Show Notes

Everyone with type 1 diabetes has heard of the Rule of 15. Treat a low with 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, wait 15 minutes, and recheck. Simple. Logical. Universally ignored.

In this episode, we break down why the Rule of 15 sounds great on paper but completely falls apart in real life. We talk about what actually happens to your brain during a low, why waiting feels impossible, and how “just in case” turns into rebound highs, frustration, and guilt.

This isn’t about shaming you for not following the rule. It’s about understanding why it’s hard and how to work with your brain instead of fighting it, so lows stop hijacking the rest of your day.

What You Can Do Today

Think about the last time you treated a low and immediately added extra food “just to be safe.”
 Notice what made waiting feel impossible in that moment, fear, impatience, or past bad experiences.
 Decide what 15 grams of fast-acting glucose looks like for you so you’re not guessing next time.

No judgment. Just clarity.

Resources

Helpful resources and newsletter:
 https://yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor Connect

Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life for adults with type 1 diabetes. Their team helps with insulin adjustments, CGM support, burnout, and the mental load of diabetes, without fighting the healthcare system alone.
 Sign up free at:
 https://bluecirclehealth.org

Connect

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@the.betes
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebetes
Facebook: https://facebook.com/neilgreathouse
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/neil-greathouse-a607b912
Website: https://yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon

Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time
 https://a.co/d/6UHooWJ

Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories
 https://a.co/d/dfIlyI1

Show Notes

If you’ve ever brushed off a low blood sugar because you were busy, embarrassed, or convinced you could “power through,” this episode is for you. In this one, I tell the story of the only time I’ve ever passed out from a low, on the floor of a Bob Evans restaurant, and what it permanently changed about how I treat blood sugars.

We talk about how easy it is to ignore early warning signs, why low-blood-sugar brain convinces you you’re fine when you’re not, and how waiting too long turns a manageable low into a dangerous one. This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s a real-life reminder that lows aren’t just numbers on a screen, they’re moments where timing matters more than intention.

This episode is part of the Low Blood Sugar Challenge, where we’re learning to treat lows on purpose instead of reacting in panic, and building habits that actually protect you in real life, not just on paper.

What You Can Do Today

Think back to the last low where you told yourself, “I’ll deal with it in a minute.”
 Notice what made you wait, work, pride, distraction, or not wanting to make it a thing.
 Decide one early warning sign you’ll treat sooner next time, before it becomes urgent.

No perfection required. Just awareness.

Resources

Helpful resources and newsletter:
 https://yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor

Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. They help people with type 1 diabetes navigate insulin, CGMs, burnout, and the mental load, without fighting the healthcare system alone.

Sign up free at:
https://bluecirclehealth.org

Connect

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@the.betes
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebetes
Facebook: https://facebook.com/neilgreathouse
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/neil-greathouse-a607b912
Website: https://yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon

Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time
 https://a.co/d/6UHooWJ

Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories
 https://a.co/d/dfIlyI1

Show notes
Most of us treat lows with whatever is closest, juice, crackers, cookies, cereal, and then act surprised when we’re 250 an hour later. This episode walks through why glucose tablets beat Oreos, juice boxes, and random pantry snacks when it comes to speed, control, and preventing rebound highs.​

You’ll hear the science behind glucose tabs, including research showing they relieve hypoglycemia symptoms faster and more reliably than food, plus how fat, fiber, and fructose slow everything down and trick your brain into overtreating. We also talk about how using food as low treatment quietly messes with your relationship with eating, turning every low into a “free pass” instead of a medical moment.​

What You Can Do Today

• Pick one default low treatment (tabs, gel, or gummies) and stash it in the 3 places you go low most often.
• Decide your number and dose: “If I’m under ___, I take ___ grams of glucose,” and write it in your notes app.
• The next time you’re low, treat with glucose only, set a 15‑minute timer, and resist adding food until it goes off unless you’re still dropping.

