#1870 British, Not Funny

Summary

Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1870 – British, Not Funny

Released: June 6, 2026
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Claire (from Buckinghamshire, England)

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Episode Overview

This episode features Claire, who shares her transition from a type 2 diabetes diagnosis to a type 1 (LADA) diagnosis as an adult in her late 40s. The discussion covers the complexities of misdiagnosis, the emotional and practical impact of changing management needs, navigating the UK’s healthcare system, struggles with weight loss and insulin resistance, her experience with injectable medications, preparing to start on an insulin pump, and the importance of community and technology.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Claire’s Diagnosis Journey

• Initial Diagnosis & Management
  • Diagnosed as type 2 in 2018 (age ~42) after years of pre-diabetes ([03:23]).
  • Managed with metformin, finger prick monitoring not advised for type 2 in the UK ([03:23–04:11]).
  • UK system provides annual blood checks for type 2, minimal ongoing monitoring.
• Sudden Deterioration & Re-diagnosis
  • Late 2024: Life stress with her father's passing leads to higher HbA1c ([04:11–05:42]).
  • Started Mounjaro (GLP-1) plus metformin after qualifying under NHS guidelines ([05:42]).
  • Saw significant success—weight loss and improved HbA1c, then mysterious weight loss accelerated ([06:42–07:36]).
  • Increasing thirst, declining fitness, and “odd” symptoms while on holiday, but attributed to Mounjaro and stress ([07:36]).
  • At work (she works at her own GP surgery), nurse discovered high blood sugars (>20 mmol/L, ~400 mg/dL) ([09:53]), leading to urgent hospital visit and diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).

2. The UK Healthcare Experience

• Challenges in Diagnosis
  • Prolonged uncertainty after DKA about type 1 vs. insulin-dependent type 2; C-peptide and antibody tests confirm type 1/LADA ([13:21]).
  • NHS’s conservative approach to medications and devices; strict criteria for GLP-1s and technology access ([17:03–23:32]).
• Barriers to GLP-1s for Type 1
  • Cannot remain on Mounjaro as it’s not licensed for type 1; only available for type 2 or for weight management under specialist services ([17:15–23:32]).
  • Must meet strict NHS criteria (BMI, comorbidities) for weight management meds ([21:28–22:31]).

3. Weight and Insulin Resistance

• Weight Loss and Emotional Impact
  • Lost ~4 stone (56 pounds)—about half with Mounjaro, half during DKA ([16:43]).
  • Weight regain after stopping Mounjaro, ongoing frustration despite healthy habits ([19:01–24:26]).
  • Considering thyroid dysfunction due to plateauing weight (“I don’t think I’ve ever had my thyroid checked.” – Claire [19:46]).
• Managing Insulin Resistance
  • Continues metformin for insulin resistance at her consultant’s advice, unsure of its effectiveness ([22:50]).

4. Emotional & Psychological Perspective

• Shock & Adjustment to Type 1 Diagnosis
  • Diagnosis at age 49-50 was shocking: “I didn’t realize that adults at 49…were diagnosed with type 1” ([28:27]).
  • Expresses gratitude for not having to manage diabetes while raising young children.
  • Finds support in podcasts and online communities; seeks connection with other adults with type 1 ([42:47–43:27]).
• Family and Social Support
  • Husband supportive, allowing her to leave work and focus on her health ([38:39]).
  • Noted misunderstandings about diabetes and lifelong CGM/insulin use from friends and family ([40:04–41:18]).
  • “My mum, bless her…was so, so you’re gonna have to take those for the rest of your life?” ([40:04]).

5. Technology and Diabetes Management

• Preparing for Insulin Pump Therapy
  • About to begin using Omnipod 5 through NHS as part of a five-year plan for pump access ([31:49]).
  • “I’ve had it all delivered at home…just ready to have a couple of appointments for the pump start now.” ([45:49])
  • Attended a pump showcase for hands-on comparisons ([42:53]).
• CGM Access and Frustrations
  • Using Freestyle Libre 2 Plus; signal dropouts and frustrations with the device ([35:21]).
  • Dexcom available but harder to access; may request based on device failures ([35:51–37:27]).

6. Community & Connection

• Seeking Peer Support
  • Notices other diabetics’ devices in public, hopes for real-life connections ([53:27]).
  • Engaged in the Juicebox Podcast Facebook group and uses podcasts for support during daily walks ([55:58–56:23]).
  • Emphasizes the need for finding “diabetic friends” ([42:47]).
  • Discussion about making friends through device recognition—a story of two listeners meeting at a garage sale ([54:49–55:58]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Misdiagnosis:
  • “I was sort of given the medication and said, you know, see how you go. You have an annual blood test and annual review…So I was ticking along, as you do, until last year.” – Claire ([04:17])
• On GLP-1s Access:
  • “In the UK, it’s really hard to fit the criteria on the NHS. It’s really difficult…we have such a different health care system to you guys.” – Claire ([05:42])
• On DKA Surprise:
  • “In terms of what I’ve read, I probably was the wellest person with DKA you’ve ever met.” – Claire ([10:57])
  • “They said, oh, you need to go to A&E…It’s considered a medical emergency. But…I actually got a taxi to the hospital.” – Claire ([11:52])
• On Emotional Upheaval:
  • “Diagnosis at 49, 50, it happens. And it’s not the end of the world. It’s just learning to live on a different path.” – Claire ([49:51])
• On Insulin Therapy:
  • “If somebody had said to me 20 years ago, you’re gonna have to inject yourself six times a day, I think I probably would have gone, absolutely not…But I’m just, you know, I’m getting on with it.” – Claire ([50:15])
• On Technology’s Role:
  • “There’s a five-year plan starting in 2023 for every diabetic type one to be offered an insulin pump.” – Claire ([31:21])
• On Community:
  • “I definitely need some diabetic friends.” – Claire ([42:47])
  • “There were people…in their 50s and 60s…excited to be getting a pump.” ([42:53])
• On CGM Misconceptions:
  • “People thinking it’s an aid to help you giving up smoking…am I going to get people asking me questions like that over the summer?” – Claire ([52:03])
• On Menopause and Diabetes:
  • “Not knowing what’s diabetes, what’s hormonal, what’s menopausal…I just have to weigh up and think, you know, I’m not sure.” – Claire ([44:17])
• On the Podcast's Impact:
  • “I love quite a lot of your episodes. There’s lots of things I can relate to…It’s a great podcast.” – Claire ([46:22])
  • “I listen to podcasts all the time while I walk…I listen to a lot.” – Claire ([56:18])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:44] – Claire introduces herself and gives location.
• [03:23] – Diagnosis story: from pre-diabetes to type 2.
• [05:42] – Starting Mounjaro and UK medication policies.
• [06:42] – The “mysterious” phase: weight loss, DKA onset.
• [09:53] – First finger prick reveals extreme hyperglycemia.
• [13:21] – Hospital DKA treatment and “awaiting antibody results.”
• [16:43] – Total weight loss and its impact.
• [17:13] – Losing access to Mounjaro after type 1 reclassification.
• [19:46] – Considering thyroid function and comorbidities.
• [22:50] – Discussion on ongoing metformin therapy for insulin resistance.
• [24:06 & 24:11] – Emotional benefits of weight loss, impact on daily life.
• [28:27] – Emotional and psychological adjustment to type 1.
• [31:49] – Upcoming insulin pump start; NHS access plans.
• [35:24] – Using Libre 2 Plus, CGM frustrations.
• [38:39] – Family support and challenges in understanding.
• [42:47] – The need for friend/peer support (“I need some diabetic friends”).
• [44:17 & 45:04] – Dawn phenomenon, menopause, and confusion in symptom attribution.
• [45:49] – Forthcoming Omnipod 5 start.
• [50:15] – Insulin injections: expectations and realities.
• [52:03] – Social situations, public misunderstanding of diabetes devices.
• [53:27, 54:28] – Meeting other diabetics in public and online.
• [55:58–56:23] – Using Juicebox Podcast and Facebook group for community.

