Diabetes Connections With Stacey Simms | Type 1 Diabetes |

Stefany Shaheen says she was skeptical when her family decided to try a Diabetes Alert Dog for their daughter, Elle. She shares their story and explains what to ask before deciding whether an alert dog is right for you. Shaheen's book, "Elle & Coach: Diabetes, The Fight for My Daughter's Life and the Dog Who Changed Everything" comes out in paperback this month. Stacey also talks to Dexcom Research and Development Senior Vice President Jake Leach about the new G5 mobile app for the Apple Watch and much more.   

Roddy Riddle says, "Rule diabetes. Don't let it rule you." Diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 40, Roddy was already an international cyclist and didn't see any reason to slow down. He completed the grueling Marathon de Sables ("The Toughest Footrace on Earth") and is competing right now in the 6633 Ultra, a 350 mile race that touches the Arctic Circle. Marina Tsaplina is just as tough, but in a very different way. She wants us to think about diabetes, and about all of health care, as a very human story. We talk to Marina about her organization The Betes, what puppets have to do with diabetes, and about "The Patient Voice" event.

This month, Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Stephen Ponder marks 50 years since his own diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. His book and method "Sugar Surfing" use CGM technology to practice dynamic diabetes management, anticipating where blood sugar numbers will be rather than reacting to where they've been. Dr. Ponder also answers questions from parents about independence, A1Cs and fear.

Ryan Reed started racing at age 4, but when he was diagnosed in 2011, he was told those days were over. Instead, Ryan found another doctor and surrounded himself with a "diabetes pit crew" of support. 5 years later, we talk about NASCAR, type 1 management and his Drive to Stop Diabetes partnership with the ADA. Stacey also talks about whether to celebrate "diaversaries" and brings up important information about a Dexcom alarm notification. 

"My Diabetes Secret" is a place to share thoughts, frustrations and experiences online while staying anonymous. Creator Christopher Snider is also behind #DayOfDiabetes on Twitter and hosts the podcast "Just Talking. Diagnosed with type 1 in college, Snider shares why social media is important to his diabetes management and why he'd like to help other health communities with the "My Disease Secret" platform. Stacey also shares some advice she's been given for dealing with Dexcom-related skin issues. 

Sam Fuld returns for his tenth season of Major League Baseball this year, now with the Oakland A's. He was diagnosed at age 10 and found inspiration in established Major League players who had type 1. Now Fuld holds a yearly sports camp for kids with diabetes where all the coaches have T1D as well. Stacey also talks with Yoga instructor Rachel Zinman, who was misdiagnosed for six years! She says it was a relief to finally find out she had type 1 diabetes. 

In 2013, Bryan Mazlish created a home-made artificial pancreas system for use by his wife and son, both of whom have type 1 diabetes. Because Mazlish preferred to stay anonymous, a reporter dubbed him "Bigfoot." In 2015, Mazlish went public and partnered with two others to create Bigfoot Biomedical. Their goal is to bring this technology & other products to market in order to improve the lives of people with T1D. In our Community Connection, Stacey finds out about Hockey Fights T1D, a new JDRF fundraiser in upstate NY sparked by a two year old's diagnosis.

Three of the advocates behind the Spare a Rose charity campaign explain how it helps children with diabetes in the developing world. Kerri Sparling, Scott Johnson & Bennet Dunlap also play a few diabetes-news games with listeners. This episode is our contribution to Diabetes Podcast Week, a first of its kind effort organized by Stacey.

Julie Allred was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10, a generation ago. Told she wouldn't live past 30 and would never have children, Julie proved her doctors wrong but eventually had so many low blood sugars that she couldn't drive or leave her house unaccompanied. Two islet cell transplants as part of a clinical trial have changed her life. Julie is also a school nurse; she shares advice for parents on working with school staff.

A conversation with Dexcom Chief Technical Officer Jorge Valdez. Stacey asks about some milestones users of the G5 transmitter are waiting for, Dexcom's partnership with Google and what the future may bring. Community Connection this week is with Hope Mangiafico, diagnosed type 1 as a child, she found her voice at Diabetes Camp. Now she helps people with diabetes reach exercise and fitness goals. 

A bonus episode featuring a conversation with top executives at Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies (parent company of Animas). John Wilson is the Worldwide Vice President, Insulin Delivery and Krishna Venugopalan is the Worldwide Director, Research & Development, Insulin Delivery. They talk to Stacey about the significance of this approval, about Animas's agreement with Dexcom and what's coming next as that company moves forward with the Share, G5 and G6 versions of their CGM. 

