Yumlish: Diabetes and Multicultural Nutrition

Shireen Abdullah

Welcome to Yumlish podcast, where our mission is to amplify the voices of health professionals to help you better manage chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes, through nutrition and wellness. We discuss everything from preventative care to multicultural nutrition to the stigmatization of chronic illness. Join us every Thursday for your weekly dose of nutrition, physical activity, and all things health.

  1. MAR 5

    Diabetes Care Beyond the Clinic: Food, Community, and Real Access

    Diabetes care doesn’t happen only in the clinic—it happens where people live, shop, and eat. This episode explores why food access, community support, and real-world resources matter just as much as medical care.We unpack how food insecurity and the digital divide affect diabetes management, where food-as-medicine programs can make a real difference, and how GLP-1 medications fit without replacing nutrition and behavior change. We also highlight one policy shift that could dramatically expand access to diabetes nutrition support. Guest Bio: Dr. Melanie Hingle is a nationally recognized nutrition scientist, registered dietitian, and Professor at the University of Arizona whose work on diet-sensitive disease integrates community-engaged research, digital health, and Food As Medicine interventions across the Southwest.  Quote: “Fresh produce, high in fiber, high in nutrients, these are things that help people manage, not just the blood glucose a little bit better, but can displace some of the less healthy options” Question of the Day: How might you help advocate for better nutrition support or diabetes resources in your community? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why community-based nutrition is essential for effective diabetes care How food insecurity and access gaps directly shape diabetes outcomes What programs like produce prescriptions and medically tailored meals get right How to integrate GLP-1s with nutrition counseling without losing the food-first focus Which policy and reimbursement changes could most effectively reduce diabetes disparities Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Dr. Melanie Hingle! University of Arizona Website Profile: https://profiles.arizona.edu/person/hinglem Email: hinglem@arizona.edu

    27 min

  2. FEB 19

    A Healthier Heart Starts With Your Mouth

    Guest:  Dr. Thomas E. Van Dyke, DDS, PhD Show Notes: Your mouth does far more than help you chew; it may be quietly shaping your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. In this episode, we explore the powerful (and often overlooked) connection between gum health and whole-body health. You’ll learn how everyday habits like brushing, flossing, smoking, and diet choices can influence inflammation throughout the body. We break down what science really says about gum disease, cardiovascular risk, blood sugar control, and the oral microbiome, plus which small changes can make an outsized impact over time. If you care about heart health, diabetes prevention, or lowering inflammation naturally, this episode will change how you think about oral care. Guest Bio: Dr. Van Dyke is Sr. Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research, and Senior Member of Staff, ADA Forsyth Institute in Somerville, MA; he received his D.D.S. from Case Western Reserve University; his Master's, Periodontics Certificate, and Ph.D., State University of NY at Buffalo; he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He is internationally recognized for his work on inflammation in periodontal disease and other systemic conditions. He has  500+ original publications.  Quote: “The keyword of the day is maintaining homeostasis. You want to maintain the balance that we have in the oral cavity that is compatible with health in the individual.” Question of the Day: Have you ever considered how your oral health could affect your heart? After today, what’s one step you could change or add to your oral hygiene routine? On This Episode You Will Learn: How gum disease and oral inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Why inflammation, not just bacteria, is the key link between oral health and whole-body health. Which daily habits matter most for protecting your gums, including brushing, flossing, smoking cessation, and diet. How nutrition choices, such as omega-3s, ultra-processed foods, and sugary drinks, affect your oral microbiome and inflammation levels. One small change you can start today that can make a meaningful difference for both your oral health and your heart. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Thomas E. Van Dyke! Website URL: www.forsyth.org

    29 min

  3. FEB 5

    Flavor Without Fear: Cooking Well With Kidney Disease

    Kidney-friendly eating doesn’t have to mean bland, boring, or restrictive. This episode breaks down how thoughtful cooking techniques and simple ingredient shifts can protect kidney health without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. You’ll learn how to reframe dietary limits into creative opportunities, build satisfying plant-forward meals, and plan in ways that actually make life easier—especially after a new CKD diagnosis. This conversation offers practical hope for anyone who wants food to feel empowering again, not overwhelming. Guest Bio: Chef Duane, a current instructor at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy, successfully put his own CKD into remission through diet. He now travels the United States, sharing his culinary expertise and journey with medical professionals and fellow patients. Quote: “I love my kidney disease. It has made me a better cook.” Question of the Day: What is one kidney-friendly ingredient or cooking technique you’d like to try adding to your meals this week? On This Episode You Will Learn: How to turn kidney diet “restrictions” into flavorful opportunities Why plant-forward meals can reduce kidney stress Core principles behind building kidney-friendly recipes that still taste great Simple meal-planning strategies for busy or low-energy days How flavor, texture, and satisfaction keep healthy eating sustainable Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Duane Sunwold! Website URL: chefduane.com  LinkedIn URL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-sunwold-23b767b/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ckdchefduane9517

