Diabetes Digital Podcast by Food Heaven

This week, Jenny Fernandez, Registered Dietitian and Community Outreach Manager at Diabetes Digital, is joined by Diabetes Digital dietetic intern and registered dietitian Lorena Lee to share Lorena's firsthand experience with gestational diabetes. Together, they discuss the emotional impact of diagnosis, why gestational diabetes happens, practical nutrition strategies that don't require g...

 A lot of people worry that eating the same meals on repeat means they are doing something wrong nutritionally. Others rely on familiar foods because of time, energy, neurodivergence, stress, or health conditions. Today we’re talking about when eating the same thing can actually be supportive, when variety might be helpful, and how to think about this without turning food into another rule. If you...

A lot of people tell us they feel more tired, irritable, hungry, or out of control around food when they try to eat “clean.” That can feel confusing, especially when clean eating is marketed as the “healthy” way to eat. Today we’re unpacking what “clean eating” actually means, why it often backfires, and what might feel more supportive instead. If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and...

Salads get framed as part of “healthy eating,” especially in diabetes and in wellness spaces. But what if you genuinely hate salads, find them unsatisfying, or just feel bored eating them? Today we’re talking about whether salads are actually required for health, what nutrients people are usually trying to get from them, and plenty of non-salad ways to meet those needs. If you're living with d...

When people think about insulin resistance, cardio often gets all the attention. But resistance training plays a really important role that doesn’t get talked about enough. Today we’re breaking down how lifting weights affects insulin sensitivity, why muscle matters for blood sugar regulation, and how fit resistance training into your life. If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and wan...

Chia seeds get a lot of hype in the blood sugar world. You might see them added to puddings, smoothies, or water and hear that they can magically prevent glucose spikes. So what is actually true? Today we’re breaking down what chia seeds do in the body, how they may support blood sugar, and where expectations can get a little unrealistic. If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want...

Eggs get talked about a lot when it comes to breakfast, especially in diabetes and blood sugar conversations. But not everyone likes eggs, tolerates them well, or wants them every morning. The good news is that eggs are not required for a balanced breakfast. Today we’re breaking down what actually makes a breakfast balanced, why protein and fiber matter in the morning, and plenty of egg-free ideas...

Breakfast is one of the most debated meals. In this episode, we’re cutting through the mixed messages to help you understand your body’s patterns. We’ll talk about cultural breakfast traditions, dawn phenomenon, how medications play a role, and why some people genuinely feel better eating later. We’ll also walk through the signs that morning fasting isn’t supporting you, plus gentle options for pe...

Labs can bring up a lot of feelings fear, shame, pressure, and confusion. In this episode, Wendy and Jess break down the most important labs to know if you have diabetes, pre diabetes, or high cholesterol, what the numbers actually mean, and what you can do to support them. The goal isn't to make a million changes at once it's to help you feel informed and empowered to advocate for yoursel...

If you’ve seen TikToks about cold potatoes or leftover rice being a “blood sugar hack,” this episode is for you. We’re diving into resistant starch, what it is, how it forms, and why it acts a little like fiber in the body. We’ll talk about the science behind how this can aid with gentler glucose rise, break down a recent study on resistant starch, and share easy ways to add resistant starch into...

In this episode, Wendy and Jess share their tried-and-true kitchen tools that make cooking faster, easier, and less overwhelming! From egg cookers to frothers, these picks are all about reducing decision fatigue, cutting down on cleanup, and getting a nutritious meal on the table without the stress. Resources & Links Egg Cooker Instant Pot Mini Air Fryer Great Jones Dutch Oven Personal Blender...

How many times have you seen someone say “cow’s milk is better than almond milk,” or “plant milk is the healthier choice,” and wondered… should I switch? Today we’re talking through the real differences between cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, and other options  and when it actually makes sense to consider a swap. We’ll look at protein, carbs, micronutrients, and blood sugar impact. The goal isn...

