78. Why Are So Many of Us Prediabetic?

53m · More Beautiful Podcast · 14 Mar 14:19

Is there a prediabetes epidemic among midlife women? In this episode, we tackle an issue that concerns many of us. It feels like more and more women who are journeying through menopause are being told they're in the prediabetes range for insulin resistance—even those who have worked hard to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle habits. Currently, more than a third of Americans have prediabetes, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Most of the people who have it don't know it. And for many women, especially those with a family history, prediabetes seems to crop up suddenly in midlife when hormonal changes peak.

On the show today, I interview Dr. Parveen Verma, an endocrinologist and diabetes specialist, about this rising health issue. We talk about what prediabetes is, what it does to your body, and how to find out if you have it. We also discuss how insulin resistance can be prevented, reversed, or stopped from progressing into type 2 diabetes. And we chat about Ozempic and similar diabetes drugs that are being prescribed for both on- and off-label purposes. Among the questions I ask Dr. Verma:

What exactly is insulin resistence and what causes it? What risks does it present to us?
Why are more midlife women being diagnosed with prediabetes—even otherwise healthy and active women?
How much does genetics factor into insulin resistance?
Can prediabetes be prevented? If you already have it, how can you reverse it or stop it from evolving into type 2 diabetes?
What's the relationship between our changing hormones during perimenopause and menopause and insulin resistance? What does weight redistribution (which is common during and after menopause) have to do with insulin resistance?
What's the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's and other medical conditions?
What lifestyle tweaks can help you manage your blood sugar? What should you be eating and how should you be exercising? How do sleep and stress come into play? How does cortisol aggravate insulin resistance?
How do Ozempic and similar drugs help to regulate blood sugar? What are the risk factors of taking these drugs, and are they safe to use off label for weight loss?
What tests should you ask your doctor for, to determine your level of insulin resistance?*

Don't miss this important discussion about your health. Complete show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

*Please note that this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice.

The episode 78. Why Are So Many of Us Prediabetic? from the podcast More Beautiful Podcast has a duration of 53:13. It was first published 14 Mar 14:19. The cover art and the content belong to their respective owners.

Permalink

More episodes from More Beautiful Podcast

88. The Midlife Tipping Point (and How to Handle It)

Sooner or later, you're going to hit a turning point in midlife. There are so many physical changes happening due to perimenopause and menopause—and simply aging—that you may feel like you don't recognize yourself anymore. At times, it may even feel like your body is turning on you. Perhaps a medical issue has cropped up and you’re discouraged or scared. Perhaps, despite how hard you work at staying healthy, a genetic health condition is starting to catch up with you. Aging can be spiritually liberating, but physically challenging.

So what’s the key to accepting your aging body while also doing everything in your power to age well? That’s the topic of today’s solo episode. Maryann's talking about how we're all feeling like this, to some degree, so you are not alone. How you can empower yourself to handle what nature has in store for you, and in some cases even overcome what you thought was genetically inevitable. And how you should never define yourself by any health challenges you might be facing in midlife and beyond.

If you're ready to embrace a little self-love and acceptance, while equipping yourself to age beautifully, this episode will get you off to a great start! Complete show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

87. Yes, You Have a Story to Tell!

Are you a writer, or thinking about writing something? Are you trying to figure out what your story is, so you can create your personal brand? Or do you just feel the need to get it all down, in order to process experiences you've had? Whatever your writing goals are, you're going to love this conversation with author and writing coach Robin Finn. Robin helps midlife women tap into their creativity, find their voice, make sense of their past, and discover what they want through writing. Robin and I chat about why you should start a writing practice (or that book you've always wanted to pen!), the way to figure out what your story is and how to tell it, and the delicious rewards you'll reap during the writing process.

