Reclaim Your Rise: Type 1 Diabetes with Lauren Bongiorno
Lauren Bongiorno is a Nationally Board Certified Health Coach and the founder and CEO of Risely Health. Featured on the TODAY show and other media outlets, Risely helps people and families impacted by Type 1 Diabetes take ownership over their health so they can transform their life with more freedom and confidence. Lauren has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was 7 years old and has experienced firsthand that when health transforms, so does everything else - our relationships, our time, our career, our families, and, most importantly, ourselves. Each week she will bring you lessons from her own personal diabetes experience, strategies that are key to understanding your body’s patterns, and guests who will speak to everything from advances in technology to all things hormones, exercise, relationships, and mindset. All of this so that over time, you TOO can reclaim your rise.
Reclaim Your Rise: Type 1 Diabetes with Lauren Bongiorno
149. Misconceptions About the iLet Bionic Pancreas: It's Not Just for 'Train Wrecks'
In this episode, Joe Solowiejczyk—diabetes nurse educator, family therapist, and type 1 diabetes advocate for 63 years—shares his transformative experience with the iLet bionic pancreas. Joe opens up about how this groundbreaking technology has given him a glimpse of life without the relentless demands of diabetes management. He describes the mental relief and emotional distance the device provides, explaining how it’s reshaped his day-to-day life. Joe addresses common misconceptions, highlighting that the iLet isn’t solely for those facing management challenges—it’s for anyone looking to ease the daily demands of diabetes care. He also explores how the device can empower families, particularly teenagers, by fostering confidence and self-efficacy in managing diabetes together. Whether you're a person with diabetes, a parent, or a healthcare professional, this conversation will change the way you think about diabetes technology and self-care.
Time Stamps:
- 03:01 Joe's Diagnosis and Early Experiences with Diabetes
- 06:55 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Diabetes Management
- 12:39 Understanding Family Support and Its Role in Diabetes
- 18:00 Operating as a Family: The Role of Parents in Managing a Child's Diabetes
- 20:52 The iLet Bionic Pancreas: A Game Changer
- 26:50 Daily Life Before & After the iLet Bionic Pancreas
- 31:37 What the iLet Looks Like
- 35:00 Whe the iLet is Best For
- 34:11 The Impact of Technology on Diabetes Care
- 36:11 Empowering Youth with Diabetes
- 38:50 Ownership and Acceptance in Diabetes Management
- 43:28 Understanding Patient Perspectives on New Technology and the Adaptation Curve
- 48:57 The Balance of Knowledge and Letting Go of Control
- 50:32 Having Patience in Change, Redefining Perfection, and Surrendering
What to do now:
- Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
- Doors are open for the January 2025 round of our signature group coaching program. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.
- Find out if the iLet Bionic Pancreas is right for you: https://bit.ly/iLetReclaimYourRise
Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on the Reclaim your Rise podcast should be a substitute for personalized professional medical advice. Please always consult your physician or other medical professional before making any changes to your diet, insulin dosages, or healthcare plan.
