Breakthrough T1D Community Summit: Las Vegas

Stacey’s son’s type 1 diabetes (T1D) is all grown up: he was diagnosed 19 years ago! Stacey will share how much has changed, the lessons they’ve learned, the laughter that carried them through, and the power of community in navigating life with T1D. This presentation is full of humor, heart, and learning.

Stacey Simms is the host of the long-running and award-winning podcast Diabetes Connections and the author of “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom” book series. She hosts Moms’ Night Out and Club 1921, in-person events for the diabetes community.

Stacey’s podcasts have been awarded the WEGO Health Top Ten Best in Show – Podcasts; The Podcast Awards – People’s Choice – Top Ten Health; and Diabetes Forecast Magazine: Top Diabetes Podcasts. In 2025, Diabetes Connections surpassed 3 million downloads.

Before launching the podcast in 2015, Stacey had a thriving career in local TV and radio news, winning AP and local awards for her time on-air.

Stacey’s son, Benny, was diagnosed with T1D in 2006, just before he turned two. Stacey’s daughter, Lea, has been outspoken about the experience of siblings of kids with T1D. The family, along with their dog, Freckles, lives near Charlotte, NC.

Dive into the heavy mental toll of type 1 diabetes (T1D): burnout, anxiety, and depression. We will look at how the 24/7 demands of managing diabetes and how fluctuating blood sugars directly impact moods and behaviors. We’ll share compassionate, practical ways to help patients move past the exhaustion and find a more balanced, sustainable approach to life with T1D.

Dr. Beth Braun is a Health Psychologist with over thirty years of expertise in mental health and diabetes care, behavior modification, and nutrition. In her private practice, she supports adults and children managing diabetes burnout, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Dr. Braun is also the Co-Director of KidShape, a family wellness program. She actively contributes to the diabetes community by leading online support groups for Breakthrough T1D and speaking at national and international conferences. She serves on the ADA’s Safe at School Committee and the National Mental Health Advisory Committee. Dr. Braun has the unique perspective of having lived with type 1 diabetes almost 50 years.

Parenting a child with type 1 diabetes goes far beyond managing numbers. This session explores how to set supportive boundaries, understand how blood sugars impact mood, and “landing the helicopter” to build independence. Parents will gain tools to reduce power struggles, strengthen connections, and improve communication.

Dr. Beth Braun is a Health Psychologist with over thirty years of expertise in mental health and diabetes care, behavior modification, and nutrition. In her private practice, she supports adults and children managing diabetes burnout, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Dr. Braun is also the Co-Director of KidShape, a family wellness program. She actively contributes to the diabetes community by leading online support groups for Breakthrough T1D and speaking at national and international conferences. She serves on the ADA’s Safe at School Committee and the National Mental Health Advisory Committee. Dr. Braun has the unique perspective of having lived with type 1 diabetes almost 50 years.

Movement can be empowering with type 1 diabetes when you have a plan. Learn how different types of exercise affect glucose and how to adjust insulin, food, and timing for safer, more confident activity.

Dr. Edward Echevarria is a board certified endocrinologist and assistant professor at UNLV Health.

Balancing independence with good diabetes care and mental health is one of the toughest things parents must do. But embracing this challenge can result in a happy and healthy child who still has a great relationship with their parents. Stacey will share stories and “been-there” advice to explain how she and her husband went from doing everything for their newly diagnosed two year old, to being hands off by senior year of high school.

Stacey Simms is the host of the long-running and award-winning podcast Diabetes Connections and the author of “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom” book series. She hosts Moms’ Night Out and Club 1921, in-person events for the diabetes community.

Stacey’s podcasts have been awarded the WEGO Health Top Ten Best in Show – Podcasts; The Podcast Awards – People’s Choice – Top Ten Health; and Diabetes Forecast Magazine: Top Diabetes Podcasts. In 2025, Diabetes Connections surpassed 3 million downloads.

Before launching the podcast in 2015, Stacey had a thriving career in local TV and radio news, winning AP and local awards for her time on-air.

Stacey’s son, Benny, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2006, just before he turned two. Stacey’s daughter, Lea, has been outspoken about the experience of siblings of kids with T1D. The family, along with their dog, Freckles, lives near Charlotte, NC.

Learn the latest about new and emerging technologies in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We will explore newly approved devices, and other technology that Breakthrough T1D is funding. Discover how diabetes technology can both improve medical outcomes and quality of life. No matter how long you or your loved one has lived with T1D, there is something here for everyone.

Dr. Thompson is an Internal Medicine physician and Endocrinologist in Scottsdale Arizona. She is co-owner of MD² Scottsdale and a Supplemental Consultant at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. She sits on the board of directors of the Desert West chapter of Breakthrough T1D and has a strong interest in type 1 diabetes outreach and research. She is a proud person living with type 1 diabetes since the age of 3.

Travel with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to be stressful. Learn how to manage insulin in the heat, plan for long flights, and handle surprises so you can focus on the journey—not your blood sugar.

Dr. Amber Champion is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. She is board certified in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine and is the Associate Program Director for both the Endocrinology fellowship and the Internal Medicine Residency Program. She is the vice president of the state chapter of endocrinologists and a board member for the national Endocrine Alliance. She is passionate about diabetes and endocrinology and raises money for dog rescue by making nerdy crafts.

Come hear the updates on promising cell therapies, clinical trials, and early detection through antibody screening! Dr. Thompson will break down what these advances mean for people living with T1D today. Take a journey with us to understand how your active participation in clinical trials and screening can contribute to advancements in the field. Leave empowered to take a step forward and help advance life changing breakthroughs for T1D.

Dr. Thompson is an Internal Medicine physician and Endocrinologist in Scottsdale Arizona. She is co-owner of MD² Scottsdale and a Supplemental Consultant at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. She sits on the board of directors of the Desert West chapter of Breakthrough T1D and has a strong interest in type 1 diabetes outreach and research. She is a proud person living with type 1 diabetes since the age of 3.