Reclaim Your Rise: Type 1 Diabetes with Lauren Bongiorno

In this solo episode, Lauren breaks down one of the most common and frustrating T1D scenarios: correcting and still running high. She starts by validating why it's so hard, and how it’s not necessarily because of the high itself, but because of the "boomerang decision" it creates. Lauren walks through the exact decision framework she uses with clients at Risely to think through this scenario clearly. From checking your insulin timing and ruling out a site issue to widening the lens on what else might be driving resistance. The goal isn't just to fix the high. It's to build the muscle of thinking through situations like this so they get easier every time. She also shares how the Risely app's Decision Domains feature brings this kind of framework to life, with voice notes and written breakdowns for the real scenarios T1Ds face every day.WHAT WE COVER:Why correcting and staying high feels so frustrating and why the gap between what you expected and what happened is the hardest partThe urge to rage bolus, why it backfires, and what to do insteadChecking the timing of your correction and understanding your insulin action windowWhy ruling out a pump site issue comes first, and how to know when changing your site is worth it even if you're not sure it's the problemWidening the lens to consider fat, protein, stress, illness, and sedentary days as hidden drivers of insulin resistanceHow to use movement to activate insulin on board before reaching for moreWhen to look at your correction factors versus treating this as a one-time scenarioHow decision frameworks reduce the energy drain of T1D over time, and how the newly launched Risely app brings this to life through Decision DomainsWHAT’S NEXT:📱 The Risely app is here! Get support for the 180+ decisions you make every day, so you can build confidence with T1D without your life revolving around it.🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.📊 Diabetes burnout is real, and it can show up in ways you don’t always expect. Take the Diabetes Distress assessment and see where you score.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode gave you a clearer way to think through the next time you're stuck high after a correction, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with T1D can find it.

About a month ago, Lauren went through a two week stretch of crazy work hours, disrupted sleep, missed workouts, and a few sick days. Her time in range started slipping and she had to figure out how to navigate it in real time.In this solo episode, she walks through exactly what happened, how she recognized her insulin sensitivity was changing, and the three options she always considers when life throws her off routine. Because waiting for perfect conditions to come back is never the answer.WHAT WE COVER:The first sign Lauren noticed that told her her insulin sensitivity was dropping The three options available when your insulin sensitivity changesHow Lauren used a hybrid of all three approaches to get her time in range from 65% back up to 80% during a chaotic two week stretchThe difference between temporary insulin resistance and a long term foundational shift in your sensitivity and how to know which one you are dealing withWhat factortends to creep up when you are out of your routine and how it impacts your insulin sensitivity more than most people realizeHow hormones, sleep, stress, illness, and exercise all play a role in shifting your sensitivity and what to do about each oneWhat parents of children with T1D need to know about insulin sensitivity changes during pubertyWHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.🏋️ Join our upcoming free live workshop to discover smarter, more strategic way to work out with T1D, while staying in range. Two timessessions available on Tuesday, May 12th.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join 20+ thousand T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode gave you a clearer way to think through what is happening with your blood sugars when life gets in the way, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with T1D can find it.

In this episode, Lauren walks through a recent day in Florida where a combination of late night pizza, an exhausting night with a newborn, a long tennis session without enough food, and a handful of chips sent her on a full day roller coaster that ended with a scary low at dinner.Lauren shares the five things she always does to reset physically and mentally following a tough blood sugar day, and why how you respond matters just as much as what caused it in the first place.WHAT WE COVER:First and foremost: EVERY T1D has bad blood sugar days, what matters is how you respond How to get to a place where these days are more rare then they are normal   Lauren’s five steps for overcoming a bag blood sugar day Why reflecting on these days is important & how to stop procrastinating it Recognizing low TIR days as data to move forward *instead of* a reflection of failure Why communicating with the people around you on bad blood sugar days matters and how to ask for what you actually needWHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.📊 Diabetes burnout is real, and it can show up in ways you don’t always expect. Take the Diabetes Distress assessment and see where you score.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join 20+ thousand T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode helped you feel less alone after a tough blood sugar day and gave you something to reach for the next time one happens, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with T1D can find it.

On April 3rd, in the middle of a regular workday, Lauren's CGM read 245 with double arrows up. She did not feel high. She bolused anyway. Twenty minutes later she was on her kitchen floor, chugging orange juice, with her blood sugar in the 30s, headed down fast. Her CGM had been over 100 points off.In this solo episode, Lauren shares exactly what happened that day, why it scared her in a way that CGM issues never had before, and what she believes needs to change in the conversation around CGM accuracy. She also talks about how to hold gratitude for the technology that keeps us alive while still being honest about its limitations and why trusting your instincts and finger pricking more often might be the most important PSA she can share right now.WHAT WE COVER:How Lauren’s CGM was recently over 100 points off, and why it led to one of the worst lows she has had in yearsThe three issues she noticed immediately after switching to the Dexcom G7 last August and how they evolved over timeWhy she believes you can hold gratitude for diabetes technology in one hand and frustration in the other at the same timeWhat she would do differently next timeThe PSA every person with T1D needs to hear about finger pricking and what happens when you override your own instinctsWHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.📊 Diabetes burnout is real, and it can show up in ways you don’t always expect. Take the Diabetes Distress assessment and see where you score.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join 20+ thousand T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode made you feel less alone in the frustrating and sometimes scary reality of managing T1D with imperfect technology, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with this disease can find it.

Erin Provost was living a busy life as a wife and mom when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 30. In 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and spent the better part of a year fighting her way through it. Just when she thought the hardest part was behind her, a routine eye appointment introduced her to one more word she never expected to hear: retinopathy.In this episode, Erin sits down with Lauren to talk about what it looks like to manage T1D through a cancer diagnosis, radiation, a hysterectomy, and the complete loss of her ability to feel her lows and highs. She talks about the guilt, the burnout, the deep fear of insulin that took root after a terrifying low, and the moment the retinopathy diagnosis finally pushed her to get the support she had been needing. She shares how coaching helped her go from 50% to 75% time in range by taking it one small step at a time, and what it meant to finally stop being angry at herself and start forgiving herself for the years of hardship.WHAT WE COVER:What it felt like to manage T1D while fighting breast cancer, how her A1C climbed to an 8.5 during treatment, and why she does not blame herself for itHow accidentally doubling her metformin dose led to a terrifying low that created a lasting fear of insulin, affecting every bolusing decision she made from that point forwardWhat it was like to lose the ability to feel both lows and highs after a hysterectomy, and how she learned to navigate T1D without any of the physical signals she had relied onThe moment at her eye doctor appointment where she finally decided she could not keep going the way she had been and sought supportHow coaching helped her take one step at a time, starting with something as simple as eating breakfast, and how those small steps compounded into real momentumWhat it means to stop wallowing, forgive yourself for the hard years, and find your way back to yourselfWHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.📊 Diabetes burnout is real, and it can show up in ways you don’t always expect. Take the Diabetes Distress assessment and see where you score.💻 Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧 Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Erin's story helped you feel less alone in the weight of everything T1D can bring, subscribe and leave a review so more people navigating this disease can find it.

Coach Lindsey has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 19 years and has been coaching with Risely for over two years. Lindsay was already a health coach in her primary role when she came to Risely as a client. She came through our group coaching program, found her footing with her own diabetes management, and knew she wanted to bring that same support to others. After completing the program, she went on to earn her National Board Certification in coaching and trained under the Risely team before officially joining as a coach. She now works with clients through the exact challenges she once navigated herself, which makes her one of the most grounded voices on what it actually takes to move from reactive management to intentional decision-making with T1D.In this episode, Lauren and Lindsey dig into the Tandem pump features that many T1D’s either don't know exist or don't know how to use to their full advantage. They cover the features most people are only using at surface level (Control IQ, sleep mode, exercise mode, temp basal, and extended bolus) and share the real-life context behind when and why to use each one. The conversation is honest about the fact that none of these are one-size-fits-all, and that getting to a place where these tools feel second nature takes time, pattern recognition, and a willingness to test and learn.WHAT WE COVER:The biggest gaps we see when people are using pumps but not actually optimizing themHow to think about your pump as a tool you can adjust, not something that controls youThe difference between reacting to your numbers and making intentional decisionsWhat Control IQ is actually doing in the background, including correction limits most Tandem users aren’t aware ofHow to use exercise mode and sleep mode beyond their intended use to help prevent highs and lowsWHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.📊 Diabetes burnout is real, and it can show up in ways you don’t always expect. Take the Diabetes Distress assessment and see where you score.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode gave you one tip you can take back and test this week, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with T1D can find it.

