In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview dietitian Lauren Plunkett about her journey with type 1 diabetes and how she discovered plant-based nutrition and became a passionate spin instructor. We also learn how she is empowering her clients to live their best lives! 

Lauren shares her transformative journey toward adopting plant-based nutrition, which led to remarkable improvements in her blood sugar control and overall well-being. Learn how she found unexpected benefits in high-fiber foods and the importance of stress management, sufficient sleep, regular physical activity, and strong patient-doctor communication. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and proper terminology from healthcare providers to enhance the patient experience. This episode is packed with actionable advice on incorporating plant-based, high-fiber foods into your diet, and how these changes can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and overall health. 

Lauren Plunkett, RDN LD CDCES is a seasoned registered dietitian and certified diabetes care & education specialist, drawing from over three decades of firsthand experience managing type 1 diabetes. Her expertise spans pediatric endocrinology, performance nutrition, and diabetes health coaching, particularly in Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Beyond clinical practice, Lauren is a prolific writer, public speaker, and author of the award-winning book, “Type One Determination.” As an advocate for plant-based nutrition to enhance health outcomes, she co-hosts "Green Glow" on the Mastering Diabetes Podcast, solidifying her role as a leading voice in diabetes education and wellness. 

Discussion points: 

• (00:00) Laren Plunkett intro and background 
• (07:01) Lauren Plunkett shares her journey discovering type 1 diabetes at age 11 - challenges, parental support, and continuous learning 
• (12:25) Advice for managing type 1 at any age, high rates of disordered eating, impact of language on identity, and benefits of positive mindset and physical activity 
• (18:30) How Lauren discovered and adopted a plant-based diet for improved health, energy, digestion, and insulin sensitivity for type 1 diabetics, while finding enjoyment in spinning and breaking stereotypes in sports 
• (32:25) A holistic approach to diabetes management includes stress management, sleep, exercise, and a plant-based diet. 
• (36:45) Nature's high-fiber, plant-based foods and how they benefit and improve insulin sensitivity and energy levels for those with type 1 diabetes, along with careful insulin dose adjustments and empathy from healthcare providers. 
• (48:53) Plant-based diet transition recommendations, taking inventory of your kitchen, going slow 
• (55:22) Tips for healthcare providers, don’t use terms like “diabetic” - use “people with diabetes)  
• (58:58) Socio-economic barriers to obtaining technology, management and treatment 
• (01:00) Closing questions, what we wish people knew 
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Resources: 

Test 17 key biomarkers like cholesterol and inflammation from the comfort of your own home without a doctor’s order. Get 20% off at https://siphoxhealth.com/yami. Know your biomarkers and live healthier! Thank you SiPhox Health for sponsoring our podcast.

Book: Type One Determination by Lauren Plunkett - https://amzn.to/4d2pjKJ 

Laurenplunkett.com 

Lauren's Facebook

Lauren's IG

Podcast: Mastering Diabetes

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. 

The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected] 

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. 

More From Dr. Yami: 

TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX 

A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx 

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