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Episode Tone and Style

• Warm, conversational, and candid: Claire’s authentic storytelling is at the heart, with Scott providing supportive, empathetic hosting.
• Practical with emotional depth: Both practical diabetes management advice and the real emotional toll of adult diagnosis are explored.
• Light interjections & humor: Friendly banter about British life, meal kits, and language differences (“British, Not Funny” as episode title).

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Summary Takeaways

• Adult-onset type 1 diabetes (LADA) can be missed and mismanaged, especially with the limited self-monitoring and GLP-1 access for type 2s in the UK.
• The NHS provides state-of-the-art technology but requires meeting strict criteria; the landscape is evolving.
• Significant emotional adjustment is necessary when diagnosis shifts; adult experience is different than childhood onset.
• Peer support, both online and in person, is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Claire’s story provides hope and practical advice for others navigating a late-onset type 1 diagnosis in a public healthcare setting.

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Final Quote:
“Diagnosis at 49, 50, it happens. And it’s not the end of the world. It’s, you know, it’s just learning to live…on a different path, really, finding a way.” – Claire ([49:51])

Transcript

[Scott]

Here we are back together again, friends, for another episode of the Juice Box Podcast.

[Claire]

Oh, hi, I'm Claire.

[Scott]

My Grand Rounds series was designed by listeners to tell doctors what they need, and it also helps you to understand what to ask for. There's a mental wellness series that addresses the emotional side of diabetes and practical ways to stay balanced. And when we talk about GLP medications, well, we'll break down what they are, how they may help you, and if they fit into your diabetes management plan. What do these three things have in common? They're all available@juicebox podcast.com up in the menu. I know it can be hard to find these things in a podcast app, so we've collected them all for you@juicebox podcast.com 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 Juice Box podcast type 1 diabetes on Facebook. 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 or becoming bold with insulin. Today's episode of the Juice Box Podcast is sponsored by the Eversense365 the one year wear CGM. That's one insertion a year. That's it. And here's a little bonus for you. How about there's no limit on how many friends and family you can share your data with with the Ever since now app. No Limits Ever Since. Today's episode is also sponsored by usmed usmed.com juicebox or call 888-721-1514. US Med is where my daughter gets her diabetes supplies from and you could too. Use the link or number to get your free benefits. Check and get started today with usmed. The podcast is also sponsored today by the Tandem Mobi system, which is powered by Tandem's newest algorithm, Control IQ Technology. Tandem Mobi 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 oh hi.

[Claire]

I'm Claire.

[Scott]

Hey Claire, how are you?

[Claire]

I'm really good, thank you.

[Scott]

Awesome.

[Claire]

Really good.

[Scott]

Where am I talking to you from today? Where are you at?

[Claire]

So I'm in England. I'm in a small town in Buckinghamshire in England.

[Scott]

How long have you had diabetes or are you the parent of someone with type one?

[Claire]

No, I. I have diabetes, so I was. I was diagnosed type 2 in 2018, but last year I ended up in hospital with DKA and I'm now Type 1 or Ladder Lada, if you want to put a label on it. So, yeah, it's been a journey.

[Scott]

Label doesn't matter, really, does it?

[Claire]

Yeah, I didn't know that at the time, but I do now.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

Oh, yeah.

[Scott]

Let's find out about how old Were you in 2018?

[Claire]

So 2018 was eight years ago, so I was about 42. I just had a high, you know, went to the doctors, had a health check, had a. I kind of drifted in and out of pre diabetes for. For quite some time and then eventually sort of slipped into the range that in the UK falls into type 2. I never had any further tests done and I started metformin for type 2 and that kind of kept me quite steady for a number of years, really. I never, you know, to be honest, it didn't. Finger prick. You know, it's not advised here in England to. As a type 2, your sugar levels are just, you know, you're just advised to take the medication and hope that that keeps you on an even keel, really.

[Scott]

Oh, no kidding. They don't ask you to test at any intervals or once a day or anything like that?

[Claire]

No, no, not. Not as a type 2. You just, you know, I was just sort of given the medication and said, you know, see how you go. You have an annual blood test and an annual review, they check, you know, how you're doing and everything. So I was sort of ticking along, as you do, until last year, at the end of 2024, my dad passed away and it was quite a difficult time. And then in February, I had a blood test. My HbA1C was a little bit higher and in fact, I've got my. My blood results, just to give you a bit of. It's a strange journey, really. So in February 2025, my HBA1C was 58, which is 7 and a half, 7 and a half percent for America. So it put me in the category that I could actually, under the nhs, start Mounjaro alongside Metformin. For me, that was a win. Obviously, Manjaro was a new drug. I was. I was overw. I was really thinking, this is. This is a great thing. Prior to that, in July 2024, my HBA1C had been 45, so much lower, 6.3%, so it was generally going up. But I kind of put it down to. I guess it was. It was. It was Christmas, my dad had passed away. It was. It was. It was a difficult time.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

So, you know, diet hadn't been at the forefront of my mind. Started Manjaro. Great. Manjaro's, you know, in the uk, it's really hard to fit the criteria on the nhs. It's really difficult. Obviously, we have such a different health care system to you guys. I was ticking along nicely on that, you know, Manjaro and the Metformin. I was taking a Metformin tablet once a day and taking Manjaro until the summer. So I then had a HBA1C done, because this is really. This is where it's quite interesting in June 2025. So six months, sort of five, six months after starting Mounjaro and my HBO One C had dropped down from 58 to 43. So, you know, the Manjaro was doing its job. I was losing a bit of weight as everything was going great and I was happy and I think I. Probably by the end of August, probably, that was probably when the decay started, but obviously had no idea because I remember losing three pounds one week and I was. I was a steady losing a pound a week. I was like, oh, my gosh, it's finally happening. I actually think I sort of had tears in my eyes. Like, this is great, you know, this is. I've lost three pounds this week, you know, I've not done anything differently. And then, you know, the weight loss continued a bit like that. Three, two, pound the following week. And we actually went away mid September to. To Mallorca. And, you know, I look back now and I'm so grateful I didn't end up in hospital. I. I ticked it. I felt a bit odd at times on holiday and. But I. I used to drink a lot of water because I was on Manjaro and. And everyone tells you when you're on Mancharo, you've got to keep hydrated, you

[Scott]

know, eat protein, stay hydrated, lift weight, right?

[Claire]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It slows your digestion down, you know, you must eat, you must drink lots. So I think I'd sort of conditioned myself to drink all the time and I guess I thought that's where the thirst was coming from, was, you know, I'm just so used to drinking a lot each day, you know, and I knew I was drinking more than. Than normal, but again, I put it down to the Manjaro and we went on holiday to Majorca for five days with friends and at Times I did feel a bit odd, but I just. I just thought this, you know, I don't know what's going on here. Kept going, I remember, yeah, just kept going. And I think one of the things. I'm quite a fit person. I walk every day with my dog and I remember saying to the people I was on holiday with, I don't know what's happened to my fitness this holiday, because I was walking up hills, getting really out of breath, like, which. Which was unusual for me because normally I could hold a conversation walking up a hill and things. And I was thinking, gosh, I'm blowing. You know. Anyway, we came home, you know, everything was good. I actually work at my local doctor surgery, which is the bizarrest thing as well. So where I'm a patient, I actually work there as well. Just a few little things were starting to stack up a bit. I just saw. At times I felt really odd and, you know, and then I guess I would have a meal and, you know, it would pass and, you know, know, I'd wake up the next morning and go again and then. Then I'd. Then I'd have a few odd moments. But I sort of went to see the n. The practice nurse at my surgery and she was like, this is odd. She pricked my finger and. And lo and behold, I was sort of in the 20s and she was like, this is bizarre. You know, I don't know why your blood sugars would be this high. So she. She had a Libra in the cupboard. They get a few Libras from. From the reps from Abbott. So she's like, let's. Let's stick one of these on you and see how you go and see what happens. And so overnight, they were sort of heading up to 28. And by the following morning, my. I went into work and my ketones were four and a half, five. They were like, you need to go to hospital.

