Prediabetes and The Path to Better A1C: Blood Sugar, Energy, Brain Focus & Insulin Resistance

Prediabetes and The Path to Better A1C: Blood Sugar, Energy, Brain Focus & Insulin Resistance

By Jenny Pena, NBC-HWCHealth & Fitness
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Prediabetes and The Path to Better A1C: Blood Sugar, Energy, Brain Focus & Insulin Resistance episodes

  • Ep 10: The Hidden Hormonal Connection: How Menopause Impacts Your Blood Sugar & Prediabetes Risk

    Welcome to Episode 10 of The Path to Better A1C!

    šŸ’” The Hidden Hormonal Connection: How Menopause Impacts Your Blood Sugar & Prediabetes Risk

    In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving deep into the hormonal shifts that impact blood sugar levels, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained weight gain, sugar cravings, or stubborn belly fat, your hormones may be playing a bigger role than you realize. You’ll learn five simple strategies to balance hormones and prevent insulin resistance so you can take control of your health!

    šŸ’” What You’ll Learn:āœ” How perimenopause and menopause impact insulin sensitivity and fat storageāœ” The surprising link between cortisol (stress) and blood sugar spikesāœ” The best and worst foods for balancing hormones naturallyāœ” The top lifestyle changes to prevent insulin resistanceāœ” Five simple steps to stabilize blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk

    šŸ”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:• Get your FREE resource: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List + Subscribe to my newsletter for tips and updates → https://jennypena.com/email/• Follow me on Instagram for daily tips and motivation → https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/• Take the Prediabetes Risk Test:

    • CDC:https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest.html

    • American Diabetes Association:https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test

    šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:Don’t miss future episodes packed with insights to help you lower your A1C, balance your blood sugar, and feel your best! Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay on track with your health goals.

    ā¤ļø Let’s Connect:Visit my website to learn more about my coaching services and schedule a free discovery call here → https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

    Thank you for tuning in! Your health matters, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. See you in the next episode! šŸ™Œ

    #MenopauseAndBloodSugar #HormonalHealth #PrediabetesPrevention #ThePathToBetterA1C #HealthTips

    15 min
  • Ep 9: Love & Blood Sugar – How to Dine Out and Celebrate Without the Spikes

    🌟 Welcome to Episode 9 of The Path to Better A1C!

    šŸ’–Valentine’s Day Special: Love & Blood Sugar – How to Dine Out and Celebrate Without the Spikes

    In this Valentine’s Day special, I’m sharingpractical strategies to enjoy a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or a cozy celebration at home—all while keeping your blood sugar balanced. You don’t have to skip the wine, say no to dessert, or stress about dining out. With the right approach, you can celebratewithout the blood sugar rollercoaster!

    šŸ’”What You’ll Learn:
    āœ” How tonavigate restaurant menus to make blood sugar-friendly choices
    āœ” Thebest and worst alcohol options (and how to drink smarter!)
    āœ” How toenjoy dessert without guilt or major spikes
    āœ” Smart swaps and tips forMexican, Italian, and American cuisine
    āœ” The#1 trick to reduce a post-meal blood sugar spike (hint: it only takes 10 minutes!)

    šŸ”—Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    •Get your FREE resource: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List + Subscribe to my newsletter for tips and updates → ⁠https://jennypena.com/email/⁠
    •Follow me on Instagram for daily tips and motivation → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/⁠
    •Take the Prediabetes Risk Test:

    • CDC → ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest.html⁠
    • American Diabetes Association → ⁠https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test⁠

    šŸŽ§Subscribe and Stay Connected:
    Don’t miss future episodes packed with insights to help youlower your A1C, balance your blood sugar, and feel your best! Hit thatsubscribe button and turn on notifications to stay on track with your health goals.

    ā¤ļøLet’s Connect:
    Visit my website to learn more about my coaching services andschedule a free discovery call here → ⁠https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call⁠

    Thank you for tuning in!Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and celebrate with confidence! See you in the next episode! šŸ™Œ

    #ValentinesDay #BloodSugarBalance #DiabetesFriendlyDining #ThePathToBetterA1C #HealthTips

    14 min
  • Ep 8: Cravings and Blood Sugar: What Your Body Is Telling You

    🌟 Welcome to Episode 8 of The Path to Better A1C!

