#1800 Super Diabetic - Part 1

Summary

Juicebox Podcast: Episode #1800 “Super Diabetic – Part 1”

Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Kataria
Date: March 17, 2026
Theme: Real-life diagnosis journey and strategies for living well with type 1 diabetes – with humor and candid reflection.

---

Episode Overview

This episode of the Juicebox Podcast features Scott Benner in conversation with Kataria, a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 28. With Scott’s signature mix of warmth, humor, and directness, the pair dive into Kataria’s diagnosis story, her family background, and the emotional and practical journey of managing diabetes. The episode explores themes of misdiagnosis, self-advocacy, the power of community, and the challenges and adaptations that come with life-changing health news.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductions and Names (02:57 – 07:19)

• Kataria introduces herself and clarifies her name’s pronunciation, leading to banter about names at coffee shops (Cece as her “Starbucks name”).
• Scott shares why guests introduce themselves: “I was tired of saying people’s names wrong. So I just figured I'd make them say it first…” (03:32).

2. Background and Family Context (04:09 – 11:43)

• Kataria, age 33, diagnosed at 28.
• No immediate family history of diabetes—“I think I have, like, a great, great aunt who had type 1, but no one even has type 2 diabetes.” (04:24)
• Kataria's parents: Artists, German and Greek heritage. Scott jokes about “old Jewish hippie” stereotypes; Kataria clarifies: “Both of my parents are artists, but…more straight edge.” (10:51)
• Married to a “super straight-lace” husband, balancing personalities.

3. The Diagnosis Journey & Missing the Signs (07:29 – 18:58)

• Diagnosed in 2020 during life insurance application bloodwork due to skipped COVID-year physicals.
• Quote: “within the week, they're like, you are super diabetic. There is no way you're getting life insurance. And I was like, what? Like, taken totally aback.” (07:35)
• She'd exhibited all the classic symptoms—extreme thirst, frequent urination, throat tightness (mistaken for anxiety).
• Emotional impact of diagnosis: “I was so shocked. And…would just be sobbing to [my husband] because I was just in total shock.” (22:49)
• On pausing family plans: “The doctor was like, well, I don’t even know if a baby would survive in your body at this point. Like, your sugars are so high.” (18:58)

4. Misdiagnosis Frustrations (19:16 – 25:38)

• Initially misdiagnosed as type 2 based on age, not phenotype.
• Quote: “She’s like, oh, you’re type 2. You just need to lose weight.” – Kataria, who was extremely lean and athletic (19:57).
• Doctor never met her in person until after the misdiagnosis.
• Began Metformin, despite skepticism; describes the uncertainty and confusion of receiving conflicting advice.

5. Navigating the Emotional Fallout (22:49 – 29:57)

• Anxiety about family plans and future longevity.
• Scott: “And he’s thinking, oh, I picked the wrong girl.”
  Kataria: “He was so supportive and still is... thinking back, I fall in love with him all over again just to be super cheesy.” (23:59)
• Attempting (unsuccessfully) a keto/low-carb diet post-diagnosis, reflecting another layer of confusion: “Let's be real, it was like a week that I lasted.” (25:25)
• The impact of diagnosis on self-image: “It just feels like my lifespan has been shortened… in front of my eyes.” (27:54)

6. Research, Misinformation, and Facing the Internet (29:21 – 33:02)

• Kataria, in search of answers, confronted grim internet forums warning of complications and reduced lifespan:
  • “I get into the, like, dark part of the Internet where it’s like, you’re probably gonna lose three limbs and go blind.” (30:17)
• Scott emphasizes hope: “There are plenty of people... in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, who are complication free or minimally affected.” (31:07)

7. Real Symptoms & Delayed Clarity (35:05 – 41:26)

• Despite severe symptoms (fatigue, organ/back pain, constant napping at work), Kataria normalized her experience:
  • “After lunch, I would have to go to my car and take a nap because I physically was so exhausted.” (37:10)
  • “When I would go to sleep at night, my organs hurt. And 28-year-old me was like, it’s just because I’m getting old.” (37:35)
• Scott reviews physical impacts of hyperglycemia and early DKA (detailed at 39:26–41:12), validating her lived experience.

8. Relief, Correct Diagnosis, and Support Systems (41:38 – 46:06)

• Eventually tested for antibodies, confirmed type 1: “A week later, they were like, oh, wow, you’re actually type one.” (39:07)
• Mixed reactions from friends and coworkers, some misunderstanding diabetes: “Well, you do eat a lot of carbs, so you kind of deserve it.” (42:08)
• Kataria laughs a lot, admits she generally feels positive and blessed: “I think I'm generally a pretty, like, positive person... I would say I am very blessed compared to so many other people I meet.” (43:17–43:54)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On diagnosis surprise and symptoms:

• “I was chugging water, peeing all the time…my throat felt like it was closing up.” (08:08)

On the misdiagnosis:

• “She’s like, oh, you’re type 2. You just need to lose weight.” (20:28)
• “From where on my body do you want me to cut off my arm? I don’t have weight to lose.” (20:32)
• “Does this doctor physically know you? Have they met you?” (20:43)

On the emotional journey and partnership:

• “I fall in love with him all over again just to be super cheesy.” (24:16)

On questioning the future with diabetes:

• “It just feels like my lifespan has been shortened… in front of my eyes.” (27:54)
• “I want to live till I’m a hundred and be super healthy…” (28:15)
• Scott’s humorous perspective: “Right. I want a spaceship and a giant penis. I got a lot of things I want.” (28:27)

On online research and fear:

• “You get into the dark part of the Internet…you’re probably gonna lose three limbs and go blind.” (30:17)

