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In today's episode, I sit down with Mark Brezzel T1D author and clinician who shares his powerful story of diagnosis, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and how his faith and passion for fitness shaped his outlook. We discuss strategies for navigating burnout, building balance, and staying grounded in what matters most while living with T1D.

Key Takeaways

• Diagnosis story — How Mark came to terms with his T1D and found resilience.
• Faith and diabetes — The role spirituality plays in his health journey.
• Fitness as a foundation — Why exercise is more than just physical for Mark.
• Managing burnout — Tools to navigate the emotional ups and downs of diabetes.
• Balance and perspective — Building a life with T1D that’s sustainable and fulfilling.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Mark on Instagram: @mdbliveconnextllc
• 🌐 Visit Mark’s Website: mdbliveconnext.com
• 📖 Check out Mark’s Book: Amazon Link

About the Host

Hi, I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) navigate the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their daily decisions, so they can feel confident in their bodies and live without the constant worry and anxiety of going low, body image, and potential long-term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Cecily Lopez is a wellness advocate, visual storyteller, and the founder of Trinity Grace Photography, LLC. She has been living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly nine years, and a few years into that journey was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Facing both conditions taught her how strong and capable the body can be and inspired her passion for advocacy.

Cecily is dedicated to sharing what she’s learned about navigating chronic illness, listening to the body, and finding healing through rest, gratitude, and community. She is especially passionate about creating space for people who feel unseen in their health journeys, reminding them that everyone deserves to be heard and supported.

Outside of advocacy and photography, Cecily is a wife, mom, and dog mama. She also loves cooking, coffee, books, and movement—whether it’s yoga, pilates, kickboxing, or a good run.

Key Takeaways

• Food freedom — Why you don’t need to fear or feel guilt around food choices.
• Mindset shifts — How Cecily reframed her relationship with diabetes and health.
• Resilience through challenges — Lessons from navigating both T1D and thyroid cancer.
• Listening to your body — Rest, gratitude, and self-awareness as tools for healing.
• Community support — Why creating space for unseen voices matters.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Cecily Lopez on Instagram:
• 💬 Learn more about Cecily’s work: Trinity Grace Photography, LLC
• 📝 Learn more about the T1D Exchange Registry: Join Here

About the Host

Hi, I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) navigate the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their daily decisions, so they can feel confident in their bodies and live without the constant worry and anxiety of going low, body image, and potential long-term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or

Support the show

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

What’s it like to be newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult? In this episode, I talk with Jessica Barber, who was diagnosed in February 2024. Jessica opens up about what the first year of life with T1D has been like, how she’s learning to understand her body in new ways, and why conversations about women’s health and diabetes are so important.

Key Takeaways

• Early diagnosis journey — What Jessica has learned in her first year with T1D.
• Menstruation and blood sugars — How hormonal shifts impact diabetes management.
• Menopause and diabetes — Why this transition deserves more open conversation.
• Mental health matters — The emotional side of adjusting to a new diagnosis.
• Finding support — Why no one should go through diabetes alone.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Connect with Jessica Barber on Instagram:

About the Host

Hi, I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) navigate the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their daily decisions, so they can feel confident in their bodies and live without the constant worry and anxiety of going low, body image, and potential long-term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Support the show