Award-winning Bluegrass Musician Talks T1D Craziness on Tour
5/28/202650 min
Join the Diabetes Nerd Network!
Most people don't realize how much physical and emotional resilience it takes to perform with type 1 diabetes, especially on the road. Carolyn Routh, award-winning bluegrass musician and longtime T1D warrior, reveals the raw truths behind managing blood sugar levels during a live show, amid unpredictable travel schedules, and the emotional toll of lows and highs in the spotlight.
During this Diabetes Nerd Podcast episode, you’ll discover the surprising ways she keeps her blood sugar in check during performances, how her support system and technology make all the difference, and why her story is a powerful reminder that living fully with type 1 isn't just about numbers—it’s about resilience, passion, and authenticity.
In this episode, Carolyn shares what it was like to be diagnosed in the late 70s with limited tools, how her lifestyle on tour complicates diabetes management, and the emotional rollercoaster of low blood sugars that can turn a stage moment into a fight for survival. We'll break down her on-the-road insulin strategies, from deliberately running higher during shows to using vibratory CGMs and emergency glucagon kits.
She talks candidly about how her experience with her son’s diagnosis has deepened her understanding and empathy—and how her band’s support makes all the difference when lows hit mid-performance.
We also explore the hidden toll of emotional highs and lows, the physical symptoms of hypoglycemia that most people never see, and why managing diabetes as a touring musician is a constant battle of adaptation and mental toughness. Carolyn’s story highlights the importance of support, technology, and mindset, proving that even in the chaos of life on tour, you can thrive with the right tools and attitude.
Perfect for anyone navigating diabetes in demanding, unpredictable environments—whether you're on stage, traveling, or simply living life to the fullest—this episode is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the unbreakable spirit of living with type 1. Gain new perspective, practical tips, and a little inspiration to face your own daily battles with courage and humor.
Thanks for joining us, Nu Blu!
Thanks to Eversense Diabetes for sponsoring. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com.
AND thanks to YOU for tuning in! 🎶
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA
GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS
- Stop Overeating During Lows
- Exercise with Diabetes
- Dealing with Diabetes Burnout
- Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes
- Emotional Eating with Diabetes
- When I Go Low
- Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D
GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsGinger Vieira· Host0:00
The Diabetes Nerd podcast is proud to be sponsored by the Eversense 365 day implantable continuous glucose monitor, brought to you by Ascensia Diabetes Care. I've been using the Eversense CGM since April of 2025, and I love it. It's the only CGM device that lasts a year. The sensor was placed just under the skin on my arm. The transmitter sits on my skin with this silicone adhesive, and I can take it on and off. I love it. Learn more about Eversense 365 at eversensecgm.com. [upbeat music] Welcome to the Diabetes Nerd podcast. My name is Ginger Vieira. I have lived with type 1 since 1999, which is about 27 years at the moment. And please, uh, before I even forget, don't forget to check out the Diabetes Nerd Network, diabetesnerdnetwork.com, and the Diabetes Nerd YouTube channel if you are listening to this on your audio podcast. But today, we have somebody really cool and really, um, I would almost say, like, someone that we don't know about in the type 1 online community yet. Like, this is my first time learning about you, Carolyn.