On physical suffering before diagnosis:

• “After lunch, I would have to go to my car and take a nap…my organs hurt.” (37:10; 37:35)
• On kidney pain: “It felt like my kidneys…were getting bogged down.” (37:53)

On support, coping, and gratitude:

• “I think I’m generally a pretty positive person…very blessed compared to so many other people I meet.” (43:54)

---

Key Timestamps

• 02:57 – Kataria introduces herself
• 07:29 – Diagnosis story: house, life insurance, classic symptoms missed
• 18:33 – Pausing family plans due to health
• 19:57 – Athleticism and frustration with “type 2” misdiagnosis
• 23:59 – Husband’s support and “falling in love all over again”
• 27:54 – Emotional fear about lifespan and future
• 29:21–30:17 – Internet misinformation and lifespan fears
• 35:05 – Journey to correct type 1 diagnosis
• 37:10 – Physical symptoms: extreme exhaustion, back/organ pain
• 39:07 – Finally tested and correctly diagnosed as type 1
• 41:25 – Relief at clarity and validation of her experience
• 42:08 – “You just eat a lot of carbs” misunderstanding by others
• 43:54 – Reflections on positivity and gratitude

---

Tone & Atmosphere

• Conversational, empathetic, and humorous—Scott balances compassionate listening with playful teasing, helping Kataria tell her story authentically.
• The episode is candid about the challenges, but deliberately focused on empowerment, validation, and honest self-reflection.

---

Takeaways

• Misdiagnosis is common—especially in adults with type 1 diabetes; self-advocacy is critical.
• Community matters: both personal support (her husband’s solidarity) and broader community (podcasts, online).
• Positivity and reality: It’s normal to feel fear and loss, but consistent management and perspective-shifting are powerful tools.
• Don’t trust everything you read online—especially about prognosis; many live long, healthy lives with type 1.
• Laughter and self-awareness are vital coping strategies.

---

For Part 2 of Kataria’s story, continue to the next episode in your feed!

Transcript

[A]

Welcome back friends. You are listening to the Juice Box Podcast.

[B]

Hey, my name is Katerina and I am a type 1 diabetic.

[A]

How would you like to share a type 1 diabetes getaway like no other? Join me on Juice Cruise 2026. You may be asking, what is Juice Cruise? It's a week long cruise designed specifically for people and families living with type 1 diabetes. It's not just a vacation, it's a chance to relax, connect and feel understood in a way that is hard to find elsewhere. We're going to sail out of Miami and the cruise includes stops in Cococay, San Juan, St. Kitts and Nevis aboard the stunning Celebrity Beyond. This ship is chosen for its comfort, accessibility and exceptional amenities. You're going to enjoy a welcoming environment surrounded by others who get life with type 1 diabetes. I'm going to host diabetes focused conversations and meetups on the days at sea. There's thoughtfully designed spaces, incredible dining and modern amenities all throughout the Celebrity Beyond. Your kids can be supervised and there's teen programs so everyone gets time to recharge, not just the kids going on vacation. But maybe you get to kick back a little bit too. There's going to be zero judgment, real connections and a whole lot of sun and fun on Juice Cruise 2026. Please come with me. You're going to have a terrific time. You can learn more or set up your [e-mail] juicecruise get a hold of Suzanne at Cruise Planners. She will take care of everything. Links in the show Notes links@juicebox podcast.com Nothing you hear on the Juice Box Podcast should be considered advice, medical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before making any changes to your healthcare plan. The episode you're about to listen to was sponsored by touchedbytype1. Go check them out right now on Facebook, Instagram and of [e-mail] check out that Programs tab when you get to the website to see all the great things that they're doing for people living with type 1 diabetes. Touched by type1.org Today's episode is also sponsored by the Tandem Mobi system, which is powered by Tandem's newest algorithm, Control IQ technology. Tandemoby has a predictive algorithm that helps prevent highs and lows and is now available for ages 2 and up. Learn more and get started today at tandomdiabetes.com Juicebox the podcast is also sponsored today by the Eversense 365. The Eversense 365 has exceptional accuracy over one year and is the most accurate CGM in the low range that you can get. Eversensecgm.com Juicebox hey, my name is Kateria,

[B]

and I am a type 1 diabetic.

[A]

Kataria, I am happy to meet you. And I am even happier that all those years ago, I started setting up the beginning of the podcast the way I did, because for love or money, I would not have pronounced your name correctly.

[B]

I guess I should have started with that.

[A]

Yeah, it popped up in front of me. Right? It's just. And we're not sharing your last name, but your last name just does not let into your first name. I don't know if that makes. And. And it popped up and I'm like, chat or chat. I guess I just wanted to say the h really badly, you know?

[B]

Yes, yes.

[A]

So anyway, there's a little secret for people who haven't been listening that long. The reason that the podcast starts with somebody going, why my name is. Is because I was tired of saying people's names wrong. So I just figured I'd make them say it first, and that way I would. I'd be able to. I do it all the time, by the way.

[B]

That's brilliant.

[A]

All right, so, Kataria, you have type one.

[B]

Yes, Yes, I do.

[A]

How old are you?

[B]

I am 33 years old.

[A]

It's a good age. It is. It is. Like I killed two strangers to be 33 again.

[B]

I'm not mad about it.

[A]

How long have you had TYP1?

[B]

I was diagnosed when I was 28 years old, so, yeah.

[A]

Oh, I like this. Not for you. I like it for the story. So do you have brothers, sisters?

[B]

I have two brothers and a sister. And no one in my family. No one. Like, none of my grandparents, aunts, uncles. I think I have, like, a great, great aunt who had type 1, but no one even has type 2 diabetes.