Many challenges with your blood sugars can be grouped into one of the two categories: habit or infrastructure. Until you know which one you're dealing with, you're likely doing patchwork (making changes that don't move the needle) and getting frustrated by nothing really changing.In this solo episode, Lauren breaks down the foundational framework she uses with every coaching client to identify exactly where the leaks are coming from. She walks through what falls under each category, why most people are unknowingly mixing the two up, and why that's one of the most common reasons people struggle to improve their blood sugars. She also covers the three most important things to understand about how habits and infrastructure interact, why 98% of people who come into coaching are convinced their settings are fine until they actually test them, and the specific order Lauren recommends starting with, so you can build momentum and start making changes that actually move your numbers.WHAT WE COVER:The ship leaks analogy…. why patching what you can see on the surface never works if you haven't found where the water is actually drainingWhat falls under the habit category What falls under the infrastructure category Why the most common mistake is treating a habit issue with an infrastructure change (and vice versa) and the real-life examples that show why this keeps people stuckWhy 98% of people who come into coaching are convinced their settings are fine and what they find when they actually test themHow to tell whether what you're experiencing is situational or a broader sign that your foundation needs to be strengthened WHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.🧡Ready to work through this framework on your own? Check out the A1C Shift Method and Insulin Sensitivity Course and get started today. 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode made you stop and ask "is this a habit issue or an infrastructure issue?" for the first time, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with T1D can find it.

Megan O'Neill is a physician associate who spent years in clinical practice before finding her calling at the intersection of diabetes care and psychology. While working at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Megan discovered the work of leading diabetes psychology researchers and it changed her entire practice, her perspective, and her passion. That foundation eventually led her to Abbott Diabetes Care, where she has spent the last eight years advocating for the emotional and psychological side of living with diabetes to be treated with the same seriousness as the clinical data.In this conversation, Lauren and Megan dig into what diabetes distress actually looks like day to day — the exhaustion, the isolation, the feeling of doing everything right and still not getting the results you hoped for. They talk about why it often goes unrecognized in clinical care, how it differs from depression, and why a good A1C doesn't always mean you're okay. They also explore how CGMs can both reduce and sometimes complicate our emotional relationship with diabetes and what it actually takes to move the needle when distress is high.WHAT WE COVER:What diabetes distress really is, how it differs from depression, and why it is still significantly underutilized as a screening tool in clinical careWhy people with an A1C under 7 can still score in the moderate to high range on the diabetes distress scale and what that actually meansThe unequal energy exchange of T1D: putting in the effort but not getting the results, and why that cycle is so defeatingHow CGMs have overwhelmingly helped reduce distress and the honest acknowledgment that alarms and constant data can also add to it for some peopleWhat the research actually says about what helps most when someone is not reaching their diabetes goals: it is not just education or medication management aloneThe one tangible step you can take in the next 24 hours if any of this conversation resonated with youWHAT’S NEXT:🧠 Discover Your T1D Archetype! Take the free quiz to understand the pattern behind how you think, respond, and make decisions with T1D.📊 Diabetes burnout is real, and it can show up in ways you don’t always expect. Take the Diabetes Distress assessment and see where you score.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this conversation helped you put language to something you have been quietly carrying, subscribe and leave a review so more people living with T1D can find it.

After coaching 2,500+ adults with T1D, Lauren discovered the T1D Archetypes. She notices there could be two people with the same A1C, and completely different remission experiences. The difference was never the numbers, it was the pattern underneath them.In this episode, Lauren and Abby Cooper (Risely's Director of Coaching) unveil something 10 years in the making: the Risely T1D Archetype framework. If you've ever followed every prescription and still felt trapped by your diabetes, this episode will finally show you why.WHAT WE COVER:Why people stay stuck with T1D (it’s never a discipline problem)The 5 T1D Archetypes: The Refiner, The Protector, The Reflector, The Devoted, and The StrategistHow unconscious coping patterns quietly shape your relationship with diabetesWhy you don't have to become someone you’re not to manage T1D well - you just need to understand your archetypeWHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode helped you feel seen - especially if you've been doing everything "right" and still feel stuck - subscribe and leave a review so more T1Ds can find their archetype.

Dylan Leonard is a filmmaker, lifelong athlete, and person with type 1 diabetes who has spent the last decade traveling the world, often in remote and high-stakes environments, while navigating the day-to-day reality of blood sugars, supplies, and unpredictability. In this conversation, Dylan shares how his early diagnosis at 15, shaped a mindset that became his anchor: “I’ll figure it out.” That belief carried him through near-miss travel moments, years on MDI without community, and the often invisible shame of managing diabetes while trying to feel “normal.”What shifted for Dylan was not just upgrading tech. It was discovering community, finding the right support, and realizing he was uniquely positioned to serve the version of himself who once felt alone and uninformed. That is what led to Breaking Limits, a multi-year documentary project highlighting athletes with type 1 diabetes and the experts who support them. This episode is a powerful reminder that education, tools, and community can change everything, and that your next chapter with T1D can be bigger than your fears. WHAT WE COVER:Running out of low snacks in a foreign country, tech failing mid-trip, and insulin chaos abroad — Dylan shares the scariest travel moments he’s faced with Type 1.Diagnosed at 15 and convinced his basketball dreams were over — the moment Dylan had to decide if diabetes would stop him or fuel him.For 10 years Dylan managed Type 1 with finger sticks, MDI, and zero diabetes community — until one turning point changed everything.From hiding his diabetes on dates and during college recruiting… to publicly sharing his story with the world.The untold story behind the Breaking Limits documentary — the setbacks, funding struggles, and why Dylan is determined to release it free on YouTube.WHAT’S NEXT:🎥Help Support Dylan’s Film. Donate and share to spread the word.📸Follow Dylan on Instagram✍️Sign up for our Live Challenging Foods Workshop💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Dylan’s story helped you rethink what is possible with T1D, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

Loren was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18, right as she was starting college. What followed were 15 years of highs and lows, not just in her blood sugars, but in her relationship with herself. From struggling with diabulimia in her early 20s to feeling anxious, burnt out, and alone, Loren shares what it was like to look “fine” on the outside while silently fighting her diabetes behind the scenes.In this episode, she opens up about the moment she realized she couldn’t keep living that way, when travel, friendships, and even future motherhood felt overshadowed by diabetes. Through coaching, she stopped dieting, shifted her focus from calories to patterns, lowered her A1C from 7.4 to 6.8 in three months, lost 10 pounds as a byproduct (not the goal), and rebuilt her relationship with food and insulin. Most importantly, she stopped seeing diabetes as the enemy and started seeing it as something she could navigate with confidence.This conversation is about more than numbers. It’s about healing your relationship with diabetes so you can stop fighting yourself and start reclaiming your rise.WHAT WE COVER:Loren’s 15-year journey with T1D, including diabulimia and hidden burnoutThe emotional toll of masking diabetes while feeling anxious and aloneWhy traditional therapy didn’t fully address the root issueHow shifting from calorie counting to carb awareness changed everythingThe specific tools that helped her lower her A1C from 7.4 to 6.8 in 3 monthsLetting go of diet culture and rebuilding a peaceful relationship with foodTraveling with confidence (and no blood sugar chaos)Preparing for pregnancy from a place of empowerment, not fearWHAT’S NEXT:‼️Finally eat pizza and ice cream without the blood sugar roller coaster: Join our free live workshop.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Loren’s story helped you feel less alone, especially if you’ve been trying to “figure it out” for years but still feel stuck, subscribe and leave a review so more people with T1D can find conversations like this.

For decades, people living with Type 1 diabetes have asked the same question: what would life look like if my body made insulin again? In today’s episode, Lauren sits down with Katie Beth Hand (13 years with T1D) and Chris (diagnosed at 10 months old, living 35 years with T1D), two of only ten participants selected for the first cohort of the Eledon clinical trial at the University of Chicago. As Patients 9 and 10, they received an islet cell transplant alongside the investigational therapy Tegoprubart, designed to prevent the immune system from attacking transplanted cells. Now, for the first time in decades, they’re watching their blood sugars rise and come back down on their own, coming off basal insulin, dramatically reducing boluses, and navigating what it means to trust a body that suddenly responds differently. This is not hype or a guaranteed cure, but it may represent one of the most significant shifts in Type 1 diabetes research in over 30 years.WHAT WE COVER:What daily life looked like before the trialHow they found the Eledon trial and what screening week in Chicago involvedWhat actually happens during an islet cell transplantWhy Tegoprubart may change the future of islet transplantationMixed Meal Tolerance Tests, C-peptide, and what their data showsThe transition off basal insulin and how they are “protecting” the new isletsThe emotional side: “Do I still say I have Type 1?”Current Blocks to Scalability and what the Islet Act IsSupport Links:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.🧑‍🧒‍🧒Our 8-week family group coaching program starts on March 25th. Enroll now to get the early bird discount that ends 2/28Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthWatch the full episode on our Youtube: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Katie Beth and Chris’s story helped you feel seen, especially if you’ve been doing the work but still feel stuck in fear, burnout, or unpredictable lows, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

