Taking Control Of Your Diabetes® - The Podcast!

Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus discuss how GLP-1 medications have evolved and where they may be headed next. They look back at the progression from early twice-daily injections to once-weekly therapies and explain how the role of GLP-1s has expanded from managing glucose to supporting weight management, cardiovascular health, kidney health, and other areas of metabolic health.The conversation explores newer oral GLP-1 options and what taking a pill instead of an injection could mean for people who prefer that option. Dr. Edelman and Dr. Pettus also discuss the next generation of therapies that combine GLP-1 with hormones such as glucagon and amylin. They explain why researchers are combining these different hormones, how they may affect weight and glucose, and why getting to the highest possible dose isn’t necessarily the goal for everyone.They also address some of the practical questions that come with taking a GLP-1, including side effects, cost, insurance coverage, and whether these medications need to be taken long term. The discussion covers nausea and other GI side effects, concerns about losing muscle and lean mass during significant weight loss, and why getting enough protein and staying physically active can be important. They also explain what can happen when GLP-1 therapy is stopped, including the possibility of regaining weight.Finally, Dr. Edelman and Dr. Pettus discuss what GLP-1 medications could mean for people living with type 1 diabetes. They share their clinical experience using these medications in people with type 1 diabetes for other indications and discuss ongoing research looking at their potential effects on weight, insulin needs, A1C, and glucose variability. They also look at how future approvals could affect insurance coverage and what continued innovation may mean for people living with diabetes. ★ Support this podcast ★

What if you could take your basal insulin once a week instead of every day? Once-weekly basal insulin has arrived, offering a new approach that could make insulin therapy simpler while providing glucose control comparable to daily basal insulin. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman is joined by Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas, a leading diabetes researcher who has been directly involved in clinical trials of once-weekly basal insulins. Together, they explain how these ultra-long-acting insulins work, how a single injection can provide steady background insulin throughout an entire week, and what studies have shown when once-weekly insulin is compared with traditional daily basal insulin.The conversation gets practical with how once-weekly insulin is started, adjusted, and switched from daily basal insulin. Dr. Edelman and Dr. Philis-Tsimikas discuss the dosage differences with once-weekly basal insulin, how concentrated insulin keeps the actual injection volume small, and how fasting glucose can help guide dose adjustments. They also discuss what happens if you miss a dose and why reaching a steady state is an important part of understanding how these longer-acting insulins work.They also dive into the clinical trial results, including A1C, time in range, and hypoglycemia. In studies of people living with type 2 diabetes, once-weekly basal insulin provided similar A1C lowering to daily basal insulin without an increase in hypoglycemia. They also explain why the story is different for people living with type 1 diabetes, where studies found higher rates of hypoglycemia with weekly basal insulin, and what that means for its use in the United States.Finally, Dr. Edelman and Dr. Philis-Tsimikas look at how once-weekly insulin could make diabetes management easier. Going from seven basal injections a week to just one could help reduce some of the daily burden of diabetes and make it easier to consistently take your insulin. They also explore using weekly insulin alongside GLP-1 medications, potential combination therapies, cost and access, and what we still need to learn as these newer insulins move from clinical trials into everyday diabetes care.Key Topics:How once-weekly basal insulin worksOnce-weekly vs. daily basal insulinStarting, dosing, and adjusting weekly insulinWhy weekly insulin doses may look surprisingly largeA1C, time in range, and hypoglycemia resultsWhat to do if you miss a weekly doseOnce-weekly insulin in type 1 vs. type 2 diabetesWho may benefit from once-weekly insulin?Reducing the burden of daily injectionsUsing once-weekly insulin with GLP-1 medicationsFuture insulin and GLP-1 combination therapiesCost, access, and real-world considerationsWhat the future of basal insulin could look likeThis episode was supported by Lilly. ✨ Subscribe for practical diabetes management tips, technology updates, and treatment breakthroughs that help people with diabetes live healthier, more flexible lives.More diabetes resources:Website: tcoyd.orgBlog: tcoyd.org/blogPodcast: tcoydthepodcast.transistor.fmInstagram:   / tcoydFacebook:   / tcoydStay connected! Sign up for our monthly newsletter here!Support TCOYD's educational programs: tcoyd.org/donate ★ Support this podcast ★

