Parenting a T1D Teen Without Becoming the ‘Blood Sugar Police’
6/11/202644 min
Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the teen years can feel like a constant balancing act. In this episode, Yale pediatric endocrinologist and person living with T1D, Dr. Laura Nally, shares practical strategies to help parents support their teens with more confidence and less conflict.
Learn why blood sugar responses to exercise aren't one-size-fits-all, how nutrition and physical activity work together, and what parents can do to help teens build independence while staying safe. Dr. Nally discusses her research on exercise and diabetes, including how identifying individual patterns can lead to smarter management decisions.
We also explore common challenges such as preventing lows during sports, using protein to support blood sugar stability, and avoiding the "blood sugar police" approach that can damage trust and communication. Plus, hear how diabetes technology can reduce mental burden while still encouraging teens to develop essential self-management skills.
Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or someone supporting a teen with type 1 diabetes, this episode offers practical insights to help young people thrive—both physically and emotionally.
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Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com.
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.
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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 am your host. I've lived with type 1 diabetes since 1999 and I'm really excited about today's guest. We have Dr. Laura Nally here. She is a pediatric endocrinologist. Currently, you're working with the University of Yale School of Medicine. Do I have that right?
Laura Nally· Guest1:12
[laughs] Yes, you've got it.
Ginger Vieira· Host1:13
[laughs] Yes. Good morning, Laura. Good morning, Dr. Nally, I should say.
Laura Nally· Guest1:17
Yeah, no, definitely call me Laura. Um, nice to meet you. Thank you for having me on the show.
Ginger Vieira· Host1:21
All right. Well, so there are so many things I wanna dig into, but I promised you that we wouldn't dig into all of them today, so two things