Move with Confidence: Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes with Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES, joins Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D to unpack a powerful tool in diabetes management: exercise! An award-winning diabetes educator and the owner and founder of Integrated Diabetes Services, Gary brings deep clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation.

Together, Scott and Gary talk about why exercise can feel intimidating with T1D and how to reframe physical activity as something that supports quality of life. From CGM lag time and insulin sensitivity to finding movement that’s actually enjoyable, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for anyone who wants to move more confidently with T1D.

Reminder: We are not providing medical advice. For personalized guidance, we'll always encourage you to talk with your personal healthcare team.

What You'll Learn

• Why exercise is about more than blood sugar — and why mental health matters just as much
• How consistent movement improves insulin sensitivity and predictability
• Practical ways to start exercising safely, even if you’ve been inactive or feel overwhelmed 
• How to think about CGM lag time and trends during activity
• Why movement doesn’t have to look like a gym workout to “count”

Key Quotes

• “Physical activity is extremely valuable for so many aspects of our daily quality of life — not just blood sugar management, but our mental wellbeing and our physical health now and down the road.” – Gary Scheiner
• “I think it’s important to make exercise fun. Not a chore, not a task, not a painful thing you have to do.” – Gary Scheiner
• “Anything is doable. If you learn how to adjust for it accordingly, we can figure out a way to make it work.” – Gary Scheiner
• “Being active on a consistent basis keeps that insulin sensitivity amplifier dialed up — and that makes things more predictable.” – Gary Scheiner

Resources & Links

• Integrated Diabetes Services
• Think Like a Pancreas the Podcast: 
• Community Partner Spotlight: This episode highlights Ginger Vieira and “Diabetes Nerd”
  • 🌐 Visit: https://diabetesnerd.com to learn more.

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. 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