Diabetes Distress Paths: Skills & Feelings
Research shows two proven approaches to reducing diabetes distress - skills-based and emotion-focused. Neil explores the research, shares practical insights, and provides tools for managing the mental load of T1D. What You'll Learn •...
The episode, word for word
"Most doctors don't turn into TikTok educators. But today, we've got one who did. We're skipping the usual intro and diving into how an endocrinologist became a social-media translator for type 1 tech.
My guest is Dr. David Ahn, an endocrinologist and Program Director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital[ ](https://diabetesstrong.com/author/david-ahn/#:~:text=David%20Ahn%2C%20M,health%20speaker%2C%20writer%2C%20and%20innovator). He's also known by his handle @DiabetesDoc on TikTok, where he's racked up over 1 million views by breaking down complex diabetes tech into plain English (one CGM comparison video alone topped 700,000 views[ ](https://www.hcplive.com/view/diabetes-dialogue-embracing-social-media-as-a-clinician-with-david-ahn-md#:~:text=disseminating%20information%20and%20building%20a,patients%20and%20expand%20his%20platform)). He's the chief of diabetes services at Hoag[ ](https://www.hoag.org/specialties-services/other-programs-services/metabolism-weight-management-center/meet-the-team/#:~:text=Clinical%20Team%20,E), and while he doesn't live with T1D himself, he's built a reputation for truly "getting it."
In this conversation, we'll talk about how he helps patients who feel completely off track, how he builds empathy without having type 1, and how he turns cutting-edge tech data into relatable nuggets on Instagram and TikTok. We'll get into the barriers people face with new devices (he even chaired a session on overcoming those at ADA 2023[ ](https://www.hcplive.com/view/diabetes-dialogue-embracing-social-media-as-a-clinician-with-david-ahn-md#:~:text=During%20his%20time%20on,World%20Perspectives)), the analogies and stories he uses to make things click, and why being an endo is sometimes more like being a coach. And of course, we'll have some fun along the way."
Neil: "David, I have to ask right off the bat, do your patients ever walk into clinic and go, 'Hey, aren't you that diabetes doc from TikTok?' I imagine you've had a few double-takes from people who've seen your videos!"
Neil: "Many people with T1D go through phases where they feel completely off track with their care, burnout, high A1Cs, the works. When a patient comes to you feeling like they're failing at diabetes, how do you approach that? What's your game plan to help someone reset without piling on more guilt or overwhelm?"
Neil: "I read a story from one of your patients, Jacqueline, who said 'Dr. Ahn is amazing. He puts a lot of emphasis on the social aspect of diabetes... not just treating the disease but also the psychosocial side'[ ](https://www.hoag.org/articles/diabetes-made-her-feel-alone-hoag-helped-connect-her-to-a-community/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDr,%E2%80%9D).
She basically felt you really understood her. How did you build that kind of trust and empathy, especially given that you don't live with T1D yourself?
I know you've even worn CGMs on your own arm a few times just to see how different foods and exercise affect blood sugar[ ](https://notjustapatch.com/david-ahn-t1dialogues/?srsltid=AfmBOooJ1rKC5LP_NV6ZU4ZHo7ERdeMAI6oWGUHnVxGLjxPct5ofwCZG#:~:text=Yeah%2C%20100,their%20body%20in%20that%20regard). Does doing things like that help you "get it" from the patient perspective?"
Neil: "Is there a particular patient story that stands out where someone came in completely overwhelmed and, over time, you saw a transformation? Maybe a case where a small change, or even a mindset shift, made a huge difference in their diabetes journey? I'd love to hear about a moment that reminded you why you do this."
Neil: "You're one of the few endocrinologists out there who's taken to TikTok and Instagram to educate. What inspired you to start making social media videos about diabetes tech and care? Did you have a moment where you thought, 'Alright, I'm going to grab my phone and start talking about insulin pumps to the internet,' or did it happen more gradually?"
