Ep 151 - Mental Health Is Health: Inside Diabetes + Mental Health Conference with Cassandra Donahue

Mar 30, 2026

I’m joined by Cassandra Donahue, registered dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Specialist in Weight and Obesity Management. Cassandra was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 21 months old and went on an insulin pump at age five. Today, she works in endocrinology and obesity clinical research at UNC, supports vIOP programming with The Emily Program, and provides coverage for the SOVAH hospital system.

We talk about:

• Cassandra’s diagnosis story and how she unexpectedly found her career in diabetes care
• The emotional toll of living with diabetes long-term
• Why A1C and time-in-range don’t tell the whole story
• Diabetes burn out and how to recognize it
• Stigma in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Why mental health must be integrated into diabetes care
• A preview of the upcoming Diabetes and Mental Health Conference

This fully virtual conference takes place May 1–2 and is designed for:

• People living with diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
• Caregivers and partners
• Healthcare professionals seeking continuing education

The event includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, panels on longevity, discussions on intimacy, stigma, perfectionism, burnout, and the emotional impact of diabetes data.

Learn more and register for Diabetes and Mental Health Conference on May 1 and 2nd 2026

https://dmhconference.com/#2026-conference

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or silently exhausted from managing diabetes — this episode (and this conference) is for you.

 

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Connect with Cassandra Donahue on IG

@cassiedonahue

Diabetes and Mental Health Conference, Founder Allison Nimlos

@thediabetictherapist

 

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Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.