121: Reversing Diabetes with a Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle with Lewis Bertus

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 422 million people worldwide, yet many don’t realize that it can be reversed with the right approach. This figure comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) and unfortunately, continues to increase. 

Lewis Bertus, PA-C, is on a mission to change that. As the founder of Diabetes180, Lewis has helped countless individuals transform their health using a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based approach. Featured on the NHA Health Science Podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino, Lewis shares his groundbreaking methods and personal journey, which combines professional expertise with deeply rooted values.

A Holistic Start: From Theology to Medicine

Lewis’s foundation in holistic health began early, growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, which emphasizes the connection between physical and spiritual well-being. His undergraduate studies in theology further shaped his belief in holistic healing, and his early career in community outreach gave him firsthand experience addressing preventable health challenges.

“I grew up understanding that if you nourish the body correctly, it can heal itself,” Lewis said, crediting his upbringing for introducing him to plant-based principles long before they were mainstream.

Personal Experience Sparks Professional Mission

The inspiration behind Diabetes180 came from a personal challenge—helping his wife reverse her diabetes. Despite following conventional dietary advice and even experimenting with a keto diet, her condition persisted. Frustrated but determined, Lewis dove deep into research and implemented a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet.

“Within six weeks, her blood sugar normalized,” Lewis shared. “Her success became the catalyst for what is now the Diabetes180 program.”

Breaking Down Diabetes: Addressing the Root Cause

Contrary to popular belief, Lewis explained, type 2 diabetes isn’t caused by carbohydrates. Instead, he highlighted how excess dietary fat creates insulin resistance.

Excess dietary fat creates a barrier that prevents insulin from effectively delivering glucose into the cells. By focusing on a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, clients in the Diabetes180 program can significantly enhance their insulin sensitivity and take meaningful steps toward reversing diabetes.

The Diabetes180 Program: A Path to Transformation

Lewis’s three-month program offers a comprehensive approach to reversing diabetes, focusing on:

• Dietary Transition: Guidance on adopting a low-fat, plant-based diet.

• Mindset Coaching: Practical tools for managing stress and fostering a positive outlook.

• Exercise Recommendations: Customized plans incorporating both aerobic and resistance training.

Lewis’s wife, a former diabetic, co-leads the program, bringing personal insight and emotional support to clients navigating similar journeys.

Tackling Sugar Cravings and Integrating Fasting

Addressing sugar cravings effectively requires a complete dietary reset, as gradual changes often prove less successful. The program also incorporates intermittent fasting as a powerful strategy for clients with persistent insulin resistance. By synchronizing eating patterns with natural circadian rhythms, fasting promotes faster recovery and supports improved metabolic health.

Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Physicians

One of the biggest challenges Lewis faces is overcoming the widespread misconception that carbohydrates cause diabetes. By educating clients—and sometimes their physicians—on the science of insulin resistance, Lewis helps pave the way for sustainable health improvements.

Lewis ensures that clients understand his role as a supportive coach and resource, complementing the care provided by their primary healthcare team rather than replacing it. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make lifestyle changes while maintaining the guidance of their existing medical professionals.

Ready to Reverse Diabetes?

To learn more about Diabetes180 or to schedule a consultation with Lewis Bertus, visit www.LewisBertus.com. 

Episode Highlights 

[00:00] Introduction.

[02:00] It started with church. 

[04:50] The spiritual side of plant based eating. 

[07:00] Lewis’ wifes’ diabetes was a huge motivator to start his coaching practice. 

[11:00] Is the problem fat or carbs?

[14:00] Is what you eat “gumming” the lock? 

[16:00] In the long run, it’s easier when you make a clean break from sugar. 

[20:00] Diabetes180 program elements. 

[27:30] The role intermittent fasting has on our health. 

[31:00] Start the day with your largest meal. 

[34:00] Stop masking your symptoms. 

[40:00] Strategies to manage stress. 

[43:00] What’s on the horizon for Lewis.

 

Read more at: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-121-lewis-bertus/