140. How an Unexpected T1D Diagnosis Transformed Keary Cheney’s Motherhood Journey

Reclaim Your Rise: Type 1 Diabetes with Lauren Bongiorno

Joining me today is Keary Cheney, a mama of four and the host of Spill The T1D Podcast with a wild, inspiring story that will have you on the edge of your seat! She tells her diagnosis story that started in Africa and landed her in a coma. Keary shares the anxiety and steep learning curve that came with adjusting after her shocking diagnosis. We talk about her adoption journey, how diabetes has shaped her and her daughter’s relationship, diabetes education overseas, her T1D pregnancy, and how she’s using her experiences to support other families.
Time Stamps:

• (03:58) Running the NYC Marathon
• (06:04) Her Relationship to Training and Being An Example To Her Daughter
• (08:38) Africa, Coma, and Her Diagnosis
• (13:21) “I’m super healthy, I can’t get diabetes”
• (15:44) “I had no perspective on what having T1D meant”
• (17:16) Adopting Her Daughter From Uganda Who Has T1D
• (20:53) Managing Diabetes Overseas
• (23:25) The Sonia Nabeta Foundation for Diabetes Education and Support
• (26:24) “I knew everything I was doing, she was watching”
• (29:52) “If she can live with joy with Type 1, then I can too”
• (31:28) The Decision to Have Their Own Baby
• (39:40) The Differences in Her Pregnancies with T1D
• (48:49) Home Birth
• (54:53) Her Anchor

What to do now:

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. The event of the year for reclaiming life with type one diabetes is BACK. For the first time ever, this is a live hybrid event—both virtual and in-person. Register here for Rising Above T1D 2024.
3. Check out Keary and her podcast on Instagram @graceandsalt + @spilltheT1D.
4. You can support children in Africa living with T1D by donating to the Sonia Nabeta Foundation for diabetes education and clinics.

Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on the Reclaim your Rise podcast should be a substitute for personalized professional medical advice. Please always consult your physician or other medical professional before making any changes to your diet, insulin dosages, or healthcare plan.