Welcome to T1D Talks, the official podcast of Diabetes Hope Foundation. Each episode brings real conversations, practical insights, and inspiring stories for the type 1 diabetes community. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or navigating life with T1D, this is your space to learn, connect, and feel supported.
Our episodes feature these key themes:
🎙️ T1D Talks: Real-life tips, stories, and support to help you thrive with Type 1—through everyday moments and life’s big changes.
🤝 Diabuddy Dialogue: Peer-to-peer chats with youth and young adults living life with T1D.
Join us as we break down barriers, share lived experiences, and empower the T1D community—one conversation at a time.
Podcast written & produced by the DHF Community
Podcast music written & produced by Heather J. & Nathaniel K.
Episode 7: Diabuddy Dialogue -The Thinking Behind Your Care
Episode 7: Join hosts Afreen and Rav as they speak with diabetes nurse educator Rachna Gill about the clinical reasoning, empathy, and advocacy that shape diabetes care. Together, they discuss the importance of trust, communication, and recognizing that living with type 1 diabetes is about much more than numbers—offering valuable insights for people living with diabetes, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
Rachna's bio:
"I’ve been working in the field of diabetes since 2010 and have a genuine passion for helping people live healthier lives. I can be a bit of a health nerd! I love learning about new ways to support wellness, whether through movement, nutrition, or mindset. Outside of work, I enjoy working out, spending time with my loved ones and and creating content for my Instagram page, where I share healthy, kid-friendly meals (complete with carb counts) for children living with or without diabetes."
Hosted by: Afreen and RavGuest speaker: Rachna Gill, Certified Diabetes Educator
5 Feb 2026
Episode 6: Travelling with T1D
Episode 6: Travelling with T1D Our panellists share real-life experiences of travelling with T1D, along with practical, insightful tips to help you navigate travel with confidence.Hosts: Heather Miller (Executive Director, Diabetes Hope Foundation), Nathaniel K. (Programs Facilitator)Guests: Andrea & Aryelle (mother/daughter), Laine & Jae (sisters)
16 Jan 2026
Episode 5: Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health Awareness
Episode 5: Don't Sugar Coat It! Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health Awareness
This episode features a panel discussion on how type 1 diabetes impacts mental health.Hosted by: Heather Miller, Executive Director, DHF Guests: Kristin Herriott-Rivard, Heather Choi, Kirsten Davidson, Registered PsychotherapistPresented by DHF in collaboration with university clubs:McMaster Diabetes Association, uOttawa Team Diabetes, Diabetes on Campus and Diabetes Awareness Society.
2 Dec 2025
Episode 6: Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Stigma and its Impact
Episode 6: Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Stigma and its Impact
In collaboration with university diabetes campus clubs, DHF hosts and panelists explore media representation of diabetes and discusses effective strategies for self-advocating and reducing type 1 diabetes stigma.
Hosts: Rav Samra, Aastha Relan (McMaster Diabetes Association), Heather MillerPanelists: Tasfia (Diabetes Awareness Society at UofT Scarborough), Amal (DHF Scholarship recipient), Nathaniel (DHF Program Facilitator), Makayla (uOttawa Team Diabetes), Geoffry (The Diabetes Link uWindsor), Carmel (The Diabetes Link uWindsor)
17 Nov 2025
Episode 5: Don't Sugar Coat It - Diabetes, Identity and the Media
Episode 5: Don't Sugar Coat It - Diabetes, Identity and the Media
Join us for an unfiltered conversation, exploring how T1D is portrayed in the media and how those portrayals shape how we see ourselves.
Don’t Sugar Coat It is a collaborative event by Diabetes Hope Foundation with university Campus Clubs: Type 1 Diabetes Awareness UofT, The Diabetes Awareness Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, The Diabetes Link UofT, Dalhousie Diabetes Awareness Society, UW Diabetes Association, The Diabetes Link TMU, The Diabetes Link @ Western, Western Diabetes Association and Project Glycore.Hosted by: Rav Samra and Afreen Nagra
12 Nov 2025
Episode 4: Unique Careers with T1d
Episode 4: Unique Careers with T1d
This webinar features retired Toronto Districe Fire Chief Peter Atkins, marine biologist Scotia Brailsford, ski instructor Camille Vibert, and ballet dancer/massage therapist David Campbell!
Our guest speakers share their experiences managing T1D in physically demanding and unconventional careers - the challenges, strategies, and tips that help them thrive.
