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Doing Well with Diabetes: Balancing Professional Basketball and Diabetes Management
Doing Well with Diabetes is part of the Kids and Diabetes in Schools program from the International Diabetes Federation and is supported by Sanofi and ISPAD. Diabetics Doing Things has donated all production and promotion in kind. To learn more about the Kids program, visit kids.idf.org. And to hear more from Diabetics Doing Things, visit diabeticsdoingthings.com/subscribe.
In this episode of Doing Well with Diabetes, host Rob Howe interviews professional basketball player Lara McSpadden. Lara shares her experiences of living with diabetes for nearly 18 years and how it intersects with her career as an athlete. They discuss the challenges of managing diabetes while maintaining a rigorous training and playing schedule, the importance of a strong support system, and mental health. Lara also provides insights into her routines, favorite diabetes management tips, and advice for young athletes with diabetes. This inspiring conversation aims to encourage those living with diabetes to pursue their dreams while effectively managing their condition.
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25. Diabetes-related eye conditions
36:55||Season 1, Ep. 25Diabetes-related eye complications are a growing but preventable cause of vision loss worldwide. In this episode, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Dr Rebecca Thomas to explore the latest findings from the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, which indicate that nearly 1 in 3 people with diabetes have some form of retinopathy - 1 in 10 of whom develop sight-threatening conditions, such as proliferative retinopathy or macular oedema. Diabetes-related eye complications can develop without noticeable symptoms, so regular eye checks are vital. The good news is that in regions such as South and Central America and the Western Pacific, improved screening and access to care have helped reduce rates. But disparities persist, especially in Europe and South-east Asia. Tune in as we unpack global trends, examine innovations like AI grading and telemedicine, and highlight how national screening programmes can influence policy for more equitable, life-saving care.
24. The type 5 diabetes story
50:31||Season 1, Ep. 24In this episode of D-Talk, we explore type 5 diabetes, a lesser-known, but recently recognised type of diabetes, linked to chronic undernutrition, especially in childhood. Host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Dr Meredith Hawkins, the Chair of the new IDF Type 5 Diabetes Working Group, and Co-Chair Dr Nihal Thomas to unpack the science, learn their research journeys and discuss why this type of diabetes needs our attention. From misdiagnosis to missed opportunities, this is a story about how the power of research is giving hope to over 20 million people.
23. Diabetes and dementia: connecting the dots
18:04||Season 1, Ep. 23What do type 2 diabetes and dementia have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, host Phyllisa Deroze speaks with Professor Kaarin Anstey, a leading expert in ageing and brain health, to unpack the growing evidence linking the two conditions. Drawing on insights from the 11th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, they explore how the age of diabetes onset, vascular risks, and long-term management can influence cognitive decline. With dementia cases rising fastest in low- and middle-income countries, this conversation shines a light on why early detection, lifestyle interventions, and integrated care must be part of the global health agenda.
22. Beyond borders: Understanding ethnic differences in diabetes and obesity
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21. Moving with purpose: bringing physical activity to diabetes management
44:08||Season 1, Ep. 21In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Rob Howe, a former professional basketball player and founder of Diabetics Doing Things, and Kyle Jacques Rose, a former elite cyclist and currently Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation. Together, they explore the connection between physical activity and diabetes management. From competing professionally to advocating globally, they share the powerful role movement plays in managing diabetes, and how mindset, technology and community make it all possible. Whether you're starting your first walk or training for your next marathon, this episode is full of encouragement, practical advice and heartfelt reflections.
20. Global youth, local impact: a look into the YLD Programme
27:49||Season 1, Ep. 20What does global youth advocacy in diabetes really look like? In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze is joined by diabetes advocates from IDF’s Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) programme—both current YLDs and recent alumni. Together, they share how the programme has shaped their personal journeys, expanded their professional networks and inspired impactful projects around the world. From overcoming motivational challenges to advocating for access to care in under-resourced communities, these young changemakers reveal what it takes to lead with purpose.
19. IDF Atlas 11th Edition
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18. Interview with the IDF President
40:48||Season 1, Ep. 18What does the future of diabetes prevention and management look like? In this episode of D-Talk, host Phyllisa Deroze welcomes Prof Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation, to explore the evolving landscape of diabetes care. They discuss the upcoming IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025, IDF’s 75-year legacy, key challenges, groundbreaking innovations, and Prof Schwarz’s vision for the future of diabetes prevention, research, and advocacy.
4. Doing Well with Diabetes: Karate Champion Alizée Agier's Journey
28:25||Season 1, Ep. 4In this fourth episode of a special podcast series in partnership with Diabetics Doing Things, host Rob Howe interviews Alizée Agier, a karate champion from France, about her experiences as an athlete living with type 1 diabetes. Alizee shares her diabetes diagnosis journey being identified for the markers of T1D prior to developing it, the impact of diabetes on her athletic career, her strategies for managing glucose levels during intense training and competition, and the significance of carrying the Olympic torch through her hometown prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The conversation also touches on the importance of connecting with the diabetes community and maintaining a positive mindset.Doing Well with Diabetes is part of Kids and Diabetes in Schools, an IDF programme supported by Sanofi and ISPAD.