David Panzirer & T1D: From Changing His Family to Changing the System

David Panzirer is a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust and the father of two adult children with type 1 diabetes. In this conversation, he shares what it was like to go from knowing almost nothing about type 1 diabetes to becoming deeply involved in improving care for people living with it.

In this conversation, David reflects on the early days of fear and uncertainty, what it really feels like to support a child living with diabetes, and how his perspective has evolved over time. He talks openly about the emotional weight carried by parents and caregivers, the importance of listening to people actually living with T1D, and why the healthcare system still falls short for so many. David also shares how important it is to listen to lived experience, and how he turned his fear and concern for his children’s well-being into advocacy, change, and a deeper mission to improve the lives of everyone living with type 1 diabetes.

What You'll Learn

• What the early days after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel like for parents
• How fear can evolve into purpose and advocacy over time
• Why listening to lived experience changes how we think about support
• The tension between wanting control and learning to step back as a parent
• Practical ways anyone can advocate or support someone living with diabetes

Key Quotes

• “Fear can be a very good motivator. And I was scared.” – David Panzirer
• “If you were trying to design a system that would make life really difficult for people with a chronic disease, you’d have exactly what we have here in the US.” – David Panzirer
• “Allow yourself some grace. Allow your child some grace who may be dealing with this.” – David Panzirer

Resources & Links

• The Helmsley Charitable Trust - https://helmsleytrust.org
• Children with Diabetes - https://childrenwithdiabetes.com
• Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.