In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with Megrette Fletcher, registered dietitian, diabetes care and education specialist, and co-author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes . Megrette is a pioneer in weight-inclusive diabetes care, and this conversation is packed with perspective shifts and gentle challenges to the way we've all been taught to think about blood sugar, food, and health. Together, Jess and Megrette explore the power of language in diabetes care, the emotional...
Jun 11, 2025•54 min
In this episode, we’re talking about how diet culture shows up in diabetes care and how it can actually make things worse. We’re joined by Janice Dada, a weight-inclusive diabetes expert, Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian, and author of the upcoming book Intuitive Eating for Diabetes : The No Shame, No Blame, Non-Diet Approach to Managing Your Blood Sugar Janice shares how food fear, rigid nutrition advice, and weight-focused care can lead to disordered eating and make blood sugar ...
May 28, 2025•36 min
We’re switching things up this week with a fun and informative Q&A episode! After wrapping our Health Equity series, we took to Instagram to gather your questions on everything from snacks and cravings to PCOS, fiber, and Ozempic—and y’all delivered. In this episode, we’re diving into blood sugar-friendly snack ideas, realistic tips for managing insulin resistance with PCOS, how to curb nighttime cravings without guilt, and affordable ways to boost fiber without overhauling your pantry. We’r...
May 14, 2025•25 min
Did you know that advocating for yourself in the medical system can lead to better health outcomes? In today’s episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we’re sharing practical strategies to help you feel confident and empowered when navigating healthcare. Whether you're managing diabetes, seeking a diagnosis, or simply want to ensure your concerns are heard, this episode offers valuable insights on how to get the care you need. We’ll cover how to prepare for appointments, the best ways to commun...
Apr 30, 2025•25 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Diana Mesa, a bilingual dietitian and certified diabetes educator, to talk about the real-life challenges immigrant and first-generation families face when navigating the U.S. healthcare system. From language barriers and cultural stigma to confusing diagnoses and food shame, Diana shares practical tips for advocating for yourself or your loved ones. We also dive into how diabetes can be managed with cultural foods, why weight is not the whole story, and what tru...
Apr 16, 2025•40 min
Are you wondering why Black and Brown women are disproportionately affected by diabetes? In today’s episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we dive deep into the systemic factors contributing to this health disparity. From access to quality healthcare and nutritious food to the pervasive impacts of medical bias and diet culture, we unpack the challenges these communities face and how they influence diabetes risk. You'll learn practical steps for advocating for yourself in healthcare settings, c...
Apr 02, 2025•28 min
Have you ever been told to swap rice for quinoa or skip the plantains in the name of “healthy eating”? In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sit down with Dalina Soto, a Dominican-American registered dietitian and author of The Latina Anti-Diet, to explore how mainstream nutrition has unfairly vilified cultural foods. Food is more than just calories—it’s tradition, culture, and connection. Dalina shares why reclaiming our cultural foods without guilt is a powerful act of healing. W...
Mar 19, 2025•42 min
Are you planning to start a family or looking to support your reproductive health? This week on the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sit down with fertility-focused dietitian Ayla Barmmer to explore the powerful link between blood sugar and fertility. From how insulin resistance can impact ovulation to the surprising ways glucose levels affect sperm health, we cover it all in this insightful episode. Ayla shares practical tips on the best foods to support hormone balance, key supplements to consider...
Mar 05, 2025•41 min
In our latest episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast , we sat down with our incredible dietitian, Nikki Sahebghalam, who specializes in diabetes and women's health. We had an in-depth conversation about PCOS—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, how you can manage it in a way that actually works for your body.
Feb 19, 2025•30 min
Veganism is one of those topics that comes up a lot when I’m working with clients. Some people swear it changed their life, while others try it for a while and realize it’s not for them. In this episode, Wendy and Jessica tackle this question head-on: Should you go vegan if you have diabetes? In this episode, we'll dive into the research and share practical advice. When it comes to diabetes management, there are a few things to weigh, and it’s not as simple as “vegan equals healthy.” Our two sim...
