Episode 371 - Meet My Doctors: Katie Wakeland and Savannah Elkins of Type One Telehealth

If you’ve ever left an endo appointment feeling rushed, talked down to, or told “you can’t,” this episode is for you. Rob sits down with Savannah Elkins, MPAS, PA-C, and Katie Wakeland, MSN, APRN, AG-ACNP, co-founders of Type One Telehealth, a virtual endocrinology practice in Texas. Both live with type 1 diabetes. Savannah was diagnosed at nine after her dad remembered the symptoms from a fifth grade video. Katie was diagnosed at 11, with a blood sugar of 556, right after a family trip to Universal Studios. Rob met them at Camp Bluebonnet this summer and became their patient this fall. That makes this his first interview with his own care team. Savannah and Katie explain why they left traditional endocrinology. They talk about 15-minute visits that leave no time to teach a newly diagnosed 32-year-old, insurance companies that shape how care is delivered, and why they chose a membership model instead. Savannah also shares what it was like to move to adult care at 22 while pregnant, and to hear over and over that she was having a “big diabetic baby.” They share some early wins too. Katie worked with a patient who had been told she couldn’t get pregnant, and that patient is now pregnant and doing well. Savannah has seen patients go from 20% to 70% time in range in a month, and others cut $150 a month off their supplies. Whether you’re a college student moving into adult care or someone who’s unhappy with your current endo, you’ll come away with practical ideas. Savannah gives three tips: endo visits don’t have to fit around the holiday schedule, have an honest talk about alcohol before you figure it out alone, and make sure someone nearby knows you have type 1. The episode ends with a reminder that you’re never stuck with care that isn’t working. Resources: Type One Telehealth: https://www.type1telehealth.com/ The views expressed are not medical advice. Please consult with your care team about the best treatment for you.