Neil: "Your content really translates technical stuff into everyday language. I mean, that video you did comparing CGM sensor sizes, the one with like three different sensors side by side, blew up for a reason[ ](https://www.hcplive.com/view/diabetes-dialogue-embracing-social-media-as-a-clinician-with-david-ahn-md#:~:text=disseminating%20information%20and%20building%20a,patients%20and%20expand%20his%20platform). Clearly people are craving easy-to-digest info. How do you decide what to explain next and how to break it down? Do you pull ideas from common patient questions in clinic, or new FDA approvals, or maybe just whatever gadget you're excited about that week?"
Neil: "What's the reaction been like? Have you ever gotten a message from someone online that really struck you, like a viewer saying 'I finally understood X because of your post'?
On the flip side, how do you handle the amount of misinformation on social media? I imagine stepping into that space as a doctor could be like "there's too many things to fix."
Neil: "You actually chaired a symposium at ADA 2023 about overcoming barriers to diabetes technology[ ](https://www.hcplive.com/view/diabetes-dialogue-embracing-social-media-as-a-clinician-with-david-ahn-md#:~:text=During%20his%20time%20on,World%20Perspectives). From your perspective, what's the biggest barrier keeping people from using or benefiting from the latest tech (be it CGMs, pumps, apps)? Is it cost, education, device fatigue, something else? And how do we start to tear down that barrier?"
Neil: "We've seen a wave of new tech recently, the Dexcom G7, the FDA-cleared Tidepool Loop, even talk of things like the iLet bionic pancreas. As a tech-savvy endo, which recent advancement has you most excited for your patients? And how do you explain these cutting-edge options to someone who might still be on older tools? I'm curious how you balance keeping folks informed about new devices without overwhelming them."
Neil: "Dream a little: if you could snap your fingers and invent or approve the next big thing in diabetes tech, what would it be?
Maybe a truly noninvasive glucose monitor, an insulin that perfectly mimics a pancreas, a universal device ecosystem... what's on your wish list for the near future of T1D care?"
Neil: "You've said that managing diabetes as a doctor often means "being a coach" rather than just a prescriber[ ](https://notjustapatch.com/david-ahn-t1dialogues/?srsltid=AfmBOooJ1rKC5LP_NV6ZU4ZHo7ERdeMAI6oWGUHnVxGLjxPct5ofwCZG#:~:text=Being%20able%20to%20use%20these,younger%20so%20we%20like%20having). I love that. Can you give an example of what being a coach to your patients looks like? Like, how do you motivate or guide someone through a tough diabetes hurdle, maybe a teenager struggling with numbers or an adult who's just exhausted? Does your love of sports (I see the Lakers gear in some of your posts!) ever creep into how you encourage patients, like using a sports analogy or a team mindset?"
Neil: "One thing you're known for is your analogies. You find ways to make data relatable. For instance, I heard that at one conference you categorized downloading diabetes data as Standard, Premium, and Deluxe, kind of like levels of a car wash or phone plan, where Standard was just meter readings, Premium added CGM and pump info, and Deluxe had food logs and all the bells and whistles. That made me smile and say, 'This guy speaks my language!' Where do these creative explanations come from? Do they tend to land well with patients? Any analogy you're particularly proud of (or one that totally flopped)?"
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"True or False: Time in Range is more important day-to-day than A1C."
True or False: Every person with type 1 diabetes should be on an insulin pump."
True or False: People with T1D can eat anything they want as long as they dose insulin for it."
True or False: You have to live with type 1 to truly understand how hard it is."
True or False: As a doctor, you've learned at least as much from your patients as they've learned from you."
"True or False: Sometimes having too much diabetes data (graphs, stats, alarms) can be overwhelming for people."
True or False: At least once, you've had a patient who knew more about the latest diabetes tech than you did."
(Neil invites David to a lighthearted "confession" segment.)