Host: Abbi Cloth, Diabetes Hope Foundation Program Facilitator
29 Oct 2025
Episode 4: Diabuddy Dialogue - Balancing T1D Life as an Emergency Department Nurse
Episode 4: Get to know Alex, an emergency department nurse who works on the front-lines and lives with T1D, in this episode of Diabuddy Dialogue. Alex shares how she got into nursing and how she strikes a balance between her personal health and patient care. This discussion, which covers topics such as burnout, technology, self-advocacy, and educating others, is an important reminder that T1Ds are the experts on their own bodies and that their voice matters.
Hosted by: Aastha and Rav
Guest speaker: Alex Kupferschmidt
14 Oct 2025
Episode 3: Diabuddy Dialogue - Maternal Health and Type 1 Diabetes
Episode 3: In this Diabuddy Dialogue episode, we speak with Rugia, who became an advocate for maternal health because of her experience navigating pregnancy with T1D. She highlights important gaps in maternal healthcare and education that are all too frequently overlooked. We explore the importance of equity and access for pregnant folks living with diabetes, as well as what actual change might look like. This examination of advocacy, resiliency, and the struggle for improved maternal care is compelling - and necessary.
Hosted by: Aastha and AfreenGuest speaker: Rugia Malik
Resources:
Research article
Healthy Moms diabetes website
Closed loop therapy improves glycemic control in pregnant women with T1D
9 Oct 2025
Episode 2 - T1D Talks: Unpacking T1D with Dr. Michael Vallis - Part 2
Part 2 of this podcast features a panel of Diabetes Hope Scholarship recipients—some living with multiple diagnoses—who share their insights on managing diabetes alongside other health conditions.
Dr. Vallis explores the gap between mental wellness and physical health, emphasizing the importance of empowering adults with type 1 diabetes within the healthcare system. He offers strategies to help individuals experiencing distress or managing complex conditions advocate for themselves, build supportive relationships with their healthcare team, and ensure their voices are heard.Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care. Hosts: Barbara Pasternak (CEO, Founder, Diabetes Hope Foundation) and Alexx B.DHF Alumni Panel: Kristin H., Allie M., Logan B., Janet B., and Ki S.
7 Oct 2025
Episode 2 - T1D Talks: Unpacking T1D with Dr. Michael Vallis - Part 1
Episode 2 (T1D Talks): "Unpacking T1D with Dr. Michael Vallis" - Part 1
Dr. Vallis discusses the emotional burden of managing type 1 diabetes, how to manage distress, how to overcome barriers to change while promoting self-compassion, and how to communicate to those around you - family, friends and medical professionals - how to best support you. Featuring a panel of Diabetes Hope Scholarship recipients, some with multiple diagnoses.Dr. Vallis is a registered health psychologist based in Halifax, Canada. he is a Health Behaviour change Consultant and Associate Professor in Family Medicine at Dalhousie University. His main area of expertise is adult health psychology, with an emphasis on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular risk and gastroenterology. He spends most of his time training healthcare providers in behaviour change for chronic disease management. He was recently awarded a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Government of Canada.
Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care. Moderators: Barbara Pasternak (CEO, Founder, Diabetes Hope Foundation) and Alexx B.
20 Sept 2025
Episode 2: Diabuddy Dialogue with Tasfia: Family, Culture, and the Flipside
Episode 2: In this episode of Diabuddy Dialogue, we chat with our guest, Tasfia, about having T1D and how it affects her family relationships, her mom’s shared but different experiences, and how she dealt with stigma in the South Asian community. We discuss how labels can shape our lives and we also look at the flip side: how to find meaning in navigating T1D, creating communities, and empowering others. Do we define diabetes, or does it define us? Hosted by names: Aastha and AfreenGuest speaker: Tasfia Rayhan
11 Sept 2025
Episode 1: Diabuddy Dialogue - Meet Your Hosts
Episode 1: Meet your Hosts!
Welcome to the very first episode of Diabuddy Dialogue! In this episode, you will meet your hosts, Aastha, Afreen and Rav, as they talk about what to expect from the podcast and jump into a rapid-fire round of diabetes-related questions. You won't want to miss the beginning of this diabuddy journey, with some genuine conversation, and a few laughs, along the way.
Hosts: Aastha Relan, Afreen Nagra, Rav Samra
16 Aug 2025
Episode 1 - T1D Talks: Preparing for an Empty Nest
A panel of experienced parents shares practical tips for navigating the transition to post-secondary school with T1D—covering everything from the first weeks and months on campus, to setting healthy boundaries, offering support from a distance, and navigating that important first visit home.
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