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org​

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com ​

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Show notes
If it feels like every low blood sugar ends with you stuck at 240 and wondering what just happened, you’re not imagining it. This episode breaks down why over‑treating lows quietly wrecks your graph, your energy, and your long‑term risk, even when you think you’re just “saving your life” with snacks.​

You’ll hear how hypoglycemia followed by big rebounds triggers oxidative stress and blood vessel damage, why that “eat the entire kitchen” instinct is so strong, and what the research actually says about gradual correction versus slingshotting into hyperglycemia. This is the kickoff to a two‑month Low Blood Sugar Challenge that helps you see the pattern clearly so you can start changing it on purpose instead of by accident.​

What You Can Do Today

• Notice how often your lows end in highs this week. No judgment, just track the pattern.
• Write down one recent “low, then high” moment and what you grabbed first, Capri Sun, cookies, crackers, etc.
• Ask yourself this question: “If I didn’t panic‑treat, what would I want my low response to look like?”

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org​

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com ​

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

The final episode of 2025 is part celebration, part science, all community. Neil reflects on the biggest lessons, wins, stumbles, and connections - and shares what's next for Your Best T1D Year in 2026.

What You Can Do Today

• Celebrate your choice to keep going—share your best win, fail, or "not yet" for 2025
• Sign up for the newsletter and new January freebies at yourbestt1dyear.com
• Get the starter kit, community accountability, and join the 2026 journey

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Want to beat "National Quitters Day" and actually love January? Neil shows why starting your habit plan before the calendar flips is proven to work - early commitment changes outcomes.

What You Can Do Today

• Pick your first January habit today and write it down or put it in your phone
• Share your start at yourbestt1dyear.com for an instant head start
• DM @thebetes to lock in your commitment

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Feeling pressure to overhaul everything after the holidays? Neil dismantles the "reset" myth, shows how micro-habits change blood sugars and burnout, and gives you permission to ditch perfection for progress.

What You Can Do Today

• Choose your "one small move": hydration, sleep, tabs, or a DM to your support team
• Write it down or say it out loud—no performance required, just action
• Start fresh without the guilt at yourbestt1dyear.com

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

It's Christmas Eve and you made it. This episode celebrates doing the little things, real-life T1D holiday stories, and the one decision that matters for finishing strong and starting 2026 right.

What You Can Do Today

• Pick your realistic "holiday win"—even if it's just treating one low or saying no to food guilt
• DM @thebetes your holiday success or survival story
• Get on the January roadmap and join group challenges at yourbestt1dyear.com

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Stacey Simms, host of Diabetes Connections and creator of Mom's Night Out, shares her favorite T1D moments from 2025, what surprised her, what disappointed her, and the unsung habits actually working for families.

What You Can Do Today

• Check out Diabetes Connections podcast for more community stories
• Follow @thebetes and join the conversation about favorite T1D wins
• Connect with another T1D parent or advocate this week

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Breakthroughs happen when you decide, not at your next doctor's visit. This high-energy episode explores how small, intentional decisions outlast resolutions, with real listener wins and zero perfection required.

What You Can Do Today

• Name the one thing you're doing in January and write it down
• Text "I'm in for 2026" to a friend or claim your roadmap at yourbestt1dyear.com
• Make your move today—deciding is the first big win

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Ever wonder why specific habits show up on the roadmap? Neil unpacks the exact science, psychology, seasonal logic, and behavioral research behind each T1D habit-and why stacking them changes everything.

What You Can Do Today

• Pick the habit you most need right now and start today—don't wait for January 1st
• Share your starting point at yourbestt1dyear.com for accountability
• Read up on habit science and see why small beats perfect every time

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Neil breaks down the data-driven, expert-approved 2026 roadmap-six habits timed with the seasons, why they work, when to do them, and how to win all year with community support.

What You Can Do Today

• Pick your starting habit: treating lows, hydration, sleep, pre-bolus, movement, or connection
• Visit yourbestt1dyear.com and sign up for the 2026 roadmap
• DM @thebetes which habit you're starting with for January

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

The quiet wins matter most - the ones nobody applauds but change everything. This episode is all about micro wins, why community makes the difference, and how to celebrate yourself this season.

What You Can Do Today

• Name one small win from 2025 and write it down, say it out loud, or DM @thebetes
• Text or voice memo someone your best "quiet victory" from this year
• Start building your own highlight reel before the year ends

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

From brick-sized meters to CGMs that talk to pumps, this episode celebrates measurable progress—73% now use CGMs, AID systems boost time-in-range by 11%, and families finally sleep better.

