Treating Lows: Tablets & Gummies That Work
Neil shares his 2025 glucose tablet shift, how treating lows consistently with 15g doses reduced rebound highs by 50%, stopped roller coaster spikes, and changed his entire year. What You Can Do Today Try treating your next low with...
The episode, word for word
If you're like me, you've had those moments where a low blood sugar turns into a full-on binge, because anything that tastes good mysteriously becomes the "must-eat-all" food. Sometimes, that low treatment feels like controlling a wild beast instead of managing a number.
But this year? I made a game-changing shift. I switched to treating lows only with glucose tablets and gummies, and it blew my mind.
If you've ever cursed at a roller coaster CGM spike after a low, this episode is for you.
I'm Neil Greathouse, and this is Your Best T1D Year.
Here's what happened:
Early this year, I kept over-treating lows. I'd eat whatever was around, candy, juice, even random snacks. That meant swings. Highs after lows. Morning surprises. Frustration.
Then I tried something simple, but powerful: Only using glucose tablets and gummies to treat lows.
Why?
They have a known, standardized dose of fast-acting carbs (usually 15 grams per packet).
No guessing how many carbs I'm actually eating.
No accidental overeating because they're portable and pre-measured.
At first, it felt weird. Like I was giving up freedom.
But my CGM data told the story: fewer spikes after lows, fewer highs, less guesswork.
I'm learning still, especially around exercise lows, where timing and amounts need fine-tuning. But saying "only glucose tabs/gummies" made the biggest positive difference for me in 2025.
Here's what the research says:
Consistent carbohydrate treatment for lows reduces post-hypoglycemia blood sugar spikes by up to 50%. (Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 2022) When people treat lows with consistent 15g doses, their blood sugars recover without going sky-high.
Glucose tabs/gummies are faster acting and more predictable than food-based carbs in hypoglycemia management. (American Diabetes Association, 2023 Standards) Solid evidence shows that fast-acting glucose sources reduce time spent in hypoglycemia compared to complex or mixed-carb foods.
Structured low treatment improves fear-of-hypoglycemia scores. (Journal of Diabetes Research, 2024) Knowing you have a simple, effective method reduces anxiety around lows, and that lowers stress hormones that otherwise spike sugar.
I want you to think about this:
Did you make a low-treatment shift this year? Or maybe you started carrying glucose tabs/gummies with you? Or stopped rage-bolusing?
Whatever your favorite low-management habit win was in 2025, own it.
If you haven't yet, maybe try choosing one structured method to treat lows consistently, and test it for a week.
Small shifts build better blood sugar days.
You know, this isn't just my struggle. I got a DM from a dad this year who said: "My son would go fishing with me, and every time he had a low, he'd grab a granola bar, half the time he'd eat the whole thing just to play it safe. As soon as we switched to glucose tabs, his rebound highs after fishing were gone."
I hear so many stories like that. It's all about making a tiny change you can actually stick with.
Remember that scene in The Office where Michael Scott tries to "control" an office fire and ends up making it worse? Treating lows haphazardly is a bit like that, unless you have a clear plan, things spin out fast.
Glucose tabs are like your fire extinguisher, small, reliable, and when used right, they stop the damage before it spreads.
Monday, we've got a long-form conversation with Naomi, one of 2025's most impactful guests. She's sharing her story, tips, and big lessons on navigating life with T1D.
You ever wish someone actually helped with the tough stuff, refills, insurance, supplies, so you didn't have to do it all yourself? That's what Blue Circle Health does. Real clinicians who get T1D, a care team for the habits and the hard days, at no cost, for six months. Check your state at bluecirclehealth.org. Blue Circle Health: T1D support that finally feels like support.
Structured lows. Small wins. Big progress.
Type 1 diabetes is relentless, but managing it doesn't have to be a mess.
Send me your win, and I'll see you Monday.
And remember: Nobody remembers easy, but they'll remember you.
