Simplifying Diabetes

Kristie Messerli
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Nutrition

Managing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… like a full-time job. Simplifying Diabetes is here to change that. Hosted by registered dietitian and diabetes specialist Kristie Messerli, this podcast helps you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works for blood sugar management—without rigid rules or conflicting advice. Inside each episode, you'll find practical strategies, honest conversations, and simple approaches to help you: Feel more in control of your blood sugar Make confident decisions without second-guessing Create habits that are realistic and sustainable Because diabetes management shouldn't take over your life—and here, it doesn't have to.

  1. 20h ago

    Ep. 14: The 3 Diabetes Complications You Need to Know About (and how to prevent them)

    Diabetes complications are one of the things people with diabetes fear most—and honestly, I understand why. Heart disease. Kidney disease. Neuropathy. Vision loss. Amputation. But I don't believe fear is an effective diabetes management strategy. After nearly a decade working in diabetes, I've seen these complications show up in real people. I've seen what happens when someone loses sensation in their feet and doesn't realize they've been seriously injured. I've interned in a dialysis center and heard patients with diabetes tell me they wished they had managed their numbers differently. So in this episode, we're having the conversation I wish more people with diabetes were having: honest, specific, and without the fearmongering. I'll walk you through three major diabetes complications: Cardiovascular disease: how diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke and the numbers and risk factors you should actually be paying attention to. Chronic kidney disease: why kidney damage can happen silently, what your UACR and eGFR actually mean, and why I care so much about early detection. Neuropathy and foot complications: how nerve damage can change your ability to feel pain and temperature—and the real-life client experience that showed me just how serious that can become. We'll also talk about what you can actually do to reduce your risk, including blood glucose management, blood pressure, cholesterol, medications, screenings, movement, and taking care of your feet. Because here's what I don't want you to take away from this episode: "If I have diabetes, I'm going to develop complications." That's not the message. The message is: Know your risk. Know your numbers. Get your screenings. Use the tools available to you. And don't let fear keep you from taking action. You don't need to be afraid of your diabetes. But you do need to understand it. Aware, not afraid. Proactive, not obsessive. Informed, not overwhelmed. That's the goal. Link to Kristies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr Click Here for a Free Masterclass: https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20 Application for Group Coaching: https://pzo3l60gfkw.typeform.com/to/lib7KMZF  Podcast Production & Editing by Michael Messerli Interested in podcast production, editing, or video services? 📩 michaelmesserli0@gmail.com

  2. 20h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Amanda Rizkalla: “Hungered” | Oprah’s Book Club from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! Hungered by Amanda Rizkalla ⁠https://amzn.to/4AyPSDN⁠ The 125th Oprah’s Book Club selection is the stunning debut novel Hungered by author Amanda Rizkalla. Written from the perspective of 12-year-old Sofia, Hungered gives a unique look inside the world of a family who is unhoused. Amanda shares how her personal experience of losing their housing and living in a car with her family as a child inspired her to write this poignant and beautiful story. Oprah and Amanda have a thoughtful discussion about how - despite the daily struggle to survive - the fictional Sofia and her family are still able to experience joy, humor and compassion. We hear from several readers including a young woman who says that Amanda’s novel resonated with her because she also experienced being unhoused as a child. 00:00:00 - Welcome Amanda Rizkalla, author of “Hungered” 00:02:10 - Amanda shares why she wrote the book 00:05:00 - The plot of Hungered 00:06:40 - Understanding being unhoused 00:12:40 - Growing up mixed race 00:18:15 - Amanda on choosing the mother’s career 00:22:20 - Theme of not belonging 00:26:15 - Amanda’s writing process 00:28:40 - The ending of the book #oprahsbookclub Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/oprahpodcast/⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?hl=en⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. Sep 15

