Ditching Diabetes with Diabetes Maven

028: I Quit the Gym to Lower My Blood Sugar

Stephanie Guignard — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0000

If the word exercise sounds like a bad word to you, this episode is for you. I'm sharing how I went from dreading the gym to finding the tiny habit that did more for my blood sugar than any membership ever did. It takes about 10 minutes, and you can do it in your pajamas.

You'll hear why moving muscles can pull sugar out of your blood even when insulin isn't working well. You'll also hear what happened when adults with type 2 diabetes walked 10 minutes after each meal instead of 30 minutes once a day, and how 3-minute "exercise snacks" every half hour lowered blood sugar after meals by about 39%. I'll share my own story, from dance classes to an 8-minute Tae Bo DVD at 5 a.m., plus simple ways to fit movement in at home, at work and on the road.

Your step this week is to pick one meal and walk for 10 minutes afterward.

If you take insulin or a medicine that can cause low blood sugar, talk with your care team before adding movement after meals, and keep a fast-acting carb with you.

Get The Sweet Spot, my free Monday newsletter: https://diabetes-maven.kit.com/f6eb6d89a5

This podcast is for education only and is not medical advice.

027: Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes: Why Skipping Breakfast can Backfire

Stephanie Guignard — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:43:14 -0000

Does fasting mean you have to skip meals? If you have type 2 diabetes, the answer matters more than you think. In this episode I explain the difference between an eating window and skipping a meal, what happens to your hunger hormones and blood sugar when you skip breakfast, what the research on time-restricted eating actually tested, and a simple one-day experiment you can try this week.

Get The Sweet Spot, my free Monday newsletter: https://diabetes-maven.kit.com/

026: Your Blood Sugar Is "Normal." But Is It Really?

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Connect with me:
If your doctor has ever told you your blood sugar is normal and you walked out still feeling off, this episode is going to explain why. I'm Stephanie, a nurse practitioner and type 2 diabetes coach who lowered my own A1C from 8.1 to 5.4, and I want you to understand what your numbers actually mean, not just whether they fall inside a standard reference range.

In this episode I'm breaking down the full picture: fasting blood sugar, post-meal spikes, and A1C together. Because looking at just one number in isolation is exactly how early blood sugar problems get missed for years. You deserve to know what optimal looks like, not just what's technically "not diabetic yet."

In this episode:

What fasting blood sugar, post-meal glucose, and A1C actually measure
The difference between a "normal" lab result and a truly healthy number
The blood sugar patterns that signal a problem long before a diagnosis
What I look for in my own patients' labs and why it matters

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ditching-diabetes-with-diabetes-maven/id1824314901

025: What GLP-1 Does to Your Blood Sugar

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0000

If you're on a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy, or you're thinking about starting one, this episode is going to give you what your doctor's appointment probably didn't. I'm Stephanie, a nurse practitioner and type 2 diabetes coach who lowered my own A1C from 8.1 to 5.4, and I want you to actually understand what's happening in your body when you take these medications.

In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how GLP-1 medications work to lower blood sugar, what that means for your A1C, and why the medication alone is only part of the picture. Whether you're already on a GLP-1 or still deciding if it's right for you, this episode gives you the clinical clarity you deserve.

In this episode:

How GLP-1 medications lower blood sugar at the cellular level
What to expect for your A1C on a GLP-1
Why blood sugar control still requires more than just the medication
What I tell my own patients before they start

024: What Nobody Tells You About Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:01:31 -0000

The standard advice keeps most women stuck. I'm Stephanie, a nurse practitioner who lowered my own A1C from 8.1 to 5.4, and in this episode I'm sharing what actually moves the needle on blood sugar control and A1C reversal. If you're done just "managing" type 2 diabetes, start here.

023:Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes? What To Do First

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:50:20 -0000

Just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Ditching Diabetes, Stephanie, a nurse practitioner, type 2 diabetes coach, mom of six, and someone who lowered her own A1C from 8.1 to 5.4, walks you through what to do first.

We talk about what type 2 diabetes actually means, which numbers matter, how to start checking your blood sugar without spiraling, what to eat for breakfast, why a 10-minute walk after meals helps, and why medication is not a personal failure.