Manny Hernandez was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult; he was first misdiagnosed as having type 2. Now with Livongo Health, Manny co-founded Diabetes Hands Foundation in 2007. This week he announced he will return to the Board. Our Community Connection this week is Anja Busse, the girl who started the petition asking American Girl Doll to add diabetes accessories to their wildly popular line. Two weeks ago, they made a diabetes kit available in stores and online. 

An IRONMAN Triathlon includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon 26.2-mile run, raced in that order and without a break. Add type 1 diabetes to the mix and you've got a challenge few people ever try. In its first year, the Riding on Insulin Endurance program saw 63 athletes complete IRONMAN Wisconsin and raised $125,000 for the group's camps. Stacey talks to T1D IRONMAN Harry Thompson, as well as Michelle Alswager, the group's development director and an IRONMAN herself. Michelle also shares the story of her son, Jesse. Diagnosed in 2000 at age 3, Jesse died ten year later, when he was just 13. All JDRF Rides for the Cure now mark mile 23 for Jesse, and for everyone who's lost a life to type 1 diabetes. 

Wrap up 2015 with a look back at our top episodes of the year. Listen to excerpts from interviews with Nightscout co-creator John Costik, Nightscout Foundation President James Weddington & contributor Kate Farnsworth. You'll hear from Moira McCarthy, the author of Raising Teens with Diabetes, Richard Vaughn, who marked 70 years of living with type 1 this year (he was diagnosed in 1945!) and Dexcom Chief Technical Officer Jorge Valdez. To hear the full interviews - or any of the interviews from 2015 - visit www.diabetes-connections.com/archives/ Happy New Year! -Stacey

Robyn Adams has a son, a husband, and a father-in-law with type 1 diabetes. She's also a Disney Planner and has advice on how to navigate a trip to Disney World (or anywhere) with diabetes. You'll also hear from Rob Myers, organizer of "Running for Ruth." His mother died last year from complications of type 2 diabetes and now he's honoring her memory by raising money to send kids with all types to diabetes camp. Stacey also talks about Diabetes Podcast Week, a project she's organizing for the week of February 1, 2016.

In Type ONEderland, Finding Hope in the Hard Places, Elizabeth Maxon tells the story of the surprises found when life does not go according to plan. Her daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and a thyroid disorder at the age of 5. Stacey also talks with Carolina Panther Kyle Love. Cut by the Patriots two years ago when he was diagnosed with type 2, Love shares the challenges of managing his professional weight (300+ lbs) with managing his diabetes. Stacey also explains why, on his 9 year anniversary of diabetes, her son wants to share an idea called #DFriends.

Author Andrew Deutscher talks about his book, Typecast, Amazing People Overcoming the Chronic Disease of Type 1 Diabetes. It's a look at how some people are able to turn their diagnosis into motivation or inspiration, allowing them to achieve incredible goals. Our Community Connection features Check B4U Drive, a safe driving program aimed at teengers with T1D.  And this week marks nine years since Stacey's son was diagnosed. She explains what she'd go back and tell herself on that day if she had the chance.

Win Jerry! Jerry the Bear is an interactive teaching toy for children with type 1 diabetes and food allergies. Stacey talks to Jerry's inventors, Aaron Horowitz & Hannah Chung who co-founded their company, Sproutel, while still in college. This year they were honored at the White House. Our Community Connection this week focuses on Project Blue November, a grass-roots social media campaign that curates T1D ideas & inspiration. Listen to find out how to enter to win Jerry the Bear (contest closes 12/8/15).

Beyond Type 1 got quite a buzz when they launched earlier this year with their "Living Beyond" Instagram campaign and "The Drop Spotted" on social media. Stacey talks with CEO Sarah Lucas about the ideas behind Beyond Type 1, and finds out how celebrities with diabetes like Sam Talbot and Nick Jonas became co-founders. Sarah's daughter, Mary is the community manager of Beyond Type 1. She shares her story and talks about what the community means to her. 

Diabetes Forecast magazine's Kelly Rawlings shares the American Diabetes Association's message for November. Kelly also talks about how, as someone with T1D, she balances bringing news for and about people with all kinds of diabetes. In our Community Connection, Stacey interviews syndicated radio host Ramona Halloway about her family's struggle with type 2 and her decision to have gastric bypass surgery.