Think Like a Pancreas: Everyone Has a Diabetes Diagnosis Story

Welcome to the 100th episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast! To mark this momentous occasion, we are launching a special series inspired by the book that started it all. Join us twice a week for the next five weeks, as we share insights from each chapter of this incredible book. In this episode, Katlyn Agosta, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CDCES, sits down with author Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES, to talk about his diagnosis story, how it shaped his life, and how it changed his career path. During their conversation, Gary reflects on his 1985 type 1 diagnosis and how management has evolved from "guillotine" finger-poke devices, exchange diets, and NPH insulin. Katlyn also shares her diagnosis story as well, and together they highlight the progress in diabetes care and discuss irreplaceable value of human insight in diabetes management.   MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Katlyn Agosta, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CDCES is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and nurse practitioner who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2002. She is currently rocking an automated insulin delivery system, but has years of personal and professional experience with a variety of diabetes management approaches. After earning her bachelor’s in nursing from George Mason University in 2010, Katlyn became a board-certified nurse practitioner in 2020 and provides primary care services locally for patients in Florida. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Every insulin user has a backstory worth hearing. Gary shares his story for readers to better understand that he truly does understand what he is talking about.   ✔️ Both Gary and Katlyn emphasize that despite advances in technology (including AI), diabetes management remains deeply personal, and one-on-one care is central to how IDS works with patients. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:19 Meet Gary Scheiner 03:47 Registered Nurse vs Nurse Practitioner. What is the Difference? 06:39 Gary’s Diagnosis and Care Changes Over Time 11:18 The Exchange Diet vs Carb Counting 14:52 “Fast” Acting Insulin 16:18 Discovering Diabetes Self-Management 18:27 The Value of a Clinician Over AI 20:06  Katlyn’s Diagnosis Story 23:33 Closing Thoughts RESOURCES: Fear of Low Blood Sugars. Breaking it Down with Bill Polonsky   https://youtu.be/s3TtvAB409Y?si=oW15UoLwRHS9Vx6r Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition 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 [email protected] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! 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.