D-Talk

Diabetes-related eye disease can be difficult to talk about, especially when it involves the risk of vision loss. In this episode of D-Talk, we explore how humour can help break down fear and open important conversations around diabetic macular oedema (DME), a leading cause of vision loss in people living with diabetes. Host Dr Phyllisa Deroze is joined by Damon Wayans – comedian, actor and advocate for the “All Eyes on DME” campaign – who shares how laughter, honesty, and lived experience can raise awareness, encourage action, and help people feel less alone when facing serious health challenges.

CGM is transforming diabetes care, but what if access, not innovation, is the real barrier? This episode highlights a pilot project in Egypt reimagining CGM access as a comprehensive care system. Host Dr Phyllisa Deroze welcomes Dr Andrew Behnke to discuss how the initiative combines technology, education and local expertise to improve outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes. Rather than just distributing sensors, the project trains families and healthcare teams to interpret and act on CGM data in real time.

In Episode 4 of the second season of Doing Well with Diabetes, a special podcast series in partnership with Diabetics Doing Things, host Rob Howe speaks with Kerry Murphy about navigating type 1 diabetes (T1D) as a parent and turning fear into action. From supporting multiple family members with T1D to founding Follow T1Ds, Kerry shares how her lived experience led her to advocate for safer, more equitable care in schools. She explores the gap between modern diabetes technology and outdated school practices, and how parents can move from overwhelm to strategic advocacy. A powerful conversation about protecting children and driving systems change.

In this episode, host Dr Phylissa Deroze is joined by Dr Michael Haller, Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Florida, and diabetes advocate Ricardo de Oliveira to explore type 1 diabetes screening as both a medical breakthrough and a political issue. They share how early detection can prevent life-threatening diagnosis experiences, reduce complications, and reshape care. The conversation addresses policy gaps, health equity and why screening must become a standard, accessible part of diabetes care worldwide.

In Episode 3 of the second season of Doing Well with Diabetes, a special podcast series in partnership with Diabetics Doing Things, host Rob Howe speaks with Jyotsana Rangeen about transforming life with type 1 diabetes through advocacy, confidence, and community. From navigating diagnosis and stigma to becoming a leading youth advocate in India and globally, Jyotsana shares how positive language, cultural awareness, and strong support networks can reshape the diabetes experience. A powerful conversation about turning challenges into purpose.

As Ramadan begins, millions ask: Can I fast safely with diabetes? In this episode, Dr Phyllisa Deroze speaks with Professor Mohamed Hassanein about what’s new in the 2026 Diabetes and Ramadan Guidelines. Learn how real-world data is driving change, how the new risk calculator works, and why informed choice, safety, and confidence are central to fasting with diabetes.

In this episode of D-Talk, host Dr Phyllisa Deroze talks with Dr Jean Claude Katte about the YODA study, which reveals a distinct, non-autoimmune form of young-onset diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. Learn how genetics, environment, and nutrition influence diabetes and why global standards must reflect diverse populations. The findings have major implications for diagnosis, treatment, and equity worldwide. 

In Episode 2 of the second season of Doing Well with Diabetes, a special podcast series in partnership with Diabetics Doing Things, host Rob Howe explores what it takes to challenge stigma in sport and compete at the highest level with type 1 diabetes. Costa Rican pole vaulter Rebeca Jara and Gambian footballer Ousman Ceesay reveal how visibility, preparation, and confidence help turn exclusion into leadership and show athletes everywhere that diabetes isn’t a barrier to sport, but a catalyst for strength, community, and change.

In the first episode of a new season of Doing Well with Diabetes, a special podcast series in partnership with Diabetics Doing Things, host Rob Howe brings together a global panel to share powerful stories of living with and supporting diabetes across three continents, highlighting challenges in access, education, food culture, and emotional well-being. A reminder that education, movement, and community support remain the strongest levers for improving global health and well-being for people with diabetes. Doing Well with Diabetes is part of Kids and Diabetes in Schools, an IDF programme supported by Sanofi and ISPAD.00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:23 – Meet Ravi: Pilot Dreams to Type 2 Diagnosis00:02:05 – Two Decades of Uncontrolled Diabetes & Complications00:06:11 – Going Back to School: Becoming a Nutritionist00:08:49 – Carbs, Fats, and the Omega-6:3 Problem in Indian Diets00:11:39 – Portion Control, Festivals, and Insulin as a Double-Edged Sword00:16:15 – Walking, Sweat, and Safe Exercise for Blood Pressure00:19:14 – Resistance Training as Medicine00:20:35 – Polo with Prince Charles: Childhood, Horses, and Loss of Function00:23:03 – Meet Sally Anne: Mom, Coach, and Advocate in Zimbabwe & South Africa00:24:08 – Learning Diabetes From Zero as a Parent00:27:02 – The Affordability Crisis: Insulin, Strips, and Food00:31:11 – Education Gaps: Fixed Doses, Hypers vs Hypos, and No Corrections00:33:09 – Doing the Most With Very Little: Education as the First Line of Care00:39:19 – Tackling Stigma at School and on the Netball Court00:39:55 – Glucobuddies: Building Community in Under-Resourced Settings00:42:08 – The Missing Link: Diabetes Educators, Not Just Dietitians00:47:11 – Fighting Misinformation About “Healthy” Foods00:50:42 – Meet Marina: Insulin Girl from Brazil00:54:38 – Living With Type 1 in Brazil: Access and Inequality00:58:46 – Brazilian Food Culture and the Carb-Counting Gap01:02:54 – Learning to Count Carbs and Choosing Nutrition as a Career01:05:24 – Mental Health, Burnout, and the Role of Exercise01:11:42 – Young Leaders in Diabetes and Impact at Human Scale01:15:40 – Self-Acceptance, Complications, and Redefining “Doing Well”