[Scott]

Did no one say, maybe this isn't type 2 diabetes?

[Claire]

Not at this time, no. At that point, I think they were just so confused. Yeah, I think they were so confused because I was also on Manjaro as well, and I think because I'd had good bloods in June, they were like, this. This is weird. You know, it's a bit of an anomaly. And. And I think they kind of thought my blood sugars would come down right, you know, maybe I'd eat. And they were like, are you following a keto diet? You know?

[Scott]

Oh. Everybody just kind of kept think, something,

[Claire]

yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Scott]

Something happened.

[Claire]

Exactly. It was. It was bizarre.

[Scott]

So what was the highest your blood sugar was when you had that libre on before you went to the hospital?

[Claire]

The sort of 26, 27.

[Scott]

Oh, gosh. Like well over, like 400, like 450, maybe more. Okay, I gotcha.

[Claire]

Which I think even at that time, even I was thinking, God, I. In my head, I thought it was the manjaro. I was like, gosh, what. What is manjaro doing to my body?

[Scott]

You thought it was. It was making your blood sugar go up.

[Claire]

Yeah. Which I now know. I'm a little bit more educated. And the doctors. And the doctors at the hospital helped me because I just thought, God, this is terrible. What have I done? And I came home and it was bizarre. They said, oh, you need to go to A and E here. They couldn't book me into the hospital because, you know, if it was dka, it's considered a medical emergency. But kind of took myself home and caught myself because I. In terms of what I've read, I probably was the wellest person with DKA you've ever met. And I kind of came home, I was like, I'm going to get my Kindle. My husband runs his own business, and he was actually planning on going away the next day. He was away to Ibiza. And I thought, I don't really. He doesn't need to come. You know, no one needs to come. I'll just get myself to hospital. So I actually got a taxi to the hospital.

[Scott]

Off.

[Claire]

I popped on my own. So got to the hospital triage, sat in the waiting room. So I got through to the. The second triage, because you're kind of mini triaged. And then they just moved me along to another waiting room. By the time I got in the second triage room, I kind of had an idea when they were putting cannulas, I think that's where they took my blood gases. And this lovely doctor said to me, you know, you're in something called diabetic ketoacidosis. He said, we need to get you round to recess. And I was. I was just mortified. I was like, what? So obviously I was. They offered me a wheelchair. And I was. Considering I've walked into the hospital, I'm quite happy to. To walk around to recess. So I felt such a fraud, you know, to be sat there, all these people rushing around me, getting me hooked up to drips and. And everything. So I think even then, I still didn't realize the seriousness. I didn't really know what DKA was at that Time I was treated and then I was moved to a ward. I spent two days on the ward, obviously on a drip. And then eventually they moved me on to injections, insulin injections. I did at that time they didn't know still whether I was an insulin dependent type 2 or whether I was a type 1 or really what was going on. So they took antibodies at that time, but they take three weeks to come back.

[Scott]

Okay.

[Claire]

The doctor, when I left the hospital, she said, you know, we don't know what's going on. We need to wait for the antibodies. But regardless, your C peptide is very low, which tells us your body's not producing insulin. So for now, insulin is the right treatment. And then we wait for the antibodies to come back because I guess there are insulin dependent type twos. I think my biggest concern was, you know, that Manjaro had caused all of this. But every doctor that I spoke to, they were like, absolutely not. You know, really, Manjaro should have helped with your blood sugars. It lowers. It's a treatment.

[Scott]

I'm imagining it probably stretched out your situation. You probably got to, you probably got to decay slower because of it. I mean, how much weight did you lose? I'm opening myself up for you to say stone and for me not to know what it is. Right, Go ahead. Lets 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. Tandomdiabetes.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. I used to hate ordering my daughter's diabetes supplies. I never had a good experience and it was frustrating. But it hasn't been that way for a while. Actually for about three years now, because that's how long we've been using US medicine usmed.com juicebox or call 888-721-1514. USMED is the number one distributor for Freestyle Libre Systems nationwide. They are the 1 specialty distributor for Omnipod Dash, the 1 fastest growing tandem distributor nationwide. The number one rated distributor in Dexcom customer satisfaction surveys, they have served over 1 million people with diabetes since 1996. And they always provide 90 days worth of supplies and fast and free shipping. USMED carries everything from insulin pumps and diabetes testing supplies to the latest CGMs like the Libre 3 and Dexcom G7. They accept Medicare nationwide and over 800 private insurers. Find out why USMED has an A rating with a Better business [e-mail] juicebox or just call them at 888-721-1514. Get started right now and you'll be getting your supplies the same way we do.

[Claire]

Yeah. So no, I could tell you. So I had lost about two stone, which is about £28, so. But I'd previously lost two stone by myself, so I'm kind of sort of full stone lighter than I was a few years back. But Manjaro just, just gave me that final push. Really?

[Scott]

Yeah. Are you still losing weight today?

[Claire]

No, unfortunately not. So I can't take Mounjaro. It's not licensed in the UK for Type one diabetics.

[Scott]

They don't have that down there.

[Claire]

No. At the moment that I'm about to start a pump, which obviously I'll get on to all of that at the minute, so. But, yeah, they won't let me have that. They just keep saying it's, it's, it's not licensed for type one for you to take, man. For type ones. It's a treatment for type twos.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

But not for type ones. So not to take alongside insulin. I think it will come, I think reading, you know, I read a lot of information about diabetes and I know that obviously, and I think there are some people in the UK that can get it, I think, privately. If you want to pay privately for it, then you know, you can, but you. It would involve me having to pay, not only pay for the drug but also probably pay to see a consultant to be under, to obviously guide me because it's going to change my insulin regime.

[Scott]

Right.

[Claire]

Which obviously. So it's just a bit complicated.

[Scott]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think the UK is making it difficult because I'm looking it up right now. So zap bound's not Available in the uk, which is, by the way, just all Zepbound is, is Manjaro.

[Claire]

Yeah, yeah. It's a tablet form, is that right?

[Scott]

No, it's also. It's the same injectable. It's just that. Okay, over here, basically what happened was they made Manjaro and they were like, this is for type 2 diabetes. So they push it through the FDA that way and the same time they're doing that, they're like, hey, everybody's losing a bunch of weight. Why don't we put one of these through testing as a weight loss drug? And then they have to call it something different. Why? I have no idea. It's stupid, right?

[Claire]

Okay.

[Scott]

You guys just don't seem to have it. So you. It says the MHRA products listing for Tirzepatide shows Manjaro presentations in the uk, not Zepbound branded ones.

[Claire]

There's really strict criteria at the moment.

[Scott]

Because you'd like it back, is that right?

[Claire]

Absolutely, absolutely. I would. I would go on it again in a heartbeat. Now, given that, I think since leaving hospital at the beginning of October, I've put on nearly a stone, you know, which is £14.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

And I'm actually battered. I. Do you know what? I was listening to one of your podcasts, I can't tell you which one. Actually, it was one that's just dropped out this week. The. The Wandering something. I'll think of it soon. It was a two part episode with a young girl and you got me thinking about thyroid function because I've been trying really hard to lose weight just recently and I'm not losing weight at all, even giving it a good shot and it's making me think, gosh, I don't think I've ever had my thyroid checked.

[Scott]

Listen, I'll tell you what ChatGPT said. Yes, the UK does prescribe GLP1 type medications for weight management. The confusion is that access is real but limited, especially on the nhs. In the uk, NHS guidelines say the weight management medicine with evidence for NHS use include, uh, oh, semaglutide, tirzepatide. Another one, NHS obesity guidance specifically notes that semaglutide and tirzepatide may be prescribed through specialist weight management services when appropriate. So it sounds like you have to go to a doctor who just handles this. 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.

[Claire]

Yeah, you've got to jump through hoops as well to get it. You have to. Yeah, I think that your BMI needs to be in a certain category and then you need to have a number of other health conditions as well.

[Scott]

Okay.

