#329: Why Pediatric Diabetes Care Feels So Different Than Adult Care

In this episode of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Faber MS, RD, LDN, CDCES and Nicole Cordoba RN, CDCES, known online as CDE Diabuddies, to explore what diabetes care looks like when providers are also patients—and why pediatric diabetes care often feels worlds apart from adult care.Rachel and Nicole share their personal diagnosis stories—one diagnosed at age 4, the other at 17—and how those experiences shaped their paths into healthcare as Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES). Together, they walk through what pediatric diabetes education which actually includes: multi-day hospital education, family involvement, hands-on insulin training, mental health screening, and structured follow-ups.The conversation dives deep into the systemic gaps that appear when patients transition into adult care, including shorter visits, less education, fewer resources, and limited emotional support. Ken and the guests discuss misdiagnosis, insurance barriers, Dexcom-induced anxiety, parental dynamics, and why flexibility—not rigidity—is key to long-term diabetes success.🔑 Key Takeaways from This EpisodeWhy pediatric diabetes care includes more education and supportHow early diagnosis shapes confidence and self-trustThe emotional toll of transitioning from pediatric to adult careWhy adult diabetes education is often limited or missingHow flexibility improves long-term diabetes outcomesThe role parents play in shaping a child’s relationship with diabetesWhy mental health support is just as important as insulin dosingHow community, podcasts, and social media fill care gapsWhat a better adult diabetes care model could look likeNicole & Rachel’s - Instagram Handle: 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 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute HereIf 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 ShowLeave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nPodcast 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.Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.Support the show