This episode is in honor of Kylee Breann Whitley, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend living with type 1 diabetes.
In this deeply emotional conversation, Dr. Joren Whitley opens up about the life and loss of his sister, Kylee-a bright, adventurous young woman who lived with type 1 diabetes and battled diabulimia, an often-misunderstood eating disorder. This is not just about loss, it is a call to action for families, friends, and healthcare providers, and what we can all learn from one family’s journey. While this episode touches on heavy topics, it’s ultimately one of love, remembrance, and hope. If you know someone living with type 1 diabetes, what you hear today could truly save a life. Please share it and help save lives.
Quick Takeaways:
- The annual mortality rate for diabulimia is estimated to be 34.8% (yet it wasn’t recognized in literature until after 2007).
- “I help hundreds of people every single week, and I couldn’t help the one person who was closest to me.” – Dr. Joren Whitley
- A type 1 diabetes diagnosis through a sibling’s eyes: “I just remember her struggling.”
- The hidden danger of diabulimia: how insulin omission and lack of awareness can turn deadly.
- The call to action: what Kylee’s story teaches us about advocacy, early intervention, and the power of speaking up.
What to do now:
📲 See more from Dr. Whitley
🚨More Diabulimia Support: Call 1-425-985-3635, click here or listen to our episode (#108) with the founder & executive director of the Diabulimia Helpline
🫂Stay connected with us:
💻: Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.
IG: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealth | TikTok: @lauren_bongiorno | @riselyhealth
YT: Reclaim Your Rise
‼️Our annual event Rising Above T1D is BACK! 🎉 Join us this World Diabetes Day, virtually or in-person in Chicago on 11/14/2025 🎟️: REGISTER HERE
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