The Diabetes Podcast®

The Diabetes Podcast®

By Empowered Diabetes

Welcome to The Diabetes Podcast®, where we cut through the medical jargon and bring you real, actionable talk about Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and the realistic path to remission. If you are tir

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Best of The Diabetes Podcast®

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

  1. Number 1: The New ADA Guidelines Just Changed Insulin Delivery Forever (2026 Update)

    Did you know the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Standards of Care now name automated insulin delivery (AID) as the preferred method over multiple daily injections — even for adults with Type 2 diabetes? In this episode, Richie and Amber wrap up their three-part series on diabetes technology by tackling a question most people with Type 2 diabetes have never been asked: "If you need insulin today, why are you still doing it manually?" Amber breaks down:Why your pancreas does something injections simply cannot replicateThe real evidence behind AID systems, including two major 2025 clinical trials on Type 2 diabetesHow to use AID and still pursue Type 2 diabetes remission — because treatment today doesn't cancel out your outcome tomorrowWhat "manual mode" really means and how to prepare a backup planWhy a discrepancy between your CGM and finger-stick reading doesn't mean your technology is brokenHow insurance, cost, and the pharmacy-versus-durable-medical-equipment divide actually worksIf you're on multiple daily injections and your A1C isn't where you want it, this episode is for you. And if you're chasing remission, this episode is especially for you. Chapters 00:00 - Why Are You Still Doing Insulin Manually?00:36 - Wrapping Up Our Diabetes Tech Series01:31 - Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Pumps: Yes, You Too03:14 - The 2026 ADA Standards of Care Changes04:24 - What Does "Preferred" Insulin Delivery Mean?05:56 - Why Your Pancreas Is More Remarkable Than You Think07:28 - The Fundamental Flaw of Long-Acting Insulin Injections09:59 - Insulin Stacking Explained11:33 - Is Automated Insulin Delivery Really a Game-Changer?12:45 - The Three Parts of Every AID System16:04 - Are You Wearing an External Pancreas?17:23 - Do You Still Have to Carb Count?19:48 - Basal vs. Bolus on an AID System21:00 - The Honeymoon Phase and Adaptive Insulin Delivery23:44 - The Number One Safety Risk With AID26:22 - Backup Plans When Your Pump Fails27:59 - How Manual Mode Works32:11 - The 2025 Type 2 Diabetes AID Clinical Trials36:23 - Clearing Up Type 1 vs. Type 2 Confusion38:59 - Using Insulin While Pursuing Remission41:29 - Does AID Reduce the Load on Beta Cells?47:43 - The Lancet Study on Insulin and Remission50:23 - Are Beta Cells Really Dead?51:26 - The Burning Building Analogy53:31 - Why You Should See an Endocrinologist57:31 - The Hidden Burdens of Diabetes Technology59:37 - Insurance and the Guidelines Gap01:04:26 - CGM vs. Finger Stick Accuracy Explained01:07:31 - Trusting an Imperfect Sensor01:11:00 - Two Imperfect Systems Replacing a Pancreas01:14:07 - Why AID Requires Ongoing Education01:17:52 - Reading Patterns in Your Diabetes Data01:20:11 - How to Choose the Right AID System01:21:57 - The Future of Insulin Independence01:24:53 - Final Thoughts Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not replace your relationship with a physician or healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or take drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary; examples are shared to educate, not promise outcomes. Don't delay professional care because of something you heard here. If experiencing an emergency or severe symptoms, seek urgent care immediately. Health information changes; we make no guarantees of completeness and assume no liability for actions taken based on this content. Third-party links do not imply endorsement. By using this content, you agree you're responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your provider.