If your doctor told you to “eat better and move more” but did not give you an actual plan, this episode will help you take the first step without losing your mind.

Inside this episode:

What type 2 diabetes means in plain English
What A1C tells you and what it does not
Why breakfast is the best place to start
How to check blood sugar without using it to shame yourself
What to ask your provider after diagnosis
Why medication can be a tool, not a failure

Want help putting this into practice? Join Stephanie’s Skool community for real-life blood sugar strategy, food support, labs, habits, and diabetes education without the shame. The link is in the show notes.

022: Your Blood Sugar Is Hurting Your Heart

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:59:06 -0000

If you have type 2 diabetes, your heart is already in this conversation. Most women don't find out until something scary happens. I don't want that for you. In this final installment of the lab series, I'm walking you through the cardiac markers that actually matter, what your numbers mean, and the supplements I use personally and recommend to my patients. We're talking hs-CRP, Lp(a), ApoB, homocysteine, fasting insulin, and exactly what to do with all of it. Your doctor has 15 minutes. I've got more than that. Let's use it.

021: The Nutrient Deficiencies That Can Make Blood Sugar Harder

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:03:53 -0000

In this episode of Ditching Diabetes, Stephanie opens up about her own Function Health lab results and explains why three nutrient markers matter for blood sugar, inflammation, and long-term metabolic health: homocysteine, omega-3 index, and vitamin D. She breaks down what these labs mean in plain English, why standard lab panels often miss them, and what listeners can ask their provider about if they are managing prediabetes, diabetes, insulin resistance, or inflammation.

020: The test your doctor never orders

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:34:24 -0000

Most people leave their annual physical with two blood sugar numbers and zero real answers. In this episode — Part 1 of a three-part deep dive into my 80+ Function Health lab results — I'm covering the four markers that paint a complete metabolic picture: A1C, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and cortisol. One of these is almost never ordered by a standard doctor. One is controlled more by stress than by food. And together, they can reveal what's really happening in your metabolism years before anything shows up as a diagnosis. Let's get into it.

019: Your Key to Avoiding Diabetes Complications

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:17:37 -0000

The episode discusses microvascular damage and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the context of type 2 diabetes. It explores the impact of high blood sugar on the body's blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart, and provides three strategies to slow down AGE accumulation. The host shares a personal story about her father's experience with diabetes complications, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and lifestyle changes.

Takeaways

Microvascular damage and AGE accumulation are key factors in the development of diabetes complications.
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels, reducing dietary AGEs, and regular exercise are effective strategies to slow down AGE accumulation and prevent complications.

Chapters

00:00 Strategies to Slow Down AGE Accumulation

018:Your Doctor Didn't Tell You This About Your Diagnosis

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:51:54 -0000

What actually happens inside your body when you're diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? In this episode, we break down the real biology behind a type 2 diagnosis — from how insulin resistance develops at the cellular level, to what's happening in your pancreas long before your blood sugar ever shows up as a problem on a lab test. We cover why chronically elevated blood sugar damages your heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes — and more importantly, what you can actually do about it. Because managing type 2 diabetes isn't one-size-fits-all. Your carbohydrate threshold, your glucose response to food, your lifestyle levers — they're all individual. This episode gives you the foundation to start working with your body instead of against it.

016: Stop Checking Your Blood Sugar After You Eat

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:02:58 -0000

Stop checking your blood sugar after you eat. Seriously — what are you going to do with that number now?

The check that actually gives you control happens before the meal. And once I started using it that way, everything changed — fewer spikes, better recovery, and a real path toward lowering my A1C.

In this episode I tell you the story of the day I ignored my pre-meal number, ate into an already-elevated blood sugar during my luteal phase, and hit above 180. Then I give you 4 tips to use your pre-meal reading as a real-time decision-making tool — plus a full breakdown of CGMs, including over-the-counter options you can get right now without a prescription.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on personalized blood sugar and metabolic health.

017: How Many Carbs Can YOU Actually Handle?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:10:47 -0000

Not everyone has the same carb tolerance — so why are we all following the same carb counts? In this episode, we're breaking down what a carb threshold actually is, why it matters especially if you have diabetes or insulin resistance, and how to figure out YOUR personal carb limit. No guessing, no one-size-fits-all advice — just a simple, practical way to dial in what works for your body. Tune in and finally stop wondering how many carbs are too many.