Week 43
Dec 8 - 128 - Naomi Garlick
Before we jump into the origin story of Glow, I just have to share: I saw on social media that ADA summer camps have been stocking Glow Gummies to keep their campers safe (and smiling) through the summer[ ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ5rNvvgzoL/?hl=en#:~:text=Glow%20Glucose%20Gummies%20,all%20summer%20long). How cool is that? As someone diagnosed young, how does it feel seeing your product helping kids with T1D at camp?
HOST (Neil): All month long, we're spotlighting "Our Favorite Things" making life with T1D just a little better. Today's favorite thing? A game-changing gummy that might forever upgrade how we treat a low.
For anyone who's ever been mid-meeting or on a long run when a brutal low hits, fumbling for chalky glucose tabs or slamming a juice box, this one's for you. My guest is Naomi Garlick, founder and CEO of Glow Glucose Gummies. She's a 20+ year type 1 veteran who got so fed up with the same old so-called solutions that she decided to invent her own[ ](https://integrateddiabetes.com/an-interview-with-naomi-garlick-founder-of-glow-gummies/#:~:text=A%3A%20Living%20with%20T1D%20is,to). Naomi turned "I wish this existed" into "I'll do it myself," creating a healthier, faster, frankly more fun way to fix low blood sugars.
In this episode, you'll hear how a moment of pure frustration sparked Naomi's entrepreneurial journey, how she actually took Glow Gummies from idea to reality, and what she's learned after living with type 1 diabetes since age 12. It's insightful, it's honest, and yes, there will be gummies. This is Your Best T1D Year.
(Music & intro beat, 15 sec)
(Upbeat theme music plays and then fades under host's voice.)
HOST (Neil): It's December, and our theme is "Our Favorite Things", highlighting some of the people, products, and ideas that are making life with diabetes easier, brighter, and just plain better.
Today, I'm excited to sit down with someone who embodies that spirit. Naomi Garlick is here, she's the brains behind Glow Gummies, the fast-acting glucose gummies that have been all over my social feed lately. If you're tired of those chalky glucose tabs (you know the ones) or the sugar crash after chugging a juice, Naomi's created something pretty amazing. We're going to talk about how a personal pain point led her to build Glow, what it takes to launch a diabetes-friendly business from scratch, and how her two decades with T1D have shaped who she is, in business and in life.
Naomi, welcome to the show! I have to say, your product has quickly become one of my favorite things. I appreciate you making time to chat.
HOST: Before we jump into the origin story of Glow, I just have to share: I saw on social media that ADA summer camps have been stocking Glow Gummies to keep their campers safe (and smiling) through the summer[ ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ5rNvvgzoL/?hl=en#:~:text=Glow%20Glucose%20Gummies%20,all%20summer%20long). How cool is that? As someone diagnosed young, how does it feel seeing your product helping kids with T1D at camp?
HOST: I bet. It gave me goosebumps. Okay, let's get into your story, because it's a good one.
HOST: So Naomi, I like to start by setting the scene a bit. You've been living with type 1 for over 20 years, you have this thriving new company, and you've basically taken something every T1D deals with, low blood sugars, and turned it into an opportunity to help people. But before Glow Gummies were even an idea, you were a busy professional just trying to manage your blood sugars like the rest of us. Give us a snapshot: what did life look like for you before "CEO of a diabetes startup" was on your résumé?
HOST: First, for context: You were diagnosed at age 12. That's a tough age for anyone, let alone being told you have a lifelong disease. How did younger-you handle that?
HOST: I can imagine. That middle school age is brutal without any extra challenges, add T1D and it's a whole other level.
HOST: You've said on a few other interviews that you..."Never let T1D stop you from doing what you want." I know that's one of your mottos, and I love it. Clearly you've lived by that, because you didn't just manage T1D, you went and built a business on top of it! So let's dive in there.
HOST: Every entrepreneur seems to have that breaking point, the moment where a frustration becomes so big, you decide "Alright, that's it, I'm going to solve this myself." For you, what was that moment? What broke you enough to say, "I'll do it myself" when it came to treating lows?
HOST: Right, like why are we essentially eating compacted chalk that hasn't changed since who knows when.
HOST: I love that. It wasn't one huge dramatic event, but a buildup of everyday frustration. It's so relatable, I think every person with T1 has cursed those tabs or cursed the glucose gel or whatever at some point. You hit that enough moment.
