Episode 278 - Aging with Diabetes with Phyllis Kaplan

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea
interview Phyllis Kaplan, who has been living with type 1 diabetes
for 50 years. They talk about various aspects of Phyllis's journey
with diabetes, including her early diagnosis, managing diabetes in
childhood, attending diabetes camp, dealing with diabetes-related
complications, and the impact of technology on her diabetes
management. Topics discussed: 1. Introduction to Phyllis Kaplan and
her 50-year journey with type 1 diabetes 2. Early memories of being
diagnosed with diabetes at a young age 3. Childhood experiences of
managing diabetes, including testing sugars with rudimentary
methods 4. Attending diabetes camp and the importance of the
diabetes community 5. Transitioning to insulin pump therapy to gain
flexibility in diabetes management 6. Coping with diabetes-related
complications, such as retinopathy 7. The psychological impact of
living with diabetes and dealing with guilt and self-blame 8. The
importance of accepting the uncontrollable aspects of diabetes and
seeking support from healthcare providers 9. The relief and
normalcy brought by modern diabetes technology, such as hybrid
closed-loop systems 10. Gratitude for waking up in range and the
shift in perspective over time Key takeaways: * Acceptance and
Perspective: Phyllis emphasizes the importance of accepting the
uncontrollable aspects of living with diabetes and shifting
perspectives to avoid self-blame and guilt for complications or
high/low blood sugars. * Community and Support: Being part of the
diabetes community and connecting with others who understand the
challenges of diabetes can provide comfort, understanding, and a
sense of belonging. * Adaptation to Technology: The advancement of
technology in diabetes management, such as insulin pumps and CGMs,
can bring relief, normalcy, and added flexibility to daily life. *
Growth and Resilience: Over time, individuals with diabetes learn
to navigate the challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and find
ways to thrive despite the ups and downs of living with a chronic
condition. * Gratitude and Reflection: Reflecting on the journey
with diabetes, celebrating milestones, and finding gratitude in
waking up in range can bring a sense of accomplishment and
appreciation for progress made. References: * Medtronic * JDRF
(Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) 00:00  Celebrating 50
Years with Type 1 Diabetes: A Journey with Phyllis Kaplan
00:31  Celebrating 50 Years with Type 1 Diabetes: A Journey of
Resilience and Community 04:57  The Impact and Nostalgia of
Diabetes Camp: A Journey of Empowerment and Friendship 14:57 
Evolution of Diabetes Management: From Manual Checks to Advanced
Automated Systems 19:37  Navigating Stigma and Building
Connections Through Diabetes Advocacy 29:37  Navigating
Diabetes Conversations and Reflecting on Milestones 31:40 
Celebrating a Life with Diabetes: Reflections on Surviving and
Thriving 35:37  Empowering Advice for Living with Type 1
Diabetes for 50 Years 39:06  Navigating Complications and
Control in Life with Diabetes 48:36  Finding Relief and
Normalcy with Technology in Managing Diabetes: A Personal Journey