[A]

Just like you were incredibly healthy people. Except for Cat over here. And. Yeah. So. And do. Do people call you Cat?

[B]

I know. Prefer them not tell me what to say.

[A]

It's just Cataria. Every time.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

It doesn't shorten to anything, to Jim or anything? Nothing.

[B]

No. When I go to Starbucks or a coffee shop, I. I say cc.

[A]

Okay. What do you say it? What's the chicken place?

[B]

Chick Fil A. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. What do you do there?

[B]

Cc? Yeah.

[A]

Can I. Can I share something?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

As a test of my wits, I. And listen, I. To say that I'm at Chick Fil A maybe five times a year is about accurate. It's usually to pick up for Somebody else. But when I'm in that line, I never say my name. I always. But I don't pre plan a name. And. And the. The quality of the name that I come up with goes a long way to how happy I am with myself afterwards. I'm like. The last time I was there, I said, corey. And I'm like, corey. I was, like, so disappointed in myself for, like, 20 minutes afterwards. So much so that when I picked it up, she goes, corey. And I went, that's not actually my name. And she goes, this isn't your order. I'm like, no, it's my order, but it's not my name. And then I said, I make up a name every time I come here. And she goes, right? And I do it to see what, like, kind of fun name I can come up with. And she. She looks at me. I mean, we've known each other for eight seconds, me and this lady. And she goes, and you came up with Corey? And I went. I was like, I know. I've been disappointed the whole time I've been in the line. She goes. She just goes, you should be. And she hands me the bag and walks along. It's awesome. Anyway, all right, Kateria, that's what we are. I'm not. I mean, I'm not gonna push you on the CC thing, Although it does make me think of new girl, and then I get very happy.

[B]

That's literally when I started using the nickname, because I really liked Cece, and I had straight across bangs at the time, and I was like, she's so beautiful. I want to be just like her. And people were asking me, oh, what's your nickname? And so I was like, just call me Cece, even though it has nothing to do with my name besides that it starts with a C. So I

[A]

took a lot of problems from my daughter when one day she said, which one of the New Girl characters is your favorite? And I really thought about it, and I was like, I think Cece. And she's like, what? She's always so upset with me. I was like, everybody else feels like more like a caricature as it goes on. I feel like she's the only person who grows as the show goes on.

[B]

Mm. Interesting.

[A]

Yeah. So anyway, this is neither here nor there. All right, so you're. So you don't have a lot of family background with medical issues.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Tell me how your type one presents. How do you first start noticing it? Because it must be an interesting story.

[B]

Yeah. So this was back in 2020. My husband and I. We had just got bought a house, and so we were applying for life insurance, and I was like, okay, no big deal. I'm super healthy. Like, we're both super healthy. Nothing to be concerned of. And they took the blood sample, and, like, you know, within the week, they're like, you are super diabetic. There is no way you're getting life insurance. And I was like, what? Like, taken totally aback. And the reason why I bring up that it was Covid was because normally in January, I get, you know, like, my physical, and I had. Or I guess my birthday's in March. So normally in March, I get my physical. But that was right in the middle of COVID and so I had skipped it for 2020. And then, lo and behold, there was some pretty big underlying issues that were unfolding. Everyone asked me, like, oh, like, did you have any symptoms? And I'm like, all of them. I. Oh, really? I was chugging, water, peeing all the time. I went to. And this is the crazy thing. I went to an ENT doctor because my throat felt like it was closing up. And they were like, oh, you're just very anxious because nothing's wrong with your throat, but it was just that my body was, like, shutting down, and you're

[A]

either anxious or dying. We're not sure we're gonna go with anxious. Yeah, you are a bit of a conundrum, aren't you? Can I. May I make a snap judgment after seven minutes and six seconds.

[B]

Oh, go. Go for it.

[A]

Okay. 28 years old, married, looking for life insurance. That is a very responsible thing to do. But yet your first name is Kataria, which makes me think that you grew up with a couple of hippie parents, right?

[B]

Oh, my gosh, No.

[A]

I mean, I'm on to you already. I know what's going on. All right, so and so, like, how did you. And I'm gonna. Can I guess, is the boy that you allowed to marry you, like, super straight? Lace?

[B]

Yes, absolutely. He's the one that keeps me in check for sure.

[A]

Right, because you looked at your parents, you looked at yourself, and you're like, one of us is gonna have to pay the bills, and I'm gonna need to find a boy that thinks about that stuff. Is that about right?

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

It took me. We can go now. I understand you completely. So. All right, so. Because, I mean, it doesn't make any sense. I really. Can I just share with people? I'm making a judgment on your last name, but you got some old Jewish hippies parents, right?

[B]

My dad is German and my mom is first generation Greek.

[A]

Really? See, I was wrong. I can be wrong. It's fine. But so I. It's funny because I laid over a couple that I know over top of your life, and I was like, oh, this is what her parents are like for sure. Like your parents smoking a bunch of weed and everything.

[B]

They. I feel like, no, they're not about that. But they. Both of my parents are artists, but they. They're a little bit more straight edge. But I think that's because, like, kids, they had kids. Survival mode.

[A]

They're not artists who don't smoke weed. Let's just say that. Okay. They're artists who hid their weed from their kids really well. Okay. Anyway, I'm sorry, so. Because I'm just dying like a 28 year old, getting life insurance. Like, what the hell? We got to get all of our ducks in a row. You 20?

[B]

Yeah. That's. That's all my husband.

[A]

The most Caucasian thing that anyone said to me this month so far. I just want to be completely clear. That was fantastic. All right. Okay, so. I'm so sorry. So, okay, so you. You're super diabetic from the test that they get back, and you've got all the symptoms, so much so that you're going to other doctors, trying to figure out what the little things are going on with you. So you're chugging water, your throat feels like it's closing. Did you end up with a thyroid issue?

