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 14: Overcoming Insulin Resistance in Type 1 Diabetes
In this deep-dive episode, John Pemberton explores the misunderstood world of insulin resistance in people with type 1 diabetes. Drawing on years of personal experience, clinical expertise, and the latest research, he breaks down why insulin resistance matters—even in a condition defined by insulin deficiency.
The episode walks through the 'Ominous Octet', eight mechanisms that drive insulin resistance, and explains how they impact blood glucose control, weight management, and long-term health. More importantly, it offers practical strategies to reduce total daily insulin dose through lifestyle changes, activity, nutrition, and pharmacological options.
Whether you're living with T1D, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the complex interplay between insulin and the body, this episode provides clarity and direction.
Takeaways:
- People with T1D often require more insulin due to lack of portal delivery and higher peripheral levels
- Insulin resistance occurs in the liver, muscle, brain, kidneys, gut, and fat tissue
- Measuring units per kilogram is a useful proxy for insulin sensitivity
- Activity is the most powerful modifiable factor for improving insulin sensitivity
- Weight loss, high-protein diets, and reduced saturated fat intake all help reduce resistance
- GLP-1 and dual agonists (e.g., tirzepatide) show promise for T1D, but are not yet widely approved
- SGLT2 inhibitors and pioglitazone offer targeted benefits but must be used with care
- A multifaceted approach is often needed to lower insulin needs and support health
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Purpose of the Episode
02:14 – Why Insulin Resistance Matters in T1D
04:35 – Portal vs Peripheral Insulin Delivery
06:50 – The Ominous Octet Explained
09:15 – How to Measure Your Insulin Sensitivity
11:30 – The 8 Causes of Insulin Resistance (Deep Dive)
22:35 – Lifestyle Solutions: Activity, Weight Loss, and Nutrition
31:40 – Pharmacological Options: GLP-1s, SGLT2s, and More
43:10 – Final Thoughts: Personal Reflection and Action Steps
Key Resources:
- The GNL Insulin Resistance Guide
- Full show notes and graphs at www.theglucoseneverlies.com
- C-Peptide article
