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 15: C-Peptide - What type of type 1 diabetes do you have?
Hosted by diabetes dietitian John Pemberton, this show blends science and real-life experience to make managing type 1 diabetes easier, clearer, and more human. Smart insights, practical tips, and honest conversations await.
It's all about C-Peptide and what it means for people living with T1D!
🕒 [00:09] Think all T1D is the same? Think again.
🕒 [02:14] Some people really do have it harder — and “brittle diabetes” might be real.
🕒 [04:37] Enter C-peptide: a marker of how much insulin your body still makes.
🕒 [06:10] Know your number:
• High: >200 pmol/L
• Intermediate: 30–200
• Low: <30
🕒 [09:11] Diagnosed young? You likely have lower C-peptide. John, diagnosed at 27, still has 220 after 10 years.
🕒 [10:20] High C-peptide = better time-in-range, fewer hypos, fewer complications.
🕒 [13:10] Why? More portal insulin + less glucagon = smoother control.
🕒 [14:01] Use your C-peptide to prioritise tech and tailor therapy (GLP-1s, HCL systems, nutrition).
🕒 [17:55] Most of all—be kind to yourself. It’s not weakness. It’s biology.
Key resources
Episode 14: Insulin Resistance and T1D
C-Peptide full article – click here
