Global News Podcast The Happy Pod: Diabetes Awareness Month special
16 snips
Nov 29, 2025 
Lea Leleta Sümer, a Bosnian author and designer diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, shares her journey creating 'Leia and Her Diabetes' to educate and comfort kids facing similar challenges. Emily Mazreku from Breakthrough T1D discusses the groundbreaking Barbie doll designed to represent children with diabetes, highlighting its impact on visibility and empowerment. The podcast also features advocacy stories from drag performer Sally TM and dives into Italy's new diabetes screening initiative, showcasing advancements in technology that make managing diabetes easier.
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Remember The Three T's
- Alex Ritson and Harry Bly stress the classic warning signs: extreme thirst, frequent urination and sudden weight loss; act fast and see a doctor.
- They warn untreated type 1 diabetes can cause low-sugar attacks or long-term organ damage, so early recognition saves lives.
Children's Book Heals Stigma
- Lea Leleta Sümer created a children's book, Lea and Her Diabetes, to help Bosnian kids understand type 1 diabetes and reduce stigma.
- She used her own diagnosis story and saw children bring the book to school to explain their condition to classmates.
Barbie Designed From Real Experience
- Emily Mazreku helped design Barbie with Type 1 diabetes and included a real CGM screenshot from her phone on the doll's app.
- The doll visibly carries a pump, CGM patch and supplies, and kids responded emotionally to seeing themselves represented.
