Diabetes Digital Podcast by Food Heaven

In today's episode, we're joined again by Isabel Reckson, a Diabetes Digital Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Together, we explore the benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in diabetes management, discussing their real-time tracking and emerging innovations. We address utilization, potential risks, and staying informed, along with financial considerations and insurance coverage. Join us as we uncover the impact of CGMs and diabetes technology, transforming the way we manage diabetes.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in diabetes management
• Emerging promising and innovative diabetes technologies
• Utilization and potential risks of wearable devices and smartphone apps
• Staying informed about new developments in diabetes technology
• Financial considerations and insurance coverage for diabetes devices
• Approaching discussions about diabetes technology with hesitant or older patients
• Strategies to prevent CGM sensors from detaching during daily activities
• Guidance for newly diagnosed individuals interested in exploring diabetes technology
• Addressing concerns about privacy and data security related to diabetes technology + MUCH MORE!

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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

In today's episode, we're troubleshooting what to do if you have high fasting blood sugars. Beyond nutrition, factors like physical activity, stress, and illness can all contribute to elevated levels. Whether it's high-carb meals before bed, the dawn phenomenon releasing hormones in the morning, or the Somogyi effect causing rebound spikes, understanding these factors is crucial. Listen as we share some strategies and tips to help you better manage your blood sugar levels.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Why you might be experiencing high fasting blood sugars
• Factors beyond nutrition that influence blood sugar levels, including physical activity, stress, and illness
• How the dawn phenomenon and Somogyi effect can play a role in high fast blood sugar levels
• Strategies for management, such as regular monitoring, balanced bedtime snacks, and medication adjustments.
• The importance of proactive management and seeking support from healthcare providers + MORE!

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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

Today, we're diving into how to handle the side effects of metformin for Type 2 diabetes. We'll talk about common issues like upset stomachs and metallic tastes, share practical tips to ease side effect symptoms, and the importance of reaching out to your healthcare team if you're experiencing symptoms.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• How to manage metformin side effects for Type 2 diabetes
• Metformin's role and common prescription for diabetes management
• Overview of how metformin works in the body
• Review of typical side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, and metallic taste in the mouth
• How metformin doesn't usually cause low blood sugar but may in combination with other medications
• The importance of discussing side effects with healthcare providers
• Four practical tips for managing side effects of metformin + MUCH MORE!

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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

or

1. Hydration Podcast Episode
2. What To Do When You Have Hypoglycemia Podcast Episode
3. 10 Easy Ways To Drink More Water
4. 5 Ways to Hydrate That Aren’t Water

Today we're tackling a question we hear all the time: How do you tell Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes apart? We'll break it down by discussing their unique causes, symptoms, and treatments. Plus, we share the different diagnostic tests doctors use, ranging from basic blood sugar checks to specialized autoimmune tests for Type 1. Ever heard of Type 1.5 (LADA)? We will discuss the nuances behind Type 1.5 and treatment and more!

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• The differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Causes, symptoms, and treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Diagnostic methods for Type 1 and Type 2
• How autoimmune testing is used to detect specific antibodies targeting the pancreas for Type 1
• What Type 1.5 Diabetes is and its treatment
• The different treatment approaches for Type 1, such as insulin therapy, a balanced diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring
• The different treatment strategies for Type 2, including focusing on lifestyle changes, oral or injectable medications, and potential insulin therapy + MUCH MORE!
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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

Jenny’s Podcast Episode: How I Navigate Type 1 Diabetes as a Registered Dietitian

How to Know When it’s Time to Start Insulin

• Tests to confirm Type 1:
  These tests confirm the autoimmune basis of Type 1 diabetes by assessing specific antibodies associated with the condition. These include Islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), Insulinoma-associated-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A), and Insulin autoantibodies (IAA). Elevated levels of these antibodies indicate a higher likelihood of Type 1 diabetes.
• Supplementary evaluations, such as a C-peptide test or an insulin assay test, may accompany the diabetes antibody panel to provide a more thorough assessment of the diabetes status. These tests, combined with the diabetes antibody panel, offer a comprehensive overview of the condition.
• Interpretation of test results involves understanding that positive findings suggest the presence of antibodies associated with Type 1 diabetes or an increased risk of developing it. Conversely, negative results may indicate a lower probability of Type 1 diabetes, although some individuals with the condition may not exhibit these antibodies. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to grasp the implications of test outcomes for your specific circumstances.

