The Diabetes Podcast®

4 Hidden Causes of High Blood Sugar (It’s NOT Your Fault) | 12 Core Defects of Diabetes Revisited

Are you doing everything right but your blood sugar is still high? You are not crazy, and you are not being gaslit by your body. In this episode of The Diabetes Podcast, Amber (RD, CDCES) and Richie break down 4 of the 12 core defects of diabetes to help you understand exactly what is happening behind the scenes. We explain why your blood sugar spikes overnight (The Dawn Phenomenon), how stress and cortisol create stubborn visceral fat, and why your brain might be ignoring the "I'm full" signal. We also dive deep into how prescription steroids like prednisone cause massive blood sugar spikes and share our "Steroid Sandwich" strategy to keep your numbers safe. Remember, it’s not your fault, but it can be your fight! Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! Need help NOW? Reach out to our support email at support@empowereddiabetes.com [support@empowereddiabetes.com] Chapters: 00:00 - The 42 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar 02:00 - Why You Feel Gaslit By Your Blood Sugar 06:40 - The Dawn Phenomenon Explained 10:50 - How Cortisol & Stress Spike Blood Sugar 16:20 - Your Liver: The Sugar Bank (Hepatic Glucose Production) 19:10 - Glucagon & Alpha Cell Dysfunction (The Broken Thermostat) 24:20 - Brain Insulin Resistance (Why You Never Feel Full) 30:30 - Stress Belly & Visceral Fat 37:25 - How Steroids (Prednisone) Affect Blood Sugar 48:10 - The "Steroid Sandwich" Strategy 53:30 - Free Cortisol Bingo Card 55:20 - 7 Habits to Lower Cortisol and A1C   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.

How to Lower A1C Naturally - "The Grift" Part 4

Are you tired of spending money on diabetes supplements that don't work? In the final episode of our series on "The Grift," Amber and Richie reveal the 5 actual levers that move the needle for Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes. We break down the science of visceral fat, skeletal muscle, liver sensitivity, fiber, and sleep—and show you exactly how to lower your A1C without falling for expensive scams. Take courage! You can do this, and we can help. 👇 Need help NOW? Reach out to our team via our support email: support@empowereddiabetes.com [support@empowereddiabetes.com] Read the full blog post for this episode: thediabetespodcast.net [https://thediabetespodcast.net] The Diabetes Podcast® now has video! Watch along on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thediabetespodcast?sub_confirmation=1] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7e9dytDK5Nit6BWYb1Ij32?si=3cdf33658824474c].   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.

Eat Foods That Love You Back: Mindfulness for Diabetes

Are you letting a "bum knee" or a stiff back keep you from moving your body? Today, Amber and Richie sit down with intuitive movement guide and yoga instructor Veronique Ory to completely reframe how we think about exercise, posture, and mindfulness. We’re ditching the hyper-flexible Instagram yoga stereotypes and focusing on practical, everyday movements—like the "kitchen sink stretch" and the 5-minute wall test—that anyone can do to improve balance, reduce pain, and lower stress hormones. Plus, we discuss the life-changing magic of "eating foods that love you back" and why you should enforce a strict "no talking before 8 AM" rule in your house! 👇 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 👇 What is your biggest daily struggle when it comes to movement or morning stress? Leave a comment below so we can support you! And don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode. Connect with Us: * Need help NOW? Email us at support@empowereddiabetes.com [support@mail.empowereddiabetes.com] * Blog: thediabetespodcast.net [https://thediabetespodcast.net] Connect with Veronique Ory: * Website: yogawithveronique.com * Instagram: @veroniqueory * Book: Shine On and Off the Mat   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.

