Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1813: Family Ties – Part 2
Host: Scott Benner
Guests: Crystal Kremenes, Jason
Date: April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In the second part of the "Family Ties" series, host Scott Benner continues a compelling conversation with siblings Crystal and Jason about the intergenerational impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The discussion dives deep into family dynamics, evolving approaches to diabetes care, and the transformative power of communal support. Through personal stories and thoughtful insights, the episode explores how open dialogue and technological advances have shifted the lived experience of diabetes, not just for the individual, but for the entire family system.

Key Discussion Points

1. Intergenerational Impact and Responsibility

• Jason explains that seeing his own son, Wesley, diagnosed at age 2.5 fundamentally reshaped his approach to diabetes management.
  • "For me, you know, I paid attention to what my diabetes was doing, but it made me pay attention more because I was having to constantly with my wife pay attention to what Wesley's numbers were doing..." ([07:16])
• Both siblings reflect on how previous generations, particularly their father, managed T1D with limited technology and a “survival mode” mentality.
  • Jason became the “guinea pig” for new methods before applying them to his son, becoming more proactive for his child’s sake ([10:21]).
  • Their father's reluctance to talk about diabetes began to shift only after grandchildren were diagnosed.

2. Changing Perspectives: From Isolation to Community

• Scott and the guests discuss the importance of support networks and how technology and online communities (like the Juicebox Podcast Facebook group) have “leveled up” diabetes care.
  • “The more communication people have and the more stories people hear, it allows you to open up more and share those shared experiences or new experiences with other people that are kind of walking in shoes that are very similar to yours.” – Jason ([24:53])
• They note that previous generations lacked these resources, and that today, continuous knowledge sharing is transformative.
  • Crystal adds: “We know we didn’t have that.” ([30:03])

3. Emotional Openness and Processing Regret

• Both siblings grapple with regret about their father’s late-in-life openness to better T1D management.
  • “If all of this would have happened a lot sooner, I think his outcome in life probably would have been a lot better... I think he could have lived longer if this all would have happened sooner.” – Jason ([21:09])
• They transparently discuss feelings of guilt and the importance of not blaming themselves for circumstances beyond their control.
  • “I just have to keep...remembering that I can't keep going back and saying what could have happened because I can't change that.” – Jason ([22:24])
  • Crystal: “I completely sympathize with it because I had the same feelings. If I had talked to dad earlier about my experience...would he have had better control later on in his life?” ([22:49])

4. The Power of Conversation and Vulnerability

• The episode reveals how simply talking can create unexpected healing both within families and for the broader community.
  • “You’re actually finding a community within your brother’s experience right now of two people?” – Scott ([23:40])
  • Crystal: “Yes.”
• Jason notes how the openness began to improve his relationship with his father and brought them closer in his later years ([19:17]).

5. Community Resources as a Lifeline

• Both siblings emphasize that the podcast and associated online groups are more than informational—they are essential support structures.
  • “The Facebook group and the podcast are like, they’re always there.” – Jason ([27:56])
• Scott draws an analogy to a "stew," describing the necessity of a wide variety of perspectives to create deeply supportive environments.
  • “...those variables are the extensive number of people and perspectives and experiences that are all there that kind of create that stew at the same time.” ([27:29])

6. Technological Advances and the Changing Landscape of Care

• The guests highlight how advances like the Dexcom CGM and Omnipod insulin pump have changed daily life and made conversations around care more accessible and less stigmatized.
  • Jason: “…when Wesley first got his Dexcom and his Omnipod, I think after he saw that, like, he's like, huh. That's pretty neat. Probably makes things a little bit easier. I don't have to go give myself shots in the bathroom and hide it from everybody.” ([13:32])

7. Music, Emotion, and Family Moments (Tangent)

• Scott shares a personal story about attending a Yo-Yo Ma concert with his family, drawing parallels between emotional expression through music and the challenges of being vulnerable within families ([15:15–16:37]).
• Jason relates, acknowledging music’s role in commemorating important family events, such as selecting meaningful songs for their father’s funeral ([41:01]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jason: "I was the guinea pig for Wesley, so anything that I wanted to do, the Wesley, I did myself first." ([10:21])
• Scott: “I have thought once during this conversation, there is no other place on the planet for two people with type 1 diabetes to have a conversation like this that’s going to have the opportunity to be heard by so many other people who could benefit from it.” ([23:51])
• Crystal: "I'm glad it wasn't just me because I don't think that Jason and I have ever talked anything about like this stuff before. Together." ([23:20])
• Scott: “If you’re not taking that from this story, I don’t know what to say…we should just all be talking to each other more frequently and being honest about how we feel, look at all the good that would come from it.” ([24:33])
• Jason: “Type 1 diabetes helped our relationship. Thank you for the worst disease ever.” ([19:17])
• On Technology and Progress:
  • “It would be like blaming a caveman for not having a hand warmer.” – Scott ([30:06])
  • “We were lucky enough to be involved in it.” – Scott ([30:32])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:27] – Jason discusses accepting genetics, not blaming family for T1D.
• [06:53] – Impact of Wesley's diagnosis at age 2.5, and shift in diabetes management priorities.
• [09:19] – The lack of tech (e.g., Dexcom) for young kids when Wesley was diagnosed.
• [10:21] – Jason explains using himself as a “guinea pig” for better diabetes management.
• [13:32] – Dad starts engaging, seeing new tools change the family’s approach.
• [19:17] – Diabetes improving the father-son relationship.
• [21:09] – Reflection on timing, regret, and impact on dad’s outcomes.
• [22:24] – Coping with regret, moving forward and mental health.
• [23:20] – Siblings share realization of mutual feelings and unspoken experiences.
• [24:53] – Jason on the healing value of open conversation.
• [27:56] – The ongoing, always-accessible nature of online diabetes communities.
• [30:06] – On not blaming previous generations for lack of resources.
• [33:45] – Vulnerability, regret, and expressing love within families.
• [41:01] – Music, emotion, and healing at their father’s funeral.

Tone & Atmosphere

Authenticity, vulnerability, warmth, and honest reflection permeate the conversation. Scott fosters a space where difficult family truths, humor, and deep gratitude all surface, often mixing tears and laughter. The tone is open and supportive, mirroring the ethos of the Juicebox community itself.

Takeaways & Reflections

• Open communication within families (and communities) can transform lives, aid healing, and inspire better self-care.
• Diabetes care is ever-evolving; prior generations did as best they could, and today’s tools, knowledge, and community support are a major leap forward.
• Regret is natural, but it is possible to move forward with grace and self-forgiveness.
• There is profound power in shared experience, whether in person or through online communities.

Endnote

This episode stands as a heartfelt testament to the complexities—but also the enduring power—of family bonds and conversational openness in managing type 1 diabetes. The message resonates: "Just talk to each other. And make space for each other."