In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, Jess and Wendy share what they’ve been loving lately, from favorite foods and easy meals to books, podcasts, documentaries, and self-care routines that are supporting real life right now. They also share exciting news about our Diabetes Digital open houses on February 26th for both patients and providers, including what to expect, how insurance cove...

Snacking often gets labeled as “eating too much,” or something you shouldn’t need because you “just ate.” In this episode, we talk about why snacking can actually be helpful and important for energy, focus, and blood sugar stability. We’ll cover why some people naturally need more snacks than others, how life stages and medications play a role, and what balanced snacks can do to support steadier g...

In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, Wendy and Jess talk about why sleep is one of the most overlooked factors in blood sugar management. They break down how poor sleep can impact insulin sensitivity, cortisol, hunger hormones, and overnight glucose trends, even when you’re doing “everything right” with food, movement, and meds. You’ll hear both the science and the real-life side of sl...

Worried that fruit spikes your blood sugar too much? You’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion and fear around fruit in diabetes and prediabetes, so today we’re reframing the entire conversation. Fruit isn’t the problem. Your body is designed to handle carbohydrates, and a rise in glucose after eating fruit is completely normal. In this episode, we break down how whole fruit impacts blood sugar...

In this catch up episode, Jess and Wendy pull back the curtain and share what’s really been happening behind the scenes at Diabetes Digital. They talk about year two of the business, how they’re navigating growth, the challenges of running a telehealth company, and the personal routines helping them stay grounded. They walk you through major highlights from the past year, including expanding their...

A lot of people taking GLP-1 medications notice their hunger cues change and that can feel confusing. Some appetite reduction is expected, but what happens when eating starts to feel hard, or you’re unintentionally going all day without a meal? Today we’re breaking down what a normal adjustment period looks like, what kinds of appetite changes you can expect, and the point where low hunger becomes...

Jess and Wendy kick off 2026 by reflecting on past years, sharing travel updates, and responding to your feedback asking for more personal, lifestyle-focused conversations alongside diabetes education. In this episode, they each share small, realistic habits they’re carrying into the new year, offering simple routines that support your well-being and blood sugar without the pressure of reinvention...

In this Christmas Eve episode, Jess and Wendy chat with dietitian Krystal Martinez to debunk a major diabetes myth: that you have to give up your cultural foods to manage blood sugar. Krystal, a first-generation Mexican-American specializing in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, shares why staples like tortillas, rice, and beans belong on your plate. She offers practical tips for balancing meals dur...

You can eat the pie and support your blood sugar. In this minisode, Jess shares practical tips for enjoying holiday food without spiraling. You’ll learn how to anchor your meals, sneak in movement, and focus on connection over perfection. This is your reminder that one meal (or even one week) doesn’t undo all your progress. If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized su...

Jess and Wendy sit down with registered dietitian Tiana Lavin, who brings both clinical insight and lived experience with type 1 diabetes. Tiana shares her diagnosis story, from being brushed off to landing in the ER with DKA during college finals, and the tough stretch that followed with restrictive eating and confusing advice. Tiana talks about what she wishes she knew sooner, like why chasing “...

Hate tracking carbs? You’re not alone. Wendy covers how to support your blood sugar without doing math at every meal. We’ll talk about visual portion guides, how to use CGM trends to guide choices, and why some clients do better when they ditch the numbers. If you’re looking for a flexible, less stressful approach, this one’s for you. If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want pers...

In this episode, Jess and Wendy sit down with Dr. Thais Aliabadi (Dr. A) and Mary Alice Haney, co-hosts of the SHE MD podcast, for an in-depth conversation about PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). They explore why more women are being diagnosed with PCOS, debunk common misconceptions about the condition, and discuss the diagnostic criteria that many doctors miss. Dr. A shares insights on treating P...

Do you really need to eat first thing in the morning…or is it okay to wait? In today’s episode, Jess walks through how to figure out what works best for your body and blood sugar. She shares client stories, easy breakfast ideas for low appetite mornings, and what to track if you’re experimenting. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered if skipping breakfast is helping or hurting. If you're l...