In this episode, Abby Cooper (Risely’s Director of Coaching and a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes) sits down with Jessie Bennett, a mom of two in California whose 13-year-old son, Samuel, was diagnosed with T1D two years ago. Jessie opens up about what the first year really felt like: survival mode, numbness, and the constant, invisible fear of low blood sugar that can hijack your body and your mind.Together, Abby and Jessie talk about why this episode is intentionally different, because the goal is not to wait until everything feels “fixed” before you get support. Jessie shares what shifted through coaching: building a simple “order of operations” toolkit, learning to slow down the spiral, and redefining progress as being able to live even when fear still shows up.WHAT WE COVER:What the first 6 to 12 months after a child’s diagnosis can feel like, and why it’s normalHow fear of low blood sugar shows up physically, emotionally, and in decision-makingThe “invisible” anxiety parents carry, even when they look calm on the outsideWhy coaching is not about erasing fear, but changing how you live alongside itA practical toolkit for making decisions: insulin on board, trend, and “I have what I need to handle this”Redefining progress when you’re still in the middle, without rushing yourself to a finish lineKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Fear is protective, but it comes with a cost. The goal is not to shame it away. It is to stop letting it run the whole day (or night).2️⃣ Real change comes from experience, not explanation. Tools, repetition, and safety-building moments are what rewire confidence.3️⃣ Progress you can’t measure still matters. Letting your child go play at 110, trusting the plan, and staying regulated, those wins change your whole family.WHAT’S NEXT:💻Learn more about our T1D parent coaching. 📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:If Jessie’s story helped you feel seen, especially if you’re making progress but still feel fear hanging around, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

Dating with Type 1 Diabetes can stir up questions about worth, vulnerability, and whether you are asking for too much or are too much. In this solo episode, Lauren shows up as your T1D older sister, sharing real-life insight, personal stories from her own relationship, and the conversations most people avoid when it comes to dating with diabetes.You will hear why Type 1 Diabetes does not actually make dating harder. It simply reveals compatibility faster. Lauren explains how your relationship with yourself and your diabetes shapes what you tolerate, attract, and believe you deserve. This episode breaks down the red flags to pay attention to, the green flags that truly matter, and how releasing shame can completely change your dating experience.WHAT WE COVER:Why Type 1 Diabetes acts as a stress test for emotional maturityRed flags in dating that often show up early when you live with T1DHow shame around diabetes quietly impacts relationshipsThe difference between concern, control, and true partnershipGreen flags that signal emotional safety and long-term compatibilityWhy your relationship with diabetes sets the tone for how others show upKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Type 1 Diabetes does not make you “too much.” It filters out the wrong people faster. It brings clarity to compatibility and emotional readiness early on.2️⃣ The way someone responds to your diabetes often reflects how you relate to it. Confidence and self-trust naturally attract healthier dynamics.3️⃣ Healthy relationships are built on communication, respect, and safety, not perfection. You do not need a caretaker. You deserve a partner who can meet you with empathy and maturity.WHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.🧴Check out Healthy Sites: Post-site recovery patches designed to calm irritation, reduce visible marks, and support site recovery after pump and CGM removal.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode helped you feel seen, especially if you have ever worried about being “too much” while dating with T1D, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations and stop struggling alone.

Rachel Smith is an OB-GYN, lifelong mountain-lover, and person with type 1 diabetes who set out to summit Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s tallest peak, in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. After climbs like Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, she realized the biggest curiosity was not just the summit itself, but the diabetes strategy behind it: insulin safety, altitude, tech failures, and what it takes to navigate unpredictable blood sugars when you are far from help.In this episode, Rachel takes us into a 13-day Antarctica expedition (8 days on the mountain), where the sun never sets, the cold hits -50°C, and even treating a low can become complicated. You will hear what surprised her most, what she would do differently next time, and the message she wants every person with diabetes to carry with them: progress over perfection, and your goals do not have to shrink because you have T1D.WHAT WE COVER:Why Rachel chose Mount Vinson and why she decided to share the diabetes side publicly this timeThe realities of climbing in Antarctica: 24-hour daylight, extreme cold, and carrying everything yourselfManaging T1D on Kilimanjaro (manual testing) vs. Aconcagua and Vinson (pump + CGM)What happens when diabetes tech fails at altitude and in the cold (pump alarms, sensors cutting out)How Rachel kept insulin from freezing and built in backups (including guide support)Fueling strategy on long climb days: lower-carb mornings, steady carbs during breaks, and why it matteredSafety conversations with guides: how hypoglycemia symptoms can mimic altitude sicknessKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Your plan needs redundancy. Remote climbs demand extra supplies, backup delivery methods, and contingency plans for freezing, loss, and tech failure.2️⃣ The environment changes everything. Altitude, cold, disrupted routine, stress hormones, and long-duration exertion can make blood sugars feel unlike your norm. That is not failure, it is data.3️⃣ Zoom out to rebuild trust. Rachel’s CGM graphs looked more stable in hindsight than they felt in the moment, which is a reminder not to let one chaotic window define your confidence.WHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Rachel’s story helped you feel more capable, especially if you have been telling yourself “I cannot” because of diabetes, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes of a moment that made many people with Type 1 diabetes feel truly seen. Lauren visits Breakthrough T1D headquarters in New York City to sit down with Pam Morrisroe and uncover how the T1D Barbie went from an idea to a global symbol of representation. Pam shares her role in bringing community voices into the process and why getting the details right was not just important, it was everything.What unfolds is a powerful conversation about visibility, confidence, and the emotional weight of representation for kids and adults living with an often invisible condition. This episode is not about perfection or optics. It is about normalizing devices, embracing difference, and shifting the narrative from hiding diabetes to owning it with pride.WHAT WE COVER:How Mattel and Breakthrough T1D partnered to create the T1D BarbieWhy community input was essential in the doll’s designThe intentional choices behind the CGM graph, pump number, and devicesNavigating criticism and misconceptions around representationWhat visibility means for kids growing up with Type 1 diabetesKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Representation matters, especially for an invisible condition like Type 1 diabetes2️⃣ Getting it perfect is not the goal. Getting it real is what builds confidence3️⃣ Embracing what makes you different can change your entire relationship with T1DWHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode made you feel seen or reminded you that you do not have to hide your diabetes, subscribe and leave a review so more people with T1D can find these conversations.

In this solo episode, Lauren breaks down one of the most important skills for navigating Type 1 Diabetes with more confidence: spotting blood sugar patterns without getting trapped in constant data analysis. She speaks to two common experiences, the person who’s already deep in the charts but still feels stuck, and the person who feels overwhelmed and convinced they “don’t have patterns.”Lauren shares a simple, human approach to pattern recognition that prioritizes curiosity over judgment. You’ll learn how to slow down, identify what’s actually driving your out-of-range numbers, and build awareness in a way that supports your life (instead of taking it over). If you’ve ever felt like diabetes is running the show, this episode will help you shift from reacting in the moment to making decisions with more clarity and calm.WHAT WE COVER:How to identify which “group” you fall into: over-analyzing vs. overwhelmed and unsure where to startWhy changing ratios isn’t always the answer and what the graphs don’t showHow to start with awareness first, before trying to “fix” everythingFour practical ways to find patterns without living inside your CGM dataHow to build a weekly review habit using curiosity over judgmentKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ The goal isn’t perfect numbers. It’s clarity and confidence that you can repeat consistently.2️⃣ Patterns aren’t always in the graphs. Often, the real drivers are beneath the surface: fear of lows, stress, sleep, routines, and habits.3️⃣ You don’t need to find every pattern. Pick one frustrating context, slow down, and build awareness one bite-sized step at a time.WHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for 1:1 or group coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📔Get the Diabetic Health Journal: A mindful approach to achieving your best A1C.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode helped you feel less overwhelmed by your data, or gave you a clearer starting point for spotting patterns without burnout, subscribe and leave a review so more people with T1D can find this support.