What You Can Do Today

• Write down one part of your T1D life that's better now than a year ago
• Share your "before and after" story with @thebetes or your T1D community
• Celebrate that progress isn't just tech—it's you showing up every day

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Naomi Garlick, founder of Glow Glucose Gummies, shares her 20+ year T1D journey, the moment she decided "enough," and how she turned frustration into a product the diabetes community actually loves.

What You Can Do Today

• Try Glow Gummies at glowgummies.com and share your honest review
• Write down one frustrating diabetes tool in your life and imagine how you'd improve it
• Ask your T1D community for real opinions before your next diabetes purchase

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Neil shares his 2025 glucose tablet shift—how treating lows consistently with 15g doses reduced rebound highs by 50%, stopped roller coaster spikes, and changed his entire year.

What You Can Do Today

• Try treating your next low with glucose tablets or gummies (measured 15g dose) instead of random snacks
• Carry a consistent, fast-acting low treatment with you everywhere
• Track one week of lows and see how structured treatment changes your rebound highs

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Real stories from the T1D community - Whitney's brave restart, a mom who finally slept, and why connection reduces diabetes distress by 30% and changes outcomes for the better.

What You Can Do Today

• Share one win (big or small) with another person with T1D or tag @thebetes
• Join a T1D community group online or in person—connection changes everything
• Celebrate one small progress moment from your week

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

This episode reflects on the wins, struggles, and invisible victories of living with T1D in 2025—from glucose tablets to community connections and everything that didn't show up on a CGM but counted anyway.

What You Can Do Today

• Reflect on one thing you did this year that Past You would've been too scared to try
• Write down or share your biggest invisible win with someone who gets it
• DM @thebetes your story—it might inspire someone else

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Happy day after Thanksgiving. This weekend is all naps, leftovers, and “one more plate” without a clock. This episode gives you a tiny move to reset after the big day so you roll into December energized, plus a preview of what’s coming next month.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the day after a holiday is sneaky: grazing on leftovers, weird sleep, timing gone haywire
• Walk + Water Rule: add a 10‑15 minute walk and a full glass of water after each leftover plate to boost insulin sensitivity and create a pause
• Leftover Lane Call: decide before the first bite whether to front load, split dose or slow roll your bolus for leftovers
• How one mid”meal anchor alarm helps you steer earlier instead of rescuing at bedtime
• A sneak peek at December’s Favorite Things month and the January hype train

Tiny Levers
Choose one lever through Sunday:

• Walk + Water Rule: After every leftover plate, take a short walk and drink a full glass of water.
• Leftover Lane Call: Pre‟decide your bolus strategy for leftovers (front load, split dose or slow roll) and stick to it.

Take Action
Choose your rule for the weekend and finish the prompt “Through Sunday I’m choosing ___, so that ___.” Share it with Neil and get ready for December.

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, which means airports, couches and plates large enough to qualify as furniture. Holidays amplify every off track habit at once. This episode offers one tiny lever to survive the chaos so you can enjoy the day without waking up Friday in correction mode.

What You’ll Learn

• Why Thanksgiving breaks your brain: long gaps, grazing, mystery recipes and fat slowed absorption
• The “First Plate Decision”: decide before the first bite whether you’ll front load, split dose or slow roll your bolus
• The “Anchor Alarm”: set one mid”meal reminder to glance at your CGM and adjust if necessary
• How pre”deciding your lane and adding one nudge reduces decision fatigue at the table

Tiny Levers
Choose one lever for the next two days:

• First Plate Decision: Before bite one, choose your lane out loud...front load, split dose or slow roll...and follow through.
• Anchor Alarm: Set a silent reminder halfway through the meal window to glance at your CGM and make a small adjustment.

Take Action
Pick your lever for Thanksgiving and commit. Finish the prompt “Tomorrow I’m choosing ___, so that ___,” and share it with Neil.

Resources
Helpful resources and newsletter: yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor
Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life. Sign up free: bluecirclehealth.org

Connect
Instagram: @thebetes | TikTok: @the.betes | Website: yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon
Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time or Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories