Reclaim Your Rise
with Lauren Bongiorno

In this episode of Reclaim Your Rise , I sit down with the legendary Dr. Jay Skyler, whose six decades of work have profoundly shaped the world of type 1 diabetes care. From challenging outdated pregnancy guidelines in the 1970s to pioneering immune intervention and islet transplantation trials, Dr. Skyler’s story is a living blueprint of how far we’ve come. We discuss the early days of research, the development of insulin dosing algorithms, and the quiet revolutions that transformed the lives of people with T1D. This conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of persistence, legacy, and striving for something greater than ourselves. Quick Takeaways: Pioneering some of the most profound research & advancements in T1D: From shifting outdated pregnancy guidelines to developing foundational insulin dosing algorithms. Future directions for the care and management of type 1 diabetes: What’s next in research, treatment, and patient-centered innovation. The closest update we have on a cure: What’s holding us back—and how each of us can play a role in moving the needle forward. What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.  Stay connected to Dr. Skyler & DRI’s latest cure-focused research by subscribing to their newsletter HERE.

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with someone who’s been here since day 1 and one of my biggest sources of love and strength—my Grandma Jane. We talk about what it was like for her when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven, and how she and my grandpa stepped in with so much courage and care, despite not knowing anything about T1D at first. Grandma shares the moments that shaped her experience—learning to give me shots, treating lows, and being a constant advocate by my side. Whether you’re a grandparent, a parent, or simply someone who loves a T1D warrior, I know this conversation will truly touch your heart. Quick Takeaways: The impact a type 1 diabetes diagnosis has on the *entire* family  Learning to be a T1D grandparent (and accepting it)  How to cope with the mental + emotional struggles that come along with a T1D diagnosis in the family Timestamps: [02:57] Meet Grandma Jane & her profound backstory  [12:53] “It's a different world today… We were expected to be adults, to move out, and start our lives.” [17:06] “Mommy was on the phone crying telling me that you got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes…”  [19:31] Navigating the early days post diagnosis  [20:33] Learning to be a T1D grandparent: “I made up my mind, nope, this is it. I'm going to learn how to do this.” [26:37] The nightmare of their first Thanksgiving as a T1D family  [41:32] “More than anything I wanted a cure” [43:45] Grandma Jane’s advice for other T1D grandparents What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.

In this episode, I’m joined by Coach Lindsey from the Risely team to uncover nine surprising reasons why people with type 1 diabetes often feel exhausted—even when they're doing everything “right.” From hidden blood sugar variability and subtle dehydration to nutrient deficiencies and the cognitive fatigue of nonstop diabetes management, we dive into the physical, mental, and emotional tolls of T1D. Coach Lindsey shares real client experiences and practical insights to help you identify what might be draining your energy. We also explore how overlooked factors like morning caffeine habits, thyroid issues, and burnout can quietly sap your strength. If you're ready to stop guessing and start feeling more energized, this episode will point you toward the clarity and support you need. Quick Takeaways: Understanding your energy levels is crucial for managing T1D  Impact of coffee (and cortisol) on blood sugar levels  The ‘non-clinical’ things contributing to exhaustion (that are in your control)  How to know if your tiredness is an underlying autoimmune condition   Diabetes burnout: How to know if you’ve hit that point and what to do if so Timestamps: [01:11] Breaking down today’s conversation  [07:26] Prolonged high blood sugars + insulin resistance  [11:16] Blood sugar variability, even when you have a good A1C [16:00] How your morning coffee is impacting your BG  [20:43] What nutrients your body might be missing as a T1D  [24:18] Underlying autoimmune conditions or ‘sister conditions’  [26:15] Constantly being tired doesn’t mean something is ‘clinically wrong’ with you [27:43] Are you dehydrated even if you are drinking water?   [30:12] The cognitive load + mental fatigue of T1D  [37:55] “The life burnout that happens that leads to diabetes exhaustion” What to do now: Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.  Listen to Episode 121: T1D + Thyroid Health Dr. Sandra Sobel

Being out of routine doesn’t have to mean being out of range—but it does require a more intentional approach, especially when it comes to managing blood sugars. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing 3 tips to help you keep your blood sugars more stable with food, even when you’re outside your kitchen. Whether it's a vacation, a golf trip, a bachelorette weekend, a backyard barbecue, or a shift from school to summer break for your child with T1D, these changes can make nutrition and blood sugar management more complex. We're here to remind you that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about making progress, staying intentional, and learning your patterns so you can move from a reactive to a proactive mindset. The #1 thing we hope you take away from this episode is that feeling good about your blood sugars while living with freedom and flexibility is absolutely possible. Quick Takeaways: Lauren’s top three tips for keeping a stable blood sugar when she’s out of routine  How to identify your Minimum Viable Carb Count (MVC)  Living in a place of possibility versus limitation (and how to get there)  Being strategic with meal and snack/treat times to prevent BG spikes  Mindset shifts that are crucial for managing T1D out of your routine Timestamps: [02:43] #1. Defining your ‘MVC’  [07:32] #2. Time the treats  [09:10] When you feel like T1D has made you the “no person” (or parent) [10:19] “Living more in possibility versus limitation"  [10:43] #3. Giving yourself permission slips  [13:34]  “If you feel like you are trying too hard to blend in…” What to do now: 1. Want to learn how to navigate diabetes distress with more clarity and support? Register here for our free webinar featuring Dr. Molly Tanenbaum, a clinical psychologist from Stanford University Medical School. 2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop. 3. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 4. If you want to hear another episode like this: Listen to #75   (5 Tips for Optimal Blood Sugars When You're Out of Routine)