With the increasing number of individuals living more than fifty years with Type 1 diabetes, Episode 57 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast features Kathryn Alvarez, Director of Exercise Physiology and Teen/Young Adult Specialist at Integrated Diabetes Services, in conversation with blogger and advocate Joanne Milo. Together, they discuss strategies for effectively navigating the later stages of life with type 1 diabetes like the importance of community support, emergency preparedness, and advocacy for better healthcare for aging individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive. Joanne Milo has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 60 years and just launched a brand-new project called T1Dto100. This website is an incredible resource for people aiming to thrive with type one diabetes in every decade of life. Joanne is also well-known for her long running blog, the Savvy Diabetic, and helping to build the amazing loop and learn online community.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

✔️ More adults are being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes much later in life.

✔️ Community support is crucial for those living with diabetes.

✔️ Aging with Type 1 Diabetes presents unique challenges that need to be addressed.

✔️ Emergency preparedness is essential for managing diabetes as we age.

✔️ Advocacy is necessary to ensure proper care for aging individuals with diabetes.

✔️ Healthcare providers need to be educated about the needs of aging T1D patients.

CHAPTERS

• 00:14 Welcome and introductions
• 01:36 The inspiration behind T1Dto100
• 06:52 Navigating a medical system that wasn’t prepared for seniors living with type 1 diabetes
• 11:34 Addressing the Challenges of Aging with Type 1 Diabetes
• 14:44 A new potential role for parents of adult children with type 1 diabetes
• 16:36 The role of the diabetes community to bring about change in aging care
• 21:30 The importance of community engagement for seniors with type 1 diabetes
• 28:51 Creating a Go Bag for Emergencies
• 32:25 Why you need a personal medical resume
• 36:03 End-of-life considerations for people with diabetes
• 37:14 The key to successful aging with type 1 diabetes
• 49:17 Advocacy and Awareness for Aging with Diabetes

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• https://t1dto100.com/
•   / t1dto100  
•   / t1dto100  
•   / t1dto100  
• https://thesavvydiabetic.com/blog/
• 50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes by Sheri Colberg

Connect with Integrated Diabetes
 Website: integrateddiabetes.com
 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook
 To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team, visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/,  or email info@integrateddiabetes.com