Feb 05, 2025•22 min
You've probably heard all the buzz about intermittent fasting (IF) lately. With claims of weight loss, better blood sugar control, and metabolic improvements, it’s easy to see the appeal. It sounds simple and effective...but is there more to the story? As a dietitian, I’ve had so many clients with diabetes come to me excited about trying IF, hoping it might be the magic bullet they’ve been looking for. And honestly, I get it. The idea of streamlining your eating routine is appealing. But here's ...
Jan 23, 2025•23 min
New Year, new you, right? We’ve all felt that irresistible pull to start January with grand resolutions: adopting a strict diet, committing to an intense workout regimen, or deciding to completely overhaul our lives. But let’s be honest—how many of those bold plans actually survive past February? As a dietitian with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen this pattern unfold countless times. It’s not failure; it’s just human nature. We’re wired to crave fresh starts and big changes, especially wh...
Jan 08, 2025•32 min
Are you hesitant about enjoying sweets during the holidays because you’re afraid of blood sugar fluctuations? In this episode, we share our favorite holiday desserts that are both delicious and diabetes-friendly. We explore a variety of dessert recipes for people managing diabetes, offering options that are lower in sugar and rich in flavor. From chocolate treats to fruity delights, we provide tips on how to enjoy your favorite sweets without strong spikes to your blood sugar. In This Episode We...
Dec 18, 2024•16 min
The holidays can be a challenging time for maintaining health habits, and overeating your favorite comfort foods is a common occurrence during this time of the year. Today we’re sharing practical strategies to help you navigate overeating during the holiday season. We discuss mindful eating techniques, the importance of balance and moderation, and tips for approaching holiday gatherings and meals. Tune in to learn how to listen to your body's cues, make satisfying food choices, and maintain a po...
Dec 04, 2024•21 min
In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, hosts Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez delve into the topic of intuitive eating for managing prediabetes. Discover how non-diet and Health at Every Size (HAES) approaches can help balance blood sugar and improve overall health without focusing on weight loss. We discuss the principles of intuitive eating, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for nurturing a healthy relationship with food. Learn how to implement these strategies to support yo...
Nov 20, 2024•23 min
In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, hosts Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez are joined by Jose Tejero, an exercise physiologist with a degree in Exercise Science. Together, they explore the best exercises for managing and preventing prediabetes. We delve into science-backed tips on the frequency, duration, and intensity of workouts to help you find your perfect fit. Discover the most effective types of exercises, compare the benefits of aerobic versus resistance training, and learn how ...
Nov 06, 2024•28 min
In part two of our prediabetes series, hosts Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez tackle the burning question: How long does it take to reverse prediabetes? We discuss whether it's possible to reverse prediabetes permanently and explore the essential strategies, key milestones, and success factors involved. From food choices and swaps to exercise plans and other lifestyle changes, we break down the steps you can take to manage and potentially reverse prediabetes. Learn about the importance of reduced H...
Oct 16, 2024•22 min
Today, we're excited to kick off our new series on prediabetes, a condition that affects approximately 96 million U.S. adults. In this comprehensive episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, hosts Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez delve into everything you need to know about prediabetes. We start by explaining the difference between a prediabetes and diabetes diagnosis, highlighting that many people with prediabetes may not experience any symptoms. Common signs include thirst, frequent urination, fat...
Oct 02, 2024•22 min
New Episode Alert! Today on the pod, we dive into the world of beverages and their impact on blood sugar levels. We'll share our top picks for diabetes-friendly drinks, including tips on enjoying your favorite coffee, alcohol, smoothies, and teas without the unwanted spikes. Join us for an informative and practical discussion designed to help you make better beverage choices and support your diabetes management journey. Learn how to navigate social situations, create delicious and healthy drink ...
Sep 18, 2024•23 min
In this episode, hosts Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez explore the vital role dietitians play in managing diabetes effectively. Join us as we delve into how working with a registered dietitian can provide personalized, evidence-based guidance to improve your blood sugar control, enhance your overall health, and support sustainable lifestyle changes. We discuss the science behind medical nutrition therapy and our compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help you thrive with diabetes. Whether you'r...
