The Healthy Diabetic

#327: What T1D Care Should Look Like — A Conversation with Sara Lerner @Blue Circle Health

Coach Ken / Sara Lerner (Blue Circle Health)

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In today's episode, I sit down with Sara Lerner, Director of Community Engagement at Blue Circle Health, to talk about what it really takes to live well with Type 1 Diabetes—and why the current healthcare system often falls short.

Sara shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) as an adult at age 25, including the fear, missteps, and challenges that come with adult-onset diagnosis. Drawing from both her lived experience and her professional background as a social worker, Sara explains how access, education, mental health support, insurance navigation, and community all play critical roles in diabetes success.

The conversation dives deep into why so many adults are misdiagnosed, why “compliance” is the wrong word in diabetes care, and how Blue Circle Health was created to close the massive gaps between what people with T1D need and what they can actually access.

If you’ve ever felt unheard, unsupported, overwhelmed by insurance, or unsure where to turn for help with diabetes—this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Why adults are frequently misdiagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
  • The emotional and mental health toll of living with T1D
  • Why “compliance” is an outdated and harmful term in diabetes care
  • How access to education and support directly impacts outcomes
  • The role community plays in day-to-day diabetes management
  • Why primary care alone often isn’t enough for T1D
  • How Blue Circle Health helps bridge gaps in diabetes care
  • Why empowerment and advocacy are essential skills for people with diabetes

🌐 Learn more & check eligibility:
https://www.bluecirclehealth.org

Blue Circle Health - Instagram

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
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