Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In today's episode, I talk about the importance of mental health on blood sugar stability. Every person living with diabetes has dealt with challenges within their mental health. But do you know how to navigate these complex feelings and emotions? That's what I hope to share with you today...

💡 Key Takeaways:

• The importance of giving yourself grace.
• You have a choice to take action or not managing your diabetes.
• How to build habits that keep you grounded.
• Being hyper focused on what you can control vs. what's out of your control.
• Have a diabuddy that you can all when you're having a difficult time managing your diabetes.
• Why being grateful for what we have living with diabetes can improve your mental health and help you THRIVE.
• Why it's important to have checklists.
• Build a plan - diabetes is more than counting carbs and taking insulin
• How I began to accept diabetes for what it is instead of putting energy into what I can't control.

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

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Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In this episode, I sit down once again with returning guest and college athlete Jaci Carpenter for an honest conversation about the realities of navigating diabetes care as a young adult. From frustrating endocrinology visits and inflated medical costs to learning how to advocate for yourself and manage nutrition beyond “just taking insulin for what you eat,” this episode shines a light on what so many people with diabetes face every day.

Our Deep Dive Includes:

• Why Jaci’s recent endocrinology experience left her classified as a “high-risk diabetic” — and what that really means
• How the healthcare and insurance systems often fail those who are doing everything right
• The emotional and financial weight of affording insulin, CGMs, and pump supplies
• Learning to question outdated medical advice and advocate for your own care
• The difference between textbook diabetes management and real-life diabetes management as an athlete
• Why nutrition is more than carb counting — and how to make food choices that support long-term health and stability
• Finding balance between discipline, mental health, and living your life freely with diabetes

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You have the right to question your doctors and find a provider who listens.
• Managing diabetes goes far beyond insulin and carbs — it’s about awareness, flexibility, and sustainability.
• Don’t let diabetes dictate your dreams or limit your career choices.
• Positivity isn’t about ignoring the hard days; it’s about finding control in what you can manage.
• “Everything in moderation” applies to both food and mindset.

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey.

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM befo

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In today's episode, I sit down with Jax & his mother Ashley, who share their candid and heartfelt journey of living with type 1 diabetes. Jax & Ashley open up about the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of managing T1D, the importance of authenticity, and how self-awareness can become a source of empowerment.

The conversation dives into how vulnerability, community, and open dialogue can change the way we see diabetes—and ourselves. Jax’s story is a reminder that living authentically with T1D isn’t about perfection, but about resilience, compassion, and growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Jax’s diagnosis journey and early experiences living with type 1 diabetes.
• The emotional side of diabetes management—navigating burnout and vulnerability from the parent and child's eyes.
• The role of mental health and community support in daily diabetes care.
• Why progress matters more than perfection when managing T1D.

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Instagram

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey.

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In today's episode, I sit down with Erika Buenaflor. Erika is a speech pathologist and group fitness instructor who was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018 and properly diagnosed with type 1 in 2021. She’s been adapting to her diagnosis ever since. Driven to build representation in fitness for those with chronic conditions, she’s passionate about fostering community and inclusivity in every class she leads.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why advocating for yourself is so important at your most vulnerable times.
• Erika’s diagnosis journey and how she learned to take ownership of her health.
• The emotional and mental challenges of living with T1D—and how she’s overcome them.
• How community and shared experiences can help you feel less alone.
• The importance of daily habits, mindset, and structure in creating stability.
• Why it’s essential to show yourself grace and celebrate small wins.

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Erika's Instagram

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey.

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for managing blood sugar—but it can also be one of the most frustrating. In this solo episode, Coach Ken continues the 42 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar series with Part 5: Biological Factors.

In today's episode, I break down the different types of biological factors that impact your BS. These factors are what I call silent killers because more times than not we don't recognize that they are a problem.

DiaTribe - The 42 Factors That Affect Blood Glucose

Bright Spots & Landmines: By Adam Brown

Previous Episodes In This Series:

• Part 1:
• Part 2:
• Part 3:
• Part 4:

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In this episode I sit down with Emma & Sam, who shares their story of having a young type 1 diabetic while navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Emma opens up about their son's diagnosis, the impact of T1D on pregnancy and postpartum life, and the ways she’s learned to balance her health with raising a family. Emma & Sam also talks about the emotional side of diabetes management, from burnout to resilience, and why having the right support system matters so much.

Her story is both relatable and inspiring, offering encouragement and practical insights for anyone living with T1D—especially parents.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Emma’s diagnosis story and how her and Sam adapted to life with a son living with T1D.
• Pro-Tips on how being a caregiver with your spouse.
• The challenges of balancing parenting, work, and diabetes caregiving.
• The importance of self-compassion and mental health.
• Why community and shared experiences help lighten the load.

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Emma's (parent) Instagram:

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In this episode, I sits down with Renee Puleo, who shares her powerful story of living with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at a young age, Renee has faced the highs, lows, and daily challenges of T1D while also carving her own path toward resilience and strength.

Renee opens up about the importance of mindset, how her approach to health and life has evolved, and what she’s learned about balancing diabetes with personal growth, relationships, and self-belief. Her story is a reminder that diabetes doesn’t define you—it shapes you into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more capable.

This episode is filled with honesty, encouragement, and practical lessons for anyone navigating life with a chronic condition.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How Renee’s early experiences with T1D shaped her perspective on health.
• The role of resilience and mindset in managing diabetes long-term.
• Why self-belief and grace are essential for navigating burnout.
• Lessons learned from balancing personal life, health, and diabetes.
• The importance of sharing stories and creating community.

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Renee's Instagram:

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

In this solo episode,I dive deep into one of the most debated topics in diabetes care: A1C versus Time in Range—and why both still fall short without focusing on what I call Diabetes Stability.

I shares my perspective on why A1C alone doesn’t tell the whole story, how time in range can (and should) be customized to your needs, and why identifying your personal target number instead of target range matters more than just hitting Time In Range. Most importantly, I explain how living in alignment with the Five Pillars of Diabetes Success—mental health, strategic dosing, consistency & routines, nutrition, and physical well-being—creates long-term stability and reduces the burden of diabetes burnout.

This episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement for anyone striving to feel more confident and in control of their diabetes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Why A1C alone doesn’t reflect the realities of life with T1D.
• The benefits—and limits—of using time in range as your primary metric.
• How to define your personal target range and target number.
• The importance of avoiding perfectionism and preventing burnout.
• How the Five Pillars of Diabetes Success create true stability.
• Why your belief in your own capacity matters more than anyone else’s opinion.

Episode Resources:

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show