Type 1 John - Winging it every day with Type 1 Diabetes

If you're feeling burnt out by Type 1 diabetes, fed up with trying to be perfect, or simply feel like you're making it up as you go along, you're not alone.

I'm John, and I'm Type 1 Diabetic. Like many people, I've spent much of that time trying my best, getting things wrong, learning as I go, and occasionally wondering whether everyone else has somehow got it all figured out.

Life gets busy. Habits slip. Motivation comes and goes. Some days you're on top of it, other days you're eating biscuits at 10pm and hoping for the best.

After 10 years of managing my diabetes largely on my own, I realised there must be thousands of other people doing exactly the same thing. This podcast is my attempt to find them.

I'm at a bit of a crossroads. After years of long hours and early starts, I hit burnout. I turned 50, my job came to an end, and I found myself overweight, out of shape, and wondering what the next chapter looks like. More importantly, I realised I didn't want to spend the next ten years wishing I'd taken better care of myself while I still had the chance.

So I've set myself a challenge.

For 30 days, I'm keeping an honest daily diary of life with Type 1 diabetes. The wins, the mistakes, the good decisions, the bad decisions, and everything in between.

We're told to log our carbs, insulin, exercise, sleep, stress and blood sugars so we can learn from them. But diabetes is a game with a constantly moving target. It's like trying to catch a train, only every time you reach the platform they've moved it to another station.

This podcast is about finding out what happens when I stop winging it and start paying attention. I'll share what's working, what's not, and the lessons I'm learning along the way.

Most of all, I hope it brings together a community of like-minded people who understand what it's really like. People who want support, honesty and a few laughs along the way, not another lecture.

Because this isn't about perfect diabetes. It's about honest diabetes.

Let's stop winging it alone and start winging it together.

Episodes

2 hours ago

19 min

It’s Type 1 Diabetes - Real Life - but with Real Laughs too.
Today on Type 1 John:
The Type 1 Elders are about to enter the chat!
Aiden’s “Low Behaviour’ story involves the police and his car. 
What to eat for breakfast when you’re away from home.
Reaction to Chris’s revelations last week of how he felt abandoned by his diabetes team, when he turned 18.
A couple of brilliant little diabetes hacks for you too.
And why I’m only scoring myself at 67/100 on the happiness index!
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes - I’ve been it for 10 years and now I’m trying to get a grip on it before it gets a grip on me.
Honest conversations about Type 1, the good days, the disasters, the things I’m still figuring out and the stuff nobody really prepares you for.
It’s not perfect diabetes. It’s honest diabetes.
And If you sometimes think you are winging it too, come and wing it with me! Because the more we talk about this stuff, the more we realise we’re probably not as alone as we thought.
Type 1 John
________________________________________________________________
The Type 1 John podcast is every Tuesday and Thursday
You can hear where this all started, with the original “30-day Reset Diary”, here:https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Type1John/.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type.1.john/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@type.1.john

2 hours ago

19 min

6 days ago

21 min

Today on Type 1 John
Are your kids going to get your Type 1 Diabetes?
Listener Chris tells us what it was like when his life was turned upside down at 14 with a sudden diagnosis of type 1.  
At times he felt let down by the NHS. And he talks about winging his type 1 for years. It’s a story of the reality of Type 1 when you’re a teenager, rejection of the situation and now getting a grip. 
Chris is a true inspiration.
You can find Chris on Instagram: @ChrisBailey1994 
 
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes - I’ve been winging Type 1 diabetes for 10 years. Now I’m trying to get a grip on it before it gets a grip on me.
Honest conversations about Type 1, the good days, the disasters, the things I’m still figuring out and the stuff nobody really prepares you for.
It’s not perfect diabetes. It’s honest diabetes.
If you’re winging it too, come and wing it with me! We might be a lot less alone than we think.
 
Type 1 John
________________________________________________________________
 
The podcast is twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear where this all started, with the original 30-day reset diary, here:https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com
>>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Type1John/. <<<<<
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type.1.john/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@type.1.john
________________________________________________________________
The petition mentioned in today’s podcast:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762993/signatures/new
 

6 days ago

21 min

Sep 22, 2026

16 min

Today on Type 1 John
I woke up in the night convinced I’m having a hypo. I was wrong.
Your reaction to our pump discussion has been huge, with some of you desperate to get one, others saying pumps absolutely aren’t for them, and some still waiting years for the chance. 
I’m joined by a Type 1 who was diagnosed at 14, looking back at what it was like to suddenly have insulin, blood sugars and diabetes become part of growing up.
 
