Diabetes Squad

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Chukwuma Uduku (Dr Chucks) — my consultant at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital and one of the people who truly held my hand through pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes. We chat about all the things: showing up to appointments with a million questions, the magic of good tech, why blood sugars don’t define you, and how having the right doctor in yo...

Motherhood changed me in ways I never expected. As a T1D mum, I’ve learned quickly that this journey comes with constant learning, advocating, and holding both fear and hope at the same time. In this episode, I share an honest conversation about navigating motherhood alongside Type 1 diabetes — the emotional load, the strength you find along the way, and the deep love that carries you through. Thi...

 When Lisa’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 at age seven, she did what any parent would do: she searched for answers. But when she couldn’t find the book she needed — one that explained the history of insulin to kids and grown-ups, she decided to write it herself. That book became It 'Belongs to the World', a stunning picture book biography of Frederick Banting, co-creator of insulin, who...

Imagine being told you’re Type 1 - and finding out years later… you’re not. That’s exactly what happened to Uma. When I first met Uma on a DAFNE course all those years ago, I assumed - like me - she was living with Type 1. Turns out, things were more complex. Uma was diagnosed at 17, labelled T1, then re-labelled, misdiagnosed, and finally told she had early-onset Type 2. What followed was confusi...

What if eating out didn’t have to mean guesswork, panic stations, or playing carb-count roulette? This week I’m joined by Chris Cheyette - the dietitian behind Carbs & Cals, aka the holy grail of visual carb counting. We talk about how a simple idea (snapping photos of real food) turned into books, an app, and a resource that’s helped thousands of us feel more in control, less restricted, and...

What if diabetes burnout could be softened by art - or better yet, a clever print that makes you look twice? I finally got to chat with Alex, a graphic designer and fellow Type 1, whose bold prints tackle diabetes with wit, colour, and soul. She was diagnosed in her thirties, right before a flight to New York. What followed? Denial, depression, and a creative rebellion against the isolation so man...

What if your insulin pump had a name, a voice… and a bit of attitude? In this episode, I chat with Amy — the brilliant mind behind Steven the Insulin Pump, a children’s book that somehow manages to make diabetes tech feel funny, emotional, and full of heart. Amy’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 at seven. What followed was fear, overwhelm — and eventually, a talking pump called Steven who beeps...

In this episode, I speak with an extraordinary individual called Pete, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 69 years and hasn't let it stop him from achieving amazing feats, from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to speaking in the House of Commons. We discuss the importance of offering hope and encouragement to others managing Type 1 diabetes, the advancements in diabetes management technology li...

In this final season 4 episode of the Diabetes Squad podcast, Princess Padmaja shares her inspiring journey with Type 1 diabetes, focusing on the advancements in diabetes management since her childhood diagnosis in 1985 in Udaipur, India. The conversation delves into her advocacy efforts, her commitment to supporting newly diagnosed individuals, and the role of her family's support, particula...

In this episode we meet Jish, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes since a young age, diagnosed at two in Mozambique. She explores their personal journey, emphasizing the challenges faced due to lack of healthcare access, contrasting with her subsequent experiences in the UK. She shares her transition to using advanced diabetes management devices and details their passionate pursuit of a career in s...

In this episode we meet Katie, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 18. Despite her fears of blood and needles, Katie has shown incredible resilience and ambition. She shares her personal journey, from the shock of her initial diagnosis to her determination to continue living life to the fullest. Katie talks about her experience participating in fundraising activities, such as runn...

In this episode, we talk to George, a passionate traveller and surfer who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just six months ago. George shares his journey from diagnosis, the challenges he faced, and how he continues to live actively and adventurously, even while managing his diabetes. He talks about his lifestyle changes, the support he has received from friends, and the importance of maintainin...

This heartfelt episode we speaks with Bella, a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic, who shares her personal journey from initial diagnosis to finding strength and support in community. Bella, a chocolate buying assistant, describes how she missed the telltale signs of diabetes and her subsequent experience of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). She appreciates the overwhelming support from her boyfriend and...