    Ep. 13: How She Lowered Her A1C From 13% to 6.6% and Reduced Her Medications

    What if managing type 2 diabetes didn't have to feel like a full-time job? In today's episode, I'm joined by my longtime client, Sogol, for a very honest conversation about her journey with blood sugar management. Sogol has worked with me through both group coaching and 1:1 coaching, and what I love most about her story is that her success didn't end when the program did. She took what she learned and continued building the skills and confidence to manage her blood sugars in real life. We talk about what she was struggling with before coaching, what she had already tried, how her relationship with food and blood sugar numbers changed, and why having support and accountability made such a difference. We also talk about something I think so many women with type 2 diabetes need to hear: you don't have to cut out carbs, give up the foods you love, or be perfect to improve your blood sugar. If you've ever thought, "I already know what I'm supposed to do, I just can't seem to make it work," Sogol's story is for you. This episode is a reminder that you don't have to figure out diabetes alone—and that learning how to manage your blood sugar can give you back so much more than better numbers. It can give you confidence, freedom, and peace of mind. If you're ready to stop guessing and start understanding your blood sugars, learn more about the Balance Blood Sugar Method in the show notes or DM me on instagram  Link to Kristies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr Click Here for a Free Masterclass: https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20 Application for Group Coaching: https://pzo3l60gfkw.typeform.com/to/lib7KMZF  Podcast Production & Editing by Michael Messerli Interested in podcast production, editing, or video services? 📩 michaelmesserli0@gmail.com

  4. Aug 31

    Ep. 12: Why Your Blood Sugars Are Still High Even Though You're Eating "Healthy"

    You're eating vegetables. You've cut back on carbs. You're trying to avoid sugar. You're choosing "healthy" foods. So why are your blood sugars still high? If you've ever felt like you're doing everything you're supposed to do for your diabetes but your numbers aren't reflecting your effort, this episode is for you. In Episode 12 of Simplifying Diabetes, we're talking about why eating healthy isn't always the same thing as having a strategic approach to blood sugar management. I'll break down some of the common mistakes I see, including: Putting too much emphasis on cutting carbohydrates Not getting enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables Starting the day with a breakfast that isn't satisfying or protein-rich Choosing more refined/simple carbohydrates without considering the bigger picture of the meal Waiting until you're starving to decide what to eat Overlooking hydration Making thousands of food decisions without having a plan to make those decisions easier Because when you have diabetes, you're not just deciding what sounds good. You're constantly thinking about how food might affect your blood sugar, what you "should" eat, what you should avoid, and whether you're making the right choice. That's exhausting. And it's why meal planning isn't about spending your Sunday meal-prepping 20 containers of chicken and broccoli. It's about creating a strategy so you don't have to make every food decision from scratch. I'll also talk about what to do instead—including creating intentional strategies for breakfast, snacks and mini meals, incorporating foods you've made "off limits," and planning for your actual life rather than following another rigid meal plan. And if you're tired of guessing what to eat and want help creating a personalized strategy for your blood sugar, I'm opening 10 customized 60-minute Meal Planning Intensives for September. DM me INTENSIVE on Instagram or email me to learn more. You don't need another diet. You need a strategy. Link to Kristies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr Click Here for a Free Masterclass: https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20

  5. Aug 18

    Ep. 11: The Truth About "Reversing" Type 2 Diabetes

    You've probably heard that type 2 diabetes is "reversible." Maybe you've even been promised that if you lose weight, cut carbs, exercise enough, or follow the right diet, you can make your diabetes disappear. But what if we've been using the wrong word? In this episode of Simplifying Diabetes, I'm breaking down the truth about diabetes, remission, and what actually happens inside your body long before you're diagnosed. I'll explain how insulin resistance can develop for years—or even decades—before a diabetes diagnosis, what happens to insulin-producing beta cells over time, and why having normal blood sugars doesn't necessarily mean your diabetes has been "cured." We'll also talk about diabetes remission: what it actually means, how it's defined, why remission is possible for some people but isn't guaranteed, and why achieving remission can be much harder than social media makes it look. I'll also share why I want to normalize something we don't talk about enough: sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough, and medication is an important—and completely valid—part of diabetes management. In this episode, we'll cover: Why your diabetes didn't suddenly begin the day you were diagnosed What insulin resistance has to do with the development of type 2 diabetes What happens to your pancreas and insulin-producing beta cells over time The difference between improving your blood sugar, remission, and "reversal" The clinical definition of type 2 diabetes remission Why remission isn't a guaranteed outcome Why two people can make the same lifestyle changes and have completely different results Why needing medication does NOT mean you've failed How the "reverse your diabetes" narrative can create shame and unrealistic expectations What I want you focusing on instead of trying to erase your diagnosis You don't need to "reverse" your diabetes to be successful. You don't need perfect blood sugars. And you don't get extra points for managing diabetes without medication. You need to understand what's happening in your body, use the tools available to you, and find a way to manage your diabetes that actually works for your life. Because while you can't erase the diagnosis, you absolutely can decide what happens next. Link to Kristies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr Click Here for a Free Masterclass: https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20

  6. Aug 4

    Ep. 10: Intuitive Eating & Diabetes: Can They Really Work Together? | With Katy Harvey, RD