What I find so interesting is a lot of us have those "someone should fix this" thoughts, but very few actually go and attempt to fix it! Did you have any experience making food products or running a business? What gave you the confidence to even begin?
HOST: So you crowdsourced the wish list, smart. And that aligns perfectly with what you said: we deserve better tools that actually fit into our lives, not just "good enough" stopgaps[ ](https://integrateddiabetes.com/an-interview-with-naomi-garlick-founder-of-glow-gummies/#:~:text=decisions%20each%20day,solutions%2C%20not%20just%20more%20chores). Once you had that clarity on what it should be, fast, tasty, 4 grams of carb per piece, portable, healthy ingredients, what did you do next? I mean, it's one thing to say "I'm going to make a better glucose tab," it's another to create an actual gummy and a company around it.
HOST: I was going to ask, how did you solve the melting issue? Because gummies are notorious for turning into goo in the heat. And I read that Glow Gummies are heat-stable up to something crazy like 200°F which is perfect for, say, a summer sports camp or leaving some in the car.
HOST: That's impressive. I love these little behind-the-scenes details, it shows how much thought went into solving real-life issues that only someone living with T1D would even think about. Like, a corporate candy maker might not think "Ah yes, our user might leave this in a 100°F car during a hypoglycemia emergency drill." But you knew.
HOST: So, after all the kitchen chemistry and collaboration with manufacturers, you finally land on the formula. You've got these gummies in hand that meet your standards. What was it like the first time you treated your own low blood sugar with a Glow Gummy instead of the old stuff?
HOST: That is amazing. And it wasn't just helping you for long, you launched the product and now it's helping others. We'll talk about that in a bit. But first, I'm curious about... well, the business side. A lot of people might have stopped at "someone should make this." You went and did it and created a whole brand. What were some of the biggest challenges once you committed to this path?
HOST: Right, life with T1D is basically constant problem-solving and adjusting, so you were in training for entrepreneurship without realizing it. Actually, that leads perfectly into my next segment, which is about you and how diabetes has shaped you over the years.
HOST: Naomi, you've touched on this a bit, diagnosed at 12, initial struggle, then a mindset shift. Now here you are, a CEO and advocate. I want to explore how living with T1D for two decades has influenced you, and what insights you've picked up along the way. Let's start with resilience. Do you think dealing with the ups and downs of diabetes prepared you for the rollercoaster of starting a business?
HOST: I believe it. If you can count carbs, dose insulin, and respond to emails at the same time, you can probably handle back-to-back investor meetings and product development fire drills.
Speaking of insights, let's talk about what you've learned from others with T1D. You mentioned earlier you intentionally followed "real, positive people" in the diabetes community and skipped the perfectionists[ ](https://integrateddiabetes.com/an-interview-with-naomi-garlick-founder-of-glow-gummies/#:~:text=A%3A%20Follow%20positive%2C%20real%20people,media%20%E2%80%94%20skip%20the%20perfectionists). Why was that important for you, and what difference did it make?
I realized we're all dealing with the same insanity. Following those positive voices kept me motivated and reminded me to give myself grace. It's why I try to be that kind of voice now too. Like, I'll admit on social media if I rage ate a donut during a low and then regretted it. I'll post a CGM graph that looks like a rollercoaster and make a joke, because we've all been there. That authenticity can actually lighten the mental load.
HOST: That's so true. There's relief in knowing you're not the only one messing up or having a hard day. You mentioned grace, I think that's a big one. Learning to forgive yourself for the diabetes stuff that isn't your fault is huge.
Now, on the data side of insights: I'm a nerd, you're kind of a nerd about this now too, so I have to ask, what's the most interesting or surprising thing you've learned on your T1D journey or in the process of building Glow? Anything that made you go "wow" or changed your perspective?