In this solo episode, Lauren shares practical, experience-based guidance for people living with Type 1 Diabetes who use the Omnipod 5 and still feel like their numbers are unpredictable or frustrating. Drawing from her own life with T1D and years of coaching clients at Risely Health, Lauren breaks down common gaps she sees between simply being on a pump and truly optimizing it.Rather than focusing on perfection or medical rules, this episode highlights how mindset, awareness, and intentional use of pump settings can create more confidence and stability. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to work with their Omnipod 5, reduce common challenges like rebound highs, and use their pump as a supportive tool instead of a source of stress.WHAT WE COVER:How to find the right “sweet spot” for your max bolus settingWhat red line suspensions mean and how they contribute to rebound highsWhen and why manual mode can be helpful in certain situationsHow to use the custom food feature to break unhelpful bolusing habitsWhy stress should be treated as a real factor in blood sugar managementKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Being on a pump is not the same as optimizing it. Confidence comes from understanding how your settings actually work for your body.2️⃣ Auto mode is a powerful tool, but knowing when to switch to manual mode can prevent frustration and improve outcomes.3️⃣ Stress, habits, and mindset play a major role in blood sugar patterns and deserve just as much attention as carbs and insulin.WHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this episode helped you feel more confident navigating your pump or reminded you that diabetes does not have to be figured out alone, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

Kristin was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1997, right before she turned four. Like many of us, her early years were defined by parental support, and then college became the turning point where she had to learn how to truly take ownership. From studying abroad in Mexico and navigating T1D with a host family who did not speak English, to advocating for herself during surgery in a hospital system that largely understood Type 2, Kristin’s diabetes journey has been shaped by resilience and self trust.But even with nearly three decades of experience, Kristin still hit a wall. Her A1C was sitting at 7.1, time in range was around 63 to 65%, and she felt emotionally drained from the constant highs, lows, and pressure to “figure it out.” She was working out consistently, eating responsibly, watching her numbers closely, and still felt like the output did not match the effort.In this episode, Kristin shares what changed when she joined Risely’s group coaching program, and how she went from chasing blood sugars reactively to learning her patterns, building confidence in decision making, and feeling lighter mentally and emotionally. We also talk about the ripple effect diabetes has on relationships, why community can matter even if you already have strong support at home, and a very real story of an insulin dosing mistake that underscores how important preparation and support systems can be.WHAT WE COVER:Managing diabetes independently for the first time during study abroad in MexicoAdvocating for Type 1 needs in a hospital setting during surgeryFeeling stuck at a 7.1 A1C and 63 to 65% time in range despite high effortHormones, protein, strength training, and why “doing the right things” still can spike blood sugarHow her metrics changed: average BG (159 to 134) & time in range (up to 80%)The impact diabetes narratives have on partners and relationshipsA 20 unit insulin dosing mistakeKEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ If you feel stuck, you are not broken. You are likely missing a system.2️⃣ Confidence comes from experimenting, not perfection.3️⃣ Better numbers can come with a lighter mental load.WHAT’S NEXT:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Email us at: [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:If Kristin’s story helped you feel seen, especially if you have been putting in effort but still feel stuck, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

After 33 years of living with Type 1 Diabetes, Dori thought she was “fine.” Her A1C was steady at 6.8, her endo told her she was doing okay, and on paper it looked like nothing needed to change.But after a rushed, 15-minute endocrinology appointment where she was told “69% time-in-range is good for 33 years,” Dori walked out thinking: There has to be more than this.In this episode, Dori shares what it’s like to live with T1D for decades, especially when your diagnosis is tied to family trauma and fear of complications. She opens up about being diagnosed while her dad (who also had T1D) was facing severe complications, being told she’d never have kids, and spending years pushing down the anger, fear, and resentment that so many people with diabetes carry quietly.We also talk about what changed when she finally took the leap into group coaching, and how she went from “doing okay” to feeling genuinely free.WHAT WE COVERThe endo appointment that became Dori’s turning pointWhy many diabetes appointments don’t create real empowermentBeing diagnosed during family crisis: her dad’s complications and transplant timelineThe fear of complications after losing her dad to diabetes-related complicationsHow “you can’t do that because you have diabetes” shaped her identityJoining Taekwondo at 41 (and going for her black belt by 50)The mindset shift from “A1C is everything” to looking at the full pictureFear of lows, time-in-range, and why progress isn’t about restrictionWhat changed inside the messy middle: acknowledging emotions instead of ignoring themHow community support helped her stop carrying it all aloneKEY TAKEAWAYS1️⃣ “Doing okay” isn’t the same as feeling empowered.Dori had solid numbers, but she wasn’t getting the education, confidence, or emotional support that makes diabetes feel sustainable.2️⃣ Unprocessed emotions don’t disappear. They just get louder over time.After decades of being brave, Dori finally made space for the anger, fear, and grief that had been living under the surface.3️⃣ Better numbers don’t require a smaller life.Dori improved her results while eating out more, learning pump tools she hadn’t used in years, and living more freely, not less.What’s next:💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D. 📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf Dori’s story helped you feel seen, especially if you’ve been living with T1D for a long time and quietly thinking, I want more, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

December is busy, loud, and full of expectations even when all you want is a breath. In this end-of-year episode, Lauren Bongiorno and Risely’s Director of Coaching, Abby Cooper, slow things down and walk you through a refreshingly grounded way to reflect and set intentions for 2026 without the shame-y “new year, new you” pressure.They talk about the biggest blocks that keep people stuck (hello, fake action and learned helplessness), why your diabetes frustrations often come from a values conflict, and how to set goals that actually match the season you’re in. You’ll also get practical tools like the Odyssey Plan exercise, the Five Minute Journal, and a simple gut-check that can change how you treat yourself in the new year. If you want 2026 to feel calmer, more aligned, and more possible this one’s for you.What we cover:Why New Year’s goal-setting can feel heavy and how to take the pressure off“You don’t learn to swim by reading about water” the trap of fake actionParenting with T1D in middle school supporting independence without damaging trustAbby’s 2026 intention Kevin’s Rule (six micro-adventures per year) + Lauren’s 2026 themes presence, time, giving back, and nutrition that supports energy and patternsTools for reflection Stanford’s Odyssey Plan and the Five Minute JournalKey takeaways:1️⃣ Pick one thing not ten. Real change doesn’t require intensity. One aligned focus can shift your whole year.2️⃣ Your diabetes struggles might be a values conflict not a willpower problem. When what you value (freedom, spontaneity, health, nourishment, peace) clashes with diabetes demands, frustration makes perfect sense. Clarity creates strategy.3️⃣ Stop trying to swim upstream. Acceptance isn’t giving up, it’s working with reality so you can actually build momentum and protect your energy, mood, and relationships.What’s next:💻 Apply for coaching (1:1 or group) and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.🧠 T1D Strategy SessionsA one-time, 60-minute session with a Risely coach where you’ll audit what’s working, what’s not, and leave with an actionable plan.Note: last day to purchase is December 31 (sessions take place in January).📧 Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips + encouragement, straight to your inbox.

Dana was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 6 and has now lived with it for over 24 years. As an ICU nurse working long, intense shifts, she found herself bouncing from the 50s to the 300s, feeling exhausted, ashamed, and frustrated that she couldn’t “get it together” — especially as a medical professional. In this episode, she shares how she went from an A1C of nearly 11 to 6.4, what finally helped her break through the “stuck at 7” plateau, and the mindset work that let her feel in control of her diabetes for the first time. If you’ve ever felt alone, burnt out, or like your body is failing you, Dana’s story will give you both hope and tools.What we cover:What it’s really like to manage T1D while working 12-hour ICU shiftsThe shame of being a nurse with “uncontrolled” numbersHow Dana went from an A1C of ~11 down into the 6sWhy she stopped going to her endo for a season — and what changedUsing the A1C Shift Method + coaching to finally break past 7.0The power of pre-bolus, pattern-tracking, and reflection (not perfection)How sleep mode on her pump changed her overnights and energyMoving from diabetes controlling her life to her feeling in chargeKey takeaways:1️⃣ Mindset is the first tool. Before anything else shifted, Dana had to move from “I can’t do this” to “I can figure this out with time and support.”2️⃣ You can’t treat a complex condition with 15-minute visits alone. Endo appointments gave tiny tweaks. What really moved the needle was education, ongoing support, and accountability.3️⃣ Small wins add up to big change. From celebrating a 110 fasting BG to turning on sleep mode, Dana’s transformation came from consistent small shifts, not one giant fix.What’s next:🔗Take the A1C Shift Method Course: https://www.riselyhealth.com/a1c-shift-method  🔍For More on Today’s Topic: Click Here!  [Link past episode and/or free resource here] 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D. 📧Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise Subscribe and review:If Dana’s story made you feel less alone or more hopeful about what’s possible with T1D, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.

When Shannon’s 7-year-old daughter, Raelynn, went from gymnastics practice to the ICU in DKA within 48 hours, her family’s world flipped overnight. In this episode, Shannon shares the real story behind their viral TikTok family: the trauma of diagnosis, the mental load of T1D parenting, the role of their diabetic alert dog Spy, and how she and her husband found a rhythm that gives their daughter both safety and independence. If you’re a parent navigating Type 1 — or worried about your other kids’ risk — this conversation will make you feel less alone and more equipped.What we cover:The day a “virus” turned into an ICU DKA diagnosisHow Shannon and her husband divide T1D responsibilitiesThe impact of T1D on siblings and family dynamicsWhat their diabetic alert dog Spy actually does day-to-dayHow their TikTok community started and what it means to themThe emotional weight of screening another child for T1DKey takeaways:1️⃣ You don’t have to be fearless as a T1D parent — you just have to keep showing up.2️⃣ Kids with T1D often grow up faster, and that maturity can become a powerful advantage later in life.3️⃣ Community, tools, and support make the mental load of T1D lighter and your decisions clearer.What’s next:🔗 Follow along & learn more about the Bogg's journey  💻 Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D. 📧 Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips and encouragement, straight to your inbox.Stay connected with us: Email us at: [email protected]    IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise Subscribe and review:If this episode supported you as a T1D parent, subscribe and leave a review so more families can find these conversations