In today's episode, we're joined by Isabel Reckson, a Diabetes Digital Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. With a background in Public Health, Isabel champions health equity while specializing in hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and kidney stones. With diverse experience, Isabel is on the podcast today to share key indicators for when to consider insulin therapy.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Physiological reasons for requiring insulin in diabetes management
• The resistance and stigma associated with insulin therapy
• Insulin needs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Common misconceptions about starting insulin therapy
• Overcoming challenges like fear of injections and inconvenience
• Risks, benefits, and strategies for reducing risks associated with insulin
• The misconceptions behind being on insulin forever
• Consequences of delaying insulin therapy when needed
• Innovations in insulin therapy on the horizon for diabetes management + MUCH MORE!

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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

On today's podcast, we interviewed Jenny Fernandez, our very first dietitian at Diabetes Digital. We're diving into Jenny's journey, both personally and professionally, as someone living with Type 1 diabetes. Jenny was diagnosed with diabetes at 8 years old and shares how it influenced her path as a nutrition professional. Her own experiences have fueled her passion for helping others manage diabetes seamlessly, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and a holistic approach to health. This episode is not just about personal triumph but also full of insights for anyone looking to navigate diabetes without letting it overshadow the joy of living fully.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• What it was like to be diagnosed at the age of 8 with Type 1 diabetes
• The unexpected nature of the diagnosis, the symptoms Jenny experienced, and how her family handled the news
• The cultural aspects of Jenny’s diagnosis, touching on the societal landscape at the time and whether there was any stigma or taboo associated with diabetes
• How Jenny’s parents and family managed her diagnosis, discussing whether it felt like a significant shift in the household
• How Jenny managed childhood experiences, including how diabetes impacted social situations like slumber parties
• The concept of diabetes burnout, with Jenny providing tips, especially for individuals on insulin who may feel overwhelmed
• Jenny’s journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) and whether it was her first career choice
• Tips, tools, and resources for people with diabetes + MUCH MORE!

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Today we’re covering everything you need to know about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and share evidence-based ways for preventing and managing it. We will help you identify what hypoglycemia symptoms to look out for and offer practical tips for preventing and managing low blood sugar.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• What hypoglycemia is
• How to know if you are experiencing hypoglycemia and what symptoms to look out for
• How different illnesses and common diabetes medications can contribute to hypoglycemia
• The importance of recognizing warning signs, regular blood sugar monitoring, and consequences of untreated hypoglycemia
• Practical tips on meal timing, balanced nutrition, and on-the-go options for managing and preventing hypoglycemia + MORE!

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In this episode, we discuss key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and prevention strategies and go over the impact of nutrition, lifestyle choices, health complications, and social determinants of health. We cover why BIPOC communities are at a higher risk and how the lack of resources plays a role in overall health.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes
• Prevention strategies for managing Type 2 diabetes
• The role nutrition plays on diabetes prevention
• How health complications play a role in Type 2 diabetes
• Social determinants of health and their connection to diabetes
• Why BIPOC communities face a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes
• How the lack of access plays a role in overall health disparities + MORE!

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In this episode, we discuss the common belief that weight loss is essential for managing type 2 diabetes. We address the prevalence of weight-centric approaches in diabetes care and the struggles people face in sustaining long-term weight loss. With the many limitations that come with restrictive diets, we discuss how outcomes like improved A1C, blood sugar control, and overall well-being are more important than the number on the scale.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• The prevalence of weight-centric approaches in diabetes care
• Limitations of restrictive diets and their ineffectiveness of long-term weight loss
• The importance of addressing behavior changes for improved A1C, blood sugar control, and overall well-being
• The challenges of sustaining long-term weight loss
• How we saw the need to pivot in diabetes management towards weight-inclusive care.
• The Impact of yo-yo dieting on blood sugar control
• Common assumption that weight is a behavior and the unpredictability of weight loss outcomes + MORE!

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In this episode, we discuss diabetes management, highlighting five science-backed strategies for lowering blood sugar levels. We explore how Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) can play a role in reducing Hemoglobin A1c. We also highlight the significance of seeking guidance from a Registered Dietitian, equipped with the education and training to help you manage diabetes through a personalized plan and ongoing support.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• How whole foods play a role in blood sugar management
• Why it's important to eat carbohydrates even with prediabetes or diabetes
• How protein and healthy fats play a role in blood sugar management
• How meal timing can be key to reducing blood sugar spikes
• The importance of working with Registered Dietitian vs a Nutritionist + MORE!

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