes, like Riley Arnold from “Dancing with the Stars,” seeing them as models of possibility.
• Shares musical interests: will play violin at school (never played before), enjoyed African drums and ukulele at summer camp.
• Notices blood sugar rises with excitement or anxiety, stays steadier when calm.

9. Learning and Family Teamwork

[13:48 - 14:36]

• Most recent A1C was 6.2—a point of pride.
• Both parents contribute equally to her care; nighttime tasks typically handled by her dad.
• Family attended endocrinologist visits together, benefitted from diabetes education sessions—learn by “just listening to the doctor and putting it into play.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was just basically like ... because it was more—it wasn’t, it was a music camp, so it wasn’t like that too, exercising, but it kind of was. And so to be able to handle my blood sugars while having to do a lot of other things, too.” – Adelaine on being independent at music camp [08:29]
• “Are you, like ... is it a thing you try to hide or are you proud about it?”
  “No, I’m proud of it.” – Scott & Adelaine [06:44]
• “There are been—gosh. I know a guy named Chris. Right. And he is an Olympic skier and he ... he’s been in the Olympics four times with diabetes. ... I think that most people who have success with diabetes know how to handle their settings and make changes when they need them.” – Scott [12:31, 13:16]
• “Well, we all know a lot, what you’re supposed to be doing.” – Adelaine, on learning together with her family [14:19]
• On the difference emotional states make:
  “Yeah. I feel like [my blood sugar] goes higher if I’m excited or scared, but when I’m more, like calm and stuff like that, I feel like it can stay more.” – Adelaine [15:22]
• Playful moment discussing getting a dog:
  • Scott: “Can you name it, Scott, please? ... when they’re looking at that dog ... now we got a dog. ... you, like here, Scott. And they’ll be reminded of it the whole time. It’s not a good name, is it, for a dog?” [10:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | 01:13 | Adelaine introduces herself, shares diagnosis story | | 03:28 | Discusses initial diabetes management (needles, CGM) | | 05:20 | Selecting and starting the Tandem Mobi pump | | 06:28 | Interactions at school, responding to CGM curiosity | | 07:33 | Independence and building trust with friends | | 08:04 | Attending camp, managing diabetes away from home | | 09:13 | Favorite low snacks and strategies | | 10:25 | Pet talk—wants a corgi | | 12:20 | Role models with Type 1 Diabetes (Riley Arnold, Olympian Chris) | | 13:48 | Discusses A1C and family teamwork | | 14:45 | Musical interests—starting violin | | 15:22 | Blood sugar fluctuations with emotions |

Tone and Takeaways

The conversation is open, honest, and encouraging—illustrating both the normalcy and uniqueness of growing up with Type 1. Adelaine’s perspective brings attention to the value of community (both in-person and via role models), the benefits of modern diabetes technology, the learning curve faced by both kids and families, and how confidence and pride can outshine fear. Scott’s empathetic style and humor create a comfortable space where young voices are truly heard.

Main message:
Living well with diabetes is possible—through knowledge, support, self-advocacy, and, most importantly, a willingness to be bold with insulin.