[Claire]

So if you're, if you're not getting it for type 2, you need to either have like a card of cardiovascular, high blood pressure, anything that obviously is also impacting your weight.

[Scott]

For Manjaro, by the way, that's where the confusion is. They don't sell Zepbound, they just sell, they sell Manjaro, but they prescribe it for weight loss. And so it says nice. What is nice and nice?

[Claire]

Guidelines. They are, they're the guidelines that I think they, they prescribe under.

[Scott]

Yeah. Recommends it for managing overweight and obesity in adults. And then NHS England says it is being introduced in phases starting through NHS Specialist Weight management services under interim commissioning guidance. Oh, geez.

[Claire]

Yeah.

[Scott]

So you can get it. You just have to hustle for it. Somehow your weight still makes you eligible. You think?

[Claire]

Probably not now. I probably don't fit the criteria anymore for. To have it as weight loss.

[Scott]

Okay.

[Claire]

Possibly, possibly for diabetes.

[Scott]

It will definitely help you. So I'll tell you what a lot of people do here is they end up with a dual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance and then they get the GLP for the insulin resistance, which by the way is massively helpful for a lot of people with Type one as well.

[Claire]

Well, so I'm still taking Metformin to help with my insulin resistance. I think that that's the consultants, he said, carry on taking a. It'll help you a little bit with your weight and also with insulin resistance. But I've been on Metformin for years and I just don't feel like it does anything for me. I think it possibly helps with my insulin resistance a little bit. Yeah, it's difficult. It's difficult.

[Scott]

Yeah. Well, I'm sorry that's happening like that. That sucks, because. I know it's just when you find something that's helping you.

[Claire]

Oh, it's massive. I mean, over here in the uk, we're probably a couple years behind, but. But Manjaro is. Is becoming sort of life changing for many people.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

You know, at the moment, I.

[Scott]

Listen, changed my life and my wife just had a. I don't know what we would call it, like a. A goal with her weight that I don't think she thought she was ever going to see in her life.

[Claire]

Yeah.

[Scott]

And. And she's just super excited. Like, my wife, you know, 52 years old, she was like, texting me, like, screenshots of her weight, her app that, you know, and she was just so excited. So.

[Claire]

So I got down to a weight, obviously. Unfortunately, part of it was down to dka, but, you know, the small wins. I got down to the lightest I've been in 20, 26, 27 years.

[Scott]

Yeah. Did you feel. Can you talk about how differently you felt at the lower weight?

[Claire]

Oh, amazing. I felt. I felt amazing even, you know, even though I was obviously terribly unwell at that time. But like you say, the Manjaro is probably slowing things down for me, but to be able to walk in shops and buy clothes that, you know, that I could pick up and be. This is great.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

And then I'm just back on this battle now, which I don't think the insulin helps with. With losing weight either. So, you know, you're fighting all the time.

[Scott]

Are you getting low a lot?

[Claire]

Not really. I'm kind of. I'm in a period of. I'm actually suffering with really bad highs at the moment. I've had a bit of a change over the last few days. I'd kind of got things quite under control because I'd increased my activity, which was affecting my insulin. So I'd reduced my insulin a little bit and that was really helping me because I've sort of started eating healthier and going to the gym, which, hence I've thought, you know, start shifting some weight. And the scales just are not moving. I mean, I'm not putting on weight, but I'm not losing weight either. So it's super frustrating. I'm not suffering with massive lows, really, in that sense.

[Scott]

I mean, listen, it's tough because, like, you know, I. I never want to tell people, like, you know, insulin causes weight gain. I. I don't. I actually mostly don't think that's how it works. I want people to take the amount of insulin they need. Right. Yeah, but, you know, and insulin is storing what you're eating, so there's a couple of ways, like, if you're. If you're taking in more calories than your body needs, and then you're going to gain weight and. Yeah, and if you're getting low a lot and therefore eating a bunch more than you should be eating, you're going to gain weight there, too. And I think sometimes those situations cause people to say, insulin makes me gain weight. So, I mean, it's not lost on me that there are people with insulin resistance who gain weight and. And they're not taking in too many calories or not having loads. Like, it's just a very complicated hodgepodge of possibilities, you know? But. But did you say you're wondering about your thyroid, too? Did you go through the symptoms and end up thinking, maybe I have this as well?

[Claire]

Yeah. So I. I mean, bizarrely, yeah. And one of the doctors did a long time ago when I first came out of hospital, and I was. I was chatting to one of our. Our gps, and she said, or, you know, if you ever been checked for your thyroid. And I was like, no. She said, oh, you know, you perhaps should do that at some point. And obviously, life's just got in the way a bit. And I've been trying to manage my diabetes, and I've only felt this year that I'm able to start managing that the way I want to manage it and be positive about it. So. But the trying to lose weight, you know, the fact that I've gained a few pounds and then I'm trying to lose them, and I'm not losing them. Which probably was gonna, you know, to answer one of your questions. Nobody. There's no history of diabetes in my. Absolutely none. However, my. My dad, who I mentioned passed away in. Yeah, I'm sorry, December 24th, he had hypothyroidism.

[Scott]

Oh, he.

[Claire]

Obviously, I didn't really know much about it. He was diagnosed in his 40s and he took. They call it thyroxine over here. It's very similar to. To what you guys take over there. You call it Syn Synthroid or. Yeah, I Google. I Googled it the other day. It's the same thing. So, yeah, dad had that. So he was diagnosed in his 40s. So it's making me now think, gosh, it's you know, I don't think I've had my thyroid checked for about 10 years.

[Scott]

I mean, you should. And you should listen to the episode. It's episode 413. It'll kind of lay out for you with a. It's a doctor that I did it with a while ago. But the information's also really good. Like, if you, you don't want to get stuck in a situation where you have thyroid symptoms, but the doctor's telling you that you're in range because many doctors will consider a thyroid level, a TSH level, much higher than they should as being in range. So.

[Claire]

Okay.

[Scott]

Yeah, so just get the, you know,

[Claire]

see what they are.

[Scott]

Yeah. But you know what? You said something a minute ago. I don't want to get. I don't want to lose. You just got to a point where you felt. Would you say, comfortable or happy with how it's going? Like, talk more about the emotional side of all this and, and what it's like to try to hammer it all out and get it into a. Into a rhythm that makes sense for you.

[Claire]

I mean, I think after the initial shock of, you know, I didn't realize that adults at 49, I was 49, I'm 50 now, were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Obviously, you know, I, I left hospital thinking, well, it's going to be type two, and, you know, my body's not making insulin. But actually I did get my antibodies and, and. And was. Was really quite strongly positive. So I was obviously then given the diagnosis of type one, which I think, I think I was so shocked, you know, absolutely shocked. I have no history of anyone having diabetes in my family. And the emotional side of. I go from being sort of happy. Are you still there?

[Scott]

Yeah, yeah.

[Claire]

I thought I'd lost you then.

[Scott]

Oh, should I. About every. Every 2 sec, I'll make a noise in the background just in case that doesn't happen to you.

[Claire]

My phone was. Was beeping slightly and I thought, oh, gosh, it's coming cut off again. I go from being very grateful that, you know, perhaps that I've had those 49 years and I've had it much later in life because I watch, you know, a lot of people with, with young children and, you know, more than one child. And I think, God, the, The burden a. Of being pregnant. I've had three children, so, you know, and they're all adults now, so I don't have the burden of trying to look after.

[Scott]

You don't have the burden of looking after little kids while you're figuring all this out, but are you trying to. This might be the saddest thing anybo ever said. Are you like, I've lived a good life already, it's okay if this happened now. Is that where you're at? I didn't want to put words in your mouth, but it felt like you were saying that. I wasn't sure.

[Claire]

I don't mean it in that sense. I think I just, I've kind of met a few people along the way and I, and I listen to it, I read a lot and I've listened to a lot of podcasts and you know, and I think, gosh, you know, imagine trying to get navigate your teenage years and maybe trying to navigate pregnancy and giving birth with, with all this going on as well. I think, I think what I'm grateful for at the moment is that I've probably had the time to just concentrate on myself. I don't really have anyone. That's what I mean. I think I just don't. You know, I went through a period 2024. My dad was, was really poorly and helping my mom look after him. So, you know, that, that was a difficult time. So I kind of look back on difficult times and think, gosh, imagine trying to manage diabetes as well as that.