Neil: "Alright, Diabetes Confession Booth! No judgement, just honesty. First prompt: What's one thing you preach to your patients about diabetes that you admittedly struggle with in your own life or health? (We won't tell your endocrinologist!)"
Neil: "Option 2: Every expert was a beginner once. Can you confess a time early in your career, or maybe during med school, when you completely misunderstood something about diabetes or got it wrong? What did you learn from that hiccup?"
(Neil and David jump into a playful lightning round, 40 quick Qs to answer with the first thing that comes to mind.)
Coffee or tea?
Early bird or night owl?
Dexcom or Libre, which CGM name do you find yourself saying more often?
Favorite Dodgers moment from this year's world series?
One thing you wish every patient would do before their appointment?
One thing you wish every doctor would do for their diabetes patients?
Go-to breakfast on a busy clinic morning?
Midnight snack, sweet or salty?
The diabetes tech gadget you're most excited about right now?
The diabetes tech task you find most annoying (for you or patients)?
One word your colleagues would use to describe you.
One word your patients would use to describe you.
What's harder: explaining insulin dosing to a patient, or explaining TikTok to a fellow doctor?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Last book, show, or movie that you loved (non-medical)?
Meal you could eat every single day and not get bored?
If you had to wear one diabetes device for a week, which would you choose (CGM, pump, etc.)?
Most common question patients DM you on social media?
Most ridiculous diabetes myth you've heard?
Favorite analogy you use for explaining something in diabetes?
Fill in the blank: "Diabetes tech in 2030 will be ______."
How many alarms are set on your morning alarm clock?
App on your phone you can't live without (besides email/text)?
One piece of diabetes jargon you wish you could banish forever.
What's tougher: medical school exams or making a 60-second diabetes explainer video?
In one word, how are you feeling right now about the future of diabetes care?
Emoji you use the most when texting?
Hidden talent you have that might surprise people?
First word that comes to mind when I say "insulin."
Something you do that your patients seem to really appreciate.
Guilty-pleasure TV show or movie you secretly enjoy.
Neil: "We covered a lot, tech, empathy, the whole gamut. Let me wrap up on a reflective note: After all these years working with the diabetes community, what keeps you inspired on the tough days? What is it that gets you out of bed and excited to do this work day after day?"
David - where can people find you?
Filming & Tone Notes: This episode should feel warm, curious, and human. Neil's demeanor is upbeat yet thoughtful, he's done his homework and it shows in the personal details he mentions. During the Cold Open, film Neil speaking directly to camera in an inviting, personable tone (think of a close friend sharing a story). For the interview, use a comfortable two-shot of Neil and David facing each other; Neil leans in and listens actively, smiling and reacting with genuine empathy. Keep the vibe conversational and relaxed, it's okay if they laugh or go off-script for a moment, that warmth builds rapport. When Neil brings up research or patient quotes (like Jacqueline's story), have him do it naturally, as if recalling an article he read, it should highlight that he's prepared but not feel stiff. The Diabetes Confession Booth segment can be a tighter shot with a playful feel, maybe add a lighthearted musical cue to set the "fun" segment apart. Neil should smirk or raise an eyebrow when prompting the confessions, encouraging David to be candid. In the True/False round, maintain a quick back-and-forth pacing, Neil fires off statements with a light tone (even the serious ones), and David answers almost before Neil finishes, this keeps energy high. For the Fastest Five Minutes lightning round, consider jump-cut style editing or split-screen visuals to accentuate the rapid pace and humor. Neil's tone here is quick and upbeat, laughing along and saying "go, next!" to keep momentum. Overall, ensure the conversation balances depth and levity: when David shares a heartfelt insight, let that moment breathe; when a joke lands, feel free to laugh. The audience should come away feeling like they just sat in on a fascinating coffee chat between two people who care deeply about life with T1D.
Nov 26 - 123
This is the script as read on the mic, lightly tidied for reading. Education, not medical advice. Talk to your care team before you change anything about your insulin.