The stat: I found out that people with diabetes can end up gaining an average of 10 pounds over time purely from treating lows[ ](https://integrateddiabetes.com/an-interview-with-naomi-garlick-founder-of-glow-gummies/#:~:text=Q%3A%20What%E2%80%99s%20the%20most%20interesting,and%20business%20journey%20so%20far). I had no idea! When I heard that, it blew my mind. It makes sense, if you're routinely chugging sugary drinks or overeating to correct lows, those calories add up. But seeing that number, 10 pounds, I was like, this is a real, quantifiable gap in care. Our tools for hypo treatment have this side effect of weight gain, which can then mess with insulin sensitivity and become a vicious cycle. It made me even more determined to offer a lower-calorie, portion-controlled option. Because no one should feel like managing lows is making their weight or health goals harder. That was a big aha moment for me.
HOST: That's a wild stat. I hadn't heard it put that way before, but it rings true, I think back on all the emergency snacking and extra carbs I've downed over years, and, yeah, it probably adds up to a small person. So using something like a 4-gram gummy where you're not taking excess is not just a convenience thing, it can have real health implications over decades.
HOST: Wow, I didn't know it was that high, 80%. That does make me feel a bit less "freak occurrence" and more "just how it goes." And it definitely highlights why what you're doing, and what groups like Beyond Type 1 or Blue Circle Health are doing, is so important, connecting people who get it. I mean, you know Blue Circle Health is all about making sure people with T1D don't feel alone and drowning in this stuff. They literally pair folks with coaches and care teams to help lighten the load. It's a similar ethos to yours: life with T1D doesn't have to be harder than it already is. Let's remove some friction, whether it's a better low treatment or free one-on-one support.
HOST: Right on. Okay, before we shift out of Serious Mode, I want to ask one more thing on a reflective note: You've clearly grown a lot with T1D, from feeling ashamed, to defiant, to empowered enough to start a company. What would today-Naomi tell that 12-year-old Naomi newly diagnosed, if you could go back in time and give her a piece of advice or reassurance?
HOST: That is beautiful. And I'm pretty sure 12-year-old you would have appreciated having something tastier than those old glucose tabs back then, too.
HOST: Okay, I promised we wouldn't stay 100% serious the whole time. We have some fun segments on this show, so let's lighten it up and get into those. Ready to shift gears?
HOST: This segment is True or False. I'm going to throw out some statements, and you say "true" or "false", then I might hit you with a quick follow-up why for some. Sound good?
HOST: True or False: You have, at least once, treated a low with a Glow Gummy when you technically weren't low, just because they taste good.
HOST: Love the honesty. Hey, better 4 grams for fun than a big piece of cake for no reason, right?
HOST: True or False: After all the recipe testing and gummy tasting, you got so tired of sweets that you didn't want to see another gummy for a while.
HOST: Occupational hazard of a candy developer!
HOST: True or False: The hardest part of running a diabetes-focused startup isn't the business stuff, it's managing your own diabetes while doing it.
HOST: I had a feeling. Sometimes diabetes is the worst employee on the team, never clocks out, and often shows up late with an attitude problem.
HOST: True or False: You've experienced a low at the absolute worst possible time, like during a huge presentation or another life milestone.
HOST: Oh wow, mid-wedding speech, that takes the cake (or the bread roll). Always a bridesmaid, never without glucose. Got it.
HOST: True or False: Now that you run Glow, you feel extra pressure to have "perfect" blood sugars since your product is in the spotlight.
HOST: That's a healthy attitude. If anyone ever expects perfect numbers from a T1D, they've got another thing coming.
Alright, final one in this round, on a lighter note: True or False: You've hidden a glucose tab or candy wrapper in a weird place because you didn't want people to see evidence of your low.
HOST: I think we all have at some point, the secret life of low blood sugar. Alright! You aced the True/False round, thanks for playing along.
Now we're warmed up for the next bit, which is fast, fun, and maybe a little weird. Ready for a lightning round?
HOST: Okay, Fastest Five Minutes. I'll throw quick questions at you, some diabetes, some totally random. First thing that comes to mind, go for it. We'll try to blitz through as many as we can in five minutes. Here we go:
HOST: 1. What's your go-to low snack other than Glow Gummies? (We know Glow is #1, but what's #2 in a pinch?)
HOST: 2. One ingredient you reach for when life's messy that actually plays nice with your blood sugar?
