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
Aug 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
17 min
Hi!
I'm John and I’ve spent 30 days and 30 podcasts wanging on about MY type 1 diabetes. My life, my experiences and the effects of the condition on my life. ME ME ME. My favourite subject. Me.
But as we know - the condition has an impact on those around us too. So I’m turning the tables. Let’s start Season Two of the Type 1 John podcast by celebrating the people in our lives who have our backs. And this week - our partners.
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 18, 2026
Aug 18, 2026
18 min
Type 1 John - Day 30 - WAS IT WORTH IT?
A month's challenge to get a grip on my type 1 diabetes before it gets a grip on me. Has a deep dive into the condition actually worked?
TODAY: What are the top 5 things I've learnt - and the things you could learn to?
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
13 min
Type 1 John - Day 29 - I can't get it down! I am hyper and battling it down - but there is a good reason for it. And more "Low Behaviour"!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 16, 2026
Aug 16, 2026
13 min
Type 1 John - Day 28 - WIFE'S BRITHDAY RUINED
Travel advice. Fastest way out of a hypo? And more "Low Behaviour"!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 15, 2026
Aug 15, 2026
14 min
Type 1 John - Day 27 - MY WIFE WILL HATE THIS
Fastest way out of a hypo? And more "Low Behaviour"!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 14, 2026
Aug 14, 2026
16 min
Type 1 John - Day 26 - I'VE BROKEN MY BACK!
And, can I blame my sister? And "Low Behaviour" begins!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 13, 2026
Aug 13, 2026
15 min
Type 1 John - Day 25 - Yesterday's 'Low Behaviour' whilst in church....
I'm very sorry.
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 12, 2026
Aug 12, 2026
17 min
Type 1 John - Day 24 - THE DRUGS HAUL. Do you want to see what I got from the Dr yesterday? Also, the hypo on the train. And bullet holes!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
13 min
Type 1 John - Day 23 - The weigh-in. Again! Lasting damage from hypos? And another drama at the swimming baths!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com
Aug 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
15 min
Type 1 John - Day 22 - Yesterday I had the scariest moment of my life!
Hi, I'm John and I've set myself one simple challenge: 30 days to finally get a grip... before diabetes gets a grip on me. A short daily podcast, reflecting my 24 hours and my 10 years of stories.
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
You can hear the start of this challenge here: https://pod.fo/e/44d8f5
Website: www.type1john.com