In this episode, I sit down with Shaylin Fuller, a Muay Thai fighter and Risely 2025 coaching graduate, to talk about what it’s really like when the thing you love most starts to feel dangerous because of type 1 diabetes. After experiencing a terrifying low during training, exercise stopped feeling empowering and started feeling like a constant risk she had to manage. We talk about how that fear followed her far beyond the gym and quietly began running her life. Shaylin opens up about the moment she realized she couldn’t keep choosing between her sport and her health — and how coaching helped her rebuild trust in her body. You’ll hear what it took to move from 47% to 88% time in range, and why real change happened slowly, imperfectly, and in the “messy middle.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t about control — it’s about reclaiming your confidence, your freedom, and your rise.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 🫂Stay connected with us: DM takeaways/ episode requests or email [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 

In this special 200th episode of Reclaim Your Rise, I sit down with Risely coaching alum Layne—an ICU nurse practitioner who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years—to explore a struggle I know so many in our community quietly carry: the weight of comparison, perfectionism, and those triggering “perfect” flat-line graphs. Even with an A1C of 5.8, Layne shares how she felt mentally drained from micromanaging every detail of her diabetes and questioning whether true freedom and stable numbers could ever exist together. She opens up about the years when flat graphs came only from restriction, and how that left her wondering if peace was possible without losing herself again. In our conversation, Layne reflects on how she learned to redefine progress, shift her mindset, and rebuild trust with her body in a way that finally brought her steadier days and more ease. I’m so excited for you to hear this honest, raw, and deeply relatable story. And to celebrate episode 200, I’m hosting a special giveaway for the community—details are inside!

In today’s episode, I’m boiling down everything I’ve observed in 7 years of coaching people impacted by T1D into one essential takeaway. In my experience, there is this ONE thing that is at the base of every T1D transformation, no matter who the person is, when they were diagnosed, or what their story is. I've seen it for myself and I've witnessed it for every single one of our clients here at Risely. Today, I’m sharing the number one thing that YOU can do to lower your A1C.  If you're waking up every day frustrated and feeling like you're not getting any closer to creating positive change in your life or with your diabetes, then this episode is for you! 

In this episode, I sit down with Patrick House, who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for 35 years and came to coaching feeling completely burnt out. He opens up about rebuilding trust with his body, shifting from self-blame to self-compassion, and how a late ADHD diagnosis changed everything. Let’s be honest… we don’t hear enough male voices talking about type 1 diabetes, burnout, or what it actually looks like to heal from the inside out, and Patrick’s story proves something I want everyone listening to hear. If you're looking for a sign to ask for help, here it is: 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.  ‼️ P.S. Don't forget to save your spot to celebrate World Diabetes Day on November 14th with us, virtually OR in-person: Last chance! 

Today, I’m reflecting on my 25th diaversary, 25 years since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In the past, I’ve shared this day with my parents on the podcast, but this year I felt called to sit down solo and really process what this milestone means. From the memories of my diagnosis at seven years old to the lessons I’ve learned along the way, I’m sharing how my relationship with diabetes has evolved over a quarter of a century. My hope is that no matter where you are in your journey, five seconds in or fifty years, you’re reminded that it’s never too late to shift lanes, grow, and create the life you want with diabetes. Giveaway details below! 🎊 To celebrate 25 years of living with type 1 diabetes and to thank this amazing community, I’m hosting a special giveaway! Here’s how to enter:1. Leave a star rating for the podcast on Apple Podcasts (give it whatever rating you truly feel it deserves). 2. Go to my Instagram — @lauren_bongiorno — and comment on my 25th Diaversary post so we can reach out if you win.We’ll be selecting one winner, and this giveaway is stacked! You’ll receive:A Glokos CGM light — a calming way to check your blood sugar status at a glanceA One to One diabetes bag — stylish and functional for your daily essentialsA Type Zero pre-workout — clean, sugar-free, and designed for people with diabetesA Risely Health Diabetes Health JournalNeil Greathouse’s book, Type 1 Diabetes: True StoriesAnd your choice of Risely Health swag (t-shirt or sweatshirt in any color you like!)‼️P.S. Only a few weeks left until our 5th annual diabetes event. REGISTER HERE!🫂Stay connected with us: DM takeaways/ episode requests or email [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

In this episode, I sit down with author and mom Stephanie Fallon, whose six-year-old daughter, Posey, lives with type 1 diabetes. Stephanie’s story struck me deeply—she shares how her lifelong perfectionism was challenged when faced with the unpredictability of diabetes and how that journey reshaped her perspective as both a parent and a person. We talk about what it means to try to “win” at diabetes, the emotional toll that mindset can take, and how she learned to let go of control in favor of connection and presence. Whether you’re a parent, someone living with type 1 yourself, or just someone who’s ever felt like your worth is tied to outcomes, I think you’ll relate to Stephanie’s story.What to do now: 📲 Say hi to Stephanie on Instagram or on her website.🫂Stay connected with us: DM takeaways/ episode requests or email [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

Getting your diabetes supplies shouldn’t be so complicated and we’re here to help spread the word. Today, we’re joined by Stephen Ouellette from Byram Healthcare to unpack what’s happening behind the scenes that makes this part of life with T1D so frustrating. From prescription renewal timelines and insurance authorizations to communication gaps, we break down the biggest challenges and what you can do to stay ahead of them. If you live with T1D, you know how stressful it can be when supplies don’t arrive on time—so even if this isn’t your biggest diabetes stressor right now, consider sharing this episode to support those who are feeling that weight. Anyone in the T1D community will walk away from this conversation not only more informed, but also empowered and validated.Quick Takeaways: The surprising story behind Byram Health & how Stephen found his way into diabetes care How patient support has evolved and what that means for people living with T1D todayA behind-the-scenes look at how your diabetes supplies are ordered, approved, and shippedWhy supply delays happen (and what you can do to prevent them)The simple steps to start home delivery through Byram Health and make ordering your medical supplies stress-freeWhat to do now: 📲 Learn more about Byram Health. 🫂 Stay connected with us: DM takeaways/ episode requests or email [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 💻 Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. ‼️P.S. Our annual event Rising Above T1D is BACK! 🎉 Join us this World Diabetes Day, virtually or in-person, in Chicago on Friday, November 14th & don't miss our exclusive in-person coaching workshop on Saturday, November 15th! 🎟️Virtual event tickets are free, but you need to register to save your spot: REGISTER HERE!

Meet Coach Alejandro, the newest member of our Risely Health coaching team! His journey with type 1 diabetes is deeply personal, from being the first in his family diagnosed to later supporting his young daughter through her own diagnosis. Instead of letting diabetes define their story, Alejandro turned it into his purpose, becoming a health coach and diabetes educator to help others find more freedom and confidence in their own journeys. We also share a special announcement: Risely is now offering coaching in Spanish, and Alejandro is leading the way in expanding our mission to support even more people living with T1D around the world. Please share this episode to help us spread the word! Quick Takeaways:Alejandro’s Personal Journey with T1D: “Diabetes became like a shared language in our family across three generations.”Life-Changing Experience Before Receiving His T1D diagnosis Finding Purpose Through His Diagnosis: “I realized why I had been diagnosed…”From Lived Experience to Coaching Others: “With the right mindset and support, life with diabetes can be not just manageable, but deeply meaningful.”Advice for Handling Tough Blood Sugar Days (as a T1D & T1D parent) What to do now:🫂Stay connected with us: DM takeaways/ episode requests or email [email protected]   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthTikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 💻Apply for coaching:Work with Alejandro or another Risely coach and start reclaiming the life you deserve!‼️  REGISTER HERE for our annual event, Rising Above T1D!Join us this World Diabetes Day—virtually or in person in Chicago—on Friday, Nov. 14th.Don’t miss our exclusive in-person coaching workshop on Saturday, Nov. 15th.Virtual tickets are free, but you must register to save your spot. 

In this solo episode, I’m spilling all the behind-the-scenes details from filming Beyond Type One’s Go Beyond campaign with Nick Jonas, Billy Porter, and more. From navigating pregnancy on set to what this experience taught me about breaking stigma and owning your story, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Plus, I’m dropping a sneak peek at our Rising Above World Diabetes Day event featuring Dancing with the Stars’ Rylee Arnold!Quick Takeaways:Inside scoop from the Go Beyond Campaign by Beyond Type 1 Behind the scenes of filming a T1D shoot “At one point, Mr. Nick Jonas walks in…”How impactful misconceptions are (especially to the T1D community) Big announcement about our upcoming event for World Diabetes Day 📲 Beyond the Misconceptions: Watch my feature on IG + the full video! 

