Mastering Blood Sugar

Are you pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? Are you looking for nutrition advice to help you have a healthy pregnancy? Do you have food sensitivities that are affecting your blood sugar levels? If so, then this podcast with Dr. Christine Maren is for you! In this podcast, we will discuss gestational diabetes, nutrition advice for a healthy pregnancy, food sensitivities, blood sugar management, and elimination diets. Tune in as we chat about the importance of healthy fats during breastfeeding and some of the most significant health issues impacting fertility.

Gestational Diabetes: Nutrition Advice for a Healthy Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women, causing high blood sugar levels, and the lack of discussion around it may make women hesitant to deviate from their doctor's advice. Dr. Christine Maren's podcast shares her personal experience with gestational diabetes and conflicting nutrition advice, such as the recommendation to follow a high-carb, whole-grain diet, which led to blood sugar spikes. The confusion arises from the misconception that whole wheat bread is better than white bread for blood sugar levels. Additionally, the advice to consume 50% carbs but low fat left her unsure of suitable food choices.

The Link Between Food Sensitivities and Blood Sugar Management

Not all carbohydrates are created equal. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not differentiate between types of carbohydrates, treating all carbs as equal; this can be problematic for individuals with gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and even type 1 diabetes. Consuming high-carbohydrate foods can cause blood sugar levels to spike, leading to complications and health issues.

Elimination Diet: A Guide to Identifying Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities can contribute to various health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, skin rashes, mental health issues, and inflammatory states. Identifying and eliminating these sensitivities can be crucial for individuals looking to improve their overall health and well-being. The top three food sensitivities are dairy, gluten, and eggs. While these foods are nutrient-dense and beneficial for many people, some individuals may have sensitivities that cause negative reactions.

The best way to learn about food sensitivities is through elimination diets and food sensitivity testing. Elimination diets involve removing potential trigger foods from the diet for at least four weeks and then slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see if any physical reactions occur. Food sensitivity testing can also be helpful, but it is essential to interpret the results with caution, especially if the individual is already on an elimination diet. By taking control of their diet and identifying potential trigger foods, individuals can improve their quality of life and reduce the negative effects of food sensitivities.

Key Takeaways:
[10:10] How food sensitivities play a role in different stressors
[18:30] What are some of the side effects of gluten?
[20:35] The importance of healthy fats during pregnancy and breastfeeding
[28:10] What are some of the biggest health issues impacting fertility?
[32:15] Advice for people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

Resources:
Website: https://drchristinemaren.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChristineMaren/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2X8HJUMZCjDEHveGLjggQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dr_maren/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinemaren/
12 Ways to Detox Your Home: https://drchristinemaren.com/gift/

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Dr. Ethan J. Weiss has been passionate about health since a young child, growing up around a cardiologist father. He eventually went on to attend Vassar College before moving on to medical school and residency at John Hopkins. He came to UCSF in 1998 to complete his clinical and research fellowships in cardiology and has remained on the faculty since then. Dr. Weiss has maintained an active clinical practice with expertise in the emerging intersection between endocrine and metabolic disease and cardiovascular diseases. He is a leading authority on novel tools to predict and prevent cardiovascular disease and has special interest in using technology as a tool to enable lifestyle changes.

When you look at the role of nutrition in cardiovascular health, you’ll find that there is imperfect information. So, we need to review the information that we have and take the best approach going forward. Dr. Ethan believes that cholesterol is causative in cardiovascular disease. In the past ten years, there has been an abundant amount of information that LDL is a massive risk factor.

Dr. Ethan explains the effects of cholesterol. If you look at plaque in human arteries, there is definitely LDL cholesterol. How LDL contributes to the growth of plaque is still something we are learning about. We are hindered in this field because it is difficult to get ahold of the tissue. We don’t have the best or most refined understanding of how this happens. However, the latest theory is that cholesterol will cause problems by inducing an inflammatory response.

Diet relates closely to lipid health. In the seventies, we told people to eat low fat; therefore, people started eating high carbs. However, Dr. Ethan doesn’t want to say that he has the answers prematurely. No one has the answers; there is still a lot to learn about nutrition. If you take a low carb and high-fat diet, the impact is an increase in LDL cholesterol. After digging deeper, Dr. Ethan felt more comfortable with the rise in LDL because it didn’t increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some individuals will have a much more significant change to their LDL when they start eating low carb. Dr. Ethan says people have five choices:

Ignore it.

Keep an eye on things by measuring calcium.

Try a different diet by adding more carbs.

Start taking a statin.

Replace saturated fats with plant-based fats.

Dr. Ethan is most excited about the last choice, replacing saturated fats with plant-based fats. When people have heart attacks, it’s important to treat things differently. So, Dr. Ethan does not recommend using diet to treat heart attacks alone. However, food should be part of the recovery.

Then, Dr. Ethan explains the relationship between keto and diabetes. You don’t often see people coming into the doctor’s office with fewer and fewer drugs. However, people with diabetes are coming off of their diabetes medications and blood pressure medications once trying the ketogenic diet. Dr. Ethan has found publications on low carb diets and diabetes in 1795. So, the relationship between keto and diabetes is not a new phenomenon.

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In this episode, CJ Walker, also known as the Genetic Diabetic, speaks about LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood), a condition often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. CJ shares her personal experience with being misdiagnosed and ultimately diagnosed with LADA and discusses the key things to know about this condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about LADA and how it differs from other types of diabetes. Listeners will gain valuable insights into this lesser-known form of diabetes and learn how to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate care.
LADA: The Diabetes That Falls in Between

LADA, or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood, is a condition that is often misdiagnosed. Some people call it type 1.5 diabetes, as it shares characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. LADA is a form of diabetes caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in gradually losing insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels.

