277 episodes

Join BFFs, registered dietitian nutritionists, and diabetes educators Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones each week to navigate the many layers of diabetes management and overall well-being. Every Wednesday, we’ll dive into a world of diabetes-friendly nutrition, intuitive eating, mental health strategies, medication management, and so much more. The Diabetes Digital Podcast isn’t just another health show; it’s a culturally competent and weight-inclusive resource, seamlessly integrating diverse care approaches into each episode.

Diabetes Digital Podcast by Food Heaven Wendy Lopez, Jessica Jones

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.9 • 35 Ratings

Join BFFs, registered dietitian nutritionists, and diabetes educators Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones each week to navigate the many layers of diabetes management and overall well-being. Every Wednesday, we’ll dive into a world of diabetes-friendly nutrition, intuitive eating, mental health strategies, medication management, and so much more. The Diabetes Digital Podcast isn’t just another health show; it’s a culturally competent and weight-inclusive resource, seamlessly integrating diverse care approaches into each episode.

    How Do You Know If You Have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

    How Do You Know If You Have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

    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!
    Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:


    Rate on iTunes or Spotify -  it literally takes two seconds
    Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes



    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.

    • 15 min
    Insulin Therapy 101: A Beginner's Guide to Insulin Management in Type 2 Diabetes

    Insulin Therapy 101: A Beginner's Guide to Insulin Management in Type 2 Diabetes

    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!

    Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:


    Rate on iTunes or Spotify -  it literally takes two seconds
    Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

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

    • 23 min
    How I Navigate Type 1 Diabetes as a Registered Dietitian

    How I Navigate Type 1 Diabetes as a Registered Dietitian

    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!

    Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:


    Rate on iTunes or Spotify -  it literally takes two seconds
    Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

    • 23 min
    What to Do When You Have Hypoglycemia In Diabetes

    What to Do When You Have Hypoglycemia In Diabetes

    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! 

    Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:


    Rate on iTunes or Spotify -  it literally takes two seconds
    Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

    • 18 min
    The Most Common Diabetes Risk Factors Explained

    The Most Common Diabetes Risk Factors Explained

    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! 



    Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:


    Rate on iTunes or Spotify -  it literally takes two seconds
    Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

    • 20 min
    Why we don't recommend weight loss for type 2 diabetes

    Why we don't recommend weight loss for type 2 diabetes

    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! 



    Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:


    Rate on iTunes or Spotify -  it literally takes two seconds
    Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
35 Ratings

35 Ratings

Udidin ,

Love the diversity of topics!

Wow, I am late to this thoughtful & engaging discussion. I just listened to the wonderful Afrominimalist sharing some wisdom (love & follow her on insta!) & I’ll be checking out the wardrobe building chat next. Thought provoking insights & lots of fun. Keep the good stuff coming!

brittanybaggett ,

Hooked!

I just listened to the episode about MSG and it was so informative! I’m recovering from seriously disordered eating and learning about food facts is so helpful along this journey. This was my first episode as I just found the show but I will be listening to many many more!

Sponberry ,

My favourite nutrition & health podcast

Listening to Food Heaven you’ll benefit from the intelligent perspectives of Wendy & Jess as well as the host of experts they invite into the show - without the toxic ideas of what health means that are often found in other podcasts of the genre. Wendy & Jess are open minded and every single body is welcome here. Thank you both for creating such an inclusive space for us all.

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