We are lucky to be joined by the "Carb Addiction Doc,” Dr. Robert Cywes. Dr. Cywes works in the trenches and has a wealth of knowledge to share about preventing and managing diabetes. This episode touches on the challenges of balancing conventional and natural approaches to diabetes treatment. Plus, Dr. Cywes discusses the various ways to minimize your chances of developing diabetes and the importance of changing one's mindset to improve health outcomes. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to prevent diabetes, manage diabetes, and tackle diabetes risk factors.

Diabetes: A Growing Problem, a Growing Need for Solutions

Medication is a tool that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes. However, it is essential to understand that medication alone cannot fix the root cause of the problem. In the case of diabetes, high blood sugar is just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to be addressed to truly help those with diabetes.

Dr. Cywes emphasizes the importance of addressing behavior and treating the cause of the disease. Medication can be used as an accelerant to treatment, but it should not be relied on as the sole solution. Instead, medication should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and addressing the root cause of the problem. This can ultimately lead to remission of the disease and the ability to deprescribe medication.

CGMs: A Game-Changer for Diabetes Care

One crucial tool for managing diabetes is the continuous glucose monitor (CGM). CGMs provide real-time information about blood sugar levels, which is essential for effective diabetes management. Blood sugar levels should not be a flat line. Instead, blood sugar levels should fluctuate within an appropriate range for each individual. CGMs can help patients understand their blood sugar fluctuations and adjust their diet and medication as needed.

Sugar Trap: How to Avoid Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Dr. Cywes highlights the adverse effects of excess sugar consumption on insulin resistance. The body has a delicate balance between glucagon and insulin, which work together to stabilize blood sugar levels. However, when excess carbohydrates or protein are consumed, the body prioritizes the storage of these nutrients, leading to insulin dominance instead of glucagon dominance. This can lead to insulin resistance, where the body blocks the insulin receptors to protect cells from the damaging effects of excess sugar.

Key Takeaways:

[02:31] Treating diabetes beyond blood sugar
[07:06] Blood sugar and glucagon
[11:53] Insulin and glucagon dominance
[17:36] Insulin resistance causes and theories
[21:26] Carbohydrates and fat consumption
[25:09] Medication for insulin resistance
[32:25] Insulin management in diabetes
[36:19] Insulin testing and dysregulation
[40:11] Glucagon's importance in health
[43:04] Satiety hormones and pathways
[57:10] Insulin suppression in carnivores
[01:03:06] Personalized medicine

Resources:

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