The Glucose Never Lies®
Welcome to The Glucose Never Lies Podcast.
I’m John Pemberton — dad, husband, diabetes dietitian, researcher, and someone who’s lived with type 1 diabetes since 2008.
This podcast is my way of giving back. When my son Jude tested positive for type 1 diabetes antibodies, everything changed. I knew I had to act quickly and create a resource that was both comprehensive and easy to understand, so that anyone who might one day help manage his diabetes would feel supported. That’s how The Glucose Never Lies started — as an education platform to support my son’s future care.
Fortunately, his confirmatory test came back negative — but this doesn’t rule him, or my daughter, out. And since I was diagnosed at 27, I know just how real that risk can be.
The last two years have been the hardest of my life — battling depression, a functional motor disorder, and finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis. My journey back to health was made possible by the incredible support of my family, friends, and the wider diabetes community.
That experience taught me the power of giving. Written guides don’t work for everyone, but podcasts bring information to life in a real and relatable way. So that’s why I started this podcast — to make diabetes management engaging, practical, and fun.
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the world’s leading researchers and thought leaders in type 1 diabetes, and I bring them onto the show to share their research, their stories, and their innovations.
You’ll also hear from people living with type 1 diabetes who are doing amazing things, and from advocates and clinicians shaping the future of diabetes care.
Here you’ll find guides, reflections, and conversations on everything from partying with T1D, continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery, to nutrition, exercise, insulin resistance, and childhood diabetes care.
Just to be clear — this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It’s not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your management.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get started.
The Glucose Never Lies®
1 - Choosing an AID System: Which Superhero Do You Want in Your Corner?
Welcome to The Glucose Neverlies Podcast!
When it comes to Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, there is no single "best" option, only the right one for each individual. Choosing an AID system can feel overwhelming, but with the help of my good friend, colleague, and Diabetes Nurse Extraordinaire, Louise Collins, we have transformed the decision into something much more fun: selecting a superhero.
Each AID system has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics, making them better suited to different people and situations. Some prefer control and flexibility, like Spider-Man, while others want the sheer power and aggressive glucose correction of the Hulk. Those who favour strategic adaptability might relate more to Batman, while others may prefer the sleek, automated ease of Iron Man.
In this episode, we compare the four leading AID systems—Tandem t:slim X2, Medtronic 780G, CamAPS FX, and Omnipod 5—through the lens of the superheroes they most resemble. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which system might suit your lifestyle and diabetes management style best.
Whether you value customisation, automation, or a balance of both, the key to success with any AID system is choosing the one that works best for you. Let’s dive in!
For the detials
