Diabetes Awareness Month: Everyday Questions, Real‑World Answers

In this episode of the Lifestyle Medicine Show, host Michael Dargie is joined by dietitian and founder of My Viva Plan, Loreen Wales, and lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna to unpack one of the most pressing health topics today—Type 2 Diabetes. Timed with Diabetes Awareness Month, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has been diagnosed, is considered pre-diabetic, or wants to understand how to better manage their long-term health.

The episode begins with a back-to-basics explanation of what diabetes actually is—glucose, insulin, and how resistance or deficiency in these systems leads to chronic health complications. The trio dives into how lifestyle factors like diet, movement, stress, sleep, and even emotional well-being play critical roles in diabetes prevention and management.

From Michael’s love of “dirt bread” to the deeper issues of demonizing food groups, the discussion challenges long-held misconceptions about carbs, sugar, and dietary restrictions. Loreen and Dr. Prerana emphasize the power of balanced nutrition, mindful eating, and walking after meals, alongside practical advice for building awareness of your own habits.

The most important takeaway? We’re all potentially pre-diabetic. But with the right mindset and intentional daily choices, it doesn’t have to be a diagnosis. This episode delivers empowering, science-backed guidance—without fear or shame.

PULL QUOTES

• “We’re all at risk for this—and it’s within our control to change it.” — Loreen Wales

• “Take a mindful moment and ask, what’s happening right now?” — Dr. Prerana

• “If the dietitian can eat dessert, then I can eat dessert.” — Loreen Wales

• “Be proactive—your next step beats a perfect plan.” — Michael Dargie

• “Food is emotional—and we need to stop demonizing it.” — Dr. Prerana

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:46.000] What Is Diabetes? | Defining Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
[03:20.000] Glucose & Insulin 101 | The body’s fuel system explained
[05:00.000] Early Onset of Type 2 | From 40s to kids as young as two
[07:52.588] Pre-Diabetes Reality | “Yes, we are all pre-diabetic”
[09:33.000] First Steps After Diagnosis | Don’t panic—document your world
[12:55.818] Understand A1C | A true story from a 20-year diabetic
[15:12.046] Can I Still Eat Bread? | The truth about carbs and balance
[19:21.558] Margarine vs. Butter | A brief history of hydrogenated fats
[23:44.866] Plate-Building Basics | Protein, fibre, and mindful eating
[25:45.784] Mindless Eating | Study shows how TV impacts food recall
[30:01.194] Is Walking After Meals a Thing? | Yes—and here’s why
[34:14.648] Intermittent Fasting Is Old | Eat earlier, digest better
[36:21.900] What Am I Feeling? | Ask this before reaching for snacks
[37:27.246] One Change Today | Mindfulness beats perfection
[39:57.332] Don’t Forget Your Feet & Eyes | Early detection matters
[42:00.000] Sugar Cravings Explained | It’s likely a macro imbalance

Learn more at discover.MyVivaPlan.com