Episode Details:
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Understanding Insulin Resistance: Why glucose and insulin balance are vital for health and how resistance impacts diabetes management.
- The Role of Movement: Exercise benefits for glucose control, even without weight loss.
- CGMs and Nutrition: How continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) empower individuals to tailor their diets effectively.
- Diet Customization Insights: Practical advice for diverse dietary needs and cultures.
- Human Connection in Medicine: Dr. Blevins on building meaningful relationships in healthcare.
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Glucose and Insulin: The Basics
In this episode of Living Connected, Dr. Arti Masturzo hosts Dr. Tom Blevins, a renowned endocrinologist, to demystify glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Dr. Blevins explains how the body processes glucose—a primary energy source—using insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. “When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to significant health issues, including type 2 diabetes,” he notes.
Dr. Masturzo highlights the rise of social media “experts” spreading misinformation, underscoring the importance of learning from qualified professionals.
Movement: The Unsung Hero in Diabetes Management
While weight loss is often the focus, Dr. Blevins emphasizes that any movement helps reduce insulin resistance, even if the scale doesn’t budge. “Moving your muscles stimulates glucose uptake, improving blood sugar control,” he explains. From simple walking breaks to resistance training, physical activity is a powerful tool.
Dr. Masturzo relates this to cultural attitudes toward weight and fitness, advocating for consistent movement over perfection.
Continuous Glucose Monitors: The Fitbit of Diabetes
Dr. Masturzo and Dr. Blevins discuss CGMs—wearable devices that track glucose levels in real-time. Dr. Blevins describes them as “instructive and fun,” helping users see the immediate effects of their food choices.
Dr. Masturzo shares her personal experience wearing CGMs, observing how eating order impacts glucose spikes. “A salad before carbs keeps spikes in check,” she notes, highlighting the actionable insights CGMs provide.
Customizing Diets for Real Life
With diverse patient populations, Dr. Blevins tailors dietary advice to cultural and individual needs. “It’s not about eliminating carbs entirely but finding balance,” he says. He advises limiting high-carb staples like rice and bread while ensuring adequate protein and vegetables.
Dr. Masturzo reflects on her own diet experiences, contrasting past calorie-focused approaches with today’s nutrient-centered understanding.
The Power of Human Connection
When asked about meaningful connections, Dr. Blevins highlights his family and work colleagues. “My family is my anchor, but my work family also brings joy,” he shares. The discussion concludes with Dr. Masturzo advocating for strong workplace communities to combat burnout in healthcare.
This engaging episode blends expert advice with relatable anecdotes, empowering listeners to take charge of their health with actionable strategies.
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