Episode 62 of Think Like a Pancreas-The Podcast is part one of a two-part series. Clinician, Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez speaks with Ali Adler about raising two toddlers with type 1 diabetes.

Ali shares how she diagnosed her oldest son when he was 2.5 years old and his younger brother one year later when he was just 18 months. Learn about the emotional impact that it has had on this young family, as well as the steps that they have taken towards finding technology improves the health and well-being of the entire family.

MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST:

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

Ali Adler is a devoted mom who is navigating the extraordinary challenge of raising two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her journey began when her oldest son, Tom, was diagnosed at just two and a half years old. Drawing on her experience from her brother’s diagnosis during her teenage years, Ali recognized the signs and acted quickly. One year later, her youngest son, Joe, was also diagnosed, making diabetes management a central part of family life. Ali shares her story to help other parents find strength, create systems that work, and embrace resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

✔️You can do everything right and things can still go wrong.

✔️It is okay to embrace technology at your own speed.

✔️The grief of a diabetes diagnosis lingers.

✔️Even seasoned type 1 clinicians find the toddler years a special challenge.

CHAPTERS

00:16 Welcome and Introductions

02:00 Tom and Joe's diabetes diagnosis stories

06:03 The impact of diabetes diagnosis on the family’s emotional health.

07:04 The decision to test for antibodies…or not

08:12 One diabetes is not like the other.

09:53 The unique diabetes challenges of toddlers and small children

12:21 Kathyrn’s diabetes journey

16:06 The technology journey is a marathon

24:56 Taking a diabetes technology break

RESOURCES:

TrialNet

https://www.trialnet.org/

CONNECT WITH US

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ , or email [email protected]

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.