Episode 19: Mastering Diabetes with Exercise and DIY Technology

Gary Scheiner, the host and owner of Integrated Diabetes Services, and Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, the Head of Exercise Physiology at IDS, discuss Kathryn's journey from being an intern to becoming a valued member of the team, her experience with various diabetes technologies like insulin pumps and DIY closed-loop systems like Loop and Trio, and her expertise in exercise physiology. They touch upon topics like managing blood sugar levels during different types of workouts, the support available for open-source DIY systems, and the adaptability of such systems. The conversation is lighthearted and includes personal anecdotes, such as Kathryn's wedding and her dog, Gravy.

Chapters 00:00:05 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

Gary Scheiner introduces Kathryn Gentile Alvarez, the head of exercise physiology at Integrated Diabetes Services. They reminisce about Kathryn's wedding, which Gary attended, and her new pet dog, Gravy. Kathryn shares how she initially reached out to Gary as an undergrad, inspired by his book 'Think Like a Pancreas,' but accidentally emailed the wrong person with the same name.

00:01:52 Kathryn's Journey with Diabetes Technology

Kathryn discusses her journey with diabetes technology, starting from using injections and a CGM to transitioning to an insulin pump after joining Integrated Diabetes Services. She shares her experience with various pumps, including the Omnipod 5, and her preference for the customization and flexibility offered by DIY closed-loop systems like Loop and Trio.

00:09:49 DIY Closed-Loop Systems: Support and Adaptability

Gary and Kathryn discuss the support available for DIY closed-loop systems, highlighting the active online communities and the responsiveness in adapting to new technologies like ultra-fast insulins and CGMs. They compare the user experience and customization options between commercial systems like Omnipod 5 and open-source systems like Loop and Trio.

00:15:05 Exercise and Diabetes Management

As the exercise physiologist at Integrated Diabetes Services, Kathryn shares her expertise in managing diabetes during various types of workouts, such as pickleball, tennis, and biking. They discuss the impact of different exercises on blood sugar levels and the importance of making insulin adjustments accordingly. Gary and Kathryn also touch upon their personal workout routines and the challenges of maintaining optimal blood sugar levels during exercise.

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