Sep 04, 2024•22 min
In today’s podcast episode, we are joined by Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition. Maya, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of "Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World," also co-hosts Slate's new wellness podcast, "Well, Now." The discussion centers on the controversial topic of artificial sweeteners, exploring their safety, impact on blood sugar levels, and potential health concerns. Maya provides insights ...
Aug 21, 2024•38 min
In today’s podcast episode, we are joined by Constance Brown-Riggs, an award-winning registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Constance shares her extensive knowledge on the effectiveness, dosages, and potential side effects of popular supplements like cinnamon, bitter melon, chromium, alpha lipoic acid, and apple cider vinegar for managing diabetes. She also reveals which supplements to avoid and offers her top multivitamin brand recommendation, providing listeners with practical, ...
Aug 07, 2024•34 min
In this short and sweet episode, we're bringing you up to speed on some minor changes coming to the podcast. Don't worry, these updates are all about making your listening experience even better! Plus, we're thrilled to share details about some awesome events we're hosting this week that you definitely don't want to miss. Tune in for all the info and get ready for an exciting week ahead! In this episode we'll cover: Episode schedule changes What's coming up on our podcast over the next few month...
Jun 26, 2024•9 min
In today’s episode, we welcome Laura Pavlakovich, founder of You're Just My Type. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age four, Laura shares her journey and the mission behind her platform, which started as a photo project and has grown into a thriving community offering support, education, and resources. Laura discusses her mental health challenges, strategies for managing the fear of hypoglycemia, and maintaining a healthy relationship with food. Join us for an inspiring conversation on the emot...
Jun 19, 2024•30 min
In today’s episode we explore how to balance blood sugar, and we're excited to welcome Erica Zellner. Erica is a Connecticut-based Clinical Nutritionist and Senior Health Coach with six years of functional nutrition experience. A health coach at Parsley Health, Erica shares her integrative approaches to diabetes management, emphasizing the importance of personalized nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene. Learn about key nutrients, supplements, and environmental factors to consider, and ...
Jun 05, 2024•27 min
In this episode, the hosts are joined by Fernando Umanzor Guzman, a registered dietitian at Diabetes Digital with a deep understanding of cultural foods, who shares insight on how to meal plan for diabetes. Growing up in a Latin and African immigrant community in Washington D.C., Fernando is passionate about debunking myths surrounding cultural foods and promoting their health benefits. He shares practical insights on flexible meal planning, quick and easy meal ideas, and strategies for maintain...
May 29, 2024•29 min
In this episode, we talk about perimenopause and menopause with Dr. Jordan, Chief Medical Officer at Midi Health. Dr. Jordan leads a team focused on women’s midlife health through Midi, a telehealth platform. We cover what menopause is, its common symptoms, when it usually starts, and how it’s related to impaired glucose tolerance. Dr. Jordan explains Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), discussing its safety, the best time to start, and the risks of waiting. We also look at natural remedies for m...
May 22, 2024•32 min
In this podcast episode, we chat with Carmelita Lombera, a UC Berkeley graduate and Diabetes Digital Dietitian with a diverse career in health coaching and nutrition, tackling the question: does fruit pose risks for those with diabetes? We dive into the difference between natural fruit sugars and added sugars, stressing the importance of understanding Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) for managing blood sugar levels. We will also highlight the benefits of choosing whole fruits over frui...
May 15, 2024•20 min
On today's episode, we are back with Erin Phillips, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert for part two of our discussion on Ozempic. Erin talks on the possibility of using Ozempic for prediabetes and the challenges that arise when its demand is influenced by weight loss trends. She discusses how she handles patient requests regarding the use of Ozempic for weight loss without diabetes, its clinical effectiveness, and its impact on the body image movement. Plus, we talk about our thoughts on...
May 08, 2024•32 min
In this episode of our podcast, we explore Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist medications, tracing their journey from diabetes treatments to popular weight loss solutions. We'll examine their effectiveness, differences in dosages, and typical side effects. Our discussion will also cover their impact on diabetes management, specifically how Ozempic influences A1c levels. Joining us is Erin Phillips, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert from Seattle, WA, who specializes in diabetes and eating d...
May 01, 2024•28 min