    In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating connection between cravings, insulin resistance, and blood sugar control. You’ll learn how to decode what your body is signaling through cravings and how to prevent blood sugar spikes for better energy, weight management, and overall health.

    šŸ’” What You’ll Learn:
    āœ” The link between insulin resistance, prediabetes, and cravings
    āœ” How blood sugar imbalances trigger cravings and overeating
    āœ” Strategies to curb cravings and stabilize energy levels
    āœ” The role of emotional eating and how to break the cycle
    āœ” Protein intake guidelines and special considerations for kidney health

    šŸ”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    • Get your FREE resource: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List and subscribe to my newsletter for tips and updates - https://jennypena.com/email/
    • Follow me on Instagram for daily tips and motivation: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/
    • Take the Prediabetes Risk Test at diabetes.org or cdc.gov:

    CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest

    American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test

    šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:
    Don't miss future episodes packed with insights to help you lower your A1C, balance your blood sugar, and improve your health. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to join me on The Path to Better A1C!

    ā¤ļø Let’s Connect:
    Visit my website to learn more about my services and schedule a free discovery call here - https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

    Thank you for tuning in! Together, we can take steps toward a healthier, happier life. See you in the next episode! šŸ™Œ

    #BloodSugarBalance #DiabetesPrevention #Cravings #HealthTips #ThePathToBetterA1C


    17 min
  • Ep 7: Understanding GLP-1s: Medications Revolutionizing Blood Sugar Control

    GLP-1 medications are making waves in the world of diabetes management—but how do they really work? In this episode, National Board Certified Health Coach Jenny Pena breaks down everything you need to know about GLP-1s, including their benefits for lowering A1C and supporting weight loss, key considerations before starting, and why they work best when combined with lifestyle changes.

    If you’re curious about GLP-1s or want to optimize your health while using them, this episode is for you! Plus, learn how The A1C Reset Protocol can help you take control of your blood sugar with or without medication.


    Resources:

    Diabetes.org article on GLP-1 - https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/medication/oral-other-injectable-diabetes-medications
    Cleveland Clinic article - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
    Obesity and Weight Management for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes–2025 - https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/Supplement_1/S167/157555/8-Obesity-and-Weight-Management-for-the-Prevention


    Visit my website to know more about my signature health coaching program - www.jennypena.com/coaching

    Book a free discovery call to chat about your goals and explore how I can help - https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

    Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/



    24 min
  • Ep 6: The Working Professional’s Guide to Better Energy and Blood Sugar

    🌟 Welcome to Episode 6 of The Path to Better A1C!

    In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between stress, balance, and blood sugar health—and how chronic stress, poor sleep, and burnout can lead to prediabetes, elevated A1C, and long-term health risks.

    I’ll share my personal story as a business owner and professional, the wake-up call that changed my approach to health, and actionable tips to help busy entrepreneurs and professionals manage stress, improve work-life balance, and protect their blood sugar health.

    šŸ’” What You’ll Learn:
    āœ” How stress and sleep deprivation impact blood sugar and A1C
    āœ” The link between chronic stress and prediabetes
    āœ” Practical strategies for work-life balance, from time blocking to meal planning
    āœ” Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential

    šŸ”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    • Calm app: ⁠https://www.calm.com/⁠

    • Balance app: ⁠⁠https://balanceapp.com/

    • Join email list to get my Free Blood sugar-friendly snacks guide: ⁠https://jennypena.com/email
    • Take the Prediabetes Risk Test at diabetes.org or cdc.gov:
    CDC: ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/risktest⁠
    ADA: ⁠https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test⁠

    šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:
    Don’t miss future episodes packed with strategies to balance your blood sugar, prevent prediabetes, and reclaim your health. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications to join me on The Path to Better A1C!

    ā¤ļø Let’s Connect:
    • Follow me on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/⁠
    • Want to chat about your health goals? Book a free discovery call: ⁠https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call⁠

    Website: www.jennypena.com

    Thanks for listening, and here’s to thriving in work, life, and health! See you next time. šŸ™Œ

    #Prediabetes #DiabetesPrevention #BloodSugarBalance #WorkLifeBalance #HealthTips #StressManagement

    26 min
  • Ep 5: Move Your Way to Better Health—Exercise for Blood Sugar Balance and Prediabetes

    🌟 Welcome to Episode 5 of The Path to Better A1C!