[Scott]

Yeah.

[Claire]

So I think I'm just grateful for that. And you know, I think I'm getting an insulin pump next week, which, you know, six months after diagnosis. There's people that have been waiting years under the NHS for, but I've just sort of fallen in at the right time because the NHS, there's a plan for everybody. Every, there's a five year plan, I think that started in 2023 for every diabetic type one to be offered an insulin pump. So I've just at the right time, you know, had this diagnosis where tech, technology just is, is phenomenal.

[Scott]

Oh, for certain. Let me tell you. I just got an email from a listener recently about a new pump that is in testing. Should I say which one? Let's just say it's like mini med. Okay. And they are over the moon about how it works. Like super, super excited about how it works. I think there's a lot of stuff coming over the horizon with these algorithms and, you know, stuff to be excited about. Can I ask what pump you're looking to get?

[Claire]

So I'm, I'm having an omnipod. So I had an Omnipod 5.

[Scott]

Okay.

[Claire]

Under the NHS you can choose. So you, you get given a choice. So I was down to. I had a Choice of about four or five. Yeah. So you have to choose. And whichever you choose, you are stuck with for the next four years, essentially, except for the Omnipod, because obviously there isn't that big outlay around here.

[Scott]

You get it through like a pharmacy channel. So then it's sort of like if you want to switch, you just could. Yeah, right.

[Claire]

Whereas things are a bit different. So I've gone for the Omnipod 5. The diabetic team sort of say to me that a lot of adults my age will go for something like that. Obviously, I'm not self conscious about things on my body, really. I'm a more. I'm more here for the. Whatever works best for me, you know. But I do understand younger people would look at that and you know why they wouldn't want it?

[Scott]

Because a lot of younger people will say, well, there's no tubes on it so I can hide it under my clothes and stuff like that.

[Claire]

Yeah, yeah.

[Scott]

It's interesting to listen to you go through the process that I've, you know, just heard so many people over time with, like, you know, it's either they say, well, I don't want something on me, or they say, I just want it to work. This must be better to have happen to you when you're older because I can imagine what it would be like if you were younger and younger people say, well, it's better to get it when you're younger because then you don't know any better. Everybody always sees the other side of it, where the value would be or. Or how much better they might like it or not like it. A bunch of different stuff. Your dog okay?

[Claire]

Yeah. I'm so sorry. I'm just having my gift day delivery.

[Scott]

That's what usually happens is something gets delivered and the dog goes crazy.

[Claire]

He's not the biggest fan of. Yeah.

[Scott]

What did you. What did you have bring in?

[Claire]

I'm like, what got delivered? No, it's fine. I've just left it. It's a gusto parcel. So I don't know, it's like a meal prep. I don't know if you guys have it in America. Sure, we get it. They deliver like. So I get everything delivered for the next four days. Dinners, you have to cook it. But it's. It's a. It's a great thing here in the uk we have gusto and we have. Hello Fresh.

[Scott]

Yeah, it comes. It comes like on dry ice, right. And you just kind of. You warm it up afterwards or you actually, you can prep it too, right? Like it's you.

[Claire]

You actually prep it. Yeah, it's just all the ingredients for four meals that I've chosen for the week.

[Scott]

So this is exciting. A thing you can afford once all your kids leave. Is that. Is that what happens? You have. All of a sudden you have money, you're like, oh, God.

[Claire]

There is a. There is a degree of that, but there's still four of us, so I've still got two adult children at home. Only one of them's left.

[Scott]

Oh, you got time to get the hell out. That's enough already.

[Claire]

Yeah, but you know what? It's a. It's a great thing for when you're trying to eat healthy because myself and my husband with classic overeaters, like, we make far too much food with. With this. There's no leftovers. So it's literally enough food for four people. Four meals, four people. And that's okay. There's no leftovers, there's no more to eat. So, you know, it stops us overeating massively.

[Scott]

I know, that's. That's great. Yeah. I think that's interesting that you found something that helps you like that. Yeah. Portion size is always confusing to people. And I, when I do those bolus four episodes with Jenny, she brings it up all the time. She's just like, you know, you know, a portion. Are we talking about what a portion is on the nutritional label or are we talking about what people put on their plates? You know, so.

[Claire]

Exactly. And yeah, massively. You know, overeaters, easy to just keep dolloping it on or going back for seconds.

[Scott]

Are using a CGM now already?

[Claire]

Yeah, so I have a freestyle Libra. The two Plus, I'm not. I'm kind of. At the moment, I'm. I'm really intrigued to see how it's going to work on with my Omnipod. It's massive signal failures with it recently. You know, I'm constantly. I don't know how other people get on with it because I'm constantly having to scan it. Loses signal all the time.

[Scott]

Oh, do you have Dexcoms in the UK too?

[Claire]

We do, but they're another. You have to jump through hoops to get those as well. Oh, really? Okay, then. They're not as widely available as freestyles. Um, unless you have. Unless you have a pump that only works with a Dexcom. But I have seen, you know, there's some people. I kind of watch a lot of diabetics on Tick Tock and things like that and, you know, lots of people not raving too highly about the G7 either. So yeah, I think it's just, it's

[Scott]

super interesting people's experiences with devices that are, you know, mechanical devices that are, you know, interacting with like human flesh. It's like I, I say this all the time. 100 true. My daughter puts on a G7. They almost never fail and they last right up to the 10 days plus the extra time. It just, I don't. And then other people, you see, like I never get past day six, I never get past day seven, like, you know, or whatever. Like I'm wondering when they come to the 15 days. I think the 15 days are probably going to work for her as well. Yeah, I think there's something about her and it's, you know, that went together. I do, you know, Dexcom did have a couple of issues more recently, but I do know they're addressing them. I think I am allowed to say, like, I'm on an advisory council right now. Like it's a short term advisory council for dexcom. They are putting a pretty comprehensive plan together about, you know, dealing with a couple of topics that, that we brought up in the council and you know, things that we thought they should be looking at. So we'll see. This stuff's always.

[Claire]

It's interesting.

[Scott]

Yeah, yeah.

[Claire]

I think here I can. But by the time I, if, if I were to raise my issues with my Libra, that's how I would get a Dexcom. I just need to say, look, this is failing all the time for me, you know, and, and then I can, I think my diabetic team can apply for funding for me to get a Dexcom. So that might be a road I go down, but I think I just need to see how the, the omnipod, how they get on, which obviously I'm massively nervous about. Sort of starting, I'm just sort of getting to grips with how diabetes works and I'm more correction doses and things.

[Scott]

Let's dig into this. Six months with, with insulin. But first, let me just say Libre is not a sponsor, so I don't feel any reason to play devil's advocate for what you said.

[Claire]

Okay,

[Scott]

but seriously, like you've had, so you've had this diagnosis for like a type one diagnosis for how long?

[Claire]

Six months.

[Scott]

Six months. Okay. Did it, first of all, did just getting the diagnosis change something? Or was it the. Is it more about the massive need for insulin suddenly striking you? Like, did you have time to think about the psychological part of what just happened to you? Or is it more about figuring out insulin Keeping yourself going, getting through all this stuff and. And trying to find firm footing.

