Diabetes Digital Podcast by Food Heaven

Latest Episodes:

The surprising link between food freedom and A1C w/ Janice Dada May 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re talking about how diet culture shows up in diabetes care and how it can actually make things worse.

We’re joined by Janice Dada, a weight-inclusive diabetes expert, Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian, and author of the upcoming book Intuitive Eating for Diabetes: The No Shame, No Blame, Non-Diet Approach to Managing Your Blood Sugar

Janice shares how food fear, rigid nutrition advice, and weight-focused care can lead to disordered eating and make blood sugar management harder, not easier! We talk about how to recognize the ways diet culture shows up in care, why shifting away from shame-based approaches matters, and how it’s possible to support blood sugar while still honoring your relationship with food and your body. Whether you live with diabetes or support folks who do, we hope this conversation offers validation, clarity, and a more compassionate approach to diabetes.

Resources mentioned in episode: Artificial Sweeteners: https://diabetesdigital.co/artificial-sweeteners-and-diabetes/

New Intuitive Eating Scale: https://www.instagram.com/evelyntribole/p/C8xDjMPpBvo/?img_index=1

If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance, visit diabetesdigital.co to connect with our culturally aware and weight-inclusive team. And if you love the show, don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes or Spotify—it makes a huge difference! For additional resources and show notes, head to diabetesdigital.co/podcast.

Listener Q&A: blood sugar-friendly snacks, PCOS tips, ozempic nausea, cravings, and stress May 14, 2025

Show notes

We’re switching things up this week with a fun and informative Q&A episode! After wrapping our Health Equity series, we took to Instagram to gather your questions on everything from snacks and cravings to PCOS, fiber, and Ozempic—and y’all delivered. In this episode, we’re diving into blood sugar-friendly snack ideas, realistic tips for managing insulin resistance with PCOS, how to curb nighttime cravings without guilt, and affordable ways to boost fiber without overhauling your pantry.

We’re also talking about how stress and sleep impact blood sugar, what to do if you’re waking up nauseated on GLP-1 meds, and why feeling hungry soon after eating isn’t always a bad thing. Whether you’re navigating a diabetes diagnosis or just trying to feel better in your body, this episode is full of gentle, real-life tools you can actually use. And as always, it’s all shared through a weight-inclusive, culturally humble lens. Got more questions? DM us—we might just do a part two.

How to advocate for the care you deserve Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Did you know that advocating for yourself in the medical system can lead to better health outcomes? In today’s episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we’re sharing practical strategies to help you feel confident and empowered when navigating healthcare. Whether you're managing diabetes, seeking a diagnosis, or simply want to ensure your concerns are heard, this episode offers valuable insights on how to get the care you need.

We’ll cover how to prepare for appointments, the best ways to communicate your symptoms, and how to ask thoughtful questions that guide your provider in the right direction. You’ll also learn why keeping a health journal, bringing a support person, and following up through patient portals can make a big difference in your healthcare experience. Our focus is on building strong, collaborative relationships with healthcare providers and equipping you with tools to advocate effectively for yourself or your loved ones.

Navigating the healthcare system as an immigrant with Diana Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Diana Mesa, a bilingual dietitian and certified diabetes educator, to talk about the real-life challenges immigrant and first-generation families face when navigating the U.S. healthcare system. From language barriers and cultural stigma to confusing diagnoses and food shame, Diana shares practical tips for advocating for yourself or your loved ones.

We also dive into how diabetes can be managed with cultural foods, why weight is not the whole story, and what true support looks like in care that honors your identity. Diana shares stories from her work supporting first-gen clients, and offers practical ways to advocate for yourself, challenge medical bias, and find providers who truly listen.

Why Black & Brown women are more likely to get diabetes–and what we can do about It Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Are you wondering why Black and Brown women are disproportionately affected by diabetes? In today’s episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we dive deep into the systemic factors contributing to this health disparity. From access to quality healthcare and nutritious food to the pervasive impacts of medical bias and diet culture, we unpack the challenges these communities face and how they influence diabetes risk.

You'll learn practical steps for advocating for yourself in healthcare settings, choosing healthier foods on a budget, and building sustainable habits that go beyond restrictive diets. We also explore how stress, sleep, and relationships play a crucial role in managing diabetes and overall health.

Reclaiming cultural foods with Dalina Soto Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever been told to swap rice for quinoa or skip the plantains in the name of “healthy eating”? In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sit down with Dalina Soto, a Dominican-American registered dietitian and author of The Latina Anti-Diet, to explore how mainstream nutrition has unfairly vilified cultural foods. Food is more than just calories—it’s tradition, culture, and connection. Dalina shares why reclaiming our cultural foods without guilt is a powerful act of healing.

We dive into the impact of diet culture and weight stigma on communities of color, unpack the problematic history of BMI, and discuss how the wellness industry often overlooks cultural nuance. Dalina also offers practical ways to heal your relationship with food while honoring tradition, showing how reconnecting with cultural foods can be an act of self-care and resistance.

Planning a family? The overlooked connection between fertility and blood sugar Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Are you planning to start a family or looking to support your reproductive health? This week on the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sit down with fertility-focused dietitian Ayla Barmmer to explore the powerful link between blood sugar and fertility. From how insulin resistance can impact ovulation to the surprising ways glucose levels affect sperm health, we cover it all in this insightful episode.

Ayla shares practical tips on the best foods to support hormone balance, key supplements to consider (like inositol!), and simple lifestyle shifts that can improve fertility outcomes. Plus, we dive into whether acupuncture really helps with fertility and what small changes can make a big difference for both men and women.

Top nutrition tips for PCOS Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In our latest episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sat down with our incredible dietitian, Nikki Sahebghalam, who specializes in diabetes and women's health.

We had an in-depth conversation about PCOS—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, how you can manage it in a way that actually works for your body.

Should I go vegan if I have diabetes? Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Veganism is one of those topics that comes up a lot when I’m working with clients. Some people swear it changed their life, while others try it for a while and realize it’s not for them.

In this episode, Wendy and Jessica tackle this question head-on: Should you go vegan if you have diabetes? In this episode, we'll dive into the research and share practical advice. When it comes to diabetes management, there are a few things to weigh, and it’s not as simple as “vegan equals healthy.”

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Are you living with diabetes or prediabetes and seeking support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance? Visit diabetesdigital.co to sign up for personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling with one of our culturally aware and weight-inclusive Diabetes Dietitians today! Visit ⁠diabetesdigital.co/quiz⁠ to get started. For additional resources and shownotes, visit diabetesdigital.co/podcast

Should I do intermittent fasting if I have diabetes? Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

You've probably heard all the buzz about intermittent fasting (IF) lately. With claims of weight loss, better blood sugar control, and metabolic improvements, it’s easy to see the appeal. It sounds simple and effective...but is there more to the story?

As a dietitian, I’ve had so many clients with diabetes come to me excited about trying IF, hoping it might be the magic bullet they’ve been looking for. And honestly, I get it. The idea of streamlining your eating routine is appealing. But here's the thing: managing diabetes is a unique journey for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

In this episode, let’s take a closer look at the research behind intermittent fasting, some of the potential downsides, and why a more flexible approach like intuitive eating might be the better fit for most people managing diabetes.

Are you living with diabetes or prediabetes and seeking support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance? Visit diabetesdigital.co to sign up for personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling with one of our culturally aware and weight-inclusive Diabetes Dietitians today! Visit ⁠diabetesdigital.co/quiz⁠ to get started. For additional resources and shownotes, visit diabetesdigital.co/podcast

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