Episode Summary
It can feel like people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are fighting for their lives in a system built to wear them down. The twist is that clinicians often feel the same weight as they fight to provide care.
In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with two highly-skilled healthcare professionals from University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio: Natalie Bellini, an endocrine nurse practitioner and program director for diabetes technology, and Quiana Howard, a PhD candidate and clinical nurse research specialist.
The conversation delves into the systemic struggles that prevent people with T1D from getting the support they need to live well with diabetes. The guests, including Natalie, who also lives with T1D, discuss the gap between what people need (like insulin access, education on carbs/fat/protein, and psychosocial support) and what they typically receive (a little information and a website).
They highlight the critical role of organizations like Blue Circle Health in providing holistic, wraparound support that addresses social determinants of health—going beyond glucose numbers to help with insurance, mental health, and food/housing security. Quiana also shares her research on social vulnerability and the surprising frequency of T1D misdiagnosis among minority and underserved populations. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for a community approach, recognizing that no single clinician or system can be the "do-all end-all" for T1D management.
What You'll Learn
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What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.
Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org
Episode Summary
Navigating life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging, even for those who are highly prepared and well-equipped. In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Rob Howe, diabetes advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the long-standing podcast "Diabetics Doing Things, about his journey as a former high-level college and professional basketball player who has lived with T1D for 20 years.
Rob shares his experience being diagnosed at 16, the courage it took to be upfront about T1D during his college recruiting process, and the mental anguish of balancing elite athletics with blood sugar management. The conversation digs into why living well with T1D requires managing the physical, mental, social, and often-overlooked financial aspects of life. Ultimately, Rob emphasizes that self-advocacy is a vital skill and a muscle you can build.
What You’ll Learn
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Episode Summary
If you've ever felt extra stressed and anxious about your diabetes as the holidays approach, you're not alone! The holidays are supposed to be times full of joy and cheer, but they often bring an extra dose of stress and disruption to our T1D routines.
In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Eleni Sheehan, a fellow PWD and Advanced Practice Nurse at Blue Circle Health, to talk about the emotional challenges of navigating type 1 diabetes during the holiday season.
They dive into why feeling stressed is so common, some typical sources of those feelings, dealing with difficult family members, wrestling with unrealistic expectations, and what you can do if you encounter any "diabetes police."
Because you deserve to enjoy the holiday season and feel good about your diabetes management.
What You’ll Learn
Key Quotes
“It is a choice. You can decide what is most important to you at that time.” – Eleni Sheehan
“I want to feel happy and joyful! And I do... but I also get really stressed out and a bit anxious.” – Scott Johnson
"We get the opportunity to celebrate things and spend time with family and friends, but at the same time, it's something that is completely different than what we normally do." – Eleni Sheehan
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Episode Summary
Insurance might not be the most exciting part of living with type 1 diabetes… but it can make or break your ability to get the tools, supplies, and medications you need.
In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Neil Greathouse, a fellow T1D advocate, content creator, and producer at Blue Circle Health, to unpack the confusing world of insurance for people living with type 1 diabetes.
They dive into what every person with T1D should know about coverage, denials, appeals, and prior authorizations… and how to navigate the system without burning out. Neil shares stories from the field, insights from Blue Circle’s insurance navigation team, and a few hard-won lessons from decades of living with T1D himself.
Because when you’re fighting two wars… one against diabetes, and one against the healthcare system… you shouldn’t have to fight alone.
What You’ll Learn
Key Quotes
“People with T1D spend hours every year just trying to stay covered… that shouldn’t be normal.” – Neil Greathouse
“We want people to know they can ask for help before they hit a wall.” – Scott Johnson
“The goal isn’t just coverage … it’s confidence.” – Blue Circle Health Team
Resources & Links
Title: Introduction to Blue Circle Health
Guest: Dr. Monica Gomberg, Endocrinologist, Blue Circle Health
Host: Scott Johnson
Presented by: Blue Circle Health
Episode Summary
In this debut episode, host Scott Johnson, who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 45 years, sits down with Dr. Monica Gomberg, a practicing endocrinologist who left private practice to help re-imagine diabetes care at Blue Circle Health.
They explore one bold question:
Dr. Gomberg explains how Blue Circle Health - a completely free, six-month virtual care, education, and support program funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust - is transforming access for adults with T1D. From personalized care plans and insurance navigation to mental-health support and prescription-assistance programs, she shares how the team builds care around the person, not just the disease.
What You’ll Learn
Key Quotes
“It shouldn’t be this hard to stay alive.” – Dr. Monica Gomberg“Blue Circle Health was created to remove barriers - not add more.”“We built this program by listening to patients first.”Resources & Links