[B]

No. And that is actually in my family history, so I'm keeping an eye on that. And it's like, kind of surprising that I think that's like most shocking out of all of this.

[A]

Don't worry, it's coming. So you do have autoimmune in your family?

[B]

Yeah, and my, My. My cousins, there's like a couple of them who do have some autoimmune diseases, but none of my siblings do.

[A]

That's okay. Extended family makes sense to me. Were we talking about celiac? Are we talking about vitiligo? What do we got?

[B]

Episode epilepsy and Ms. Epilepsy?

[A]

I don't like epilepsy is all. I mean, but. But you really. No, I don't think so. I don't think so.

[B]

Okay, then I'm just making that up.

[A]

You're too Busy managing your 401k to look things like this up. I can see. Well, not you, but the boy. So.

[B]

Yeah, that's true.

[A]

I would be great at speed dating. I just realized, see, is there's no way. Sorry. I'm typing. Can't type and talk at the same time.

[B]

No. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Epilepsy is not autoimmune.

[B]

Okay. I really thought it was.

[A]

Okay, well, listen, you're busy. You have two kids, don't you?

[B]

Yes, I do.

[A]

Okay. What was the other thing you were talking about? Loop. Not lupus, miss.

[B]

That one is autoimmune for sure.

[A]

Would you like me to check? Just so you can feel terrible about yourself if it isn't? No, it is. I'm just kidding. It is

[B]

really worrying me. Gosh, this whole time I've been telling people. Oh, yeah.

[A]

Like, they walk away and they go, she's sweet. Don't worry about it. It's fine.

[B]

She's a little crazy, but we all knew that.

[A]

At least she's pretty. And laser. Oh. So anyway. Okay, so. But there's. There's hypothyroidism. Is it Hashimoto's to people or people diagnosed?

[B]

It's hyper. Wait, hold on. The one.

[A]

Is it great.

[B]

That makes you sluggish. Is that hyperthyroidism, Right?

[A]

Hypo.

[B]

Hypo. Okay, so hypothyroidism.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Yeah. Like, my mom's side is all. Has thyroid issues.

[A]

A little tired.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Do they take medication for it?

[B]

Yeah, my. When my mom started, it was just like, night and day. Difference in her energy levels.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Which is, like, really nice to see. You know, it's always a little bit sad. And that's kind of how I felt with my diabetes, too. Just getting diagnosed. Like, oh, my gosh, I'm dying. And then being actually addressing it, getting the right medication, and it's like, oh, you are doing so much better now that we've addressed the problem.

[A]

Yeah. You know, I had a conversation with somebody last night who's in a situation where they can't afford a medication for someone in their family, and three of them need it. They can afford to get it for two of them. And I was listening to the convers. This is a private conversation, but I was listening to the conversation, and you could hear. They were like, well, the youngest one has time. Like. And I thought, oh, this is so sad. Because I know how valuable it is when you get your answer and you can look back in hindsight and see what you'd been missing out on or had been limited by. Yeah. It's just. That's definitely not fair. And it sucks your mom's running around. It's like, Mom's always tired and she's exhausted and doesn't know why and feels bad about it on top of everything else. So anyway, well, I hope you don't get hypothyroidism.

[B]

Yeah, me too.

[A]

Yeah, me too.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

You're very welcome. Oh, you're welcome. It should be a card, like a greeting card. I hope you don't get hypothyroidism.

[B]

Happy birthday.

[A]

I should just start sending those to people. That's hilarious. So you have kids or don't have kids at your diagnosis time? This episode of the Juice Box Podcast is Sponsored by the Eversense365 Get 365 days of comfortable wear without having to change a sensor. When you think of a continuous glucose monitor, you think of a CGM that lasts 10 or 14 days. But the Eversense 365, it lives up to its name, lasting 365 days. That's one year without having to change your CGM. With the Eversense 365, you can count on comfort and consistency 365 days a year because the Eversense silicone based adhesive is designed for your skin to be gentle and to allow you to take the transmitter on and off to enjoy your shower, a trip to the pool or an activity where you don't want your CGM on your body. If you're looking for comfort, accuracy and a one year wear, you are looking for Eversense365. Go to eversensecgm.com juicebox to learn more. Let's talk about the Tandem Moby Insulin pump from today's sponsor, Tandem Diabetes Care. Their newest algorithm, Control IQ technology, and the new Tandem Mobi pump offer you unique opportunities to have better control. It's the only system with Autobolus that helps with missed meals and preventing hyperglycemia, the only system with a dedicated sleep setting, and the only system with off or on body wear options. TandemMobi gives you more discretion, freedom and options for how to manage your diabetes. This is their best algorithm ever and they'd like you to check it [e-mail] juicebox when you get to my link, you're going to see integrations with Dexcom sensors and a ton of other information that's going to help you learn about Tandem's tiny pump that's big on control. Tandemdiabetes.com juicebox the Tandem mobi system is available for people ages 2 and up who want an automated delivery system to help them sleep better, wake up in range and address high blood sugars with auto bolus.

[B]

I don't. Okay, so we had been married for a year, and we were kind of talking about it, like, when do we want to start? And then I get this news, and so that kind of tables everything, and we're just, like, very focused on getting me healthy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And that's, like, even on the doctor's suggestions, too, because we were like, oh, like, we kind of wanted kids. And the doctor was like, well, I don't even know if a baby would survive in your body at this point. Like, your sugars are so high.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

And so, yeah, I worked really hard to get my sugar levels in a good place.