Robin and I also discuss:

Why every woman has an important story to tell and can be a writer
How to find your unique voice
The topics that bubble to the surface when midlife women write
How writing can help you heal from past wounds and facilitate self-discovery
Where to start on your writing project—and how to set the stage for success
Why you DO have time to write, even if you work full time
Current publishing trends and the pros and cons of getting an agent
How to know if you're experiencing a "divine download" while writing (hint: it feels great)
Tips for creating a story to help develop your personal brand
How journal writing can be a powerful tool for self-care
Why the world needs more women's stories

Plus: Robin offers some exercises to help unleash your creativity, and reveals the first thing you should do before starting any writing project. If you're ready to own yourself as a writer, your journey starts with this episode! Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

86. Achieve Balance Through Yoga

Feeling out of balance in midlife? If so, you're not alone. Whether you're striving for balance of the body, mind or spirit, yoga can be a great place to start. It's a healing and transformative practice, offering both physical benefits and increased spiritual alignment. On this episode, holistic yoga teacher Susie Lee tells us how to achieve all kinds of balance, both on and off the yoga mat.

Among the topics Susie and I discuss:

What being "in balance" looks like from physical and spiritual perspectives, and how the two are deeply connected
What types of balance her midlife clients are seeking and why they're sometimes difficult to achieve
Why people over 50 represent one of the fastest growing yoga-practicing populations
Why physical balance starts to deteriorate as we age, and what we can do to help maintain it
The best yoga poses and movements to keep you healthy and energized
How the "worldly winds" can guide you in achieving balance in yoga and life
Why you should strive for alignment in your work, personal relationships and health
What the concept of yin yang can teach you about balance
Where to start if you're a yoga virgin
How you can learn to "go with the flow," finding peace and happiness at every life stage

Suzy also explains why it's important to take care of your feet (yes, your feet) as you age, and reveals the big question you should always ask yourself before you speak. Plus: Susie leads us through a meditation exercise that will relax you like nobody's business—and set the tone for the rest of your day.

Whether you're a yoga pro or have never set foot on a yoga mat, there's something in this episode for you. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

About More Beautiful

Founded by journalist Maryann LoRusso, the More Beautiful Project is a podcast, online magazine and community for women navigating midlife. Join Maryann and her guests on the More Beautiful Podcast as they strive for a life that’s more joyful, more fulfilling and more beautiful than ever before. Because this is not your mama’s midlife.

85. Stay Cool During Menopause

Not too long ago, it was taboo to openly discuss menopause. So many women were reluctant to share their experiences and symptoms related to a life transition that affects half the world's population. Fortunately, major change is in the air, as more and more women are coming out of the shadows and exchanging important information related to menopause. My guest on this episode is Sheilisa McNeal, creator of a new product designed to alleviate one of the most prevalent symptoms of menopause, the ubiquitous hot flash. Sheilisa is also helping to spread awareness about menopause and encouraging women to embrace it as one of the most powerful times in their life.

Among the topics Sheilisa and I discuss:

How we can do better supporting one another through menopause and identifying our symptoms
Why ageist attitudes in the workplace is a missed opportunity for our society
How Sheilisa is trying to help corporations support their employees as they traverse menopause
Ways you can talk to your partner, your boss and other people in your life about what you're going through
How to jumpstart change within your own workplace or organization
How this generation of women is setting the foundation so the next generation won't suffer in silence
Why you should honor your body during this important life stage
How Sheilisa got the idea for her product, a piece of jewelry that uses hydro technology to alleviate hot flashes

If you're ready for some real girl talk about meno, this episode is for you. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Please note that this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized health and medical advice.

84. How to Support Other Women (and Not Just Say You Do)

Hey ladies, do you support other women? I mean,really support other women in everything you do, say and think? On the flip side, do you feel supported by other females? Have you ever felt judged, or caught yourself being judgmental toward another woman?

Today I’m going there, ladies, yes I am. Because women supporting women is sometimes more complex than we realize. Because there’s a lot of psychology going on beneath the surface. Because cultural norms and old habits die hard. And because last I checked, women are not yet running the world, so obviously we still have work to do.

Together, let’s take an honest look at how we’re actually showing up for one another, and how we can do a better job lifting one another up in midlife and beyond. Because life truly is more beautiful when we've got each other's back.

About More Beautiful

Complete show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Every Podcast » More Beautiful Podcast » 78. Why Are So Many of Us Prediabetic?