    In this episode, we’re focusing on how movement and exercise can transform your health, especially when it comes to balancing blood sugar and managing prediabetes. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your routine, this episode is packed with insights to help you move your way to better health.

    šŸ’” What You’ll Learn:āœ” How exercise impacts blood sugar and insulin sensitivityāœ” The best types of movement for prediabetes and blood sugar balanceāœ” How to incorporate exercise into your busy scheduleāœ” Tips for staying consistent and motivatedāœ” How small, regular steps lead to big health changes

    šŸ”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:• Get your FREE resource: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks List and subscribe to my newsletter for tips and updates - ⁠⁠⁠https://jennypena.com/email/⁠⁠⁠• Follow me on Instagram for daily tips and motivation: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/⁠⁠⁠

    šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:Don’t miss future episodes filled with actionable tips to help you lower your A1C, balance your blood sugar, and live a healthier life. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay on track with The Path to Better A1C!

    ā¤ļø Let’s Connect:Visit my website to learn more about my services and schedule a free discovery call here - ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call⁠⁠⁠

    Thank you for listening! Together, we can take steps toward a healthier, happier life. See you in the next episode! šŸ™Œ

    ⁠⁠#ExerciseForHealth⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#DiabetesPrevention⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#BloodSugarBalance⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#HealthTips⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#ThePathToBetterA1C⁠⁠


    18 min
  • Ep 4: How to Support a Loved One with Prediabetes (Without Nagging or Overstepping)

    🌟 Welcome to Episode 4 of The Path to Better A1C!

    In this episode, we’re exploring a heartfelt topic: How to Support a Loved One with Diabetes or Prediabetes.

    Living with diabetes can be challenging, but the support of family and friends can make all the difference. Learn practical strategies to help your loved ones feel encouraged and empowered while strengthening your bond.

    šŸ’” What You’ll Learn:
    āœ” Why support matters for someone managing diabetes or prediabetes
    āœ” 3 actionable ways to help your loved one without overwhelming them
    āœ” Fun and engaging activities you can do together to make diabetes management easier
    āœ” Tips for building healthy habits as a team
    āœ” How to focus on progress and balance, not perfection


    šŸ”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    • Download your FREE resource: Blood Sugar-Friendly Snacks Guide when you subscribe to the newsletter for tips and updates - ⁠https://jennypena.com/email/⁠
    • Follow me on Instagram for tips and motivation: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/⁠
    • Explore blog posts with more helpful tips - ⁠https://jennypena.com/blog⁠


    šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:
    Don’t miss upcoming episodes where I share more actionable insights for managing blood sugar, improving health, and living your best life. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss a moment on The Path to Better A1C!


    ā¤ļø Let’s Connect:
    Visit my website to learn more about my coaching services and schedule a free discovery call here - ⁠https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call⁠


    Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode! Together, we can build a healthier future for you and your loved ones. See you next time! šŸ™Œ

    ⁠#DiabetesSupport⁠ ⁠#FamilyHealth⁠ ⁠#PrediabetesHelp⁠ ⁠#ThePathToBetterA1C⁠ ⁠#HealthyLiving⁠

    20 min
  • Ep 3: Just Diagnosed with Prediabetes? 5 Easy Steps to Take Control Today

    Episode 3: Just Diagnosed with Prediabetes? 5 Easy Steps to Take Control Today
    Receiving a prediabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a pivotal moment to take charge of your health and prevent diabetes.

    In this episode of The Path to Better A1C, Jenny Pena, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, shares the essential steps to empower you on this journey.

    You’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. Coach Jenny walks you through five simple, actionable steps to help you avoid overwhelm, start building healthy habits, and lower your A1C with confidence.

    We’ll cover:

    • Why staying calm is your first step to success.
    • How small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
    • The importance of setting realistic, actionable goals.
    • Building a support system that works for you.
    • Celebrating progress, not perfection.
    • By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident and equipped to take the first steps toward reversing prediabetes and creating a healthier future. šŸŽ§

      šŸ’» Visit www.jennypena.com/email to grab your FREE resource: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks šŸ„— and subscribe to Coach Jenny’s newsletter for more practical tips and updates!


      Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly episodes filled with expert insights and inspiration to help you achieve your health goals! šŸ’–

      #Prediabetes #BetterA1C #DiabetesPrevention #HealthGoals #DiagnosedwithPrediabetes


      18 min
    • Ep 2 : How to Build Healthy Habits That Lower Your A1C and Balance Blood Sugar (Without Overhauling Your Life)

      šŸŽ™ļø Episode 2: Habit Formation to improve Blood Sugar Levels

      In this episode of The Path to Better A1C, we’re diving into the transformative power of habits and how starting small can create lasting health changes.

      Join Jenny Pena, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, as she walks you through:

      • The Importance of Long-Term and Short-Term Goals: Learn how to set actionable steps for immediate progress while keeping your sights on the bigger picture.
      • The SMART Goals Framework: Discover how to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound for maximum success.
      • The Role of the 5 Health Elements in A1C Management: Explore how nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress management, and exercise each play a crucial role in balancing blood sugar levels.
      • Motivation and Accountability: Find out how to stay inspired, track your progress, and troubleshoot challenges along the way.


      šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:Don't miss future episodes packed with insights to help you lower your A1C, balance your blood sugar, and improve your health.

      Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to join me on The Path to Better A1C!

      šŸ’™ I’m Jenny PeƱa — Diabetes Prevention Specialist and host of Path to Better A1C Podcast. Love to simplify the science behind all things blood sugar, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight loss, nutrition and more.

      I help busy professionals with prediabetes or insulin resistance lower their A1C, balance blood sugar, boost energy, ditch brain fog and fatigue, lose weight without extreme diets or overhauling your entire life.

      After coaching 200+ people and reversing my own prediabetes, I teach simple, science-backed strategies that work in real life—even with a full schedule and cravings.


      FREE Resources:

      šŸ“˜Prediabetes Roadmap Guide: https://wwwsubscribepage.io/starterguide

      šŸ½ļøDinner, Solved – quick & blood sugar–friendly dinner ideas: https://subscribepage.io/dinnersolved

      šŸ—’ļøBlood Sugar–Balancing Snacks List: https://subscribepage.io/snacks

      šŸ“žBook a FREE Clarity Call - https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

      🌐 Learn more: https://www.jennypena.com

      šŸ“² Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/

      Thank you for tuning in! Together, we can take steps toward a healthier, happier life. See you in the next episode! šŸ™Œ

      20 min
    • Ep 1: What is Prediabetes and why it Matters

      Welcome to Episode 1 of The Path to Better A1C!In this episode, I’m diving into the crucial topic of prediabetes—what it is, why it matters, and how it can be prevented or reversed. Learn about the alarming statistics, subtle symptoms, and practical steps to take control of your health today.


      What You’ll Learn:

      āœ” What is prediabetes and why it’s important to address

      āœ” Key statistics in the U.S. and globally

      āœ” How to get tested and identify prediabetes early

      āœ” Subtle symptoms you might not realize could indicate prediabetes

      āœ” Actionable strategies to prevent or reverse prediabetes


      šŸ”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:• Get your FREE resource: Blood Sugar Balancing Snacks - https://www.subscribepage.io/snacks

      Follow me on Instagram for daily tips and motivation: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/

      American Diabetes Association - https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test


      šŸŽ§ Subscribe and Stay Connected:

      Don't miss future episodes packed with insights to help you lower your A1C, balance your blood sugar, and improve your health. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to join me on The Path to Better A1C!


      ā¤ļø Let’s Connect:

      Visit my website to learn more about my services and schedule a free clarity call here - https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call

      Thank you for tuning in! Together, we can take steps toward a healthier, happier life. See you in the next episode!

      11 min

    About Prediabetes and The Path to Better A1C: Blood Sugar, Energy, Brain Focus & Insulin Resistance

    From the publisher's feed

    Struggling with prediabetes, high A1C, insulin resistance, cravings, brain fog, or low energy? Join Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC, for practical, science-backed strategies to improve blood sugar, lower A1C, reduce cravings, and prevent type 2 diabetes without extreme diets.

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