In today's episode we summarise key themes and important facts regarding blood sugar levels and how to manage spikes, drawing from a provided "Surrey Live" article and input from health coach Steve Bennett and my own lived experience and journey as a prediabetic (currently reversed). Here is a link to the article:

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/health-coach-says-foods-cause-31539332

For those interested, especially new listeners, I have a few podcast episodes on my channel discussing my health journey over the last 12 months. Earlier podcast episodes tracking my journey:

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FWiwJRAUoteP4vtk4ZyqL?si=Hsz_3NxCTrSLFUTE3yb8qA⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7u7unjCGGzRXDi4s87hZAT?si=suLCz3UqT7qtx7JSUXH_0A⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/289MS2NC4VzXsAoql4aob8?si=yvuxNUnaRoaOjaJJo3ncXg⁠⁠

Other resources and information utilised:

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vjlss7hUSkwirKi8yt2qb?si=ALwthR9sSX6NODZMdGwqyg⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vvCYVmeGBVSRdKJhhfwTE?si=0g_0JnezTBKNnts6GnnfCw⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aVCgxHNETUvZ9IbQt2d96?si=GMrrVYGRSmWwOM1AQbG2rA⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nNusqCPho4wBsWmz9En82?si=jInmSqgiQUSje6J14MpPRw⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not as medical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research into these topics, where necessary, and if concerned or distressed by anything discussed in this episode, please consult your Dr or Healthcare Team. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode continues discussing my personal health journey and data from August 2024 to May 2025 (including limited data from March 2024), focusing on my prediabetes and associated lipid profile changes as updated on 7 May 2025.

The analysis reveals a successful reversal of prediabetes within three months (September to December 2024) through significant lifestyle and dietary modifications, primarily intermittent fasting (IF) and a low-carbohydrate diet (Low-carb). While blood glucose control remained stable within the normal range even with some dietary liberalisation and a cessation of intermittent fasting (IF), the lipid profile showed some increases in total and LDL cholesterol between September 2024 and December 2024, but did drop back down into the normal ranges for May 2025. Thus, to date, key lipid ratios are indicative of a very favourable cardiovascular risk (QRisk2 score).

Taken together, this highlights the close interplay between insulin resistance (IR), blood sugar control, and lipid metabolism, and underscore the importance of continued monitoring and a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Earlier podcast episodes tracking my journey:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FWiwJRAUoteP4vtk4ZyqL?si=Hsz_3NxCTrSLFUTE3yb8qA

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7u7unjCGGzRXDi4s87hZAT?si=suLCz3UqT7qtx7JSUXH_0A⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/289MS2NC4VzXsAoql4aob8?si=yvuxNUnaRoaOjaJJo3ncXg⁠

Other resources and information utilised:

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vjlss7hUSkwirKi8yt2qb?si=ALwthR9sSX6NODZMdGwqyg⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vvCYVmeGBVSRdKJhhfwTE?si=0g_0JnezTBKNnts6GnnfCw⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aVCgxHNETUvZ9IbQt2d96?si=GMrrVYGRSmWwOM1AQbG2rA⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nNusqCPho4wBsWmz9En82?si=jInmSqgiQUSje6J14MpPRw⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not as medical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research into these topics, where necessary, and if concerned or distressed by anything discussed in this episode, please consult your Dr or Healthcare Team. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode continues discussing my personal health journey and data from August 2024 to April 2025, focusing on my prediabetes and associated lipid profile changes.

The analysis reveals a successful reversal of prediabetes within three months (September to December 2024) through significant lifestyle and dietary modifications, primarily intermittent fasting and a low-carbohydrate diet. While blood glucose control remained stable within the normal range even with some dietary liberalisation and a cessation of intermittent fasting (IF), the lipid profile showed some increases in total and LDL cholesterol between September and December 2024. Despite these increases, key lipid ratios indicative of cardiovascular risk (QRisk2 score) remained favourable.

