The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
Host John Pemberton — diabetes educator, researcher, and dad living with type 1 since 2008 — explores how to think clearly about type 1 diabetes in the real world.
Each episode translates current evidence and expert practice into decisions you can use: CGM accuracy and interpretation, getting more from pumps and automated insulin delivery, movement as a glucose tool, nutrition that protects performance and enjoyment, sleep, travel, parties, and sport.
Guests include leading clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience. Expect respectful challenge, plain language, and practical take-aways.
Note: Educational only. No therapeutic relationship or personal medical advice.
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Email: john@theglucoseneverlies.com
The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
29 — The Behaviour Change Playbook for Type 1 Diabetes
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Five principles that make change more likely to stick
John Pemberton is joined by Vanessa Haydock (The Diabetic Health Coach). Background in psychology and applied behaviour analysis, certified behaviour analyst, personal trainer, and coach supporting people with type 1 diabetes through sustainable behaviour change.
Full notes: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/beahviour-change-t1d/
This conversation lays out a practical behaviour change playbook grounded in psychology, lived experience, and the realities of diabetes physiology.
00:00 — Why this conversation matters — why willpower alone fails.
02:45 — Vanessa’s story: diagnosis, denial, and turning point
Growing up with type 1 diabetes, rebellion, burnout, retinopathy as an emotional trigger, and how behaviour change (not perfection) transformed Vanessa’s relationship with diabetes.
16:45 — Principle 1: Design beats discipline
Why willpower is finite in type 1 diabetes, and how reducing decision load through systems, defaults, and realistic goals makes change more sustainable.
30:35 — Principle 2: Cues beat grit
How environment and prompts outperform memory — from insulin timing to daily routines — and why piggybacking on existing habits works.
39:20 — Principle 3: Reduce threat before effort
How fear, pressure, and perceived failure drive avoidance behaviours — and why lowering the threat level is essential before increasing effort.
45:10 — Principle 4: Hawk or Owl, Carrot or Stick
Choosing the right style of accountability and feedback — frequent vs spaced, direct vs gentle — and why mismatch derails progress.
51:15 — Principle 5: Community support, not shame
Why small, safe communities outperform noisy online spaces, and how shared reality reduces isolation and burnout.
59:40 — Pulling it together: a practical playbook for 2026
How to apply the five principles deliberately, without perfectionism or guilt.
Find Vanessa at:
- Website: https://diabetichealthcoach.co.uk/
- Instagram: https://www.
Disclaimer
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.
The Glucose Never Lies® is independent by design
We do not accept sponsorships and advertising. We operate via education grants and donations from listeners who value independence. So, consider:
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Enquiries
Collaboration: John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com
Creatives: Anjanee Kohli — anj@theglucoseneverlies.com
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Website: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/
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LinkedIn: John Pemberton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pemberton-587104361/
X: https://twitter.com/GlucoseNLies
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
© The Glucose Never Lies Ltd. All rights reserved....
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