    29 min

  4. JAN 22

    Small Food Changes, Big Heart Relief: How What You Eat Can Help Your Heart

    Managing heart failure isn’t just about medications. It’s about the everyday food choices that can either ease the strain on your heart or quietly make symptoms worse. In this episode, we break down why sodium has such a powerful impact on heart failure, how it drives fluid retention and shortness of breath, and why even small changes can lead to noticeable relief within days. You’ll learn how to spot hidden sodium in common foods, what to eat instead, and how to build meals that support your heart without feeling restrictive or bland. We also explore simple, realistic nutrition strategies for real life, from eating well when energy is low or appetite is poor, to using flavor-forward ingredients that make low-sodium meals satisfying and sustainable. Whether you’re living with heart failure, supporting a loved one, or trying to protect your heart long-term, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based guidance you can start using right away. Guest Bio: Julia Zumpano has been a registered dietitian with Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation at the Cleveland Clinic for 20 years. Her time in patient care is spent counseling on a cardio-protective diet, with focus on lipid, hypertension, diabetes, and weight management. She also serves as the Nutrition Media Liaison, where she manages the media requests to the outpatient Nutrition Therapy department, played an integral role in the development of the Cleveland Clinic diet app, and is the co-host of the Nutrition Essentials Podcast. “Simplify what you're consuming. Keep it very simple. Do what's with whatever is in your means, but if you are able to commit, let's say, three or four days to a low-sodium diet, you may find that you'll be able to get rid of some of that fluid you're retaining.”  Question of the Day: What are some tips you use in your kitchen to make meals more flavorful without adding that extra sodium? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why sodium plays such a critical role in heart failure management, including what happens in the body when intake is too high and how it contributes to fluid buildup and worsening symptoms. How sodium affects blood pressure and heart function, why this added strain is especially dangerous for people with heart failure, and how even small reductions can lead to noticeable symptom relief. Common high-sodium foods that often go unnoticed, from packaged staples to restaurant meals, and practical tips for identifying hidden sodium on labels. What to eat for a stronger heart, highlighting staple ingredients and eating patterns that support fluid balance, reduce symptoms, and help meet nutrient needs even when appetite or energy is low. Making low-sodium eating realistic and enjoyable, with strategies to preserve flavor, honor food traditions, and build sustainable habits that support long-term heart health. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Julia Zumpano! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zumpano-julia-4757482a Nutrition Essentials Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMG0zKOgNqNmoVhXKP1zvIuFS5BcVXJyG

    26 min

  5. JAN 8

    Save Your Kidneys: What Every Person with Diabetes Needs to Know

    Kidney disease often develops quietly and is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. In this episode, we explore why kidney damage is so easy to miss, how early testing can change outcomes, and what actually helps protect kidney health. You’ll hear practical, hopeful guidance on food, lifestyle, and everyday choices, plus how to support your kidneys without giving up the flavors and traditions you love. Guest Bio: Dr. Katherine R. Tuttle is Executive Director for Research at Providence Inland Northwest Health and Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington. Her collective body of work has shaped the “pillars of therapy“ for diabetes and chronic kidney disease across the spectrum of scientific discovery, clinical trials, and population-level implementation. “Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. You are worth it, and you are salvageable, and we have lots of good treatment options, even in people with advanced kidney disease. I get lots of email and messages from patients who are in advanced stages, and my message to them is, Don’t give up.” Question of the Day: How can you make one of your favorite cultural dishes just a little more kidney-friendly—without losing the flavor you love? On This Episode You Will Learn: What diabetic kidney disease is and why it’s one of the most serious complications of diabetes, including how it develops and why early detection matters.Early warning signs and progression, plus whether kidney damage can be reversed or if the goal is slowing and protecting kidney function over time.The role of nutrition in kidney health, especially for people with diabetes, and how food choices impact long-term outcomes.Honoring culture and flavor while eating kidney-friendly, with practical ways to adapt traditional dishes without giving them up.Realistic daily steps and community support, including what individuals, healthcare providers, and community programs can do to help prevent kidney disease. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Katherine Tuttle! Twitter(X) URL: @KatherineTuttl8 LinkedIn URL: www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tuttle-390871142 University of Washington School of Medicine Nephrology URL: https://nephrology.uw.edu/ Providence Health Center Website URL: https://www.providence.org/ The National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/

    26 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Rethinking Type 1 Diabetes Nutrition

