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®
Episode 12: CGM Functionality (Part 3): The Bells and Whistles
In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise discuss the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They explore various CGM features, including calibration, alarms, and connectivity with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs when selecting a CGM, as well as the role of technology in enhancing diabetes care. The hosts also provide insights into the latest advancements in CGM technology and offer resources for further education.
Takeaways
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have evolved to include factory calibration.
- Optional calibration can be beneficial but requires accurate blood glucose meters.
- Alarm fatigue can hinder effective diabetes management.
- The Freestyle Libre is noted for its small size and long wear time.
- Dexcom products offer extensive connectivity with AID systems.
- Understanding individual needs is crucial when selecting a CGM.
- AI-driven forecasts in CGMs can enhance decision-making for users.
- Education and support are vital for effective diabetes management.
- Resources like the DSM Forum provide valuable information for diabetes care.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Diabetes Management
02:14
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Overview
13:09
Understanding CGM Features and Alarms
21:27
Evaluating CGM Size and Connectivity
27:21
Final Thoughts and Resources
Key Resources:
CGM Series: CGM: The Bells and Whistles
Chart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN Forum
Tim Street @ Diabettech