One of the key differences between type 2 diabetes and LADA is the age of onset. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adults over the age of 45, while LADA can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Additionally, LADA is more common in people who are not overweight or obese, while type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity.

Advocating for Diabetes: A Never-Ending Fight

Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires constant advocacy; this is especially true for those with LADA, a form of diabetes that is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. CJ shares her experience of being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes and her frustration with ineffective treatments. It was only after advocating for herself and doing her research that CJ could receive a proper diagnosis of LADA. CJ highlights the need for individuals with diabetes to be proactive in their healthcare and not be afraid to speak up and ask questions.

LADA: The Autoimmune Diabetes That Needs Careful Management

LADA, a form of diabetes with an autoimmune origin, involves the immune system attacking healthy tissues and cells. Unlike type 1 diabetes, LADA progresses slowly and is often diagnosed in adulthood. To preserve pancreatic function and insulin production, it is important to manage LADA by minimizing stress on the pancreas. This includes avoiding processed sugars and refined flour that can trigger insulin surges. While an ultra-low-carb or keto diet isn't required, it's essential to be mindful of food choices and their impact on blood sugar levels.

Key Takeaways:
[00:21] LADA, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood
[04:14] Type 1.5 diabetes diagnosis
[08:27] Autoimmune conditions and proper diagnosis
[14:39] Managing diabetes takes decision-making
[16:39] Hormonal differences in diabetes
[21:09] Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
[25:03] Managing LADA with medications
[29:14] Diabetes support and resources
Resources:
Website: https://thegeneticdiabeticblog.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegeneticdiabetic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeneticdiabeticblog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeneticdiabeticblog/

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Dr. Amy McKenzie discusses the work at Virta Health, an online specialty medical clinic that treats patients with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and pre-diabetes. Virta's treatment approach includes a ketogenic diet and technology-enabled continuous remote care. By using this approach, Virta Health has been able to help patients reduce or eliminate insulin and other oral medications. Clinical trials have significantly improved patients' insulin requirements and other medication reductions. Tune in as we chat about Virta Health's game-changing new model for optimal management when it comes to diabetes.
How the Ketogenic Diet Empowers Insulin Users to Slash Dependency

The ketogenic diet has gained significant attention recently for its potential benefits in managing various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. One organization at the forefront of utilizing this diet for diabetes management is Virta Health. Virta Health is an online specialty medical clinic focusing on patients with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and pre-diabetes. Their treatment approach addresses the underlying principle of insulin resistance common to these conditions. The primary component of their protocol is a ketogenic diet or nutritional ketosis. This diet involves consuming ultra-low carbohydrate meals that force the body to rely on fat for energy instead of glucose.
Unleashing the Power of Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Diabetes Medication

Reducing medication for diabetes is a topic of great interest and importance in the field of healthcare. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Traditionally, medications have been a critical component of diabetes treatment, helping to lower blood sugar and manage the disease. However, there is growing evidence that reducing medication use, particularly insulin, can have significant benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss. By following this diet, patients can reduce their reliance on medications, including insulin, and improve blood sugar control.
Revolutionizing Diabetes Care: Introducing a Game-Changing New Model for Optimal Management

The Virta Health program uses a ketogenic diet, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces insulin dependence in type 2 diabetes. By limiting carbohydrates, the body relies on fats for energy, improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. The program offers continuous remote care and physician monitoring through an app-based system. It provides ongoing support, accountability, and treatment adjustments. Peer support is also available to connect patients and foster a sense of community.
Key Takeaways:

[04:49] A ketogenic diet reduces insulin use
[07:03] Reducing medications improves diabetes management
[13:50] Importance of weight loss in diabetes reversal
[19:03] Ketones have potential health benefits
[23:06] Health coaching improves diabetes management
[27:33] Improve patient outcomes through research
[33:14] Make research evidence freely accessible
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymckenzie5/
Virta Health: https://www.virtahealth.com/
Research: https://www.virtahealth.com/research

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“What we have now is about what we’ve been doing. And if we want to change what we have, we need to change what we’re doing.” Those are the words of Sachin Patel, Dr. Mowll’s guest on today’s Mastering Blood Sugar podcast.

Sachin Patel is a guardian of truth and a warrior of light. His superpower is taking complex ideas and distilling them down to their essence with easy-to-understand analogies. Sachin uses this gift to help transform the lives of thousands of people around the world through his organization, The Living Proof Institute. Through this, he is actively doing whatever it takes to keep people out of the medical system and empower them through education, self-care, and remapping their mindset.

In this episode, Sachin discusses his unique perspective and approach to weight loss, how hormones control metabolism and fat burning, the most effective way to heal the digestive system, and how we can change our mindset to change our physiology. Sachin also explains how we amplify things in our life by the amount of energy we give to them, how to heal the body by doing nothing, and the keys to reshaping the future of health and diabetes care.

Key Takeaways:

[:57] All about Dr. Mowll’s guest today, Sachin Patel.

[2:40] Be sure to head over to iTunes and leave a review. Dr. Mowll will be reading reviews and sending you the best of the Diabetes Summit on a flash drive if he reads your review at the beginning of the podcast!

[3:41] Welcoming Sachin to the podcast.

[4:47] What’s new at The Living Proof Institute.

[5:54] Sachin’s unique approach to weight loss and about their “weight loss program.”

[11:41] How an individual’s fat threshold can affect when they get Type 2 diabetes.

[15:01] All about the autonomic nervous system and why it can be incredibly beneficial to understand its function.

[18:06] Changing our mindset to change our physiology and how our worldview is shaped at a young age.

[22:23] Sachin explains the importance of “What we recognize and emphasize, amplifies”.

[30:38] Sachin shares his thoughts on his quote: “Why is it that patients are told ‘There is nothing you can do,’ for a disease that’s caused by something that they’re doing.”

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