[A]

How long did that take?

[B]

You know, it was only about, like, six months to a year, where I was, like, really buckled down. And it's funny, I know you've had other people you've talked to who have also, like, been diagnosed later, and they get diagnosed as type 2. But can I paint a picture of what I looked like when I was diagnosed? Because it really bothers me.

[A]

Go ahead.

[B]

So I have always been very athletic, and I was in peak shape. I was, like, very, very lean in an athletic body. Fat percentage. So very shredded. I call my doctor to get further testing done after this, and she's like, oh, you're type two. You just need to lose weight.

[A]

You're like, lose weight, lady. I got abs.

[B]

Yes. Literally. And I was like, from where on my body do you want me to cut off my arm? I don't have weight to lose.

[A]

I might call your episode very shredded. Super diabetic. Does this doctor physically know you? Have they met you?

[B]

No, I had switched, and so I had switched my, like, primary care because I got a new job during COVID and she never met me in person. It was all online. And so finally, I, like, requested, like, let me come in so you can physically see me. And she. She looks at me, and she was like, that's kind of surprising. Well, here, start taking metformin. And I'm like, even still, what? Like, just because I'm 28 years old, you're gonna write me off as type 2 diabetic? And so.

[A]

Well, did she. Did you have any confidence, like, when she says, take metformin? I mean, are you at the point where you're like. You might not know what you're talking about? Like, did it.

[B]

I was very skeptical, but I also was so taken aback by having diabe that it was. It was like, okay, I guess I'll start this, because the way she. She even presented, it was like, you need to get on medication right away. And metformin you can. Like, you'll probably be taking this for the rest of your life because she was under the impression I was type two. But it won't. It won't. Like, you could get off it if you need to or, like, switch it up or something.

[A]

I don't. Yeah, I don't. None of that makes sense to me. Everyone needs a healthy amount of. No, I don't believe you.

[B]

Like, yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Not. Not enough where you're like, that person who's just, like, you know, saying, like, every time somebody says something like, you're wrong. Like, not like that, but just enough where you can stop and go. I don't trust you enough. I don't know you well enough yet for me to make a big decision about my health just based on this thing that you've randomly said after you've been wrong about two things already. But I get your point. Like, you're just. You're dizzied by the whole thing, right? Like, it's.

[B]

Yes, absolutely. I was. I was so shocked. And it's funny in retrospect, looking, like, looking back, I could just feel what I was feeling. But my husband and I, we would, like, go on walks every evening, and there were so many times where I would just be sobbing to him because I was just in total shock. And I was like, I'm gonna die before, like, we start a family. Like, it just felt like all of a sudden I was immortal up until this point. And then it, like, life really hit me. Like, oh, wow. Out of nowhere, I just get this, like, disease, and now we have to change our whole lives around it.

[A]

Yeah. And he's thinking, oh, I picked the wrong girl. I dated a girl before this. She didn't seem to have anything wrong with her. I mean, she was annoying, but not like this. But does that pop into your head, too? Because you're not married that long. Do you think that he's got buyer's remorse? I know that's not how I should say it, but, like, do you. Does that worry you?

[B]

You know, he was so supportive and still is. I should never say was, but, like, especially during that time, it makes me, like, thinking back, I'm. I fall in love with him all over again just to be super cheesy.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

But he. He was immediately like, okay. Like, there's been some studies done that say, like, keto can help with type 2 diabetes. Like, let's try a low carb slash keto diet. And which we did. Which is not the thing that you should be doing when you're actually type one, but he was, like, very supportive through the whole thing. We did make a ton of lifestyle and diet changes, and he was just, like, holding my hand through the whole thing.

[A]

He's willing to make adjustments with you and all that. Hey, did you just say you shouldn't do keto if you're type one?

[B]

You know, it was.

[A]

I mean, those people are going to come get you. I just want you to know, and I have nothing to do with this. I just want to say. No, I just want to say out loud, it's not going to be hard to find her. There can't be that many Catarias, and I'm not part of this. Okay. No, I'm just kidding. You can do keto and have type one?

[B]

Well, I think because I. I had an experience where I kind of was like, when I was doing keto those first couple months, I. Or like, let's be real, it was like a week that I lasted.

[A]

I had four chicken breasts. Gotten. When they were gone, I gave up. Okay.

[B]

Yeah, give me my carbs. But.

[A]

But he was willing to, like, make adjustments with you and try things.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

That's awesome. I mean, I was just asking if you had, like, an underlying concern that, like, because you hadn't been married that long and it is a big switch and I, you know, bait and switch is the. The wrong way to say it, but it could feel that way to the other person. Like, this isn't what I thought I was getting involved in, but he sounds like a good guy and. And you love each other and you're all good, so that's not a problem. Also, you said it sounded cheesy to say I could fall in love with him all over again. I want you to know, this August, I will be married for 30 years. And it doesn't.

[B]

Congratulations.

[A]

No, no, no. That's awesome. We're just. That we're trying to outlast each other. That's all. Nobody wants to give up first. My point is, is that last year for my. For my birthday, my wife said to me, and I believe this is a quote, I didn't have time to get you anything. Happy birthday. So my point is, it's like. I don't think that sounds cheesy. I think it's nice. You know, two times a year my wife says, I love you. It's always very touching to me. Yeah. Just hang in there for a little longer. Wait a year in your 50s. Oh, my God. And you're still trying to pull off cataria. That ain't gonna work either, by the way. You'll be Cece by then. Oh, my gosh. I'm so sorry. I don't know why. I think your laugh just makes me happy. I'm not sure what's going on exactly. Do people generally like being around you, do you think?

