In Episode 39 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Kathyrn Alvarez speaks with Austin Sympson who shares his journey of living with type 1diabetes while pursuing a PhD and working in the pharmaceutical industry. He discusses the challenges of managing diabetes alongside his busy life, his goals for family planning, and his transition to using open-source Android APS for insulin delivery.

Through this conversation, listeners will uncover how Austin balances academic pursuits, a professional career, and an active lifestyle, all while managing diabetes with cutting-edge technology.

Discover actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights into diabetes management, family planning, and embracing open-source innovation for better glucose control.

• Why Austin switched from the Tandem t-SlimX2 insulin pump to Android APS and the game-changing features of this open-source technology.
• How Austin manages his busy schedule as a PhD student, researcher, cyclist, and husband while keeping his glucose levels in check.
• The flexibility and customization options offered by Android APS, including micro boluses and temporary targets.
• How Austin’s journey to lower his A1C impacts family planning and his approach to long-term health.
• How to navigate cultural differences in food, and staying active abroad.
• How the Android APS community empowers users to build confidence and overcome challenges in adopting new systems.

00:18 Welcome and Disclaimer

00:58 Meet Austin Sympson-- PhD student, cyclist, pharmaceutical researcher, and person with diabetes

05:12 Why Austin chose to work with Integrated Diabetes Services

10:14 What made Austin decide to use Android APS over his traditional insulin pump

15:19 Why Austin does NOT use a GLP-1 to help manage his diabetes

19:45 Understanding the AAPS Objectives

27:35 Did you ever have "buyers regret" about moving to an open source system?

30:04 Continuous Glucose Monitors and Open Source Systems

33:36 The Insurance benefits of AAPS

36:35 Kathryn's early thoughts on the Twist insulin pump

39:44 Navigating carb counts in foreign countries

42:41 The AAPS community is a helpful, global community

https://www.type1university.com/diy-open-source-automated-insulin-delivery-aid-systems/

https://loopkit.github.io/loopdocs/

https://www.loopnlearn.org/

http://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/

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.

✔️If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to like, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

✔️You can start working with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team by visiting https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/

✔️AND...Don’t let the complexity of open-source systems deter you from experiencing their benefits. Reach out to Integrated Diabetes Services for expert coaching and start your journey toward better diabetes management today!

In Episode 38 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Gary Scheiner celebrates fathers who have diabetes and those with children diagnosed with the condition.

He is joined by Tom Karlya, Vice President of the Diabetes Research Institute and well-known in the diabetes space as the 'Diabetes Dad.'

In this episode, Tom and Gary explore their personal journeys, the unique challenges fathers face, and effective communication strategies for families dealing with diabetes.

They highlight the importance of being present, supportive, and educated about diabetes, offering valuable insights and resources for all dads navigating this journey.

• Dads have unique experiences in diabetes care.
• Communication is key in co-parenting with diabetes.
• It's important for dads to engage in their child's care.
• Finding a community is crucial for support.
• Every experience with diabetes can lead to personal growth. Living with diabetes is a daily challenge that requires resilience.
• Parents of children with Type 1 diabetes face unique emotional burdens.
• Resources like diabetesdad.org provide valuable support for parents.
• Screening for Type 1 diabetes should be a regular practice for families.
• Empowerment through education is key for parents and children alike.
• Maintaining a sense of humor can help families cope with diabetes.
• Understanding the emotional impact of diabetes can improve family dynamics.
• Being present in a child's life significantly affects their well-being.
• Advocacy and awareness are essential in the fight against diabetes.

00:18 Welcome and Disclaimer

01:11 Meet Tom Karyla--Diabetes Dad

06:53 Why should we talk about the role of dads in diabetes care?

09:35 How can dads play a bigger role in their child with diabetes' care?

14:00 Are there silverlings to have a child with diabetes?

15:30 Having diabetes is living life with an Asterix

19:15 Understanding the Parent's Perspective

20:47 Resources for Dads with Type 1 Kids

22:22 How do you explain your diabetes to your children?

27:10 How to explain dealing with high or low blood sugars to your children

28:48 The perks of being a dad with diabetes

29:51 Screening and Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes

32:52 Advice for Dads of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

https://diabetesresearch.org/

https://diabetesdad.org/

https://bleedingfinger.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/167718676628352/

Integrated Diabetes Services or email info@integrateddiabetes.com

More great episodes like this include:

🎧And then there were two! When you child is also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

🎧Three Moms and a diabetes diagnosis. From Oh no! to Nailed it!

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.

🩵If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to like, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Start working with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team by visiting https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/

In this Episode 37 of Think Like a Pancreas, host Gary Scheiner dives deep into the world of open-source diabetes platforms with Kathryn Alvarez, fellow diabetes educator and exercise physiologist who also lives with type 1 diabetes.

Together, they compare the features, advantages, and drawbacks of two prominent open-source insulin delivery systems: Loop and Trio.

Kathryn shares her personal journey using these platforms and provides expert insights into their functionality, customization options, and user experiences.

Whether you’ve been using Loop or are considering Trio, this episode will help you understand what makes these systems unique and how they can transform your diabetes management.

✔️Open-source diabetes platforms offer unparalleled customization and faster updates compared to commercial systems.

✔️Trio provides advanced features like fat and protein tracking, dynamic settings, and the Warsaw method for better control over delayed glucose rises.

✔️While Trio offers more personalization, the complexity of settings requires guidance from experts or community support.

✔️Integrated Diabetes Services provides a dedicated coaching service to help users build and use open-source systems effectively.

https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/

00:016 Welcome

00:59 Meet Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez

02:20 What are Open Source Diabetes Platforms?

04:02 Why are open-source diabetes platforms becoming so popular?

06:07 What are the disadvantages to using DIY insulin pump systems?

07:49 How does Trio compare to the Loop system?

11:11 How does the unannounced meal feature work?

14:02 Top three features unique to Trio.

20:05 What new features are coming to the Trio open source insulin delivery system?

21:03 Fatty meal feature helps to conquer pizza and more!

25:20 How well does Kathyrn know the Trio functions?

28:27 Kathyrn explains what SMB or super micro bolus is and why it's helpful.

29:14 Which data reporting programs work with TRIO?

29:58 Summary

32:02 Open Source Disclaimer

https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/

https://integrateddiabetes.com/what-is-a-hybrid-closed-loop-system/hybrid-closed-loop-comparisons-options/

https://integrateddiabetes.com/some-technology-updates-from-the-diabetes-world/

https://integrateddiabetes.com/6-top-tips-for-open-source-diy-diabetes-management/

Email info@integrateddiabetes.com

https://triodocs.org/

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.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Don’t let the complexity of open-source systems deter you from experiencing their benefits. Reach out to Integrated Diabetes Services for expert coaching and start your journey toward better diabetes management today!

https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/

Remember... If you would like to book a consultation with a member of the Integrated Diabetes Services Team go to: https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/