[Claire]

Yeah, I think. I think all of those things. I think the diagnosis was. Was a massive shock. I. You know, I didn't know where that had come from. Sort of learning, obviously, to look after myself. My. I think my husband, my kids. My middle daughter is a children's nurse, so she had a big understanding of what diabetes is. But my husband has been absolutely amazing. He's, you know, he's given me the opportunity to leave my job to try and get on top of things this year. So I left my job in February. I'd done the same job for 14 years, but, you know, I was a bit fed up anyway. And he was just like, you know what? Just have a break. Just have a break for a bit and concentrate on you. Yeah, but at times I just. I suppose I just feel a bit frustrated. He doesn't get it. I don't think he really understands. And, you know, you see all the classic memes of people saying, oh, okay, do you need to take a shot? You know, people. People really don't understand diabetes. You know, they really don't understand the difference between being high and low and the different treatments and how you're going to manage it and the different decisions you've got to make. It's just massive. And, you know, I think even my family, you know, my mum, bless her, she's, you know, in the early days, she was. So you're gonna have to take those for the rest of your life, you know. What. What about that thing on your arm? Have you got to wear that all the time?

[Scott]

Yeah. Oh, I just. By the way, just yesterday while we were out shopping, I guess I had to use my driver's license. And the. The person behind the register was like, oh, my God, is that's you? And I was like, yo. Yeah, yeah. And I was like, I've lost a lot of weight on GLP medication and you look terrific. Thank you. Next day statement. Do you have to take that forever right away? Like, that's the. Like, it just pops into people's heads. Like, I'm like, yeah, probably. And they're like, oh. Then they act like that's a problem. And I go, huh? I'm like, no, I'm good. I'll take it. Like, I'm happy.

[Claire]

I'm gonna take it.

[Scott]

Yeah. It's interesting how that pops into people's heads. I don't think it's just about diabetes, is my point. I think anytime you tell somebody you're on A medication. The inference to them is if it's not a medication that stops at the end of 10 days or something, then that seems scary or odd or whatever. I don't even know what exactly how it hits them.

[Claire]

Yeah, I've had a couple of friends say to me, the thing on your arm, if you wear that forever and, and it does kind of hit you then like. Yeah, actually, yeah, I will, I guess. Yeah, I hadn't, hadn't really thought about that till you mentioned it. But yeah, I prob, yeah, when I

[Scott]

die, I'll have it on like 97 years old with my CGM.

[Claire]

And that's a bizarre thing as well. I, so when I was 16, 17, I was, my boyfriend at the time was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. And I'm going back in, I'm going back in the early 90s. So I'm going back 30, 32 years ago. He was a twin and at the time his twin brother had been diagnosed and six months later he was, he was diagnosed. I don't, it wasn't a massive shock to his family by that point, but yeah, at that point. And, and so I, I kind of, I do know a bit about diabetes from then, although it's been 30 years and I, but, but back then, when I look back, I mean, I'd love to bump into him one day now, but purely because I'd just like to chat to him about how the technology's moved on. You know, I think, God, when I look back, he, he used to just finger prick at meals and obviously he injected and then, you know, he only ever finger pricked if he felt a bit odd and, and whatever outside of those times. So I do wonder, you know, and I know there's many people, he, he would be a couple of years older than me now that have lived with diabetes for sort of 30, 35 years. Crazy.

[Scott]

Well, you know, it's funny, one of the follow up questions I had in my head for you while you were talking was does that feel when people don't understand it, does that make you feel lonely? But now I got my answer because you're willing to talk to a boyfriend from 30 years ago. So you, you, you're looking for, you're just looking for someone who gets it to talk to.

[Claire]

Yeah, I think I definitely, I need some diabetic friends.

[Scott]

Yeah, I, I bet you do actually.

[Claire]

Yeah. You know, I'm looking forward to going to this pump start next week. I went, I went to a pump convention, actually. A convention might not be the Right word. But you. Back in January, they had all the pumps of the pump suppliers at the hospital so you could go and meet them. And, you know, it was humbling for somebody like me that's been diagnosed for six months because there were people there, you know, that were in their 50s and 60s that have been diabetic for years and years and, you know, the excitement for them to be getting a pump. And I fit the criteria under the NHS for a pump because I suffer horrendously with dawn phenomenon. So, you know, they call it foot to floor syndrome. So I'll give you an example. I went to bed for blood sugars that 7 and 8 last night. I don't know what that equates to, but they were in range. That's a good range to go to bed on. Yeah, I woke up this morning to that. They'd risen through the night with, with no rapid insulin on board to 15 by the time I wake up in the morning. And that's just for me breathing in the morning.

[Scott]

Let me tell them a sevens. A seven's like 126, an eight is 142. And what did you go up to overnight?

[Claire]

15.

[Scott]

15 is 270.

[Claire]

Okay.

[Scott]

Yeah, yeah. So that's, I mean, it more than doubled overnight.

[Claire]

Yeah. So sort of doubling overnight without, you know, no food, nothing, just breathing. And it's probably hormonal. You know, I'm a woman of a certain age and I think that's been a battle as well is not knowing what's diabetes, what's hormonal, what's menopausal. I don't really know what's going on and I don't know whether I should be feeling the way I feel sometimes. And, you know, I think I had a chat with somebody recently and they said, gosh, it must be, you know, because I relate everything that I feel at the moment down to the menopause. I can't relate because I'm not sure whether it's diabetes or menopause. I just have to weigh up and think, you know, I'm not sure.

[Scott]

I got yelled at online last night for not having enough menopause content. So I, I promised to do some.

[Claire]

Yeah, yeah, I'm here for that because it's, it would be interesting for me to listen to. But, yeah, I don't sometimes know whether I'm feeling a certain way or whether it's hormonal or, or anything like that. But yeah, I just my blood sugar, so that, that makes me fit. Everybody's telling me that the Omnipod's gonna do wonderful things for having this rise in the morning.

[Scott]

Well, I mean, the algorithm will try to get ahead of it, and it'll. It'll notice it going up and get after it, so, I mean, there's a ton of benefit with that. You just. I think you'll end up loving it, honestly.

[Claire]

I hope so.

[Scott]

Yeah. Yeah. And you listen, and if you. And if it's not right for you, there are other pumps too. You know what I mean? So, yeah, I hope the one you wanted works, but if not, keep looking.

[Claire]

Yeah, yeah, I will. I will. I'm good. You know, I've had. I've had it all delivered at home. It's all very exciting. So it's all been delivered last. The end of last week, so it's all set up, and I'm just ready to have to have a couple of appointments for the pump start now.

[Scott]

Okay. Well, can I tell you, I have a really great series to get you ready for it.

[Claire]

I've listened to it. Okay. I'm ahead of you.

[Scott]

Okay.

[Claire]

I've done your Bold Beginnings, and last week I listened to all of your Omnipod five episodes.

[Scott]

Oh, cool. Did you find it helpful?

[Claire]

Really helpful? You know, I've. I love. I love quite a lot of your episodes. You know, there's lots of things I can relate to. So. Yeah, it's. It's a. It's a great podcast.

[Scott]

That's great. My accent's not hard for you to follow?

[Claire]

No, I'm just kidding.

[Scott]

I'm teasing you.

[Claire]

Not at all. I do. I do like it when. You know, I love that you do English. You know, you come across the pond as well. So I recently listened to. There was a lady you had. She worked for the Daphne course.

[Scott]

Wasn't she great?

[Claire]

Yeah. So that was a great. Because I'm actually doing the Daphne course in June.

[Scott]

Okay.

[Claire]

Here. So that. That's great. Things like that, it's just really helpful, you know, and it's helpful to hear that sometimes that you're just not alone. There's other people having, you know, similar. Similar experiences.

[Scott]

Yeah, no kidding. I listen just on diabetes conversations. I forget the Daphne course. I thought she was really a fantastic guest. I actually find myself wondering. I hope she. She'll come back. I hope she'll hear this and come back sometime. I had a good. I had a really good time talking to her. I felt like it was a very nerdy diabetes conversation that. That I enjoyed quite a lot. Yeah, I know. Look at me. I'm Almost British, I said quite a lot. That's where you're rubbing off on me.

[Claire]

I feel like I've just rambled for the last hour.

[Scott]

No, you're doing. Stop it. You're doing terrific. Are you kidding? Are you. Are you nervous to do this?

[Claire]

Oh, really nervous. Really nervous. Not told anybody, just my husband. Because I thought that way. I'll only tell people if. When it comes out and it sounds

[Scott]

okay, you'll listen first, make sure they're allowed to hear it. Well, listen.