[B]

I. I hope so. I. I feel like I. I have a. Plenty of friends and really good company that I hang out with, you know?

[A]

You're making me not like my friends. I'm like, oh, people aren't trying hard enough is what I'm thinking, you know? So, okay, so you're trying a bunch of things. You're kind of. You're still whacked out of your mind a little bit, trying to, like, make sense of all of it. I mean, the cr. When you say you're out for walks, crying, is it, gosh, what I've lost or what I don't understand? What do you think's making you sad right then and there?

[B]

It just feels like my lifespan has been shortened.

[A]

Really? Okay.

[B]

In front of my eyes. And it does seem. It felt like the odds were against me. Like, we had all these dreams of getting old together, you know, like, oh,

[A]

you didn't think you were gonna live as long.

[B]

I, like, I want to live till I'm a hundred and be super healthy, and then.

[A]

Right. I want a spaceship and a giant penis. I got a lot of things I want.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

All right.

[B]

And then when I find out I have diabetes, it's like, oh, this is like something that, like, it just. If. I don't know, in the moment, it really felt like, oh, my goodness, like, that just took 20 years off of my life, and it's going to be something I'm dealing with for the rest of my life. And all of those things are still true, but I'm not as emotional about it, and it does seem like I am able to have more control than I was giving myself credit for.

[A]

Do you not have Google?

[B]

I do.

[A]

Okay. By the way, that sound, whatever that was, I would marry you. That's delightful. That's how you got the guy right there. You were like, I do. And he was like, all right, that's cute. Let's do it. So, listen, does type one shorten your lifespan? It's all. You had to type into the thing, and it would have said, nah, probably not. And. And, you know, and they would have told you, like, listen, biggest factors, chronic high blood sugars, severe hypoglycemia, decay, smoking, inactivity, poor access to care.

[B]

Did you I'm looking at, like, what is the average lifespan of a. And I. I was at this time I still thought I had type 2 diabetes. And so what is the average lifespan of a diabetic? Oh, it doesn't matter. Type one or type two.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And then, you know, I get into the, like, dark part of the Internet where it's like, you're probably gonna lose three limbs and go blind.

[A]

Would you make it to Reddit? Are you on Reddit? Is that what you kids do?

[B]

No, no, I do not know how to use Reddit.

[A]

I mean, it's a message board. It's not hard, so. But yeah. Oh, so you just got into people online talking about the worst things that had happened to them.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And you thought that must be the rule. Not something.

[B]

I was looking up averages too. Like, what's the average lifespan? And it was like 10 years shorter than someone who doesn't have anything. And so I guess you kind of think like, okay, that kind of makes sense.

[A]

Listen, type 1 diabetes, this is my Googling, does not automatically shorten your life or control over many years can. But good consistent management can largely erase any gap. There are plenty of people living right now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who are complication free or minimally affected who have had type 1 diabetes for most of their life. And they're older now. Imagine the next 30 years of algorithms keeping your blood sugar in check and. Yeah, you know all that stuff. Yeah. You'll probably live to 100.

[B]

I hope so.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I don't think I will, but I think you could. And then, you know, and by the way, I don't. Do, you know a lot of older people, you have, like, great grandparents or. Great grandparents?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How's their life?

[B]

Yeah. Oh, you know, it's actually really sad because both of my grandparents are widowed, so it's like my dad's dad is still alive and my mom's mom is still alive, and I think they were doing great up until the point their spouse passed away.

[A]

Yeah. And how old are they?

[B]

Oh, my.

[A]

In their 80s?

[B]

I do not know. Yeah, late 80s, I'm gonna say. If I get it wrong, I'm gonna be totally embarrassed. So, next question.

[A]

Do you think that lady's really looking for 20 of this is what I'm asking you.

[B]

Like, maybe you're maybe right.

[A]

Maybe your goals will change.

[B]

Fair.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's weird, isn't it, as a young person to recognize that there might be a time in your life that you've been here for so long that you're just like, I could go now.

[B]

I'm, I'm. Yeah, I've lived a good life.

[A]

This was good. I'm done. Thanks.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. It's hard. I can't fathom that right now. I mean, I realize that's how people feel at some point, but I can't wrap my head around that. When I was 28, like, I would not have been able to for sure, you know?

[B]

Yeah, it definitely came as a shock. But no, that's, that's a good point. I think, especially like when you're younger, it's like there's so much out there, so much to learn, so much to do, so much to see.

[A]

And then, well, that's back when, that's when you're not peeing, when you're sneezing and having trouble wake standing up. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yes. Yeah, exactly.

[A]

That's when you've never called a friend to say, hey, I'm stuck on the toilet. Once those things happen, you start looking for exit ramps. You're like, okay, maybe this is enough.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Like sitting on an airplane for over five hours is just like, nope, not going to happen for me. So, you know, like when you're. I don't know. My, my grandma was such an avid traveler and now she's just like, she lives in Northern California and making the flight down to Southern California, she's like, ah, not for me.

[A]

You can FaceTime with Grandma if you want to see her. She's not leaving. Yeah, no, I mean, that's just what age does. Like, I don't think he'd even mind me saying this. Like, I have a neighbor who's in his 70s and you know, we're just in New Jersey and he visits, he and his wife visit their son in like the Michigan area. And he said to me about a year ago, he said, scott, it's getting hard to make the drive. Like just, just the drive is getting difficult for him. Like, he said, like, you know, things are moving a little fast and, you know, I don't feel as comfortable on the highway anymore. Like, you know, all that stuff. And he's completely with it. Like, you know what I mean? Like, there's nothing wrong with him and he's just a little older and, you know, his reflexes are a little slower and it's, you know, it's nerve wracking. And he said then, because it's nerve wracking, it's exhausting.