This highlights the close interplay between insulin resistance, blood sugar control, and lipid metabolism, and underscore the importance of continued monitoring and a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Earlier podcast episodes tracking my journey:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7u7unjCGGzRXDi4s87hZAT?si=suLCz3UqT7qtx7JSUXH_0A

https://open.spotify.com/episode/289MS2NC4VzXsAoql4aob8?si=yvuxNUnaRoaOjaJJo3ncXg

Other resources and information utilised:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vjlss7hUSkwirKi8yt2qb?si=ALwthR9sSX6NODZMdGwqyg

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vvCYVmeGBVSRdKJhhfwTE?si=0g_0JnezTBKNnts6GnnfCw

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aVCgxHNETUvZ9IbQt2d96?si=GMrrVYGRSmWwOM1AQbG2rA

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nNusqCPho4wBsWmz9En82?si=jInmSqgiQUSje6J14MpPRw

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not as medical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research into these topics, where necessary, and if concerned or distressed by anything discussed in this episode, please consult your Dr or Healthcare Team. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode analyses the challenges within the University of Johannesburg's (UJ) Business & Management Department from various angles. The sources include a 2024/25 case study, 2021 CHE data, a 2020 annual report, UJ postgraduate funding opportunities, and their 2023 PG research programme brochure, painting a comprehensive picture of the department's postgraduate programmes. These sources highlight capacity constraints, high dropout rates, and a shift towards coursework-based programmes instead of traditional research degrees. The documents reveal a disconnect between research aspirations and practical realities, particularly regarding faculty workload and funding limitations. Ultimately, they suggest the department is struggling to meet the demand for postgraduate research, impacting the production of research-trained professionals and delays in reaching their own vision and objectives.

The original CHE reports are available via links in previous episode show notes and UJ B&M Dept reports and brochures available on UJ's website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/college-of-business-and-economics/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice where necessary. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode covers a published report from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa that presents four future scenarios (Continue; Decline; Disciplined Improvement; and Transformation) for higher education learning and teaching in 2036. Developed through a futures thinking approach involving stakeholder workshops and analysis of key factors, the scenarios explore possibilities ranging from a continued, uneven status quo to a transformative shift towards hyper-personalised learning. The scenarios highlight the interplay of various factors, such as funding, technology, and policy, and their potential impact on equity, quality, and the overall success of the sector. The report aims to inform strategic planning and decision-making within South African higher education, encouraging proactive responses to both challenges and opportunities.

The original report should be consulted for a more in-depth look. Source and link: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.che.ac.za/publications/reports/report-alternative-futures-learning-and-teaching-higher-education-south-africa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice where necessary. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode isPart 4 in the CHE Vital Statistics Data 2021Series looking at the CHE Vital Statistics Supplementary Datafocusing on funding trends, staff qualifications, postgraduate student enrolments and completion rates at various universities.

A key theme is the disparity in funding and resources between different university types, particularly concerning UNISA, which shows unusually high growth in doctoral-qualified staff and consistently high dropout rates. The rapid increase in doctoral staff at UNISA, Walter Sisulu, and Sefako Makgatho seems statistically improbable and could be due to revised criteria, data quality or inconsistencies in how staff are counted. These factors warrant deeper investigation. Any thoughts, insights, and comments, feel free to post them in the comment section.

The CHE have been producing HE data reports annually since 2012. Here we look at the latest 2021 report covering the 2016 - 2021 period signed off by the CHE in 2023. We have not been able to find a more recent report. If listeners are able to find a more recent report, please do get in touch, we'd greatly appreciate it.

While massive progress has been made in expanding access, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning, competitive enrolments, dropout rates, costs, capacity, throughput and graduations, and equity. Addressing these issues requires focused attention on financial aid, academic support, institutional quality, government and institutional policy, and the unique needs of diverse student populations. The consistent high rates of dropout in STEM fields and amongst men and those of colour (Black and Coloured) suggest targeted interventions are necessary to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds and with weaker academic foundations and finances are adequately supported.

The original data should be consulted for a more in-depth look. Source and link:⁠⁠https://www.che.ac.za/publications/vital-stats⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice where necessary. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode isPart 2 in the CHE Vital Statistics Data 2021Series looking at South African Higher Education and present policy recommendations tocurb high undergraduate dropout rates in South African higher education. The recommendations proposed focus on improving academic preparedness, expanding financial aid (including NSFAS reform), enhancing institutional support, addressing gender disparities, reforming STEM curricula, creating alternative pathways via TVET colleges, and implementing data-driven dropout prevention strategies. Some may already exist in some form or have been tried, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't revisit them or dismiss new recommendations as 'pie-in-the-sky' thinking until we have seriously considered them. Lets explore all possible solutions. Any thoughts, insights, and comments, feel free to post them in the comment section. The CHE have been producing HE data reports annually since 2012. Here we look at the latest 2021 report covering the 2016 - 2021 period signed off by the CHE in 2023. We have not been able to find a more recent report. If listeners are able to find a more recent report, please do get in touch, we'd greatly appreciate it.

