Top 7 Diabetes Podcasts to Educate, Empower and Entertain

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently said that podcasts are to this generation what radio was in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s day and television was in the day of his uncle, John F. Kennedy.

Today, just about half of Hollywood has their own podcast, but it’s not just celebrities. Politicians, athletes, and authors all host podcasts. They cover every topic, from sports, comedy, and news to true crime, health, and fitness

What’s more, there are over 100 diabetes podcasts for your perusal pleasure. Below, we’ve captured the top type 1 diabetes (T1D) podcasts you might want to check out:

1. Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Offering great support and insight to the diabetes community comes a popular Apple podcast for parents of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Straight from author Scott Benner’s Arden’s Day parenting blog, Benner’s Juicebox Podcast covers his daughter, Arden’s life with T1D. The blog and podcast feature intimate conversations about the challenges families face when a chronic illness enters their lives. Benner, who started the blog in 2007, is also the author of an award-winning memoir, “Life is Short, Laundry is Eternal: Confessions of a Stay-At-Home Dad.”  

Juicebox Podcast is not just for parents.

The Juicebox Podcast host talks with experts about technology, health, and news. Special guests include innovators like Kevin Sayer, CEO of Dexcom. Brenner’s Pro Tips provide information on pumping algorithms, A1C testing, and mental well-being. With over 800 episodes in the bank, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest.

You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible and Google Podcasts, as well as Juicboxpodcast.com.

2. Diabetes Connections with Stacey Simms

Another podcast that serves the diabetes community by providing informative talks that educate and empower the T1D audience is Diabetes Connections. The weekly podcast by T1D parent Stacey Simms was named by WEGO Health’s Top 10 Best in Show: Patient Podcast Leaders in 2019. Simms offers personal stories from other T1Ds and interviews clinicians, authors, and advocates on her weekly podcast.

Additionally, Simms articulates the challenges of raising a T1D youth with candor in her two books, The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom and her second book, Still the World’s Worst Diabetes Mom. Her parenting viewpoints impart a humorous but loving attitude to be “not perfect, but safe and happy.”

You can find Diabetes Connections on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Android, and Amazon Alexa.

3. The Type 1 Movement Podcast

Host Tom Allison focuses on healthy T1D living with valuable tips and resources to help transform your journey. Allison, who has been living with type 1 diabetes for over ten years, shares his story of overcoming the challenges relating specifically to nutrition and working out. He is a transformation coach who helps other T1Ds manage their condition while stressing the importance and difficulties of maintaining mental health and exercise.

The Type 1 Movement show can be found on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Allison is also on Instagram and Twitter.

4. Beta Cell Podcast

Out of Los Angeles, CA, this award-winning podcast showcases people living with type 1 diabetes and doesn’t shy away from tough issues like having diabetes in Gaza and the reality they are running out of insulin. This original T1D podcast debates timely challenges with uplifting interviews and discussions. Beta Cell Podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Beta Cell host Craig Stubing builds on his over two-decade experience with type 1 diabetes and recently launched Beta Cell Action, a new 501©(4). This organization tracks politicians’ voting records on insulin policy and hosts advocacy training workshops. Beta Cell Action funds T1D grassroots projects and publishes a newsletter about healthcare in the U.S. relating to diabetes. For more information, visit betacellaction.org.

5. Thrivabetic: Thriving with Diabetes

This podcast motivates listeners to manage their diabetes and mental wellness by taking charge of the disease’s physical and mental highs and lows. Host Kate Kirby covers topics on travel, exercise, diet, and the tiny annoyances of living with T1D. Kirby also interviews health experts, advocates and other T1Ds. She asks the big questions and receives answers with empowering results. You can find Thrivabetic on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify. Followers can also watch her videos on Instagram and TikTok.

6. Diabetics Doing Things

T1D advocate Rob Howe founded Diabetics Doing Things in 2015. Howe and his co-host, Eritrea Mussa Khan, share their thoughts through weekly discussions with the diabetes community. The pair often interview and share stories of others’ journey with type 1 diabetes. Howe, once a teammate with the Harlem Globetrotters, now runs an advertising agency in Dallas, Texas and performs at the Dallas Comedy Club downtown. He’s also worked with BeyondType1, JDRF and the American Diabetes Association.

You can find moving stories told with humor and inspiration at Diabetics Doing Things. Take a listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify.

7. Just My Type – The Diabetes Podcast

Co-hosts Sami Parker and Dobie Maxwell covered discussions about living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Parker, a T1D health enthusiast, and Maxwell, a type 2 professional comedian, debate diabetes management tips and tricks. The duo invites listeners to share their stories on their website, where you can find dozens of blogs and informative articles. Their unique dialogue crosses over the divide by uniting the diabetes community with humor and lively chats. Search for Just My Type podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Benefits of Podcasts

Did you know that listening to podcasts versus watching streaming devices or scrolling reels on your phone gives your brain and eyes a much-needed rest? They require less energy and stimulation yet still engage your imagination and creativity. Podcasts also offer accessibility; you can listen to them virtually anywhere and multitask several projects.

Plus, studies show that listening to compelling stories increases compassion and empathy for others while stimulating a sense of identity. So grab your AirPods and embrace your T1D community!