This episode is in honor of Kylee Breann Whitley, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend living with type 1 diabetes. In this deeply emotional conversation, Dr. Joren Whitley opens up about the life and loss of his sister, Kylee-a bright, adventurous young woman who lived with type 1 diabetes and battled diabulimia, an often-misunderstood eating disorder. This is not just about loss, it is a call to action for families, friends, and healthcare providers, and what we can all learn from one family’s journey. While this episode touches on heavy topics, it’s ultimately one of love, remembrance, and hope. If you know someone living with type 1 diabetes, what you hear today could truly save a life. Please share it and help save lives. Quick Takeaways:The annual mortality rate for diabulimia is estimated to be 34.8% (yet it wasn’t recognized in literature until after 2007).“I help hundreds of people every single week, and I couldn’t help the one person who was closest to me.” – Dr. Joren WhitleyA type 1 diabetes diagnosis through a sibling’s eyes: “I just remember her struggling.”The hidden danger of diabulimia: how insulin omission and lack of awareness can turn deadly.The call to action: what Kylee’s story teaches us about advocacy, early intervention, and the power of speaking up.What to do now: 📲 See more from Dr. Whitley🚨More Diabulimia Support: Call 1-425-985-3635, click here or listen to our episode (#108) with the founder & executive director of the Diabulimia Helpline🫂Stay connected with us:  💻: Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.  IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealth | TikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise ‼️Our annual event Rising Above T1D is BACK! 🎉  Join us this World Diabetes Day, virtually or in-person in Chicago on 11/14/2025 🎟️: REGISTER HERE

Today's guest is a dear friend of mine who I've shared many meals with, a few stages before, Kyle Banks. In the middle of living out his dreams, performing on Broadway and working with some of the biggest names in the music industry, a type 1 diabetes diagnosis changed everything. In this episode, Kyle shares his journey from the bright lights of Broadway to starting up Kyler Cares and how that work has grown from helping a few families in his network with diabetes to serving over 2000 students with T1D in the New York City public school system. We'll talk about the problems these kids and families are facing, how Kyle secured a major grant to tackle them, and why this work has the potential to scale nationwide. This conversation is going to be inspiring, eye-opening, and one that you're going to want to hear all the way through. Quick Takeaways:Kyle’s story Addressing the needs of T1D families and getting them the support they need The biggest problem kids with Type 1 Diabetes are facing in public schools right now Project 31 What to do now: ‼️ Our annual event Rising Above T1D is BACK! 🎉  Join us this World Diabetes Day, virtually or in-person, in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 14th. Don't miss our exclusive in-person coaching workshop on Saturday, Nov. 15th. Virtual event tickets are free, but you need to register to save your spot.Early bird pricing for in-person event + workshop tickets ends Oct. 14th.🎟️ REGISTER HERE: [www.riselyhealth.com/type-1-diabetes/rising-above-t1d-2025]📲Stay connected: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.📩Send us a DM: Share your takeaways, questions about the episode and/or ideas for our next recording via direct message on IG to either account linked above. 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

If you've been afraid of carbs or you were told that eating fewer carbs is the only way to manage blood sugars, today's episode is for you. We’re breaking down everything that people with T1D need to know to make empowered choices with food and have a healthy relationship with it. To help us understand why we need carbs and officially debunk these myths, is Bridget Wood– Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, highly respected expert in diabetes and nutrition, with over 15 years of personal experience living with T1D. This is what a conversation about T1D and food should actually sound like. Be sure to share it to help this message reach more people in our community. How your relationship with food shapes your diabetes management Debunking the myth that all carbohydrates cause high blood sugarOvercoming fear of insulin and fostering a positive relationship with itThe lasting impact of restrictive dieting: “When we remove things from our diet, our relationships with food can be tainted forever.’ 5 tips for able being able to eat carbs and stay in range more effectivelyWhat to do now: 📲Follow Bridget on IG!   ‼️ Our annual event Rising Above T1D is BACK! 🎉  Join us this World Diabetes Day, virtually or in-person, in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 14th. Don't miss our exclusive in-person coaching workshop on Saturday, Nov. 15th. Virtual event tickets are free, but you need to register to save your spot. Early bird pricing for in-person event + workshop tickets ends Oct. 14th.🎟️ REGISTER HERE: [www.riselyhealth.com/type-1-diabetes/rising-above-t1d-2025]💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 🫂Stay connected with us:   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealth TikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 📩Send us a message: DM us your takeaways, questions about the episode and/or ideas for our next recording via direct message on IG to either account linked above. (Or send email to [email protected]) 

Have you ever wondered: What if, in those early days after diagnosis, there was something you could do to help protect the insulin your body still makes? In this episode, we’re exploring exactly that. I'm joined by Ulf Hannelius, CEO of Diamyd Medical, to talk about a therapy that could be a game-changer for people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It's called GAD therapy, and it's currently being studied in the DIAGNODE-3 clinical trial. We dig into the science behind this investigational treatment and the hope it offers for preserving the body’s remaining insulin production. Ulf not only explains the research in simple terms, but also shares his vision for the future of T1D. We know how overwhelming diabetes research can feel, but this is one conversation everyone in the T1D community should hear, especially if you or someone you love is facing a new diagnosis.Quick Takeaways:The latest research aiming to protect insulin production after a type 1 diabetes diagnosisA clear breakdown of Diamyd Medical’s GAD therapy and the DIAGNODE-3 trial — what it is, who it's for, and why it offers hope for the future of T1DWhat’s actually happening inside the body of someone newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetesDefining T1D terms you’ve probably heard but no one ever defines: Honeymoon phase, C-peptide, Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes, Antigen-specific therapy, GAD65 + more What to do now: 📚Read more about the DIAGNODE-3 trial + see what else Diamyd has been up to recently here! ***Disclaimer: Interested in participating in the trial? You must be: Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within the last 6 months. And between 12 - <29 years of age.📩SHARE this episode: Whether it’s with another T1D, a loved one, or even your endocrinologist.  📲Stay connected: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

Parenting kids with type 1, especially if you're in the thick of the middle school years, is already a roller coaster for so many reasons. Add a chronic illness like T1D into the mix and the emotional and developmental tension for both parent and child can feel like a lot. As someone who is going through this stage of T1D parenting right now, Abby is taking over today’s episode, to lead a conversation for parents of kids with type 1 diabetes in the middle school years. To join us in this deep dive, we have Jody Passanisi, who has spent 15 of her 20 years in education working with middle schoolers and supporting families through the most challenging and growth-filled stages of childhood. Regardless of what stage of childhood your family is in, this conversation is one all T1D caretakers need to hear. Quick Takeaways:Navigating middle school challenges with type 1 diabetes The shift from parent-led to child-led management Dealing with the loss of control as a parent Advice for motivating your child to ‘care’ about their T1D Separating your identity from your child’s diabetes  What to do now: 📲Follow Jody on Instagram 📚More T1D parenting support:- What I Wish Someone Told Me When My Child Was Diagnosed with T1D - 5 Simple Blood Sugar Hacks to Stabilize Your Child’s Blood Sugars - Our guide made specifically for new T1D parents 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 🫂Stay connected with us:   IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealth TikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealthYT: Reclaim Your Rise 📩Send us a message: DM us your takeaways, questions about the episode and/or ideas for our next recording via direct message on IG to either account linked above. (Or send email to [email protected]) 

Today’s episode was inspired by a powerful conversation…. What I’m talking about today is something everyone with T1D or if you have a child with T1D can benefit from hearing. Even those who may have heard it before, will benefit from being reminded again, too.  Quick Takeaways:Learning your patterns: Where to spend more of your time vs where you’re wasting your time The truth about how I bolus for restaurant meals and more The challenge of being able to predict your blood sugars & how to gain the skill What to do now: 📲Stay connected: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.📩Send us a DM: Share your takeaways, questions about the episode and/or ideas for our next recording via direct message on IG to either account linked above. 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Carly Piehl, a 35-year-old mom and wife who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in late 2024 while in DKA, with no family history and no warning signs. Carley opens up about what those first overwhelming months were really like, from being sent home from the ER with a 13 A1C to navigating both the emotional and blood sugar rollercoaster. Despite early progress, she still felt stuck and frustrated until she found our signature group coaching program and discovered a new way to live with T1D. We talk about what it looks like to build confidence with food, technology, and mindset, especially while managing the daily demands of motherhood and marriage + the secret to her FIVE POINT A1C DROP. This episode is dedicated to anyone out there who has ever thought: Will I ever make peace with T1D? Quick Takeaways: The #1 thing that helped Carley make this transformation of lowering A1C from 13 to below 8.0 How to build confidence with food, technology, and mindset–especially while managing the daily demands of motherhood and marriage Advice AND treatment everyone should receive at diagnosis“That's when I realized, I was going to need to find other people who had diabetes to learn…”📲Stay connected: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 🎧Hear more stories from the graduates of our signature group coaching program: https://www.riselyhealth.com/podcast/147-emily-hawkinson-on-overcoming-diabetes-trauma-if-i-don-t-choose-myself-right-now-i-m-not-sure-if-i-ever-will https://www.riselyhealth.com/podcast/169-can-you-eat-that-untangling-food-freedom-after-a-lifetime-of-diet-culture-and-t1d https://www.riselyhealth.com/podcast/86-asking-for-help-as-a-t1d-man-with-jesse-hoyt 