In this episode, I speak to Professor Partha Kar, a prominent diabetes consultant and NHS England's diabetes policy lead. We discuss recent innovations in type 1 diabetes management, including the hybrid closed loop systems, continuous glucose monitors, and exciting advancements in technology aimed at fully automating diabetes care. Professor Kar shares insights on his journey in diabetes car...

I'm baaackk!! I'm so excited to share a brand new series with you.  And trust me, this one is not one to miss! Get ready to join the Diabetes Squad for an unforgettable Season 4! 🎉🌟 If you're living with Type 1 Diabetes and chasing your dreams, this is the podcast for you. We're diving deep into the theme of AMBITION , and the challenges and triumphs of managing T1D while pur...

WOW SEASON 3 IS OVER... AND SO IS 2023!!  I am so grateful to everyone that has supported Diabetes Squad for the last few years.  Have a listen to my highlights aka my Hypers & Hypos of 2023. These are all the wonderful people that took part, woop woop! EP1 Sugar Coated Love - @typeltoucan EP2 Education, Education, Education - @hannah2310 EP3 Finding inner peace with T1 - @type1gitotheo EP4 Fa...

In this episode we talk to Grace Shushh,  managing sugars is hard enough but doing it whilst performing on stage is next level.   What an absolute inspiration!!! Also, after we had this chat I actually went to see Grace perform a solo show in London and WOW. They were incredible.  What a singing voice! I really do recommend either seeing them in a solo show or at a drag brunch.  And if you go up t...

Funny how types 1’s have a way of meeting and getting contacted. Katie is the brains behind the fantastic brand Hid-In. She single-handedly saw a design problem and created a brilliant solution to help fellow type 1 diabetics. Listen to how she navigated through the fashion industry whist coming to terms with her own type 1 diabetes diagnosis ... check Katie's amazing products here @hid_in

This seasons international guest, a motivated, creative and centred person with kindness at the core of his social media content. Looking at his our Type 1 management with a centred and black to ‘’Mother Earth’ approach. Check out his wisdom via @type1gitotheo

Let’s continue this season by talking to an outstanding and dedicated secondary school teacher. Hannah has learnt to navigate through the role and manage a hybrid loop system. I really hope this episodes inspired a generation of young types 1’s to be ambitious when it comes to their career.

I've always wondered, what would it be like to have a Type 1 boyfriend?  It's already exhausting managing T1 diabetes as an individual, but I guess the biggest perk is they understand every thought, every feeling, and all the frustration. Emma and Mike got in touch with me to share their love story, and how type 1 diabetes brought them together.   You won't believe where they met......

I'm back with a brand new season that I'm so excited to share with you! There are loads of empowering conversations about Type 1 diabetes with our amazing community coming up. Here's a sneak peak as to what's coming over the next few weeks...

It's summer time and schools are out.. gosh I’ve had a lot of time to reflect during my time off too. This time a year ago Diabetes Squad podcast didn't even exist, but the in-school programme had just finished another year.  The podcast was not meant to be a thing, I never envisioned it. I remember speaking to the Head of School, wanting to launch the termly meetings for all nine Type 1...

Oh my days what an absolute ray of sunshine Juliette is, in this episode we get talking about her creative process when designing and making stickers for her brand Type 1 Untangled.  We discover that Type 1 diabetes are the most creative people as we have to make smart choices all the time.. 24/7.  Fun fact, Juliette is a twin and her sister does not have Type 1, we talk about the highs and lows…...

We’ve heard so much from other Type 1's but I wonder what’s the whole diagnosis thing is like for parents. Through the Diabetes Squad Instagram page I connected with Rachel, a mum from the USA. In fact I ordered a few stickers from her Etsy page and we got talking about how she started her business… as she's a mum of a Type 1 son, Liam.  Join us and listen to the raw and honest account o...