The Glucose Never Lies®
Welcome to The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast where science meets real-life experience to empower diabetes management.
I’m John Pemberton. I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes since 2008 and have spent nearly 20 years mastering both the science and art of managing it. Through personal experimentation, published research, and my work as a diabetes specialist dietitian, I’ve gained deep insights into what truly makes a difference.
When my son Jude tested positive for type 1 antibodies, I realised that all the knowledge in my head is wasted if I couldn’t communicate it in a way that was clear, actionable, and easy to come back to. So I built The Glucose Never Lies® Education Programme—a free resource designed to teach diabetes management exactly as I’d want people to understand it if they were looking after my son.
After battling a functional motor disorder for many years and recently experiencing a major depressive episode, I was eventually pulled out of that hole by friends, family, and professionals who helped me get back to being me. That experience taught me the power of giving—and this podcast is my way of giving back.
My cohost, Louise Collins, is a highly experienced diabetes nurse with over 20 years in the field. She brings a wealth of knowledge and her superpower is making complex diabetes science accessible and practical for everyday life. She is the best diabetes nurse I have ever worked with, and there have been some good ones! Most importantly, she keeps me in check and on point!
So, if you’re living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, we want to make things easier, clearer, and—importantly—more enjoyable.
We hope you enjoy the content. If you do, please share it with those who may like it too.
Disclaimer: The information shared on The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While we discuss strategies and insights for diabetes management, this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your diabetes care plan.
The Glucose Never Lies®
5 - Mastering Omnipod 5 – The Iron Man of AID Systems
Welcome to The Glucose Neverlies Podcast.
In this episode, we’re focusing on Omnipod 5, the sleek, high-tech Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system that offers simplicity, automation, and a tubeless design. Much like Iron Man’s suit, Omnipod 5 is built for efficiency and ease, allowing for seamless insulin adjustments without the hassle of tubing. If you’re looking for a system that requires minimal user input and delivers smart automation, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Omnipod 5 uses SmartAdjust technology, an adaptive algorithm housed inside the pod itself, which adjusts insulin every five minutes to help maintain stable glucose levels. The system learns from previous insulin needs and automatically fine-tunes basal rates, making it incredibly easy to use. However, as with any powerful technology, understanding how the system works, how to optimise settings, and how to manage common challenges will help you get the best results.
In this episode, we’ll break down the SmartAdjust algorithm, discuss key starting settings, and share tips and tricks to help you maximise your time in range. We’ll also cover how to prevent and treat hypos, navigate high-fat meals like pizza, and adjust for exercise, whether you prefer a quick approach or a more structured plan.
With Omnipod 5, the first step is to survive, and then thrive. Whether you’re new to the system or fine-tuning your experience, this episode will guide you through everything you need to know to get the most out of Omnipod 5 and take your diabetes management to the next level. Let’s get started.
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