[Claire]

And then. And then I'm like. To help people.

[Scott]

I just did some. I just went online last night. I. You know, sometimes I'm just sitting around at the end of my day, and I. I put up a post in my Facebook group, and I said, look, tell me one thing I do right, one thing you'd think I wish I'd do differently, and I'll answer a question for you. During the course of those conversations, somebody, you know, talked about, like, you know, they wished. I don't know, in one situation, I would let. I would have let somebody go on longer or something like that. And I just, you know, I ended up saying to them, like, you know, it's. It really is just. I have people on who don't ever do stuff like this. Like, some of them take to it real easily, and some of them don't. Some of them need more prompting. Some of them don't have as big of a story as far as time goes, as you think, and some of them don't have a skill for telling a story. So sometimes they get their thought out, and it's very short, and, like, well, there's nothing cinematic about that. We're gonna have to stretch it out a little bit or we're gonna have to find another thing to talk about in it. And in the end, like, I hope everyone realizes that, like, most of the people who come on this podcast have never done anything like this before. Ever.

[Claire]

No, absolutely.

[Scott]

And I offer you no prep for it whatsoever. And you come on because you really want to share your story or you're really looking for something or whatever. And that's why I think the podcast ends up working out so well, is because I put you on my schedule and you need to show up. I don't hold your hand reminding you, like, in four weeks and three weeks, like, I think it maybe pops up a week before and tells you, and then, like, the day before, and that's pretty much it. And then from there, you know, people are coming on and. And just, like, they're Very nervous. Sometimes they're not practiced at this. They maybe never will do it again. But I really appreciate it because I think. I think you should let everybody hear it because I think it's really valuable for you to sit down and tell your story like that, the way you have so far. Yeah. Seriously.

[Claire]

Thank you. No, I do. I do want to share. I think. I think people, you know, need. Need to know that, you know, diagnosis at 49, 50. It happens. And it's not the end of the world. It's, you know, it's just learning to live a different. On a different path, really finding a way.

[Scott]

Yeah. What. What's been the most difficult part about using insulin so far? Was it scary? Is it scary?

[Claire]

If somebody had said to me 20 years ago, you're gonna have to inject yourself like six times a day, I think I probably would have gone, absolutely not. But, you know, Manjaro, I'd. Obviously was taking Manjaro, so I was doing a weekly injection because the lady, when I was in hospital, she. She was showing me how to put the needles on and stuff, and she. She was like, you know how to do this? I was, oh, okay. But it didn't prepare me for the six times a day injections that I probably need.

[Scott]

Yeah, but.

[Claire]

But I'm just, you know, I'm getting on with it. I'm. I'm. I'm. My body looks battered and bruised in certain places. I'm exhausting every injection site. Just my thighs are covered in bruises all the time. I don't know why I seem to bruise so easily.

[Scott]

You guys don't have the sun there. Maybe that has something to do with it. You should get a son.

[Claire]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm sat in a darkened room at the moment because I didn't want that. I'd shut all blind so the dog wouldn't bark. That didn't really work out for me, did it?

[Scott]

Well, hey, don't forget, don't forget to take vitamin D. You know, people with autoimmune issues need. Often need more vitamin D. Listen, I take. Actually, you just reminded me that I have to take my zeppelin today. I was supposed to take it yesterday, and I forgot. And I've been doing it for three years. Right. Certainly not as much as six times a day or what a person with type one goes through, but it still does. Every week I grab that needle, and there is part of you that you're just sort of like, okay, I guess I'm gonna jab myself with this needle now. You know what I mean? Like, and even though, like you said, you just kind of get on with it and it's a thing you're almost accustomed to, but still you just as you're reaching for yourself, you're like, huh, okay, I don't know. Nine times out of ten it doesn't even hurt. And then the one time it pinches or like the liquid goes in like and hits a nerve or something, you're like, ah, damn it. And it always is in the back of my head no matter what. And I'm only doing it once a week.

[Claire]

That, yeah. And that's the other thing as well. I was diagnosed obviously end of September, beginning of October. So I've had a whole winter of covering myself up. So I'm about to go into a spring summer here where you know, more T shirts, more and you know, you see more CGMs on show and things. You know, I have, I've literally, I've had one person ask me what's that on your arm? And, and just to casually explain to them that I did read, I watched something on social media last week that it was, it was obviously very tongue in cheek. But ad she, somebody had asked her what it was and she said and they went, are you giving up smoking? Yeah, I'm giving up smoking. People thinking it's an aid to help you giving up smoking. And you just think, yeah, I'm like, gosh, am I going to get people asking me questions like that over the summer?

[Scott]

Oh yeah, sure. Are you going to give, are you giving up smoking? There is, by the way, I don't know if it's in the uk, but here Omnipod, the company that makes Omnipod Insulet also makes, it's a drug for after a cancer treatment. I think it's for nausea maybe, I'm not sure. It's like a follow up drug after, after one of the treat and the kind of cool thing about it is they used to have to bring you back but now they slap a pot on you and it delivers the medication and then 24 hours later I think you take it off. You might get that, you might get a lot of stuff. Or you know what, maybe you're going to get a lot of people with diabetes who come up to you and go like, hey, me too and maybe you'll meet your friends that way.

[Claire]

You know, I think that's what I need. Like I saw a young girl at the gym the other day with, I could see her Omnipod and her libra and I was like, oh my Gosh, who knew? And I've seen her a few times at the gym, but obviously it's the first time I've seen her with a T shirt on. But she. She jumped in the shower before I had time to. To chat to her. But, you know, this. This is quite a new experience for me to start noticing it.

[Scott]

Yeah, listen, my daughter does not talk about diabetes very frequently at all. And the number of times over the last few weeks that she's come back from school, she's in college, and you guys call it university, she comes back because she's. She goes close enough to home that she comes back, you know, at the end of the day, and she's like, dad. She's like, dad, I keep seeing more and more people wearing Omnipods, and they're not people I know. She's like, I just keep seeing new people wearing Omnipods. Like, a lot of them. Yeah, more than I can count. She's like, I can't believe it. You know, so you're gonna see it. You're gonna see CGMs on folks. And, you know, I. Listen, you gotta make a community somehow, right?

[Claire]

Yeah. This time last year, I wouldn't have. I would. I. I did know what a CGM was, fortunately. And I also knew what an insulin pod was, but I would never have batted an eyelid or looked out for it. But it's amazing the difference a year makes now because I will be looking out for it and, you know, making that eye contact with somebody, just a little smile.

[Scott]

There's two girls, two women that came on here one time. They met at a. At a yard sale. You know what I mean? Like, do people do that in the uk? Put their crap out on the front lawn and sell it? Right, right. What do you call. What do you call it there?

[Claire]

Well, they do call it a gar sale, but we have something called a car boot sale. So that's where all these people put all their crap in their cars. They drive to a field. They paid £12 for the privilege. Open your car boot, and you sell all your crap out your car boot.

[Scott]

Nice. So, well, so anyway, like, that they were at a. They were just at a garage sale.

[Claire]

Okay.

[Scott]

They noticed each other's devices, and then they started talking. Then one of them said to the other one, hey, do you listen? And she said that before she completed her sentence, the woman went. The other woman went to the Juice Box podcast. I do. And. And she said they became friends. And now I get pictures of them out at, you know, dinner together. And like, you know, they're friends now. They met at a, met at a garage sale. So it could very well happen. You know, meet your people. Are you in the Facebook group? Are you using that at least for online community?

[Claire]

Yeah, I've joined the Facebook group and like I said, I, I love reading all the different stories and I listen to your podcast a lot. I walk. I have walked for an hour every day with the dog and I listen to podcasts all the time while I walk. So you can imagine that, you know, that's adding up to 7, 8, 9 hours a week of podcasts just while I'm walking.

[Scott]

Right.

[Claire]

And let alone any other times that I might stick them in my ears. So I listen to a lot.