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes - after winging it for 10 years.     Getting a grip, before it gets a grip on me. And trying to keep myself accountable - saying it out loud, so I can’t ignore it anymore. 
It’s not perfect diabetes. But it’s honest diabetes!
And hopefully, along the way, making a few friends who are in the same place.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. And maybe we can remind each other that we’re not nearly as alone as we sometimes think.
 
Type 1 John
________________________________________________________________
 
The podcast is twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear where this all started, with the original 30-day reset diary, here:https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com
>>> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Type1John/. <<<<<
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type.1.john/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@type.1.john
 
________________________________________________________________
 
The petition mentioned in today’s podcast:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762993/signatures/new
“The UK is too reliant on insulin production from other countries. People with diabetes must be able to rest assured that the supply cannot be disrupted by global uncertainties. The UK must increase its own manufacture of insulin.
Every time global affairs such as the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East etc are in the news, families with relatives with Type 1 Diabetes live with anxiety around the production chain for insulin being disrupted. Although we get most of our insulin from Europe , since Brexit we can’t rely on being the first priority should there be a shortage in supplies. It is vital we produce our own supplies of this life saving substance.”
 

Sep 22, 2026

16 min

Sep 17, 2026

30 min

Welcome to the Type 1 John podcast!
Listener to the podcast Hannah has decided that I need a pump. 
Now, if you know absolutely nothing about insulin pumps, press play now because I’m going to ask the questions you probably would. 
What actually is the point of having one? What does it feel like? Does it make life easier? Is it just more technology to worry about? And if you’ve been doing injections for years, why on earth would you suddenly want to change?
 
Because I’ve been doing Type 1 for 10 years and I’ve never had one. 
Insulin pens, Dexcom, crack on. That’s been my system. 
But the more I hear about what pumps can actually do now, the more I’m wondering whether I’m looking at the future of Type 1 diabetes without even realising it.
Hannah is here:  https://www.instagram.com/type_1andme/
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes - after winging it for 10 years!   Getting a grip, before it gets a grip on me.
It’s not perfect diabetes. But it’s honest diabetes!
And hopefully, along the way, making a few friends who are in the same place.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. And maybe we can remind each other that we’re not nearly as alone as we sometimes think.
 
Type 1 John
The podcast is now twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays
You can hear where this all started, with the original 30-day reset podcast daily diary here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Type1John/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type.1.john/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@type.1.john

Sep 17, 2026

30 min

Sep 15, 2026

17 min

Today on Type 1 John
The weekend in Berlin has left a hole in my arm! 
Is it time to pump it up? What’s the deal with diabetic insulin pumps? One listener is trying to encourage me to get one. 
Gavin has a ‘Low Behaviour’ incident in the park - with someone else’s dog.
We have a CGM bluetooth hack.
And something has dawned on me, that happened a couple of years before being diagnosed - could it be linked?
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes - after winging it for 10 years!   Getting a grip, before it gets a grip on me. And trying to keep myself accountable - saying it out loud, so I can’t ignore it anymore. 
It’s not perfect diabetes. But it’s honest diabetes!
And hopefully, along the way, making a few friends who are in the same place.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. And maybe we can remind each other that we’re not nearly as alone as we sometimes think.
 
Type 1 John
 
The podcast is now twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear where this all started, with the original 30-day reset diary, here:https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com

Sep 15, 2026

17 min

Sep 10, 2026

31 min

I really want to know how I got here.  
I really want to understand why I was diagnosed as type one 8 years ago.
Was there a single moment I can put it down to?
I've had all these questions in my head for years and never sought out any answers.  But if this podcast stands for anything - it’s got to find some reasons. And some understanding.  And a community. 
So, when were you diagnosed?  At what age?  What do you know?
TODAY:
John Leeds - a consultant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, reached out to me. It turns out, he too was diagnosed in mid life and his story is quite similar to mine.   He joins me on the podcast to lift the lid on what he knows!
https://www.facebook.com/johnsleeds.     @NEndoscopy on X.
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes after winging it for 10 years! Getting a grip, before it gets a grip on me. And trying to keep myself accountable - saying it out loud, so I can’t ignore it anymore. 
It’s not perfect diabetes. But it’s honest diabetes!
And hopefully, along the way, I’ll make a few friends who are in the same place.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. And maybe we can remind each other that we’re not nearly as alone as we sometimes think.
 
