Welcome to another inspiring episode of Think Like a Pancreas! Join host Gary Scheiner as he delves into a captivating conversation with Tavia Vital, the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. Together, they explore Tavia’s multifaceted approach to diabetes care, highlighting her unique background and extensive experience.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Introduction and Background: Meet Tavia Vital and learn about her upbringing in a small town in Iowa. Tavia shares the benefits of small-town living and a humorous take on counting the town's few traffic lights.
• Tavia's Journey into Diabetes Care: Discover Tavia's long-standing relationship with type 1 diabetes and how it inspired her to pursue a career in diabetes education. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of diabetes management and relating to patients' experiences.
• Multilingual Skills and Working with Spanish-Speaking Families: Explore Tavia's multilingual background, including Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Chinese. Learn about her work as a certified medical interpreter in Spanish and her dedication to supporting Spanish-speaking families in managing diabetes.
• Supporting Families and Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Gain insights into Tavia’s experience working with families and children with Type 1 diabetes, including her own son's diagnosis. She highlights the importance of early screening and the emotional support provided through the 'Time Out for Caregivers' group.
• Pregnancy Management and Collaboration: Understand Tavia's expertise in helping women plan for and navigate pregnancy while living with type 1 diabetes. Learn about her collaboration with Jenny Smith to provide comprehensive support throughout the pregnancy journey.
• Personal Life and Hobbies: Get a glimpse into Tavia’s personal life, including living in a two-family home with her extended family to care for her parents. Discover her love for outdoor activities like kayaking and her past involvement in playing percussion instruments like steel drums and marimba.

Meet the Hosts and Guest: Join host Gary Scheiner and guest Tavia Vital as they share their expertise and personal experiences in diabetes management and education. Tavia’s journey and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone living with diabetes.

Conclusion and Resources: Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice and practical strategies! Reach out to Tavia or the Integrated Diabetes Services team for personalized guidance on diabetes management. Explore additional resources and support networks to enhance your diabetes management journey.

Join Us: Subscribe now to Think Like a Pancreas for more episodes packed with expert advice and practical tips. Share this episode with fellow diabetes warriors, and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!