The Truth About Dr. Oz, Dr. Gundry & Celebrity Diabetes Supplements

Welcome to The Diabetes Podcast®, where we share real stories, real science, and a little fun along the way. Today is part three of our four-part series, "The Grift: The Rise of Celebrity Medicine." In this episode, Richie and Amber unpack why big medical credentials feel so convincing and how authority bias works against us when we are looking for health answers. We break down the empires of Dr. Oz and Dr. Gundry as two versions of the exact same playbook. How do highly trained surgeons end up pushing unproven supplements and creating fear around healthy foods like beans and lectins? We explain why Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured by a single "miracle" ingredient. It’s not one broken thing; it’s a whole lot of things working together—involving your liver, muscles, pancreas, fat tissue, gut, and brain. Elevated blood sugar is the output, not the disease itself. It's the fever. That is why any one single intervention or expensive supplement protocol rarely moves the needle on your A1C, weight, or energy. Listen in as we give you five essential questions to vet any health pitch and explain what actually works to put Type 2 diabetes into remission. If this episode helps you spot the playbook and protect your time, health, and wallet, please Follow the podcast and leave us a review! Need help NOW? Reach out to our support email at support@empowereddiabetes.com [support@empowereddiabetes.com]. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - The Rise of Celebrity Medicine & Authority Bias 03:00 - Why We Trust Doctors Selling Supplements 08:45 - The Truth About Dr. Oz & Miracle Weight Loss Pills 15:50 - Dr. Oz’s Senate Hearing on Fake Health Claims 25:35 - Dr. Gundry, The Plant Paradox, & The Lectin Myth 32:30 - Are Beans and Lectins Actually Bad For Diabetes? 38:45 - How to Spot a Celebrity Doctor Scam 43:50 - The Danger of Natural Supplements vs. Diabetes Medication 51:00 - 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Health Supplement 01:00:00 - Why Real Diabetes Reversal Takes More Than a Pill 01:07:00 - Why You Should Trust Your Real Doctor   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.

Reversing Aging & Type 2 Diabetes? The Plant-Powered Longevity Secret

In today's episode of The Diabetes Podcast®, hosts Amber (RD/LD/CDCES) and Richie sit down with 84-year-old investigative author, health coach, and longevity advocate, Michael J. Dorfman. Michael transitioned to a plant-powered lifestyle decades ago and is now thriving, playing competitive pickleball, and helping others reframe what it means to age gracefully. If you are struggling with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes, this conversation is a must-listen. We explore the reality that elevated blood sugar is the output—much like a fever—not the disease itself. Type 2 diabetes isn't just one broken thing; it’s a whole lot of things happening across a complex network involving your liver, muscles, pancreas, fat tissue, gut, and brain. Michael explains how dietary fat buildup in the muscle and liver cells can block insulin from doing its job, and how shifting toward a fiber-rich, whole-food nutritional approach can help address these root causes. We also explore the fascinating longevity data from the global Blue Zones, the addictive nature of dairy (the "cheese trap"), and the profound impact that community, purpose, and stress reduction have on our long-term health. Need help NOW? Reach out to our support email at support@empowereddiabetes.com [support@empowereddiabetes.com]. Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and please leave us a review to help more people find real, science-backed help for their diabetes journey! Connect with Michael J. Dorfman: * Website & Books (The Thriving Vegan, The Longevity Wellness Revolution): https://michaeljdorfman.com/books/ [https://michaeljdorfman.com/books/] * Substack: https://michaeljdorfman.substack.com [https://michaeljdorfman.substack.com/] Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome Michael J Dorfman: Thriving at 84 02:00 - From Meat-Eating Football Player to Plant-Powered 05:15 - The China Study & Beating Yearly Illnesses 08:45 - A Shocking 6-Month Prognosis & Reversing Heart Disease 15:45 - The Real Root Cause of Type 2 Diabetes (It's Not Just Sugar!) 18:15 - The Blue Zones: Secrets of the World's Longest-Living People 22:30 - Where Do You Get Your Protein? (The Fiber Connection) 29:45 - The Cheese Trap: Why We Are Addicted to Dairy 37:15 - Mindset Shifts for Aging: Don't Just Survive, Thrive 46:45 - Lessons from Mexico: Community, Stress, and Pickleball 52:45 - Why Chronic Diseases Start Decades Before Diagnosis 01:00:15 - How to Connect with Michael & Final Thoughts   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.