HOST: 3. Most controversial kitchen opinion you hold and will defend with your whole heart?
HOST: Oh, the cilantro divide, bold stance.
HOST: 4. What's the "reset" song that works every time to get you out of a funk?
HOST: 5. A myth about perfect eating with T1D that drives you crazy and you'd love to debunk?
HOST: Preach! Diabetes already steals enough joy; we don't need curfews on carbs.
HOST: 6. We know you're all about joy and food, what's a joy ritual you have that takes less than 2 minutes?
HOST: Love that.
HOST: 7. Quick scenario: You're filming a video about Glow and your CGM alarm blares mid-take. What's the first thing you say out loud?
HOST: Keeping it real, I like it.
HOST: 8. What's the most clutch diabetes tool or gadget you own under $25?
HOST: A mini-fridge for insulin and treats, now that's balance.
HOST: 9. Tex-Mex or BBQ, which one's your kryptonite and can you bolus for it like a pro?
HOST: Nice. Might need your ratio secrets later.
HOST: 10. What's a myth about diabetes you wish would retire already? (Not just food, any myth.)
HOST: Hear, hear.
HOST: 11. Drake or Kendrick? (Important questions here.)
HOST: 12. SZA or H.E.R.?
HOST: 13. You're on a deserted island and can only have one piece of diabetes tech with you, what is it?
HOST: Smart.
HOST: 14. Coffee shop order, what's your go-to drink, and do you get fancy with it?
HOST: Classic choice. No blood sugar rollercoaster from that.
HOST: 15. What was the first thing you did to celebrate when you officially launched Glow Gummies?
HOST: I bet! Well earned rest.
HOST: 16. What's one thing people don't know about you that doesn't fit in your official bio?
HOST: Live long and bolus, Naomi.
HOST: 17. Favorite pump or CGM site? Are you an arm person, stomach, thigh...?
HOST: Got it. Arm CGM club, same here.
HOST: 18. Weirdest or funniest question you've ever gotten about your diabetes from someone?
HOST: A pager! That's hilarious and painful.
Alright, I think our five minutes are up, and you crushed it. That was fun! We got to see your quirky side. Now we're going to slow it back down just a tad for our final deep segment.
HOST: Welcome to the Confession Booth, Naomi. This is where I offer you three prompts, you can take them in a playful direction or a serious one, totally your call. It's meant to be a safe space to share something real, or something real funny, about life with T1D. Ready?
HOST: Exactly. Prompt 1: "Joy Fail." Tell us about a time food joy went sideways on you, maybe a meal or treat that you were so excited about, but diabetes had other plans, and how you laughed (or maybe cried) about it later. What did you learn from it?
But later, I had to laugh, of course that happened on my birthday, right? Diabetes loves a party. I learned to maybe pre-bolus a bit more and maybe not combine a brand new infusion site with a big slice of cake. And also, sometimes timing just sucks and you gotta roll with it. I did get a delicious cake redux a week later, under less dramatic circumstances!
HOST: Diabetes crashers are the worst party crashers. But glad you got your cake revenge eventually.
Okay, Prompt 2: "Reset Save." Share a day that was an absolute mess, diabetes-wise, life-wise, whatever, until one tiny reset turned it around. What was that tiny reset that saved the day?
Then I remembered something I tell other people: when it's going off the rails, pause and do one small thing to reset. So I did something kind of weird, I put on my sneakers and went outside for literally a 5-minute walk around the block, in the middle of the workday. Phone left behind, emails ignored, just a quick walk and some deep breaths. It was such a tiny thing, but it cleared my head. My blood sugar was back in range by then, the sunshine felt good, and that little break mentally separated "crappy morning" from "fresh start now." I came back to my desk feeling like, okay, the first half sucked, but it doesn't mean the whole day has to. And the rest of the day did improve. That taught me the power of a quick reset, even a 5-minute change of scenery can salvage a day.
HOST: I love that. Note to self: when in doubt, take five and walk it out.
Prompt 3: "Creator Life." Give us a behind-the-scenes moment from creating content or building Glow that people would never guess, maybe something that went wrong during a photoshoot, or a personal doubt you had, and what it taught you about giving yourself grace.
