In this episode, I sit down with prediabetes expert Julene Montgomery to explore the pros and cons of the two new over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): the Stelo by Dexcom and the Lingo by Abbott. Together, we break down the differences in price, data management, user interface, and data-sharing capabilities, so you can decide which CGM best fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for ease of use, advanced features, or budget-friendly options, this episode has the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Don’t miss this comprehensive guide to navigating the world of OTC CGMs!

Julene Montgomery is a holistic nutrition coach specializing in helping people with prediabetes. She is the founder of SugarDropRx masterclass and you can learn more about her over at her website.

Want to get some professional input on your CGM data? Book a 1:1 appointment with Karen to go over your CGM data, get an assessent, and advice on the best strategies.

Curious why coffee is spiking your blood sugar? It’s not just about sugar or milk – stress hormones play a big role, especially if you’re drinking black coffee on an empty stomach. Learn simple strategies to enjoy your coffee without the blood sugar rollercoaster, including key adjustments to your morning routine.

Explore the critical impact of blood sugar control during pregnancy with expert Lily Nicols, who reveals the combined risks of obesity and gestational diabetes on birth outcomes. Learn the pitfalls of standard nutrition advice for pregnant women and discover what research truly recommends for optimal maternal and child health and better blood sugar control with gestational diabetes.

Discover how adding fat to carbohydrate meals can blunt blood sugar spikes, but also why this combination might sabotage your weight loss and health goals. Uncover the hidden risks of high-fat, high-carb meals and learn practical strategies for better blood sugar management. Karen also shares her go-to meal planning strategies to help you achieve optimal blood sugar control and long-term success.

Discover the crucial link between sleep apnea, blood sugar spikes, and insulin resistance. Learn how poor sleep quality can affect your metabolic health and get a firsthand account of the at-home sleep study process. Find out why addressing sleep issues is key to managing blood sugar and preventing chronic disease

Delve into the fundamentals of insulin and its critical role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolic health. Explore how insulin facilitates glucose absorption into cells, the factors contributing to insulin resistance such as high cortisol levels or poor sleep, and effective strategies to improve insulin sensitivity through exercise, muscle building, and stress reduction. Gain insights to empower your health journey and understand the pivotal role of insulin in managing chronic health conditions like metabolic syndrome.

Discover the fundamentals of blood sugar management as we unravel the impact of foods on glucose levels. From simple sugars to complex carbohydrates and protein, grasp how different nutrients are digested and affect blood sugar. Gain foundational knowledge to empower your health journey with practical tips and insights.

This is the first part of a Blood Sugar Basics series for listeners who want to understand why we put so much focus on blood sugar. This episode lays a foundation with statistics on blood sugar diseases and why understanding blood sugar is crucial for your overall health beyond diabetes. This episode sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance in upcoming episodes.

In this episode, we delve into the world of nutrition, mental health, and addiction with Dr. David Wiss, founder of Nutrition in Recovery. With over a decade of experience as a registered dietitian and a Ph.D. in Public Health from UCLA, David is not only a scientific author with numerous peer-reviewed publications but also a passionate educator, functional medicine practitioner, and recovery coach.

We explore the vital role of nutrition in the recovery journey, recognizing the profound impact it has on physical and mental well-being. David emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to addiction and eating disorders, acknowledging that one size does not fit all in the realm of recovery.

Discover the alarming effects of ultra-processed foods on our brains as we uncover the intricate relationship between nutrition and addictive behaviors. David shares insights into how these foods can hijack our neural circuitry, perpetuating cycles of addiction and disordered eating.

Shift your perspective from "food math" to a more qualitative approach to nutrition as we discuss the importance of mindful eating and nourishing our bodies with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods. David advocates for a holistic approach that prioritizes nourishment over restriction, fostering a healthier relationship with food and body image.

We also touch on the transformative power of spirituality and deeper purpose in the journey of recovery as David highlights the need for individuals to cultivate connection and meaning in their lives.

In this episode, we dive deep into the realm of weight loss strategies with Cheri Stoka, a leading authority in the field. In this captivating podcast, we uncover the lesser-known truths about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—how they can be both safe and effective with proper guidance. Not only that, but they may have benefits far beyond weight loss. Join us as we explore the nuances of supporting individuals in maintaining muscle mass, mitigating gastrointestinal side effects, and understanding that these medications need not be a lifelong commitment. Gain invaluable insights into best practices for patient support and debunking media myths surrounding these medications.

