Diabetes management doesn't have to mean missing out on life's greatest moments or living in fear. Learn how blood sugar management can transform daily life for anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This conversation dispels common myths and reveals practical strategies that work.
Join Jenn Trepeck on Salad With a Side of Fries with special guest Ben Tzeel, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 25 years. Together, they explore the critical differences between Type 1 and Type 2, discuss nutrition and exercise strategies, and share how tools like continuous glucose monitors help people thrive while managing their condition during Diabetes Awareness Month.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
✅ The critical differences between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, including how insulin resistance works differently in each condition and why Type 1 diabetes management requires external insulin for life.
✅ How to use nutrition strategies like carbohydrate counting, protein pairing, and insulin to carb ratios to achieve better blood sugar control without restrictive eating or feeling deprived.
✅ Why strength training and consistent movement boost insulin sensitivity for 24-72 hours after each workout, making exercise and diabetes management one of the most powerful tools you have.
✅ The truth about continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other diabetes technology—what actually works, how to interpret the data, and why you still need to play an active role in your care.
The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast, hosted by Jenn Trepeck, explores real-life wellness and weight-loss topics, debunking myths, misinformation, and flawed science surrounding nutrition and the food industry. Let’s dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 How insulin works as a key to unlock cells and allow glucose uptake for energy in Type 1 diabetes management
04:35 Ben's story of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven and the outdated advice he received from doctors
10:39 The stigma of diabetes and its unfair consequences
12:41 Understanding the biological differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes and how insulin resistance develops differently
18:29 Nutrition strategies for diabetes management, including carbohydrate counting, protein pairing, and insulin-to-carb ratios for meals
24:24 The power of strength training and walking to maximize insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control for 24 to 72 hours
28:51 Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps are game-changing technology tools for real-time diabetes care and data tracking
33:52 Underrated diabetes tools, including inhalable insulin and nasal glucagon for faster-acting emergency blood sugar management
37:06 Having early conversations with partners and supporters about Type 1 diabetes management, setting boundaries, and expressing needs
40:13 The importance of asking people with diabetes how they want to be supported and having personalized conversations about glucose monitoring preferences
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops making insulin entirely. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can't keep up with insulin demand and develops insulin resistance—understanding this difference is critical for proper diabetes management.
💎Pairing carbohydrates with quality protein and fiber at every meal helps prevent blood sugar spikes, and eating real food beats artificial sweeteners, which wreak havoc on gut health and digestion.
💎Strength training 3-4 times per week plus regular walking builds muscle mass and boosts insulin sensitivity for 24-72 hours after each workout, making exercise one of the most potent tools for blood sugar control.
💎Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps provide valuable real-time data, but require proper interpretation and active participation—the technology does about 75% of the work. At the same time, you must still understand patterns and make adjustments.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Registered Dietitian & Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
RESOURCES:
Become a Happy Healthy Hub Member
Jenn’s Free Menu Plan
A Salad With a Side of Fries
A Salad With A Side Of Fries Merch
A Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram
About Uncomplicating Wellness
Text ‘Book’ to 833-801-0500
Nutrition Nugget: Healthcare 3.0
Nutrition Nugget: Nocebo
BMI is BS
GUEST RESOURCES:
Ben Tzeel - LinkedIn
Your Diabetes Insider - Website
Your Diabetes Insider Podcast
QUOTES:
16:15 “You can thrive. We've seen it thousands of times with type 1 or type 2. It's just a matter of whether you are willing to put in that smidgen of effort on nutrition, activity, and other lifestyle factors to make your life pretty much normal.” Ben Tzeel
22:36 “Micronutrients and electrolytes are important for everyone.” Jenn Trepeck
24:16 "Exercise and movement also play a tremendous role in bringing blood sugars back into normal ranges or healthy ranges." - Jenn Trepeck
26:54 "Muscle is our insulin sensitivity." - Jenn Trepeck
30:14 “I love a constant glucose monitor. I love that data.” Jenn Trepeck
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