I was so frustrated I sat on the floor amidst scattered gummies and just sighed. The camera was still rolling, actually. When I watched that footage back, I went from mortified to amused. It was hilarious, I looked like a Home Alone slapstick scene. I ended up sharing a short blooper reel of that moment on Glow's social media. And you know what? People loved it way more than the polished slow-mo pour. It was real and funny.
It taught me that not only do I need to give myself grace when things aren't perfect, but sometimes the imperfect stuff is exactly what people connect with. Now, whenever I have a behind-the-scenes fail or I'm feeling imposter syndrome, I remember that pile of gummies and that people are rooting for the human, not the flawless superwoman.
HOST: That is such a great story. I'm picturing you swimming in gummies on your living room floor, and I love that you decided to share the blooper. There's a metaphor in there: even when our best-laid plans scatter everywhere, there can be joy (and humor) in the mess.
Thank you for trusting us with those confessions, both silly and serious. Now, because we got a bit deep there, I want to gently land this: for anyone listening who might be in one of those moments, maybe they spilled the gummies, or their day's a mess, or they're feeling alone, what would you say, in one sentence, to that person?
HOST: Perfect. A little perspective and a lot of support, sometimes that's all we need to hear.
HOST: Naomi, this has been such a refreshing conversation. We've covered a ton, from your diagnosis story and the emotional journey, to the nitty-gritty of making a better glucose gummy, to the laughs and lessons along the way. I want to say thank you, not just for coming on the show, but for what you've created and the attitude you bring to this community. You saw a problem and instead of just complaining, you built a solution. That's empowering for all of us to see.
Before we sign off, where can people find you and Glow Gummies if they want to connect or try them out?
HOST: Fantastic. And I'll vouch, the mixed berry flavor does slap, folks.
Now, as we wrap up, I like to reflect for a minute. Talking with you, Naomi, I'm struck by how you turned a pain point into progress. You didn't wait for someone else to fix it. You said, "Why not me?" and that is such a powerful mindset for anyone listening. Whether it's creating a product, or simply creating a new habit to improve your health, we can take ownership of our T1D lives in the same way. Your story drives home that message: if something isn't working for you, don't be afraid to change it, or even build it.
It also reminds me that our community is full of heroes-next-door like you, people who "get it" and are working to make things better, whether through innovation, advocacy, or just sharing a bit of positivity online. We really are all in this together. One of my favorite things (pun intended, since it's our theme) about the diabetes world right now is exactly what we've talked about: tools and support systems are evolving that actually respect how hard this is and aim to lighten the load. Glow Gummies is one, Blue Circle Health is another, it's a good time to be a T1D, if we have to be, because people like you are out here making a difference.
So to our listeners: maybe your "favorite thing" this month is a new gadget, or maybe it's hearing a story like Naomi's that sparks an idea or just makes you feel understood. Take that and run with it. And remember, as always: T1D is relentless, but managing it, and even innovating within it, doesn't have to be. We can make it better, together.
Naomi, thank you again for sharing your journey, your humor, and your heart with us. This was a blast and also seriously inspiring.
HOST: Alright, everyone, go treat yourself to whatever your favorite thing is today (I think I'll grab a gummy not for a low, in Naomi's honor). And stick around for the outro and a sneak peek of what's coming next. Until then, take your five minutes today, whether it's a walk, a dance to Taylor Swift, or a moment to savor something sweet, and we'll see you next time.
HOST (Voiceover): This has been Your Best T1D Year. New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To learn more or join our free monthly T1D challenges, head to yourbestt1dyear.com. Remember: you're not doing a bad job, you're doing a difficult job. And when we do it together, it gets a whole lot lighter.
Thanks for listening, and here's to Your Best T1D Year yet!
(Theme music fades out.)
