It’s easy to get off track with our health—but what does it really take to get back in sync?   This week, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Tammy Swigert takes time away from advising other physicians, to help us explore the startling rise of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes—and the powerful role we can each play in prevention. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, or are ready to make meaningful changes without shame or extremes, this conversation is for you. With a blend of science, historical insight, and lived experience, Tammy breaks down the root causes of diabetes and prediabetes—from insulin resistance to hormonal imbalances—and shows how nutrition, stress management, and even sleep quality can shift the trajectory of your health. You’ll learn why food quality matters more than ever, how estrogen influences weight and insulin resistance, and why lifestyle change is one of the most empowering forms of medicine. This episode is your reminder that “we have more control over our health than we’ve been led to believe”—and that kindness, not perfection, is the starting point for sustainable wellbeing.

  00:00 Introduction to Lifestyle Diseases
19:13 The Rise of Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
20:39 Historical Context of Health and Nutrition
27:15 Understanding Lifestyle-Related Diseases  
30:00 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
30:01 Understanding Diabetes: Types and Mechanisms
35:03 The Role of Hormones in Insulin Resistance
39:05 Prevention Strategies: Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes  
45:05 Nutrition and Eating Habits: The Key to Prevention 56:15 The Impact of Estrogen on Weight and Insulin Resistance 
Tammy Swigert | Episode Sources: https://www.sermo.com/blog/insights/history-obesity-stone-age-renaissance/ https://www.sermo.com/blog/insights/history-obesity-last-100-years-us/
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