You know that feeling when you think you've got diabetes figured out, and then life throws you another curveball? That's exactly what happened to today's guest, and honestly, her story is going to both break your heart and fill you with so much hope.

I'm sitting down with Samantha Sauer, the incredible leader behind G-PACT, to talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention: living with Type 1 diabetes AND gastroparesis. If you've never heard of gastroparesis, it's basically when your stomach decides to take a permanent vacation from doing its job—delayed stomach emptying that makes blood sugar management feel like you're playing a game where the rules keep changing.

Here's what we're diving into:

-What it's really like when food just... sits there for hours (or days!)

-How Sam went from feeling completely overwhelmed to becoming a fierce patient advocate

-Practical insulin timing strategies that actually work when digestion is unpredictable

-Why self-advocacy isn't just nice to have—it's literally life-changing

-The community and support that can make all the difference

Sam's journey from patient to advocate is honestly incredible. She's proof that even when life hands you multiple chronic conditions, you can still show up, make a difference, and help others feel less alone in their struggles.

Whether you're dealing with gastroparesis yourself, supporting someone who is, or you're just curious about how people navigate multiple chronic conditions with grace—this conversation is going to stick with you.

🎧 Watch or Listen to the full episode on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple 

Podcasts & all other major podcast platforms - the link is in our bio & at DirectDiabetes.com.

Connect with G-PACT:

Instagram: @4gpact

Facebook: @GPACT

Website: G-PACT.org

Podcast: Surviving Out of Spite

Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast:

✅ Follow Madi @type.one.type.fun

📚 Get her FREE book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment on TypeOneTypeFun.com/book

🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com

🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com