    1h 20min
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  2. Number 2: How to Cut Your Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Half After Pregnancy

    Did you know that gestational diabetes is actually a metabolic "stress test"? In this episode of The Diabetes Podcast, Amber and Richie wrap up their series on reproductive health by breaking down what happens after the baby is born. For many moms, the finger sticks stop and the diagnosis is forgotten in the chaos of raising a newborn. But ignoring gestational diabetes can leave you with a 7-fold higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. The good news? This elevated risk is not your destiny. Amber and Richie explain how pregnancy simply reveals underlying insulin resistance early, giving you a massive head start to protect your future health. We cover the 2026 American Diabetes Association guidelines for postpartum testing, provide an exact script to use with your doctor so you don't get brushed off, and share the hopeful results from the Diabetes Prevention Program showing how lifestyle changes and Metformin can cut your risk in half. Need help NOW? Reach out to our support email at [email protected]. Grab your FREE Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Remission Roadmap here: https://thediabetespodcast.com Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode! SEO Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & The Free Remission Roadmap 01:25 - Why Moms Ignore Gestational Diabetes Postpartum 02:29 - Pregnancy is a Metabolic Stress Test 06:10 - The Reframe: Pregnancy Revealed It, It Didn't Cause It 10:09 - The 7-Fold Risk of Type 2 Diabetes 15:45 - 2026 ADA Guidelines for Postpartum Glucose Testing 20:00 - The Heat Casualty Analogy for Diabetes 25:32 - How to Talk to Your Doctor About Postpartum Testing 31:27 - Richie's Driving Analogy for Diabetes Prevention 38:00 - The Diabetes Prevention Program: Cutting Risk in Half 41:00 - Why Metformin Works Unusually Well for Prior Gestational Diabetes 44:07 - Closing Thoughts & Next Steps Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.

    52min
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  3. Number 3: The 2 "Forgotten Organs" Driving Type 2 Diabetes (And How to Fix Them)

    Are you eating well, taking your medications, and moving your body, but your blood sugar numbers still won't budge? The missing puzzle pieces might be your body's two "forgotten organs": your fat and your gut microbiome. In this episode of The Diabetes Podcast®, Amber (RD, CDCES) and Richie dive deep into the biology of why your body fat is not just a storage unit, but a massive, highly active hormone factory. We break down the critical differences between harmless subcutaneous fat and dangerous, inflammatory visceral fat. You'll also learn why "leptin resistance" makes you feel hungry all the time, and why the "don't eat fruit" myth is completely backwards. Then, we travel to the gut to explore how your microbiome directly impacts your blood sugar. Discover how eating fiber and fermented foods can actually help your body produce its own natural GLP-1 hormones! Remember, this disease is not a failure of willpower; it's biology. Take courage! You can do this, and we can help. Need help NOW? Reach out to our support email at [email protected]. Follow the podcast for more evidence-based, shame-free diabetes education! Chapters: 00:00 - The Forgotten Organs of Diabetes 02:50 - Why Body Fat is an Endocrine Organ 09:15 - Subcutaneous vs. Visceral Fat 19:00 - Adiponectin and Insulin Sensitivity 24:40 - Leptin Resistance and Constant Hunger 30:00 - Fructose, Fruit, and the Liver 34:30 - The Gut Microbiome's Role in Blood Sugar 42:40 - Understanding Intestinal Permeability 46:30 - How the Gut Produces Natural GLP-1 50:40 - Feeding Your Gut: Fiber and Fermented Foods Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin. Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away. We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk. Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.

    58min
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  4. Number 4: EP047 The Pre-Diabetes Warning Sign: Why "Watch and Wait" is Dangerous