Today I’m joined by Dr. Juan Domínguez-Bendala, someone I know we’ll all be hearing a lot more about in the T1D world. He’s the Director of the Pancreatic Regeneration and Stem Cell Laboratory at the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami. His team just made headlines with a huge breakthrough: using a small peptide called THR-123 to regenerate insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This could be an entirely new approach to treating, and even potentially reversing, type 1 diabetes. We know how emotional and complex the topic of a cure can be, and sometimes disheartening when updates are few and far between. That’s why sharing research-focused conversations like this matters so much– so our community can stay informed, feel seen, and keep hope alive for what’s happening behind the scenes. If this episode resonates with you, please share it so it can reach every person living with or impacted by T1D.Quick Takeaways:The biggest breakthrough for a T1D cure that has been made in awhile: THR-123 Milestones in diabetes research over the last two decades How this could shape the future of regenerative treatment for T1DRole of AI in diabetes research How to support diabetes research and stay informed 🔍Keep up with the Diabetes Research Institute 's cure-focused research & progress towards a cure by subscribing to their newsletter HERE.📲Stay connected: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.📩Send us a DM: Share your takeaways, questions about the episode and/or ideas for our next recording via direct message on IG to either account linked above. 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 📖Learn more about today’s topic. 

In this episode of Reclaim Your Rise, I’m joined by Risely’s Director of Coaching and fellow T1D parent, Abby Cooper, for a conversation we’ve both been looking forward to. We’re unpacking fresh insights from two major events: the NYU Coaching and Technology Summit and the American Diabetes Association Conference. Like so many of you, I’ve been deep in learning mode with AI this year–asking questions, listening, and exploring how it can help us support people with type 1 diabetes even more intentionally. Abby and I share what we believe is coming next, from smarter insulin tech and personalized insights to more empowered food and dosing decisions. While we’re just at the beginning of this AI evolution, we hope that this episode gives you clarity, curiosity, and a sense of what’s possible moving forward.Quick Takeaways:The integration of AI and diabetes care: How to prepare for what’s coming Exploring the limitations and understanding what to be aware of Three areas that we see potentially being impacted the most for diabetes care Smarter adaptive insulin systems: The pros + cons Navigating trust issues with tech: AI hallucinations  📲Stay connected: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.📩Send us a DM: Share your takeaways, questions about the episode and/or ideas for our next recording via direct message on IG to either account linked above. 💻Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 📚Learn more about today’s topic: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11193174/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/21/what-the-data-says-about-americans-views-of-artificial-intelligence/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/software-medical-device-samd/artificial-intelligence-software-medical-device#:~:text=On%20January%206%2C%202025%2C%20the,Content%20current%20as%20of 

In today’s episode, I’m joined by our incredible lead coach, Jehan, who has guided hundreds of women through deep transformation in our signature group coaching program. Together, we unpack the most common patterns we see in women with type 1 diabetes, from fear of lows and all-or-nothing food habits to feeling overwhelmed by the daily unpredictability of blood sugars. Jehan shares her personal story and some of the exact tools we use in our group coaching program, like the “5 Whys” and belief-replacement work, to help women move from stuck to empowered. We talk about what’s really at the root of these challenges, and how real change doesn’t come from just adjusting insulin… it comes from shifting your mindset and rebuilding trust in yourself. If you’ve ever thought you’re the only one going through this, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone and that transformation is possible.Quick Takeaways:The importance of asking for help Reframing negative thoughts and limiting beliefs + building confidence in your T1D management The power of coaching, community, and getting the support you deserve Timestamps:[01:49] Coach Jehan is back: “That’s 456 lives that you have impacted and touched”[02:19] “It can be really hard asking for help and getting help”[03:38] Jehan’s personal coaching journey & her #1 transformation[08:17] Understanding diabetes distress [12:44] Root block #1: Your numbers [16:55] “It’s possible. You just haven't figured out how to do it for your body yet.”[20:53] “You need somebody else to help you create a system for it.”[22:51] Root block #2: The weekend reset cycle [24:00] Breaking the all-or-nothing mindset [29:17] Root block #3: Feeling stuck [35:37] The power of community and coaching What to do now: Join the PEP (Parents Empowering Parents) Squad, a Facebook group created by the Diabetes Research Institute. This is a place where caregivers of kids with T1D can share stories, ask questions, and learn more about how to get involved with research, advocacy, and fundraising through DRI. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

Today’s episode is going to be a bit of a deep dive into something that comes up so often in coaching conversations, in my DMs, and honestly in my own personal T1D journey—and that is: all the sneaky little things that might be sabotaging your Time in Range…without you even realizing it. If you’ve been working really hard on your diabetes management but your CGM is still looking like a rollercoaster…or you just feel stuck and frustrated…this one’s for you. So grab your coffee, your CGM graph, your notebook, whatever you need, and let’s rise. Quick Takeaways:Understanding insulin: Dosing beyond carbs, adjusting ratios, and the importance of timing How to take ownership of your T1D and get off the BG roller coaster The unexpected and most influential factors sabotaging your TIR: Mindset, sleep + recognizing your patters Timestamps:[02:02] Understanding insulin dosing beyond carbs [05:06] Importance of adjusting your rates + ratios  [07:05] Micro decisions and their ripple effects[12:50] “All roads lead back to mindset”[13:13] Taking ownership of your T1D management [15:13] Insulin timing (a game changer) [18:33] Addressing insulin resistance [20:46] How sleep impacts blood sugar stability [21:36] Recognizing your patterns What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Our signature Decide and Conquer Group Coaching Program is officially expanding to include 12 months of support for the first time ever! That’s 3 months of transformation + 9 months of continued coaching, growth, and community. Doors for the September round are open now, and early bird pricing runs through July 31st.👉 Learn more and apply here

In this week’s episode, Lauren is joined by Debbie Lehr, a recent graduate of the DCB coaching program and a type 1 diabetic of 30 years. Though Debbie had always felt in control of her diabetes, a cross-country move and the onset of menopause left her feeling stuck, isolated, and overwhelmed- resulting in her highest A1C ever. After hearing about Risely through her daughter’s best friend, Debbie took a leap and joined the program, seeking both support and a fresh start. What followed was a powerful transformation: within three months, Debbie lowered her A1C, stabilized her blood sugars, and found renewed confidence in her management. In this candid conversation, she shares how community, structure, and learning her own patterns helped her go from frustrated to empowered. This episode is a reminder that even after decades with T1D, it’s never too late to ask for help and that real change begins with connection.Quick Takeaways:Knowing when it’s time to ask for more help (and it’s never too late) Overcoming fear and gaining confidence with your diabetes The powerful role mindset AND community plays in T1D management Timestamps:[04:03] The moment Debbie felt like she truly reclaimed her life with T1D [09:21] “I really felt defeated before I went to Risley”[13:17] Debbie’s biggest wake up call: “I've learned my body and I thought I knew it before but I didn't.”[14:42] T1D + relationship to food [18:26] Navigating overwhelm and taking control [18:57] Finding AND understanding your patterns [21:39] The power of not having to struggle alone [24:58] Debbie’s A1C journey & past endo experiences [31:00] Overcoming fear with T1D management (giving ‘too much’ insulin / going low) [37:21] The importance of mindset and how to reframe it [37:47] What Debbie credits for her transformation[38:56] Dissecting the process of coaching [40:07] ‘80% mental and then 20% of doing all the steps’What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. Hear Debbie’s story on IG: HERE!

We're diving into a topic that’s generating a lot of buzz in the T1D community: GLP-1s. To break down what these medications actually do, what the research says, and how they might benefit people with type 1 diabetes, we're joined by pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Justin Gregory. We explore what GLP-1s are, how they work in the body, and why they’re attracting so much attention in T1D care. Dr. Gregory shares insights on their effects on blood sugar, insulin needs, and insulin sensitivity (and whether those benefits are purely tied to weight loss or something more direct). Whether you've only seen GLP-1s mentioned on social media or you've already started a conversation with your healthcare team, this episode brings clarity to the hype and the hope. Don't miss this conversation - we’re answering all the questions the T1D community has been waiting for.Quick Takeaways:Everything you need to know about GLP-1s: What they are, who they are meant for & why they are getting so much hypeThe impact these medications have on T1D: Blood sugar, insulin needs, insulin sensitivity, and more Breaking down the risks: Direct impact on T1D (blood sugars, insulin needs, etc.) and side effects of long-term use How GLP-1s are being prescribed off-label to type 1s and the important conversations people with T1D should have with their provider before starting them Timestamps:[03:13] Dr. Gregory’s journey into Endocrinology [03:37] “Diagnosed with T1D and I was told, your Air Force career is over…”[05:21] “My research says, what is the cost of putting too much insulin in the wrong place?”[09:43] One of the most underappreciated aspects of T1D: Insulin sensitivity  [XX:XX] “Insulin sensitivity is 30 to 50% lower in type 1 diabetes compared to mass control.”[12:34] How to determine your insulin sensitivity (and increase it)[21:13] The breakdown of GLP-1s [23:25] Understanding GLP-1s efficacy in T1D [27:09] Who will benefit from these medications vs. who might hurt [30:41] Insulin resistance with a healthy BMI: How is it possible?[34:42] Prescribing these medications to children [38:34] How GLP-1s could be used for the newly diagnosed T1D population[39:00] Dr. Gregory’s expectations for the future and evolution of these medications [41:06] Pregnancy + GLP-1s[46:24] “When you come off of it, if you're not staying on it forever, what happens?”What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.  Join the PEP (Parents Empowering Parents) Squad, a Facebook group created by the Diabetes Research Institute. This is a place where caregivers of kids with T1D can share stories, ask questions, and learn more about how to get involved with research, advocacy, and fundraising through DRI. 