    Can intuitive eating and diabetes management coexist? Many people assume they can't—but that's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode. I'm joined by intuitive eating dietitian Katy Harvey to explore what intuitive eating really is, what it isn't, and why it's often misunderstood—especially in the diabetes community. We discuss how intuitive eating goes far beyond "just eating whatever you want" and how it can actually support a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food while still honoring blood sugar management. In this conversation, we cover: What intuitive eating actually means Common myths about intuitive eating How intuitive eating and blood sugar management can work together The ways dieting can damage our relationship with food Why food freedom doesn't mean ignoring your health Practical insights for anyone living with diabetes who wants to move away from the diet mentality Whether you're curious about intuitive eating, feeling stuck in the cycle of dieting, or wondering if it's possible to care for your diabetes without food guilt, this episode offers a balanced and compassionate perspective. Be sure to subscribe to Simplifying Diabetes so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review—it helps more people discover the podcast! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr     Masterclass: https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20   Katy Harvey is a non-diet dietitian and the host of the Rebuilding Trust With Your Body podcast. She specializes in intuitive eating and helps women who are tired of dieting but scared of weight gain finally break the food obsession cycle and build real health without letting the scale control their self-worth. Katy is all about eating the foods you love, unapologetically, without going overboard. She fully believes that you can eat for satisfaction while also honoring your health.   Katy's Links Website: katyharvey.net Podcast: Rebuilding Trust With Your Body

  7. Jul 21

    Ep. 9: How I Went From a Weight Loss Dietitian to Diabetes Coach

    Today's episode is one of the most personal I've ever recorded. I'm taking you behind the scenes of my journey—from growing up surrounded by diet culture, to becoming a registered dietitian, to the patient who completely changed the way I thought about diabetes care. For years, I believed what I had been taught: that weight loss should be the focus. But after witnessing the emotional toll that approach had on my patients, I knew there had to be a better way. I'll also share how losing my dad in 2020 changed my perspective on health, why I left traditional healthcare to start my own private practice, and how that decision has allowed me to help thousands of women manage diabetes without shame, food guilt, or obsession over the scale. If you've ever felt like you've been told to "just lose weight" without anyone actually teaching you how to manage your diabetes, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: My lifelong experience with diet culture and body image Why I became a registered dietitian The patient who transformed my philosophy on diabetes care What losing my dad taught me about health and self-care Why I started Simplifying Diabetes How I help women lower their blood sugars without restrictive diets or shame If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear your story. Send me a message on Instagram, and if you're wondering which program is the best fit for you, let's chat. Together, we'll find the support that meets you where you are. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr Masterclass: https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20

  8. Jul 2

    Ep. 8: Client Spotlight: From Stuck, Frustrated, and Overwhelmed to Confident With Diabetes

    In this Client Spotlight episode, I'm joined by one of my clients to share her real, unfiltered experience living with type 2 diabetes.     If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're doing everything "right" but not seeing the results you want, this conversation will feel incredibly relatable.   We talk about what life looked like before things started to change, the key mindset and behavior shifts that made the biggest difference, and what she wishes she had known much earlier in her journey.   Inside this episode, you'll hear:   • What it felt like to feel stuck with diabetes • The turning point that changed how she approached her health • The biggest lesson she didn't expect to learn • What she would tell herself on the day of diagnosis • Advice for anyone who feels like nothing is working   This is not a story about perfection—it's a story about what becomes possible when you stop trying to figure it all out alone.   If this episode resonates with you and you want support heading into my next group coaching program starting in July, send me a DM with the word GROUP and we can chat about next steps.   Click Here to Follow Kristie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist?igsh=bnV5cG1jMXVyeW1o&utm_source=qr   Click Here to Grab Kristie's Free Masterclass https://wandering-resonance-183.myflodesk.com/wvnwbjnk20 + Apply to Balance Blood Sugar Method Group Coaching: https://pzo3l60gfkw.typeform.com/to/gD5GsP8q

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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Managing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… like a full-time job. Simplifying Diabetes is here to change that. Hosted by registered dietitian and diabetes specialist Kristie Messerli, this podcast helps you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works for blood sugar management—without rigid rules or conflicting advice. Inside each episode, you'll find practical strategies, honest conversations, and simple approaches to help you: Feel more in control of your blood sugar Make confident decisions without second-guessing Create habits that are realistic and sustainable Because diabetes management shouldn't take over your life—and here, it doesn't have to.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristie Messerli
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Simplifying Diabetes

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