"Never Settle: How Naomi Garlick Built Glow Gummies to Fix Low Blood Sugars"
"From T1D Frustration to Sweet Innovation, Naomi Garlick's Glow Up"
"Your Best T1D Year: Our Favorite Things, Glow Glucose Gummies Founder Tells All"
Host (energetic, to camera): "What do you do when diabetes tech and treatments don't cut it? If you're my guest today, you build it yourself. Naomi Garlick was fed up with chalky glucose tabs and middle-of-meeting lows, so she created Glow Glucose Gummies to treat low blood sugars in a better way. In this episode of Your Best T1D Year, you'll hear how a moment of pure frustration sparked a T1D entrepreneur's journey. Trust me, her story will make you think twice about what's 'good enough' in diabetes care. Stay tuned, this one might inspire your next big idea!"
Clip 1, "The Breaking Point" Description: Naomi describes the exact moment she decided to create Glow Gummies (the messy low during a big meeting and fed-up realization). Caption: "I was in a big meeting, going low, choking down a chalky glucose tab... and I just snapped. Ever hit that point where you're done settling for 'good enough'? Founder @NaomiGarlick of @Glow__Gummies shares how one frustrating low sparked a game-changing idea. #type1diabetes #YourBestT1DYear #OurFavoriteThings"
Clip 2, "DIY Diabetes Innovation" Description: A snippet of Naomi explaining how she took Glow from idea to reality (surveying T1Ds, kitchen experiments, finding a manufacturer). Caption: "'Why aren't we treating lows like it's 2025 instead of 1985?' When Naomi couldn't find better low snacks, she built her own. Hear how she went from kitchen experiments to a product now at diabetes camps nationwide! #GlowGummies #diabetesinnovation #YourBestT1DYear"
Clip 3, "Confessions & Resets" Description: A fun montage of Naomi's rapid-fire answers (like sneaking gummies when not low, or the wedding speech low anecdote, plus her one-sentence advice in the Confession Booth). Caption: "Real talk with @NaomiGarlick: sneaking her own product just for the taste, going low during a wedding toast, and why a 5-minute walk can save a terrible diabetes day. This episode of #YourBestT1DYear brings the laughs and the insights. #T1Dlife #diabetescommunity"
Personal, "Take us back to your diagnosis at age 12. What do you remember most about how you felt then, and how did that experience shape the person you are now, both as a individual and as a leader?"
Personal, "Living with T1D for 20+ years comes with emotional highs and lows. Was there ever a point you struggled with diabetes burnout or shame, and how did you overcome it to arrive at the confidence and openness you have today?"
Brand-Aligned, "Glow Gummies: what's the origin story? Was there a single 'I can't take this anymore' moment that sparked the idea, and how did you go from that spark to an actual product on the market?"
Brand-Aligned, "You intentionally built Glow Gummies based on real T1D feedback. Can you share one or two insights from the community that guided your product design (like flavor, carb count, or packaging) and how you incorporated them?"
Data-Insightful, "I've heard the average person with T1D makes over 180 health-related decisions a day[ ](https://integrateddiabetes.com/an-interview-with-naomi-garlick-founder-of-glow-gummies/#:~:text=A%3A%20Living%20with%20T1D%20is,for%20daily%20diabetes%20management%20feel). How did that constant decision load factor into your desire to create simpler solutions like Glow, and do you think products like yours can reduce 'decision fatigue' for people with diabetes?"
Data-Insightful, "You discovered people can gain an average of 10 lbs treating lows over time[ ](https://integrateddiabetes.com/an-interview-with-naomi-garlick-founder-of-glow-gummies/#:~:text=A%3A%C2%A0%20Hearing%20that%20people%20gain,without%20adding%20another%20excess%20calories), a stat that shocked me too. How does Glow address this issue, and what does that say about the gap in traditional diabetes care products?"
Practical Takeaway, "As a founder and a T1D, how do you personally juggle the demands of running a business with managing your blood sugars? Any routines or hacks you've developed that listeners might try in their own busy lives?"
Practical Takeaway, "What advice or tips would you give to other people with T1D who have an idea to improve life with diabetes, where should they start if they want to turn that idea into reality? Any lessons learned from your entrepreneur journey that could save them some headaches?"
Storytelling Prompt, "Tell us about the moment you first saw a stranger using your product to treat a low. Where were you, what happened, and what did that realization feel like, seeing your idea truly out in the world helping someone?"
