Robin Cacopardo

Robin Cacopardo and her family split their time between the mountains of East Tennessee and the North Carolina coast. Her oldest child, Nick, has a severe food allergy. Her youngest, Kate, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2010 at the age of 10. Kate took part in the University of Virginia Artificial Pancreas clinical trial. Robin’s years as a high school teacher are being put to good use as she navigates the world of parenting teens. She is also part of the team of amazing D moms behind www.projectbluenovember.com

Want to Test Drive a CGM?

I learned about a trial with Medtronic's iPro, a clinical version of a CGM, that's inserted in the endocrinologist's office, worn for three days, and then returned to the doctor. The data is then uploaded and analyzed to determine sufficient need for a CGM, warranting coverage by insurance.

How To Prepare Your Teen With Diabetes for AP Exams

It's AP exam season, aka a year's worth of learning crammed into one three hour test. It's a challenge for every student sitting the exam. Throw diabetes into the mix and the challenge may be tougher.

I Let Diabetes Stop Me But Now That’s Changing

After five years of being tied to diabetes 24/7, I realize it is time for me to give myself permission to follow my own dreams again.

Snowboarding With An Artificial Pancreas

Type Zero Technologies' chief mathematician, Dr. Boris Kovatchev, reached out to Riding on Insulin to gauge interest in being part of a groundbreaking artificial pancreas trial.

People Who “Get” Diabetes

She brought Kate a gift basket of juice boxes and other low treats. She got it. I didn’t need to explain a thing. Reflecting on our journey, I realize that while there have been times when it seemed like no one got it, there were so many more times when people tried to show they did.

Alyssa’s Promise: How to Drive Safely with Diabetes

While aware of the impact of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) on the ability to drive, they were not aware that driving with hyperglycemia may be just as dangerous. The Zepedas vowed to do whatever it took to spread the word in order to spare another family this type of heartbreak.

Type Zero: Taking the Artificial Pancreas to the Next Level

We are excited to learn that based on the ten years of clinical trials at UVA, a new startup, Type Zero, is taking the inControl Diabetes Management Platform -- which is the software running the UVA AP -- to the next level.

Country Music Star Eric Paslay Talks About Life with Diabetes

If one word sums up how rising country music artist and songwriter, Eric Paslay feels these days it’s “grateful.” After 13…

10 Tips for Parents of High School Freshmen With Type 1 Diabetes

As your teen with Type 1 diabetes transitions to high school, it's hard to balance letting go and keeping a watchful eye. Remember that all parents, with Type 1 diabetes in their lives or not, are doing the same balancing act. We just have one more thing to try to fit in. As a high school teacher, I’ve helped kids make the leap from immature freshman to graduating senior. And last year, I had the experience of sending my Type 1 daughter, Kate, into that world.

How I Keep My Teen with Type 1 Diabetes Happy in the Summer

I need to remember that communication isn’t just about me telling her what to do, but actually listening to what she has to say. We talk about situations that are going to occur and make plans for how to handle those events. While Kate may act like the last thing she wants to do is talk to me about all this, she knows talking it out ahead of time helps her win the freedom to not talk to me while she is out and around