Type 1: Stigma, Language, & Hope — Beyond the Numbers with Lucy Casson

When paediatric nurse practitioner Lucy first stepped into the world of diabetes care, she thought it’d be a temporary gig. Just a break from the heartbreak of palliative care. But 24 years on, she’s become one of the most respected figures in the type 1 diabetes community—advocating for change, championing tech, and supporting thousands of families through the diagnosis that shakes their world. In this episode, Lucy and Drew dive deep into the mental load of living with type 1—from the overwhelming day-to-day grind to the invisible toll it takes on kids, parents and practitioners alike. It's a raw, real and emotional look at the side of diabetes we don’t talk about enough—and how technology, trust, and tribe are changing the game. Here’s what we’re covering: -Why Lucy once said she’d “rather stick pins in her eyes” than work in diabetes—and what changed everything -The psychology of hypos: why lows feel worse than highs, and why waiting it out is easier said than done -What causes type 1 diabetes? The frustrating truth behind a lifelong question -How Covid has affected the global rise in type 1—and why the hygiene hypothesis is making a comeback -The eating disorder no one talks about: why skipping insulin is more common than you think -How diabetes management has changed in 24 years—from logbooks and “compliance” to algorithms and compassion -The problem with aiming for “perfect” control—and how it can cause more harm than good -How CGM and smart pens are helping people take back control (without going full pump) -The power of positive role models—and why internal motivation is everything -Lucy’s letter to diabetes: a passionate call to arms for her “tribe” … and so much more Chapters: ⏳ [00:00] Lows, Jelly Beans & Panic: The Reality of Hypos ⏳ [06:10] From Palliative Care to Pumps: Lucy’s Unexpected Career Path ⏳ [08:05] Demystifying Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, LADA, MODY & More ⏳ [15:06] Covid, Viruses and the Rise of Type 1 ⏳ [25:14] Tech Talk: Pumps, CGMs & the Future of Automated Insulin ⏳ [31:10] Time in Range: A New Way to Measure Success ⏳ [35:04] The Language We Use—And Why It Matters ⏳ [42:14] Stigma, Myths & Misconceptions About Type 1 ⏳ [45:50] Social Media, Misinformation & the Cinnamon Cure ⏳ [54:15] Mental Health, Burnout & the Psychology of Diabetes ⏳ [1:04:12] Disordered Eating & The Fear of Insulin ⏳ [1:12:19] Time in Tight Range vs. Sanity: Where Do We Draw the Line? ⏳ [1:21:54] How to Actually Live Well with Type 1 ⏳ [1:33:11] Lucy’s Letter to Diabetes: A Message from a Lifelong Ally Hope you enjoy! You can contact Lucy on instagram @totaldiabetescare or at https://totaldiabetescare.com.au To learn more about Medtronic https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/ Explore the MiniMed™ 780 https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/products/minimed-780g-guardian-4-sensor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices