Fear of low blood sugar is one of the most common — and least talked about — challenges of living with type 1 diabetes.

In episode 91 of Think Like a Pancreas — The Podcast, mental health clinician Anna Sabino sits down with renowned diabetes psychologist Dr. Bill Polonsky, founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, to unpack the anxiety that comes with type 1 diabetes and low blood sugars.

Together they explore the difference between healthy caution and pronounced fear of hypoglycemia, and why so many people quietly run their blood sugars high to feel "safe."

Bill also shares practical, hopeful strategies for regaining confidence in your body, rebuilding trust, and getting your life back — because “if you live with diabetes-related anxiety, you're not weak, you're not alone, and there's a lot you can do about it.”

MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST:

Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist who has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D. Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress.

Bill (William) Polonsky, PhD, CDCES is President and Founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, the world's first organization wholly dedicated to studying and addressing the unmet psychological needs of people with diabetes. He is also Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, and an active researcher in the field of behavioral diabetes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS:

✔️There can be a genetic risk of profound fear of low blood sugars.

✔️This fear is rooted in people losing confidence in their bodies.

✔️ The use of “be safe” and “feel safe strategies” help to alleviate fears.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

03:39 Everyone Should be Concerned About Lows

07:02 When Your Fear of Lows Impacts Your Daily Life

13:54 Rebuilding Confidence in Your Body and Your Tools

30:11 Is Severe Hypoglycemia a Valid Fear?

33:57 Key Tips to Break Your Own Cycle of Fear

36:23 Where to Find Help

39:00 Final Thoughts from Dr. Polonsky

RESOURCES:

Breaking down the fear of blood sugar lows

Behavioral Diabetes Institute

ADA mental health registry

The Hypoglycemic Fear Syndrome: Understanding and Addressing This Common Clinical Problem in Adults With Diabetes

Is Your Diabetes Tech Helping or Hurting? Mental Health and T1D Innovation

CONNECT WITH US:

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ or email info@integrateddiabetes.com

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.