    In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Hormachea, MS, RD, CDCES, BC-ADM, a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist whose work spans national guideline committees, tribal community health, and clinical practice. Sarah breaks down how medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for type 1 diabetes has transformed—moving away from rigid, prescriptive diet rules and toward individualized, culturally inclusive care. She shares what’s changed in the latest nutrition guidelines, how technology and real-time glucose insights are reshaping patient conversations, and what the first year after diagnosis really looks like for many people. Sarah also dives into emerging research, from plant-forward approaches to ketogenic patterns, gut health, and medication advances that could influence nutrition strategies in the years ahead. Listeners will also learn where to find reliable resources, how to stay connected with the latest developments, and how to access Sarah’s work and insights. Sarah Hormachea is a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist who believes nutrition therapy should honor both culture and science. Drawing on 10+ years in clinical and community settings, she helps make diabetes care more personal, inclusive, and effective. “Sometimes it takes these diagnoses for people to stop and reflect and recognize that health is wealth, right? And if you have, if you don't have your health - what do you have?” Question of the Day: How has nutrition played a role in how you (or a loved one) manages or navigates type 1 diabetes?  On This Episode You Will Learn: How Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (DCES) support people with type 1 diabetes at every stage of care. The most important updates from recent medical nutrition therapy guidelines—and why they matter. What early nutrition support looks like immediately after diagnosis and during the first year. Common nutrition myths in type 1 diabetes and how to approach them with evidence and compassion. The research and trends poised to shape the future of type 1 diabetes nutrition care. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Sarah Hormachea! Website URL: www.sarahhormachea.com  Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.hormachea/  Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/sarahhormachea.diabetescare  LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhormachea/

    24 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    Honoring Heritage: Culturally Inclusive Nutrition with Maya Feller

    In this episode, dietitian and author Maya Feller explores how culturally inclusive and anti-bias nutrition can transform patient care. She shares how her personal journey and early clinical experiences shaped her approach to honoring food traditions while supporting health. Maya breaks down why standard diet advice often clashes with cultural foods, how structural inequities, not individual choices, drive chronic conditions, and what it looks like to center patients’ lived experiences in nutrition guidance. She also offers practical ways to keep cultural dishes flavorful and authentic while making mindful adjustments when needed. “Let the patient tell us about their lived experience. We know the science, but we want to listen to their lived experience, and that is what we're there to do, and then marry the two together.”  Question of the Day: What is your favorite traditional cuisine from your culture? On This Episode You Will Learn: How Maya’s personal journey shaped her culturally inclusive nutrition approach. Why mainstream diet advice often conflicts with traditional foods. How structural inequities influence chronic conditions and access to healthy options. Practical strategies to preserve cultural flavors while making mindful nutrition tweaks. Ways healthcare providers can integrate cultural relevance without reinforcing stereotypes. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Connect with Maya Feller! Website URL:  www.mayafellernutrition.com  Instagram URL:  https://www.instagram.com/mayafellerrd  Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/MayaFellerNutrition/  LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-feller-ms-rd-cdn-7a98a340/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy_DdOEnyk_qWEv6zOsVtTA  Masterclasses:  https://mayafellernutrition.com/on-demand-masterclasses/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MayaFellerNutrition/  Book: https://mayafellernutrition.com/eatingfromourroots/  Newsletter signup: https://mayafellernutrition.com/newsletter/

    25 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    From Service to Strength: Veteran-Led Diabetes Support with ​​Franco López III

    In this episode, we speak with Franco López III, a U.S. Army veteran and clinical dietitian whose own health journey after deployment led him to specialize in diabetes education and metabolic health. Franco shares how his experiences pushed him to take control of his health—and eventually help hundreds of veterans do the same. Drawing from his military experience and years of clinical practice, Franco breaks down the unique challenges veterans face in managing diabetes, the misconceptions that often delay treatment, and why shared experience is a powerful connector in healthcare. He also offers actionable advice for active-duty service members, leaders supporting their teams, and veterans striving for better metabolic health. “I approach each case individually with an open mind and have availability for flexibility.”  Question of the Day: What was the moment you realized you had to take your health into your own hands? On This Episode You Will Learn: How Franco’s military experience shaped his approach to nutrition and diabetes support Common misconceptions veterans have about diabetes and early symptoms Practical, field-ready strategies for service members managing diabetes or prediabetes How shared lived experience builds trust and improves patient outcomes Ways military leaders can create supportive environments for healthier habits Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Connect with Franco López III!Website URL: https://vvleads.org/  Instagram URL: Vanguard Metabolic Nutrition Facebook URL: Vanguard Metabolic Nutrition LinkedIn URL: Franco López III

    24 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Yumlish podcast, where our mission is to amplify the voices of health professionals to help you better manage chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes, through nutrition and wellness. We discuss everything from preventative care to multicultural nutrition to the stigmatization of chronic illness. Join us every Thursday for your weekly dose of nutrition, physical activity, and all things health.

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