What does the future of diabetes and nutrition look like for kids?In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni speaks with two remarkable pediatricians shaping that future from different angles. Dr. Larry Deeb, a pioneer in pediatric endocrinology, looks back on five decades of diabetes care, from the days of urine glucose tests to the revolutionary technology of continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin pumps. He explains how innovation has transformed type 1 diabetes from a life-limiting illness into a manageable condition and shares what’s next in early screening and prevention. Then, Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam joins to discuss how food access and education are central to preventing chronic disease. She shares the story behind Home Plate, a six-week food-skills program that empowers parents to cook healthy meals, strengthen family connections, and build long-term health habits from a child’s first 1,000 days of life.Together, they paint a picture of a future where science, empathy, and systems-level change work hand-in-hand to help children live longer, healthier lives.Episode Resources:Home Plate: An Intervention Empowering Low-income Parents to Prepare Healthy Food at HomeWIC: USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenSNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramSNAP-Ed ConnectionConnect with Dr. Larry Deeb:Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare WebsiteLife for a Child WebsiteLife for a Child InstagramDr. Larry Deeb LinkedInConnect with Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam:The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia WebsiteUniversity of PennsylvaniaDr. Senbagam Virudachalam LinkedInConnect with us:KidsX WebsiteKidsX LinkedInChildren's Hospital L.A. WebsiteChildren's Hospital L.A. InstagramChildren's Hospital L.A. LinkedInLearn more about our sponsor:Nabla WebsiteNabla LinkedIn“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.”

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related