[B]

Yes, absolutely. I can.

[A]

Anyway, I told him, I was like, get him One of those cars drives itself. You'll be fine.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

But not the point. The point is, is that you're panicked. You're young, you see your life changing in completely different ways, and you're getting a misdiagnosis at the moment. As a type 2, how long does the misdiagnosis go on for?

[B]

So that was in October. And then finally I'm. I had been asking my doctor pretty much like, right away, hey, can I get tested? Like, can you test my antibodies?

[A]

You learned that online. The Internet told you that.

[B]

I had talked to a friend who was a doctor who was like, maybe you should, like, ask about this. And I asked and asked and asked. And finally I got Covid in December of 2020. And the Metformin had kind of been like, I was waking up my sugar levels between 99 and 1 30. And that was fine for, I guess,

[A]

like, everybody said it was okay. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

And so then in Covid, I was waking up regularly, 2:50, and it never went back down. And that's when I started being like, I think this is a problem. Like, this is late January, and I'm still like, haven't gone below 200.

[A]

Yeah. The honeymoon was ending for your type one and.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. And you're. You're counting on metformin. Is that what that was happening?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Did you lose more weight on metformin?

[B]

I did.

[A]

Did you get an eight pack?

[B]

A rail.

[A]

I was gonna say. How much thinner could you get? Was it messing with your activity? Because you said you're athletic, you must be working out and stuff like that

[B]

too, you know, it was. So it did help a little bit because I was very sluggish. Like, some of the other symptoms, basically after lunch, I would have to go to my car and take a nap because I physically was so exhausted. Like, my blood sugar levels were through the roof. Must have been that I couldn't. I couldn't get through the day if I didn't take a nap.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

And I thought, this isn't a problem. This is just what everybody deals with.

[A]

Oh, really?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You're in the parking lot at your job, like, snoozing, and you're like, this is okay.

[B]

Yes. I didn't think anything of it. I was just like, well, I. It's. It's probably because I'm so active. I. I don't even know. Like, the reasoning was.

[A]

And did you feel foggy? Did your mind feel foggy?

[B]

Yes, all the time. And when I went. When I would go to sleep at night, My organs hurt. And 28 year old me was like, it's just because I'm getting old.

[A]

Your organs hurt. Please put that in context for me.

[B]

Like, it felt like my kidneys, because I imagine it was like in my. It was in my back and so I'm imagining my kidneys and then like just. It felt crampy and in pain. I like this dull pain that was always there. And it kind of makes sense, like your kidneys would be impacted because they're like trying to filter out all this sugar and they're getting bogged down and so.

[A]

And you're just like, well, you know, I'm 28. This is what happens.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You're asleep in the parking lot with four addicts that you work with at lunchtime thinking, this is all completely normal.

[B]

This is totally fine.

[A]

By the way. They were out there, right?

[B]

I think I was the only one. It really did feel like nobody sees me.

[A]

Like in that movie Dune. Walking through the desert by yourself, just waiting for, you know, the earth to swallow you up. So are you at some point gonna tell me you were in dk, or did someone finally figure it out and give you insulin?

[B]

So I, I asked to get tested, asked to get tested. And finally they were like, okay, we'll test your antibodies. And like again, a week later, they were like, oh, wow, you're actually type one. I'm like, thank you. Thanks.

[A]

Great. Just so you don't think you're crazy, I did a little. I asked our overlords about that organ thing, and it said if you're, if you have undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, you could be dehydrated, which puts your organs under strain. You know, you were, you were, obviously had lost more weight. So like electrolyte imbalances, reduced blood volume, fluid loss in general, that can feel like deep internal aching pressure or a dull widespread pain that doesn't feel muscular. That sound familiar?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yes, absolutely.

[A]

Also, ketones, ketoacidosis perhaps, could be like a, what they're calling like a chemical irritation. Irritates the tissue, triggers inflammation, affects. Affects nerve signaling. People describe it as quoting, my insides feel raw. Everything hurts, but I can't point to one spot or like a heavy sick pain rather than a sharp pain.

[B]

Yeah. Wow, that's.

[A]

That's what was happening. Okay, well, here's a little more for you just so you can feel better. Your liver could be dumping glucose producing ketones, processing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. It's overloaded. That could cause the liver to swell your right upper abdominal. Discomfort could come from that or a sense of internal pressure or soreness, not a stabbing pain. Also, your muscle and tissues are breaking down. So without insulin, your body starts to break down muscle, fat, protein, which will feel like deep aches, weakness, or a flu. Like, everything hurts sensation. And then, let's see, what's the last bit? Nervous system distress. This can distort pain signals and body awareness, making sensations feel bigger, more diffused, or hard to localize, which actually leads to people saying, my organs feel like they hurt. There you go.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You weren't crazy. You were just sitting in a parking lot by yourself. That's all my gosh. But you. You know it. You know how many people go, you. You listen to podcasts, right? Yeah, yeah, it happens to people all the time.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Really terrible.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. I feel very fortunate. I never had to be hospitalized, so we were able to, like, get me on medication. But yeah, I.

[A]

A relief to hear you had type one.

[B]

It was, it was. It made so much more sense because I just kept questioning, like, huh, Type two? Really? Like, and. And then I'd have friends who. It pisses me off. But also it's like, okay, that's kind of warranted. But they were like, well, you do eat a lot of carbs, so it. You. You kind of deserve it.

[A]

So really, you got that from people, you know?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

My God. So you have a. You have a general misunderstanding of what it means to have type 2. They have a bigger one. And, and. And apparently aren't afraid to, like, share their misgivings with you, but.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That's lovely. These people you knew a long time.