015: What does Cortisol Have to do with Type 2 Diabetes?

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0000

The Cortisol-Diabetes Connection: How Stress Hormones Impact Blood Sugar Control

Uncover the hidden link between cortisol and type 2 diabetes in this essential podcast. Learn how chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels sabotage blood sugar management, increase insulin resistance, and make diabetes harder to control.

Discover:

How cortisol raises blood glucose and triggers insulin resistance
The stress-blood sugar cycle that worsens type 2 diabetes
Why managing cortisol is crucial for A1C reduction
Practical strategies to lower stress hormones naturally
The connection between cortisol, belly fat, and metabolic syndrome
How sleep, exercise, and lifestyle choices affect cortisol levels

Essential listening for anyone with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or struggling with stubborn high blood sugar despite diet changes. Understanding cortisol's role in glucose metabolism empowers you to take control of both stress and diabetes management.

014: Why is protein so important

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:32:58 -0000

Protein-Powered Mornings: Transform Your Type 2 Diabetes Management with High-Protein Breakfasts

Discover how protein-forward breakfasts can revolutionize blood sugar control for type 2 diabetes. This podcast explores the science behind high-protein morning meals, why they're essential for diabetes management, and how they help stabilize glucose levels throughout the day.

Learn about:

Best protein sources for diabetic-friendly breakfasts
How protein slows glucose absorption and reduces blood sugar spikes
Practical meal ideas and recipes for busy mornings
The connection between breakfast protein and insulin sensitivity
Managing A1C levels through strategic nutrition choices

Perfect for anyone living with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or supporting loved ones with blood sugar concerns. Whether you're newly diagnosed or looking to optimize your diabetes diet, this podcast provides actionable strategies for starting your day with metabolic health in mind.

013: The Real Root Cause of PCOS (it's not your ovaries)

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:53:48 -0000

PCOS is often treated as a hormone or fertility issue — but that approach misses the real driver behind most symptoms. In this episode, we break down the link between PCOS and insulin resistance, explain why birth control and “hormone balancing” fall short, and what actually improves PCOS long term. If you struggle with weight gain, irregular cycles, acne, or fatigue, this episode explains what’s really happening — and where to focus instead.

012: GLP-1 Success Starts With Tracking: A Conversation With the Creator of Shotsy

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with the creator of Shotsy, the GLP-1 tracking app designed to help users stay consistent with medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.

We talk about why Shotsy was created, how tracking your injections and symptoms can improve results, and what thousands of users are teaching us about weight loss, safety, and long-term success on GLP-1s.

You’ll learn:
• How tracking builds consistency and accountability
• What most GLP-1 users struggle with
• The features inside Shotsy that make the biggest difference
• How to pair tracking with your provider’s guidance
• What’s coming next for the app

If you’re using GLP-1 medications or supporting someone who is, this episode gives you practical tools and real insight to make the journey easier and safer.

Download Shotsy wherever you get your apps and start tracking your GLP-1 journey today.

011: Is Your Body Fighting Against You? The Truth About Insulin Resistance

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 22:25:15 -0000

Struggling to lose weight or manage your blood sugar no matter what you eat? It might be insulin resistance — the hidden root cause of type 2 diabetes. In this episode of The Ditching Diabetes w the Diabetes Maven Podcast, Stephanie breaks down what insulin resistance really is, how it develops, and simple, science-backed steps to reverse it naturally. Learn how your body responds to food, stress, and hormones — and what you can do today to start improving your insulin sensitivity and reclaim your energy.

010: My Type 2 Diabetes Story

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 20:16:01 -0000

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey with type 2 diabetes—from the moment I was diagnosed to how I lowered my A1C from 8.1 to 5.7 and took back control of my health. You’ll hear the struggles, breakthroughs, and mindset shifts that helped me reverse my diabetes naturally through faith, food, and lifestyle changes. If you’ve ever felt discouraged or stuck, this episode will remind you that healing is possible and that you’re not alone.