Managing type 2 diabetes can change over time, but having the right information for your patients can make those changes feel a lot more manageable. CGM can help your patients see what’s happening with their blood sugar and guide what comes next.In this episode of the TCOYD Podcast, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus discuss how continuous glucose monitoring is changing the way type 2 diabetes is managed for your patients, especially as treatment needs evolve over time. They explain why type 2 diabetes can progress from lifestyle changes and oral medications to GLP-1 therapies and insulin, and why needing insulin isn’t a personal failure. They also explore how seeing glucose data in real time can help your patients better understand how meals, exercise, medications, and insulin affect their glucose throughout the day. The conversation gets practical with how CGM can help guide your patients’ transition to basal insulin, make insulin adjustments easier and safer, and identify when mealtime insulin may be needed. Dr. Edelman and Dr. Pettus explain what overnight glucose patterns can tell you about your patients’ basal insulin dose, how to recognize post-meal spikes, and why starting mealtime insulin doesn’t necessarily mean adding injections at every meal for your patients. They also discuss newer basal insulins, avoiding too much basal insulin, and how automated insulin delivery systems may fit into the future of type 2 diabetes management. Ultimately, CGM gives your patients living with type 2 diabetes more than glucose numbers. It provides feedback that can help them recognize patterns, see how their treatment is working, and work with their healthcare team to make more informed adjustments as their diabetes management needs change.Key Topics:Why type 2 diabetes treatment needs can change over timeHow insulin resistance and declining insulin production affect glucose managementWhy needing insulin is not a personal failureHow CGM use is expanding in type 2 diabetesUsing CGM with lifestyle changes, oral medications, GLP-1 therapies, and insulinWhat time in range, GMI, and glucose variability can tell youHow CGM can help determine when basal insulin may be neededUsing overnight glucose patterns to adjust basal insulinWhy insulin titration matters more than the initial starting doseHow CGM can make insulin adjustments easier and saferWhen mealtime insulin may be neededWhy mealtime insulin doesn’t always have to be taken with every mealHow to recognize and avoid too much basal insulinThe benefits of newer long-acting basal insulinsWhen patients with type 2 diabetes may want to consider an insulin pump or automated insulin delivery systemHow real-time glucose feedback can help people take a more active role in their diabetes management✨ Subscribe for practical diabetes management tips, technology updates, and treatment breakthroughs that help people with diabetes live healthier, more flexible lives.More diabetes resources:Website: tcoyd.orgBlog: tcoyd.org/blogPodcast: tcoydthepodcast.transistor.fmInstagram:   / tcoydFacebook:   / tcoydStay connected! Sign up for our monthly newsletter here!Support TCOYD's educational programs: tcoyd.org/donate ★ Support this podcast ★

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, but here’s the tricky part: you can have it for years without feeling any symptoms. The good news? Kidney disease can often be detected early, and with the right screening, treatments, and lifestyle changes, its progression can be dramatically slowed. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus are joined by nephrologist Dr. Bethany Karl to break down what everyone with diabetes should know about kidney health. Dr. E also steps into the patient seat to share his own experience living with chronic kidney disease, from discovering it without symptoms to navigating kidney tests and newer treatments. Together, they explain the two simple tests that can uncover kidney problems, why blood pressure and cardiovascular health matter, and how today’s growing toolbox of medications is giving people with diabetic kidney disease more reasons for hope.Key Topics:Why chronic kidney disease is often a “silent” complication of diabetesHow diabetes can affect the kidneys over timeDr. Edelman’s personal experience with diabetic kidney diseaseThe two important kidney tests: eGFR and UACRWhy urine protein can be an important early warning signHow often people with diabetes should have their kidneys screenedThe connection between glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart health, and kidney healthLifestyle considerations for protecting kidney functionMedications that can help slow the progression of diabetic kidney diseaseNewer kidney-protective therapies and why there is more reason for optimism today✨ Subscribe for practical diabetes management tips, technology updates, and treatment breakthroughs that help people with diabetes live healthier, more flexible lives.More diabetes resources:Website: tcoyd.orgBlog: tcoyd.org/blogPodcast: tcoydthepodcast.transistor.fmInstagram:   / tcoydFacebook:   / tcoydStay connected! Sign up for our monthly newsletter here!Support TCOYD's educational programs: tcoyd.org/donate ★ Support this podcast ★

Hot flashes, blood sugar swings, brain fog... is it menopause, diabetes, or both?In this episode of the TCOYD Podcast, Dr. Steve Edelman is joined by renowned menopause expert Dr. Cindy Stuenkel, endocrinologist and Professor Emerita at UC San Diego, for an insightful conversation about how menopause affects women living with diabetes. Together, they explain why menopause is much more than a normal stage of aging. It's a major metabolic transition that can influence blood sugar management, insulin resistance, heart health, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. The conversation explores what actually happens during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, why hormonal fluctuations can make glucose management more challenging, and how continuous glucose monitoring can help distinguish hot flashes from hypoglycemia. Dr. Edelman and Dr. Stuenkel also discuss the latest evidence on hormone replacement therapy, newer non-hormonal treatment options, the importance of protecting heart health, and practical strategies to help women navigate this stage of life with greater confidence. Whether you're living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, approaching menopause, currently experiencing it, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides practical guidance and evidence-based information to help you feel more prepared. Key Topics:What is perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause?How hormonal changes affect blood sugar and insulin resistanceWhy menopause can increase glucose variability in women with diabetesThe difference between hot flashes and hypoglycemiaHow continuous glucose monitoring can help during menopauseMetabolic changes that occur during the menopause transitionWhy cardiovascular risk increases after menopauseThe connection between menopause, weight gain, and abdominal fatGLP-1 medications and menopauseThe latest recommendations on hormone replacement therapyNew non-hormonal treatments for hot flashesSleep, mood, brain fog, and quality of life during menopauseHeart health strategies for women living with diabetesHow partners can better support someone going through menopauseTrusted menopause resources and when to seek medical care✨ Subscribe for practical diabetes management tips, technology updates, and treatment breakthroughs that help people with diabetes live healthier, more flexible lives.More diabetes resources:Website: tcoyd.orgBlog: tcoyd.org/blogPodcast: tcoydthepodcast.transistor.fmInstagram:   / tcoydFacebook:   / tcoydStay connected! Sign up for our monthly newsletter here!Support TCOYD's educational programs: tcoyd.org/donate ★ Support this podcast ★