    Have you been told you "just" have pre-diabetes and to simply "watch and wait"? The truth is, pre-diabetes isn't a harmless waiting room—it's diabetes in motion. In this episode, Richie and Amber break down the hidden dangers of the pre-diabetes label, what is actually happening to your body behind the scenes, and most importantly, how to use this critical window to reverse course and reclaim your metabolic health. Ready to take control of your health? Download our FREE Type 2 and Prediabetes Remission Roadmap today at: https://roadmap.thediabetespodcast.com KEY TAKEAWAYSPre-diabetes is not a waiting room: Cardiovascular risk, nerve damage, and beta cell dysfunction begin years before a formal Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis.Ask for a Fasting Insulin test: A standard A1C test doesn't tell the whole story; fasting insulin can reveal resistance long before your glucose levels rise.Muscle is your metabolic sponge: Resistance training and building muscle mass are crucial for soaking up post-meal blood sugar spikes.Act now, not later: Losing just 5-10% of your body weight and increasing fiber intake can dramatically shift your health trajectory. CHAPTERS00:00:00 - Introduction: Why "Just Pre-Diabetes" is a Dangerous Myth00:08:09 - The Hidden Biology of Insulin Resistance00:15:00 - What an A1C of 5.7 Actually Means for Your Body00:24:00 - Why the Healthcare System Fails at Preventative Care00:34:00 - The Good News: Pre-Diabetes is Highly Reversible00:42:28 - Action Plan Step 1: Request a Fasting Insulin Test00:44:43 - Action Plan Step 2: Movement and Resistance Training00:50:23 - Action Plan Step 3: Why Fiber is Crucial for Blood Sugar00:52:44 - Action Plan Steps 4 & 5: Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods & Protecting Sleep00:55:28 - Action Plan Step 6: The Power of 5-10% Weight Loss00:57:47 - Mindset Shift: Taking Control of Your Metabolic Health Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine, especially if you manage diabetes or other health conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on this content. If you experience a medical emergency or severe side effects, seek urgent care immediately. By listening, you agree that use of this information is at your own risk.

    1h 7min
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  5. Number 5: EP035 The Truth About Diabetic Neuropathy: Foot Care, Diet, and Healing Nerves

    Tired of being told that burning feet, numb toes, and sharp nerve pain are "just how diabetes is"? In this episode, Richie and Amber break down the real science behind diabetic neuropathy, explaining exactly what causes nerve damage and how you can fight back. We dive deep into the four types of neuropathy, the hidden dangers of unnoticed foot injuries, and the essential daily foot care habits you need to adopt. Most importantly, we share evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies—from high-fiber diets to post-meal "movement snacks"—that can stabilize your blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and actually help your nerves heal. Ready to take control of your health? Download our FREE Type 2 and Prediabetes Remission Roadmap today at: https://roadmap.thediabetespodcast.com KEY TAKEAWAYS:Understand the Root Cause: Neuropathy isn't just nerve damage; it's a perfect storm of vascular, metabolic, mitochondrial, and inflammatory stress.Protect Your Feet: Learn the crucial daily dos and don'ts of diabetic foot care to prevent severe complications and amputations.Fuel Your Nerves: Discover how high-fiber diets, Omega-3s, and Mediterranean eating patterns can reduce oxidative stress and calm nerve inflammation.Move to Heal: Find out why short "movement snacks" like a 5-minute post-meal walk or low-impact rowing are critical for improving blood flow to damaged nerves. CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction: What is Diabetic Neuropathy?02:00 - Normal Nerve Physiology vs. Diabetic Nerve Damage08:26 - The 4 Types of Diabetic Neuropathy Explained09:48 - Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy (Burning, Tingling, Numbness)14:43 - The Main Causes of Nerve Damage: High Blood Sugar & Inflammation18:28 - The Sorbitol Pathway & Why Nerves Swell25:40 - The Hidden Dangers of Neuropathy: A Cautionary Tale35:58 - Essential Diabetic Foot Care: Daily Dos and Don'ts42:41 - Evidence-Based Hope: Can You Reverse Nerve Damage?44:53 - Nutrition Interventions for Nerve Health48:08 - Movement Snacks & Exercise Strategies for Circulation54:36 - Medications: Symptom Management vs. Metabolic Healing1:01:51 - Real Success Story: Overcoming Neuropathy Symptoms Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine, especially if you manage diabetes or other health conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on this content. If you experience a medical emergency or severe side effects, seek urgent care immediately. By listening, you agree that use of this information is at your own risk.

    1h 6min
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How many episodes does The Diabetes Podcast® have?

The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.