[B]

I hope they were co workers, like a year.

[A]

Oh, other parking lot zombies. I see. And Parking lot zombies. Oh, that might be your title. Well, that's terrible. By the way, have you disconnected your friendship with them at this point or how did you handle that?

[B]

Oh, you know, it's just something that. It's like.

[A]

You think it was like, well, meaning, like, they were joking with you.

[B]

Yes, yes. And as you kind of pointed out, I do laugh a lot. And so it's like, brush it off. That's fine.

[A]

Is that really who you are or is that a psychological thing that you do to stop from crying?

[B]

Do you. Do you want to unpack this right now? Should I start crying on the podcast?

[A]

Which is it? Is that. Are you coping or is it, like, just how you feel?

[B]

No, I think, I think I'm generally pretty now. I have no idea. Now I'm going to second guess Myself. And I'll be thinking about this for the next month.

[A]

I'll give you something to do when you're living to 100. Go ahead.

[B]

No, I think I'm generally a pretty, like, positive person. Yeah, for the most part.

[A]

Do you have any trauma in your past?

[B]

No, I don't think so.

[A]

No big ones? No drinking, drug use in your house, parents hit each other? Nobody's been to prison?

[B]

No.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

No.

[A]

So, yeah, you're a happy go, lucky person.

[B]

I. I would say I am very blessed compared to so many other people I meet.

[A]

Like, you don't need to virtue signal. I'm just trying to get your answers. Don't worry about it.

[B]

There have been some just like, okay, wow. I. Putting into perspective, like, there is nothing I have that really is that bad.

[A]

So the Joe Walsh song applies to you. Life's been good to you so far.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Gotta say, so.

[A]

Yeah. So this is what happens. So. So this is what happens when you raise a child reasonably. They can actually laugh about things. Unlike when I. The way I was raised, where I have to laugh to hide my feelings. Is that right? It's fine. I don't mind. I like wondering about stuff like that. I really do. Like, I think it's important to wonder, are you laughing to stop from crying or are you laughing because you're generally amused? Because I see both sides of it. I feel like I have a pretty good sense of humor. And, like, if somebody were to come up to me and, like, in the middle of me struggling with, like, a diabetes diagnosis that I couldn't get together, they were like, well, man, you do eat a lot of carbs. I'd be like, ah, fair enough. You know, like, like, and. And I don't think I'd hold a grudge about it. But in other situations, like, I do laugh sometimes because it's hard for me to be, like, honest about how I feel, you know? So, I mean, I'm sure we all do that at some point, but generally speaking, okay, we're fine. So you've been to therapy already? Yeah, yeah, No, I know. I can tell you have been because your parents sent you, like, pre. Your parents are like, why don't you go to therapy before you have a problem? Just make sure you understand how to talk to people. Am I right?

[B]

Yeah, I. My parents have been very supportive my whole life, so.

[A]

No, I could tell. Yeah. What you get. You get decent parents. Everybody else. It is.

[B]

It is funny. Like, there are times where I'm like, do I have, like, buried trauma that I just like have it unpacked.

[A]

I'm gonna have trauma in a second because you sound far away from the microphone. What just happened?

[B]

Oh, sorry.

[A]

That's okay.

[B]

Can you hear me?

[A]

Yeah. Get in there.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So you're not sure. You're not sure if you've got trauma. This episode was too good to cut anything out of, but too long to make just one episode. So this is part one. Make sure you go find part two right now. It's going to be the next episode in your feed. The conversation you just heard was sponsored by Touched by Type 1. Check them out [e-mail] on Instagram and Facebook. You're gonna love them. I love them. They're helping so many [e-mail] head now to tandomdiabetes.com juicebox and check out today's sponsor, Tandem Diabetes Care. I think you're going to find a good exactly what you're looking for at that link, including a way to sign up and get started with the Tandem MOBI system. The podcast episode that you just enjoyed was sponsored by Eversense CGM. They make the Eversense 365. That thing lasts a whole year. One insertion every year. Come on. You probably feel like I'm messing with you, but I'm not. Eversensecgm.com juicebox thank you so much for listening. I'll be back very soon with another episode of the Juice Box Podcast. If you're not already subscribed or following the podcast in your favorite audio app like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, please do that now. Seriously, just to hit, follow or subscribe will really help the show. If you go a little further in Apple Podcasts and set it up so that it downloads all new episodes, I'll be your best friend. And if you leave a five star review, oh, I'll probably send you a Christmas card. Would you like a Christmas card? If you've ever heard a diabetes term and thought, okay, but what does that actually mean? You need the Defining Diabetes series from the Juice Box Podcast. Defining Diabetes takes all those phrases and terms that you don't understand and makes them clear quick and easy episodes. Find out what bolus means, basal insulin sensitivity, and all of the rest. There has to be over 60 episodes of defining Diabetes. Check it out now in your audio player or go to juiceboxpodcast.com and go up into the menu. If you're looking for community around type 1 diabetes, check out the Juice Box Podcast. Private Facebook group Juice box podcast type 1 diabetes, but everybody is welcome. Type 1, type 2, gestational loved ones. It doesn't matter to me. If you're impacted by diabetes and you're looking for support, comfort or community, check out juicebox podcast type 1 diabetes on Facebook. If you have a podcast and you need a fantastic editor, you want Rob from Wrong Way Recording. Listen, truth be told, I'm like, 20% smarter. When Rob edits me, he takes out all the, like, gaps of time. And when I go and stuff like that, and it just. I don't know, man. Like, I listen back and I'm like, why do I sound smarter? And then I remember because I did one smart thing. I hired [e-mail].