009: Lessons from Amsterdam.How They Keep a Low Diabetes Rate

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:31:04 -0000

What if one of the healthiest lessons for managing blood sugar didn’t come from a doctor’s office — but from a canal-lined city across the world?

In this episode, I’m sharing surprising habits I observed while spending time in Amsterdam — a place where walking is a way of life, bikes rule the streets, and meals look wildly different from the typical American plate.

Trailer for Ditching Diabetes

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:48:25 -0000

Ditching Diabetes is the podcast for women ready to break free from blood-sugar chaos and reclaim their health—without the overwhelm.

Hosted by Stephanie Guignard, NP, also known as The Diabetes Maven, this show blends science, strategy, and simplicity to help you reverse insulin resistance, balance hormones, and finally feel in control again.

From GLP-1 medications to meal prep, mindset, and faith, each episode gives you the tools and truth to ditch diabetes for good.

🎧 Subscribe and join the movement toward freedom, confidence, and vibrant health.

001: 5 Supplements Every Woman With Type 2 Diabetes Should Know

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:54:42 -0000

Not all supplements are created equal—especially when it comes to managing blood sugar and supporting metabolic health. In this episode, I share the five supplements that made the biggest difference in my journey to reverse type 2 diabetes. From magnesium and berberine to omega-3s and vitamin D, you’ll learn what they do, how they help, and what to look for when choosing high-quality options that actually work.

002: GLP-1 Medications Explained: What They Are, How They Work, & Who They Are For

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:30:35 -0000

Curious about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro? In this episode, I break down what GLP-1s actually do, how they help with blood sugar control and weight loss, and what every woman with type 2 diabetes should know before starting them. Learn the pros, cons, and real-life expectations—plus how lifestyle changes make these medications even more effective for long-term success.

003: How To Avoid Long-Term Complications and Protect Your Future

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:10:34 -0000

High blood sugar isn’t the only concern with type 2 diabetes—the real danger lies in long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss, and heart problems. In this episode, I share practical, science-backed steps to protect your health for the long run. Learn how to keep your A1C in range, lower inflammation, support your organs, and build habits that help you stay strong, healthy, and complication-free.

004: How I Lowered My A1C From 8.1 to 5.7...Naturally

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:45:32 -0000

In this episode, I share the five powerful changes that helped me lower my A1C from 8.1 to 5.7 without extreme dieting or medication overload. From fasting and food timing to stress, sleep, and smarter carb choices, you’ll learn exactly what worked for me as a woman with type 2 diabetes. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this episode will give you the hope—and the tools—to finally take control of your blood sugar.

005: Eating Out With Type 2 Diabetes

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:23:09 -0000

Yes, you can eat out with type 2 diabetes and still keep your blood sugar balanced! In this episode, I share my top tips for dining out confidently—how to read menus, make smart swaps, and handle hidden carbs without feeling deprived. Whether you’re at a fast-casual spot or a fancy restaurant, you’ll learn exactly how to enjoy your favorite foods while staying on track with your health goals.

006: What the Heck is Postprandial? Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes After You Eat

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:02:43 -0000

Ever wonder why your blood sugar shoots up after meals? In this episode, we break down what “postprandial” really means and why those after-meal spikes matter if you’re managing or reversing type 2 diabetes. Learn how food choices, timing, and simple habits can help you flatten your glucose curve and feel more in control every day.

007: Hormones, Cycles, and Blood Sugar: What Every Woman with Type 2 Diabetes Should Know

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 02:57:42 -0000

Your hormones and blood sugar are more connected than you think. In this episode, we dive into how estrogen, progesterone, and stress hormones affect glucose levels throughout your cycle—and why women with type 2 diabetes often experience frustrating fluctuations. Learn how to track your cycle, balance hormones naturally, and finally feel in control of your blood sugar.

008: The Fast Track To Lower Blood Sugar

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 02:41:03 -0000

Discover how fasting can help lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and support type 2 diabetes reversal. In this episode, I share my personal fasting journey inspired by Dr. Jason Fung’s The Diabetes Code—from initial skepticism to real results. Learn how to fast safely, what to expect, and why fasting may be the missing piece in your diabetes management plan.