Type 1 John
 
The podcast is now twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear where this all started, with the original 30-day reset diary, here:https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com

Sep 10, 2026

31 min

Sep 8, 2026

13 min

TODAY:
How did we get into this mess in the first place? 
Why has my body done this to me?  Was it something I did?  
And, what the hell is LADA?
 
PLUS:
Your reaction to Mum Lisa and little Joey and their story of his diagnosis last week.
And an embarrassing situation in the cinema - It’s another ‘Low Behaviour’ confession.
 
And if you’re new around here...
This podcast is me figuring out type 1 diabetes after winging it for 10 years! Getting a grip, before it gets a grip on me. And trying to keep myself accountable. Saying it out loud, so I can’t ignore it anymore. The numbers, the food, the mistakes, the good days, the rubbish days and all the stuff in between.
It’s not perfect diabetes. But it’s honest diabetes!
And hopefully, along the way, I’ll make a few friends who are in the same place. - If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. And maybe we can remind each other that we’re not nearly as alone as we sometimes think.
 
Type 1 John
 
The podcast is now twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear where this all started, with the original 30-day reset diary, here:https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com

Sep 8, 2026

13 min

Sep 3, 2026

24 min

TODAY: What happens when your child suddenly has Type 1?
There’s the diagnosis. The shock. The fear. The endless questions.
And then, somehow… you have to get on with it.
You have to learn carb counting, insulin, blood sugars, hypos, highs, school, nights, food, exercise and all the stuff nobody ever expected to become part of family life.
Today I want to look at what happens after that first terrifying moment. How do you find your feet? How do you stop every blood sugar becoming a five-alarm emergency? And how do you learn to let your child live their life when a part of your brain is constantly watching the numbers?
I’m joined by Mum Lisa, whose son Joey was diagnosed with Type 1 just last year. She talks honestly about that whirlwind first year, what they’ve learnt together, the people who helped them through it, and the things they wish they’d known at the beginning.
And if you're new around here...
The Type 1 John podcast is just me trying to keep myself accountable. Saying it out loud so I can't ignore it anymore and maybe stop winging it so much!   And hopefully making a few friends along the way too.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. Maybe we can remind each other that we're not nearly as alone as we sometimes think.
John
The podcast is twice weekly now - Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear the start of this full reset - a 30 day diary podcast - here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com

Sep 3, 2026

24 min

Sep 1, 2026

14 min

I’ve spent a month banging on about my own diabetes - everyday! So let’s hear from someone else for a change!
Last week it was about partners. This week it’s all about the parents.
How does it really feel to have a kid with type 1? I can’t even imagine the burden, frustration and the fears.
So today we salute the mums and dads. I also take in the reaction to hearing my wife on the podcast last week, and some of the things it uncovered. And there’s more ‘Low Behaviour’ stories!
And if you're new around here...
This is just me trying to keep myself accountable. Saying it out loud - so I can't ignore it anymore. And hopefully making a few friends along the way too.
If you've ever looked around and thought everyone else seems to have diabetes completely sorted, come and have a look at my mess.
It's not perfect diabetes. But it is honest diabetes.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. Maybe we can remind each other that we're not nearly as alone, as we sometimes think.
John
The podcast is twice weekly now - Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear the start of this full reset - a 30 day diary podcast - here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Contact: www.type1john.com

Sep 1, 2026

14 min

Aug 27, 2026

27 min

Type 1 John - Type 1 THURSDAY - John's wife faces your questions
Season Two of the Type 1 John podcast starts by celebrating the people in our lives who have our backs.  And this week - our partners.
John's wife - Del answers talks about what it's like to be the partner of a type 1. The worries, the concerns, the funny situations and the future...  It's a frank and open conversation confronting things we all don't talk about enough.
And if you're new around here...
This is just me trying to keep myself accountable. Saying it out loud - so I can't ignore it anymore. And hopefully making a few friends along the way too.
If you've ever looked around and thought everyone else seems to have diabetes completely sorted, come and have a look at my mess.
It's not perfect diabetes. But it is honest diabetes.
If any of this sounds like you, hit subscribe and come along for the ride. Maybe we can remind each other that we're not nearly as alone, as we sometimes think.
John
The podcast is twice weekly now - Tuesdays and Thursdays.
You can hear the start of this full reset - a 30 day diary podcast - here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
 

Aug 27, 2026

27 min

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