Six months postpartum, I’m finally starting to feel like myself again, and in this episode, I’m opening up about what it took to get here. This season has been full of challenges, healing, and unexpected lessons. I’m sharing the honest truth about what I’ve learned, what I wish I had known, and how I’ve been navigating this transition. I’ll also walk you through the top five things I believe every new mom and her support team should know during those early months. My hope is that this conversation helps you feel more supported, more prepared, and a little less alone. You are not meant to figure this all out on your own, and you are doing better than you think. Quick Takeaways:The unexpected emotional and physical toll of postpartum, even with strong supportHow breastfeeding affects insulin needs and blood sugar patternsThe shift in diabetes motivation What managing type 1 diabetes REALLY looks like in the newborn trenchesWhy reclaiming time for yourself isn't a luxury but a necessity Timestamps:[02:48] My general experience so far as a new mom: the good, the bad, and the ugly…[05:40] The ‘newborn bubble’[06:34] What made things hard for me [6:45] Reality of breastfeeding [08:25] Postpartum anxiety + the mental load of becoming a mom [14:33] Going back to work [18:55] The 5 things I wish I knew before What to do now: To simplify your supply ordering process, learn more about Byram Health HERE or contact them at: 866-884-0857  Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. Want to hear more from Lauren’s pregnancy journey? Catch up on these episodes: 162. Giving birth with T1D: What I didn’t expect and no one warned me about 153. How I'm advocating for my T1D birth plan as a high risk patient 

Is it normal to grieve the life you imagined before T1D? In today’s episode, we’re joined by registered psychotherapist, founder of her own private practice, and fellow T1D, Kirsten Davidson, to explore just that. Together, we unpack the emotional layers of type 1 diabetes that often go unspoken. From the quiet grief of “what could’ve been,” to how blood sugars impact our emotional state, to the ways avoidance can quietly shape our relationship with T1D. Kirsten brings both personal insight and professional expertise to this conversation, offering powerful validation for the mental and emotional weight that comes with chronic illness. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this episode is a gentle, much-needed reminder: your emotional experience matters, and you’re not alone in it.Quick Takeaways:Understanding of the interplay between T1D and mental healthThe importance of allowing yourself to grieve your T1D diagnosis and process the emotional weight that often goes unspoken​​How trauma, stress, and survival mode responses can shape your relationship with diabetes over timeThe emotional impact of blood sugar fluctuations and how they affect more than just your body BONUS TOPIC: How parents can model emotional awareness and foster empowered, supportive relationships with their T1D childrenTimestamps:[02:50] Blood sugar check to start today’s episode [05:29] Physiological and physical side effects of a high blood sugar [06:13] “What are the symptoms? And then what's the story we tell ourselves about the number?”[06:36] Stress hormones & how they impact blood sugar [10:53] Working through trauma: “I had this one experience. And now anything resembling it is going to equal that experience.”[11:34] “When we're in a moment of survival, we have four options - fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.”[15:19] Allowing yourself time to grieve after your diagnosis [16:00] Rewriting the narratives you are telling yourself [20:51] Being aware of what you are thinking AND why [22:43] Navigating the emotional toll on the relationship between a parent and their T1D child  [25:10] Parental modelling & empowering your T1D child [32:27] Learning to ‘sit in the mess’[34:10] “Grieving the life that you would have had without type 1 diabetes”[38:39] The truth about having a 'it is what it is’ mindset What to do now: 🔍 Keep up with the Diabetes Research Institute 's cure-focused research & progress towards a cure by subscribing to their newsletter HERE.Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Connect with Kirsten: on Instagram @kirsten.davidson or on her website MindTheGaps.coApply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joelle Cavagnaro for a powerful conversation on what’s really going on with weight loss, insulin sensitivity, PCOS, and GLP-1s, especially for women living with T1D. We dive into the science behind smarter workouts, why more cardio isn’t always better, and how strength training plays a key role in improving blood sugar and hormone balance. With a Master's in Exercise Physiology and a passion for educating & guiding others, Joelle brings a refreshing blend of real-life experience and evidence-based guidance to help you stop chasing quick fixes and start building a sustainable foundation for health. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of trying to “figure it all out,” this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and less alone. Let’s rise above the noise together and talk about what actually works.Quick Takeaways:Navigating hormonal challenges + PCOSThe role nutrition plays in weight loss Understanding insulin sensitivity, exercising + CGMs (and how they all connect) The truth about GLP-1s: How and who they benefit Timestamps:[03:08] Meet Joelle + the beginning of her fitness journey [07:23] Key to finding the right support (for weight loss, exercising, diabetes, etc.) [08:51] Insulin sensitivity and the benefits that weight training has for that [10:53] Most superior workout (in Joelle’s opinion) [16:06] How nutrition + food play a role in reaching body composition goals[16:12] “The rule for weight loss…”[17:08] Making appropriate diet changes[19:49] Joelle’s journey with PCOS + hormones [26:03] “I stepped on the scale and the number went down…without starving or killing myself with cardio.”[29:43] Current era of GLP-1s: Who are they helping? [39:45] Non-diabetics using CGMs [53:59] Rapid-fire: Joelle’s take on what’s trending in the health and fitness spaceWhat to do now: Ready to master your body’s patterns around exercise and support insulin sensitivity + body composition? Download our FREE guide HERE. Apply for coaching with Joelle and/or follow along her journey HERE. Listen to Episode 117:   T1D Hormones, Appetite, Insulin Sensitivity, and Weight Loss with Ginger Vieira The Supply Solution I Wish I Had Sooner: After five years of using Byram Healthcare, I can say it’s made managing my supplies one less thing to worry about. Between their reliable and free delivery, seamless reordering, and access to tools like the mybyram app, it’s a total game-changer. Learn more HERE or contact them at: 866-884-0857  Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop

In today’s powerful episode, I’m joined by Steph Hauser—writer, ultrarunner, and NICU mom of four—whose son Zev was born at just 23 weeks with only a 1% chance of survival. Steph opens up about what it was like to spend 147 days in the NICU, how she turned that pain into purpose through her nonprofit 4Those, and the healing journey that led her to run 147 miles—one for each day her son fought to live. We talk about the emotional toll of medical uncertainty, the unexpected crossover with the T1D community, and how a simple question—“Tell me what’s good?”—can help shift even the darkest moments. Steph’s story is a reflection of what’s possible when we choose to rise, not just for ourselves but for others walking similar paths. Her voice is a reminder that even if it feels like the end, your story still has so much life, strength, and hope left to unfold. Timestamps:[01:19] Introduction to today’s episode and guest [06:08] The NICU journey: Zev’s birth story [07:29] “We can hold both the grief and the joy.” [10:39] Facing the impossible: Decisions in the NICU [13:55] “Tell me what’s good” [20:39] What kept them going & hopeful[49:40] Steph’s next challenge: 1,470 miles for hope [53:09] Running for a cause: The journey of endurance What to do now: To simplify your supply ordering process, learn more about Byram Health HERE or contact them at: 866-884-0857 Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. Follow Steph’s Journey: https://www.4those.org/ & on Instagram! 

In this episode of Reclaim Your Rise, I sit down with the legendary Dr. Jay Skyler, whose six decades of work have profoundly shaped the world of type 1 diabetes care. From challenging outdated pregnancy guidelines in the 1970s to pioneering immune intervention and islet transplantation trials, Dr. Skyler’s story is a living blueprint of how far we’ve come. We discuss the early days of research, the development of insulin dosing algorithms, and the quiet revolutions that transformed the lives of people with T1D. This conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of persistence, legacy, and striving for something greater than ourselves.Quick Takeaways:Pioneering some of the most profound research & advancements in T1D: From shifting outdated pregnancy guidelines to developing foundational insulin dosing algorithms.Future directions for the care and management of type 1 diabetes: What’s next in research, treatment, and patient-centered innovation.The closest update we have on a cure: What’s holding us back—and how each of us can play a role in moving the needle forward.What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. Stay connected to Dr. Skyler & DRI’s latest cure-focused research by subscribing to their newsletter HERE.