[Scott]

I appreciate it. Well, and I hope it's, I mean, it sounds like it's valuable for you, but I'm glad that you're finding it. It to be valuable, really. I said to someone the other day, there's this question I guess I've been asking forever, probably because I have a hard time believing that I, I make a popular podcast and, and people, I'll say, well, how'd you hear about it? I'm sure I'm gonna ask you in a second, like, how'd you hear about the podcast? And the woman goes, come on, Scott. I heard about it because, you know, it's everywhere. And I, I thought, do I have to stop asking that question? Does it sound disingenuous when I go, how'd you hear about my little podcast? But I feel that way still. So when somebody says that, you know, it's been helpful for them, or they go take it on their walks or anything like that, or, you know, sometimes people pop on like, I'm sorry, I'm nervous. You're just very famous. And I laugh. I'm like, that's insane. But, but yeah, no, it's, it's, it's really lovely. Anyway, how do you hear about it in England? How does it, how does it get to you?

[Claire]

So I use Spotify platform for all my music and my, my podcasts and things and I just searched diabetes. I think yours comes up as one of the top. It took me a while to get to grips and, and then obviously because I was quite newly diagnosed and then I think you mentioned the Bold Beginnings and then I started going through your website to, to find the series. They're much, it's much easier to navigate through your website with the, the recent, where you can do the drop down of the pro tip and you know, the Bold Beginnings and The Omnipod that I listened to last week. So, yeah, so that was how I just se diabetes. There was a couple of guys that did a UK one, but I think they've stopped now. But they talked more about their personal experiences, but. Which was useful in itself. But yours also offers, you know, the whole bold beginnings. The Omnipod, the Omnipod series and everything like that.

[Scott]

We have a little bit of everything. You know what I mean?

[Claire]

Really useful. Yeah.

[Scott]

Good. I'm glad. Oh, I'm actually. I'm thrilled, actually.

[Claire]

Yeah.

[Scott]

This is going to sound crazy. We're coming up on an hour, and I want to make sure there's nothing else you want to say. The part that's going to sound crazy is that while we've been recording, my oldest dog kind of fell ill out of nowhere and was breathing really weirdly, and my wife just kind of rushed him off to the vet.

[Claire]

Oh, no.

[Scott]

So I have to. I'm gonna get off to check on him in a second. Yeah. Yeah. But I don't want to shortchange you, so I need two things from you. I want to make sure that we haven't missed anything that you want to talk about. And don't feel rushed. Just tell me if there's anything that you. That you still wanted to get to.

[Claire]

No, I think. I think I've told my story.

[Scott]

You feel good? Okay. And now I need a British ism for a title. Oh, Like, I watched these two kids. I can't believe I'm calling them kids. But you just said the 90s were 30 years ago, so obviously they're kids. They're like these two kids in their 20s. I think they were on Tick Tock. Both from England, one very southern, one northern. They're dating now, and they were bringing up, like, household things or like, even just like, gosh, one of the things was like, I don't know, like an alleyway. The guy was like, what do you call an alleyway? And she called it something completely different than he called it. So I need a British ism for what we talked about here today. What do you got for me?

[Claire]

Oh, I don't know. I can't think of a British ism at all.

[Scott]

I'm not.

[Claire]

I'm not witty at all. This is where I need some help. I'm not witty. I can't think. I love it when you think up titles. I probably haven't said anything.

[Scott]

No, you said a couple of things. But I was just wondering if something popped into your head, I might call it British. Not Witty. How's that?

[Claire]

Yeah, that's me. Yeah, I am really British and not witty at all. In fact, my husband and my kids, they call me the fun police because I'm so boring. You know, anyone's having a bit of fun, you know, that's what they call me. So British, not witty. They'll love that.

[Scott]

They'll love that. Well, well, then that'll give the people who tell me that, that the titles don't aren't about what the, the episode's about that they don't like. You know, it's funny. Again, I got feedback last night. Equal amounts of people said I love the titles who said, and an equal amount said these titles are not helpful. I never know what's in the episode. And I always say to at least one person in a thread, whenever this comes up, go pick a couple of episodes where it strikes you that you really liked it or found it valuable. But the title didn't help you and you write a better title and send it to me because.

[Claire]

Oh no, I like the titles.

[Scott]

I like them because it's not as easy as you think.

[Claire]

I read what the episodes are about as well. So I like to look, look and pick the ones out that, that, that I know that I like.

[Scott]

Thank you. I've been putting more effort into that in the last two years. So. Although I gotta be honest, AI really is what does it now. So, yeah, I have a massive process that the, after we're done, the MP3 goes into. It goes into AI it turns it into a, into a simple transcript. Then I drop that simple transcript into, into a different AI that turns it into what you're seeing on the, on the website now. Kind of breaks down how it looks on, on there. And then when it's done and it turns it into that for the website, the last thing it does is it gives me a, basically a 30 word or fewer description of the episode because I don't know, like, you and I are talking now. If I stopped right now, it's very strange if I stopped right now and you made me write down what we talked about, I'm sort of not in that headspace right now. Like, I'm very trying very hard to be in the moment with you. And if you ask me a couple of hours from now, I probably could contextualize it better. But I don't think about it a couple of hours now. I don't think about it for weeks and weeks and weeks and sometimes months until I get it back. And then when I get it back from the editor. I don't know what the hell it's about. Like, I'd have to listen to it at that point. It's a weird process to put, like a title on something and nobody's famous. Because if you were famous, it would just be, you know, know, it would be your name. And people would be like, oh, that's great. You know, Dax Shepard's on the podcast today. I know that guy from that Parenthood TV show, and that would be the end of it, you know, or isn't he married to that girl from Frozen? It's not gonna work with your name. Also, now I'm very self conscious because now people are like, oh, I. Because somebody said last night, like, don't start telling your stories in the middle of their stories. I'm like, am I not a part of this, too?

[Claire]

No, I agree. I think. I think that's what makes it, you know, Like, I. I think that's what makes the whole thing.

[Scott]

Yeah, it's interesting. My wife got off a work call this morning and she said, I got a note from somebody on the call that they really thought the call went well. And I said, you know, all that means is whatever you did was what they would do. And so they think it went well. Because what I've really noticed, and I don't. There's no shade about this for anybody, but, like, when I ask people, you know, what do you like about the podcast? What do you wish was different? I like to get feedback from people a lot. What you learn is the things that go the way they would do it, they like. And the things that go the way they wouldn't do it, they think should change. And it's.

[Claire]

Yeah.

[Scott]

You know, like, they don't have any actual input. They just are like, well, that doesn't seem exactly right to me.

[Claire]

Absolutely.

[Scott]

One person said, I love the way you pivot with the conversation and keep going where you think it's interesting. And another person used the exact example to say that I ruined the flow of the conversation.

[Claire]

So you're right. It's just what you. What people like to listen to.

[Scott]

Yeah. You either like me and the way I think about this or you don't. And there's not a lot you can. It's not me being wrong or you being wrong. It just. It's just how things work, you know? So, anyway.

[Claire]

All right.

[Scott]

We're gonna call it British Comma Not Funny.

[Claire]

Yeah. Thanks for your time, Scott. The dog's okay.

[Scott]

No, he's very old. This. I mean, the truth be told. I'm not sure, but hopefully he will be. But hold on one second for me because I do need to talk to you before we go, okay?

[Claire]

Okay.

[Scott]

A huge thanks to US Med for sponsoring this episode of the Juice box podcast. Don't forget usmed.com juicebox this is where we get our diabetes supplies from. You can as well use the link or call. Call 888-721-1514. Use the link or call the number. Get your free benefits check so that you can start getting your diabetes supplies the way we do from US Med. 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 Today's episode of the Juice Box Podcast was sponsored by the new Tandem MOBI system and control IQ+ technology. Learn more and get started today at tandomdiabetes.com Juicebox check it out. Thank you so much for listening. I'll be back very soon with another episode 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, ooh, 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. The Juice Box Podcast is edited by wrong way recording wrongwayrecording.com if you'd like your podcast to sound as good as mine, check out [e-mail].