Storytelling Prompt, "Your company's campaign is called 'What Makes You Glow.' So, turning the tables: can you share a story of something in your life that really made you glow with happiness or pride since starting this journey, maybe a personal victory or an impactful message from someone your product helped?"
Dec 10 - 129
Episode 129, Favorite Thing: How Far T1D Care Has Come
Cold Open / Intro, 0:00 Do you want to know the wildest thing about living with type 1 in 2025? It's not just the tech or the new gadgets, it's how much this journey has changed in just one decade. I've got my own stories, but wait, there are over 23,000 people listening to this podcast right now, and everyone's story is different. And together? We're living proof you don't have to go through this alone. So today, I want to talk about exactly how far T1D care has come. Not the marketing spin, the real, lived progress seen by families, adults, and the global community we're all part of.
I'm Neil Greathouse, and this is Your Best T1D Year.
Story, Then & Now: 0:50 I was diagnosed in 1992. My first meter was the size of a brick, took 60 seconds for a reading, and you crossed your fingers every single time. Lancets...honestly felt like they were designed by someone who hates fingers.
But in 2025? My CGM checks every 5 minutes. My phone tells me if I'm trending up or down, I get real-time advice from a care team who isn't just reading numbers off a chart. It's wild. And I know it's not just me. I got a DM from Lisa, a mom whose daughter was diagnosed in 2014. She wrote: "Back then, our nurse told us to log everything on paper and hope for a number below 200. Now her pump and sensor communicate, they correct automatically, even when I'm not awake. Last month, her time in range hit 61%. Our entire family sleeps better." Progress isn't just about numbers, it's about reclaiming parts of your life you thought diabetes stole.
Stats & Deep Research, The Measurable Progress: 2:00 Let's talk about what's actually improved, and cite sources.
In 2015, only 12% of T1Ds in the U.S. used CGMs. As of 2024, it's up to 73%. (
Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, like Tandem Control-IQ and Omnipod 5, have resulted in a median 11% boost in "time-in-range" in real-world studies, meaning fewer dangerous highs and lows. (
[Jaeb Center Real-World AID Study, Diabetes Care, Feb 2024]
A 2024 systematic review in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found reliable improvements in sleep quality among families with T1D kids using CGM+alerts, reporting 1+ hour more sleep per week for parents (
Telemedicine for T1D follow-up increased access for kids in rural areas by 68% between 2020 and 2024. ([JDRF, Beyond Borders Conference Proceedings, 2024])
```{=html} <!, > ``` You may not be in a trial, but you are part of this progress, every day you show up.
Challenge & Encouragement, 3:10 Sometimes, we forget to name what's gotten better. I'm asking you to try something:
Find one part of your T1D life that is better today than a year, or even five years, ago. Maybe it's a product. Maybe it's a support group. Maybe it's that you finally get a good night's sleep sometimes. Don't shrug it off. That's not nothing.
You, me, and every listener here, we're living through T1D's "Netflix moment." People in our DMs are proof.
Anyone remember Blockbuster night? (Gen X and millennial listeners, you know.) Back then, "progress" was hoping your VHS tape didn't get scratched. Now, full streaming libraries, no rewinding, no late fees. T1D care is having its own Blockbuster-to-Netflix leap. Who'd go back? Nobody. And it's not just the tech, it's a worldwide movement.
Steps/CTA, 4:30 Take 30 seconds. Write down one T1D "upgrade" you've experienced, big or small. DM it to me. Share it in your group chat. Because the way forward is built on the wins we do notice. Want tools and habits for next year's progress? Go to yourbestt1dyear.com and put yourself on the 2026 roadmap. Because this community, 23,164 strong, moves forward together.
Sponsor, Blue Circle Health, 5:10 If progress feels out of reach, Blue Circle Health is proof that support is possible. Six months, free, with real clinicians. No insurance runaround, no solo missions. See if you qualify at bluecirclehealth.org.
Sign-Off, 5:30 We upgrade together, we celebrate together. I'll see you Friday. Nobody remembers easy, but they'll remember you.
Stats referenced: T1D Exchange, Jaeb Center, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, JDRF
Real listener and host stories
Dec 12 - 130
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.