This DiabeticReal episode is all about Deborah E’s decision of whether to choose herself and her little girl dream of being “normal” or the possible dream of her unborn child. She knows what she wants, but what about her son?

From her struggles with the medical team to the heart-wrenching decision of whether to break her baby’s collarbone for delivery, she takes us on a roller-coaster of emotions during the 36 hours of labor. 

Despite the hardships, she highlights the power of resilience and the unexpected joy that comes with making sacrifices for the ones we love. Tune in to this raw and honest episode that sheds light on the complexities of life with diabetes and the strength found in facing challenges head-on instead of hiding.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Review
• 08:08 Doctor’s behavior improved after sharing her passion.
• 12:59 Mom sacrifices her dream to protect son’s future.
• 15:05 Husband thought wife had died, discovered emergency surgery.
• 18:45 Successful pregnancy resulting in healthy baby boy.
• 20:06 Closing

Research Links

Episode Credits

Deborah E shares the challenges she faced during the first high-risk pregnancy as a type 1 diabetic. She recounts her interactions with her highly-skilled and highly-intelligent perinatologist who had some strange ideas about abilities to control insulin once it enters the body, leading to a ban on self-administration. 

Deborah also reveals the lengths she went to attend a family event, where she and her husband were to be honored, and the dangerously low blood sugar episode that the hospital was sure meant a trip to the morgue. 

Join us as we unfold the unique trials and triumphs of managing diabetes during another pregnancy in this compelling episode of DiabeticReal.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:27 Doctor surmises the ability to expel insulin.
• 07:56 Challenges for tight diabetic control for baby.
• 15:31 Leaving hospital AMA for planned honored event.
• 21:13 Lab worried that Deborah had died.
• 23:35 Closing

Research Links

Episode Credits

In this episode of DiabeticReal, we continue to follow Deborah E’s journey through the challenges of medical care as a diabetic in a small town. But, this time, she travels back to the familiarity of the big city, St. Paul. It seems like it will follow some of the normal paths of the last pregnancy (next episode), but, there are some new technological discoveries that help and there are some unexpected mishaps that make this delivery more difficult than it ever should have been, even in spite of all of the big city benefits…  

Deborah candidly describes feeling like she was being “gutted in a dark alley” during the delivery and the fear and trauma she experienced. Despite the difficulties, she expresses gratitude for the medical staff who ultimately helped her and her baby. Join us as we delve into the raw, real-life moments of a diabetic’s journey on this emotionally intense episode of DiabeticReal.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and topic introduction.
• 04:04 Women know their bodies and should be heard.
• 07:19 Specialist for baby and specialist for mommy; Minimed pump introduced.
• 11:25 Diabetic births and VBAC not an option.
• 14:06 No anesthetic and felt the process of C-Section.
• 19:22 Summary: Grateful for care of medical staff and insulin pump.

Research Links

Episode Credits

In this episode of DiabeticReal, host Deborah E shares the story of one (of many) events involving hospitals, this one while living in a rural town. Deborah recounts the challenge of not only having to deal with the medical issues but an unrelenting doctor who refused to listen to reason and had already been presumably involved in a questionable event involving a little boy just weeks prior to this. But, with hitting her head on the stove, it seemed best to allow the paramedics to take her to the hospital. Determination and resilience help her navigate this rural event in another eye-opening episode of DiabeticReal.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction; Beauty… and challenges of rural living.
• 05:33 Blood sugar dropping causes seizures, 100% unconscious.
• 06:29 Diabetes and epilepsy issues, but low blood sugar (diabetes) caused the event.
• 12:03 Initial treatment by husband, fiasco at hospital.
• 14:21 Other doctor(s) frustrated with rural doctor, Deborah takes control, leaves hospital.
• 16:23 Closing.

Episode Credits

In this episode of DiabeticReal, Deborah E delves into the topic of attention-seeking behavior and the misconceptions surrounding it. Drawing from her personal experiences with Type 1 Diabetes and the misunderstandings she faced growing up, she provides valuable insights into the complexities of chronic illness and the impact it can have on interpersonal relationships. Deborah E’s candid storytelling and psychological expertise offer listeners a thought-provoking perspective on seeking attention versus genuine need in the context of health challenges. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that will resonate with anyone navigating chronic conditions or seeking to understand the experiences of others.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and addressing the topic.
• 02:31 Definition of Mental Illness according to Medical News Today.
• 07:26 Lack of understanding in childhood affects adulthood.
• 10:46 Challenges of home health care, on the family.
• 16:07 Parents treat sick child differently, causing resentment.
• 18:35 People’s adversity, need for empathy and understanding.
• 19:58 Closing

Research Links

Episode Credits

In this emotional and eye-opening episode of DiabeticReal, Deborah E shares a harrowing experience of being hospitalized due to a horrifying discovery. She delves into a chilling incident where her insulin was inadvertently cooked in the microwave, leading to a life-threatening situation. As she candidly recounts the shocking series of events, listeners uncover the gravity of the situation and the subsequent investigation involving law enforcement. Join us as Deborah E sheds light on the importance of vigilance and the unwavering support of loved ones in the face of adversity.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro (and Disclaimer)
• 02:50 ICU: The Hospital Found an Issue with Insulin
• 06:48 Microwaving Insulin Can Damage It Without Exploding
• 11:43 FBI Suspects Insulin Tampering
• 15:14 Closing

Research Links

Episode Credits

This is about Deborah’s introduction to her lifelong companion known as “Diabetes.” What she thought was a week-long illness turned out to be more than that, a getting-to-know-you journey that eventually will have its way when she reaches the last day on earth. Until then, the living is in the living, and the story began when Deborah was six.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro (and Disclaimer)
• 01:22 Were We Visiting the Symphony or the Ladies’ Room?
• 04:24 Grandpa Had to Have His Way (and He Saved My Life!)
• 07:38 Moving Into the Hospital for 11 Days & the “Talk”
• 13:18 A Lifelong Relationship with Diabetes & Closing

Research Links

Episode Credits

Deborah continues with her “firsts” themes and shares the story of how the brand of Diabetic Real came to be and emerged out of something that was less than a happy situation. It became the solution to voices that needed “to be heard.” Or boobs, elderly people, and the governor’s office.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro (and Disclaimer)
• 00:49 Deborah’s Introduction
• 01:33 The Origin of the DiabeticReal Brand
• 03:14 The Boobs
• 08:10 The Governor
• 10:02 The Elderly
• 12:52 Closing (including Seaside Records)

Research Links

Episode Credits

In this, the first episode of the DiabeticReal Podcast, hostess Deborah E gives a tiny glimpse into what the podcast is and why it is. She opens the door for a peek into what is to come with stories that will intrigue and surprise and hopefully encourage you wherever you are in your journey.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro (and Disclaimer)
• 00:49 Deborah’s Introduction
• 01:56 Cindy Bidar #affiliate
• 03:04 Madalyn Sklar (Kratom Stories Podcast)
• 04:35 What to Expect
• 08:09 Closing (including Seaside Records)

Episode Credits

• Deborah E, Jazz Singer
• Denny Martin & Jaimee Paul

Visit us at DiabeticReal.com to learn how you can participate (and to contact our team or ask for support)!