Conversations about diabetes and health can be awkward—especially when you're a teenager trying to figure it all out. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman welcomes diabetes influencer Mary Comeau and pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Manasi Jaiman to break down the real issues young people with type 1 diabetes face when navigating adolescence, independence, and taboo topics like sex, alcohol, marijuana, driving, and overbearing parents. With personal stories, practical advice, and some laughs along the way, this episode is all about helping young adults with T1D build confidence, advocate for themselves, and feel less alone.
Key Topics:
- Mary’s teenage experience with T1D and the emotional rollercoaster of acting like it “wasn’t there.”
- Why teens with diabetes often feel disconnected from their doctors—and how to find one who understands.
- The challenge of transitioning from pediatric to adult care and why many clinics still don’t get it right.
- How to navigate tension with parents—especially when they micromanage diabetes care.
- Starting conversations about sex and diabetes: why it matters and how to get the right support.
- Dating with diabetes: real-life stories, embarrassing moments, and how to educate your partner.
- Alcohol, blood sugar, and good decisions: what to drink, what to avoid, and how to stay safe.
- Weed and diabetes: effects of marijuana (and the munchies), tips for safer use, and what to watch for.
- Driving with diabetes: why planning matters and how to prepare a “driving diabetes kit.”
- How Mary built a massive online community by being open about her diabetes—and why connecting with others can change everything.
See a whole video series dedicated for teens with Mary and Dr. Manasi Jaiman: tcoyd.org/video-teens-young-adults-type-1-diabetes/
Follow Mary: instagram.com/mary_comeau
Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org
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