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 Home

WIC: USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SNAP-Ed Connection

Connect with Dr. Larry Deeb:

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Website

Life for a Child Website

Life for a Child Instagram

Dr. Larry Deeb LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam:

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Website

University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam LinkedIn

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