The CHE Vital Statistics 2021 Report highlights the complex dynamics of South African Higher Education. While massive progress has been made in expanding access, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning, competitive enrolments, dropout rates, costs, capacity, throughput and graduations, and equity. Addressing these issues requires focused attention on financial aid, academic support, institutional quality, government and institutional policy, and the unique needs of diverse student populations. The consistent high rates of dropout in STEM fields and amongst men and those of colour (Black and Coloured) suggest targeted interventions are necessary to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds and with weaker academic foundations and finances are adequately supported.

The original data should be consulted for a more in-depth look. Source and link:⁠https://www.che.ac.za/publications/vital-stats⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice where necessary. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

As someone who entered and exited South African Higher Education (HE) as an Business and Commerce undergraduate in the early 1990's, delving into the data compiled by the Council of Higher Education (CHE) has been very interesting but also quite emotional and thought provoking. The CHE have been producing HE data reports annually since 2012. Here we look at the latest 2021 report covering the 2016 - 2021 period signed off by the CHE in 2023. We have not been able to find a more recent report. If listeners are able to find a more recent report, please do get in touch, we'd greatly appreciate it.

The CHE Vital Statistics 2021 Report highlights the complex dynamics of South African Higher Education. While massive progress has been made in expanding access, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning, competitive enrolments, dropout rates, costs, capacity, throughput and graduations, and equity. Addressing these issues requires focused attention on financial aid, academic support, institutional quality, government and institutional policy, and the unique needs of diverse student populations. The consistent high rates of dropout in STEM fields and amongst men and those of colour (Black and Coloured) suggest targeted interventions are necessary to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds and with weaker academic foundations and finances are adequately supported.

This podcast episode is Part 1 in theCHE Vital Statistics Data 2021Series looking at South African Higher Education and we hope to provide a broad summary of the key themes and facts contained in the sources. The original documents and data should be consulted for a more in-depth analysis. Source and link:https://www.che.ac.za/publications/vital-stats⁠⁠.

Any thoughts, insights, and comments, feel free to post them in the comment section.

Thanks for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice where necessary. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

This episode follows on from previous discussions on Advanced Degrees (Parts 1 - 4, available on this channel) and highlights a complex and evolving landscape for Doctoral studies, particularly in South Africa. There is a push to expand access and meet national needs while simultaneously enhancing quality, and maintaining international standards. The introduction and standardisation of processes such as the viva voce oral examination, clearer frameworks for graduate attributes, and the need for ethical behaviour, all contribute to the goal of building robust doctoral programmes. The comparison with an international top-tier institution like Imperial College London provides insight into practices that could help to further enhance Doctoral education in South Africa. South Africa is making a clear effort to meet international benchmarks, but must overcome challenges such as resource allocation, funding, support, capacity building, and ensuring a diverse student cohort. It is also crucial to consider the purpose of the Doctorate in different contexts, ensuring that it is fit for purpose in both academic and non-academic environments.

Sources and links: https://www.che.ac.za/publications/research/brieflyspeaking-no-30-viva-voce-oral-examination-thesis-doctoral-degree⁠; ⁠https://www.che.ac.za/publications/standard-reviews/release-doctoral-degrees-national-report-march-2022⁠; ⁠PhD Study in South Africa – A Guide for 2025⁠; ⁠Imperial-PGR-S&C-Programme-Handbook_2024-25.pdf⁠; ⁠The Doctorate in South Africa_2016⁠

Thanks for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice where necessary. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.

While global average lifespans are increasing, major disparities exist both in terms of lifespan and healthspan, and these disparities are likely to continue in the future, with major regional variations in life expectancy, healthcare access, disease burden, and its socio-economic impact. The modelling for the future requires caution given the modelling methods used, but nevertheless provides an overview of likely future scenarios. These findings point towards a need for both global efforts to reduce the health gap, and regional-specific interventions tailored to different challenges. A few sources for those interested in delving a bit deeper: Global Healthspan-Lifespan Gaps Among 183 World Health Organization Member States; https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/global-life-expectancy-increase-nearly-5-years-2050-despite; COVID-19 eliminated a decade of progress;

Thanks again for tuning in. Follow for more. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sckvvv_drathome⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DrSean-888.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not as general, financial, or medical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the content is not exhaustive nor guaranteed to remain current beyond the date of recording. The perspectives shared reflect research and opinions as of the time of production. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research into these topics, where necessary, and if concerned or distressed by anything discussed in this episode, please consult your Dr, Healthcare Team, or the relevant authorities, and agencies. The creator of this podcast assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the content presented.