This episode features Boris Berjan, the founder of Theia Health, a pioneer in provider-focused CGM platforms. Boris shares my passion for empowering people to take control of their health and has created a platform for providers to deliver and support continuous glucose monitor use. Learn how Theia stands out in the crowded CGM market by catering exclusively to healthcare practitioners, taking all the prescription, admin, and tech support off their hands, and giving your patients a great experience.

Join us as we delve into a recent paper from Nature Reviews Endocrinology, titled 'Continuous glucose monitoring for the routine care of type 2 diabetes mellitus”, shedding light on the transformative potential of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for all T2D patients not just those on intensive insulin therapy.

The authors propose a new care model which focuses on early intervention and more personalized management strategies using CGM to mitigate risks of complications like heart disease and stroke.

Karen then shares additional recommendations for this “onboarding process” of those newly diagnosed with T2D. This episode is one for patients and practitioners alike to gain ideas for optimizing CGM utilization and patient support beyond conventional recommendations.

In this episode, we dive deep into the realm of weight loss strategies with Cheri Stoka, a leading authority in the field. In this captivating podcast, we uncover the lesser-known truths about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—how they can be both safe and effective with proper guidance. Not only that, but they may have benefits far beyond weight loss. Join us as we explore the nuances of supporting individuals in maintaining muscle mass, mitigating gastrointestinal side effects, and understanding that these medications need not be a lifelong commitment. Gain invaluable insights into best practices for patient support and debunking media myths surrounding these medications.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Hack Your Blood Sugar, where Mike shares his remarkable journey of reversing Type 2 diabetes. Despite following prescribed medications and lifestyle recommendations, Mike found himself struggling with soaring blood sugar levels, peaking in the 300s.

In our conversation, we delve into the pivotal factors that catalyzed Mike's transformation, including his family history of diabetes and the revelation of high blood sugar despite diligent efforts. Discover the profound impact of simple yet strategic adjustments such as the sequencing of meals, post-meal walks, and implementing a strict kitchen closure time at 7 pm.

A standout feature of Mike's journey is his utilization of continuous glucose monitoring, which empowered him to personalize his approach effectively when the one-size-fits-all strategy had failed him. Learn how this cutting-edge technology became a cornerstone in Mike's quest for better health and blood sugar management.

Moreover, Mike shares insights into his successful reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside minimizing dependency on medications, and significant weight loss. His story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of lifestyle modifications and innovative health tools.

In today's episode, we unveil our proven 4-week system designed to harness the power of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) effectively and efficiently.

Our systematic approach has helped countless individuals not only master the technology but also translate data into actionable insights. We aim to prevent information overwhelm.

Join us as we dissect each step of our methodology, from data collection to reassessment, providing real-life examples along the way. We cover a structured system where we:

Collect data on the status quo

Review data and analyze trends

Tweak and experiment with targeted changes

Assess the effectiveness of your adjustments

Commit to Changes for a period

Reassess

Our podcast provides invaluable insights and guidance, demystifying the process of CGM utilization and empowering you to take control of your metabolic health. Whether you're aiming for diabetes reversal, weight loss, or overall well-being, our 4-week system sets the stage for transformative results.

This episode discusses how exercise impacts blood sugar and different ways you can use exercise to improve your blood sugar. In it, we discuss:

-Insulin-dependent and insulin-independent glucose uptake

-Short-term benefits from exercise: walking after meals

-Medium-term benefits from more intense exercise

-Long-term benefits from strength training and zone 2 training.

-Cautions about exercise and blood sugar

In Episode 2, we dive into the game-changing world of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Join us as we explore how these innovative devices, no larger than a nickel, provide real-time insights into blood sugar levels, revolutionizing the way we understand and manage glucose dynamics.

Discover how CGMs offer immediate feedback on dietary choices, uncover overnight trends, and empower users to make informed decisions about their health. We debunk common myths surrounding CGMs, highlighting their affordability and accessibility.

Learn how CGMs serve as invaluable tools for short-term use, offering a comprehensive snapshot of individual responses to interventions. Whether you're navigating blood sugar management solo or seeking professional guidance, CGMs provide the insights you need to optimize your health.

In the inaugural episode of "Hack Your Blood Sugar," Karen discusses how she uses the 80/20 rule in her practice shares her top three strategies for managing blood sugar levels effectively and why they work so well. These involve how you can slow gastric emptying, the best fasting time and the most efficient exercise for blood sugar control. These simple yet impactful tips offer listeners actionable steps to better manage their blood sugar levels and overall health with less work.