In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview dietitian Lauren Plunkett about her journey with type 1 diabetes and how she discovered plant-based nutrition and became a passionate spin instructor. We also learn how she is empowering her clients to live their best lives!
Lauren shares her transformative journey toward adopting plant-based nutrition, which led to remarkable improvements in her blood sugar control and overall well-being. Learn how she found unexpected benefits in high-fiber foods and the importance of stress management, sufficient sleep, regular physical activity, and strong patient-doctor communication. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and proper terminology from healthcare providers to enhance the patient experience. This episode is packed with actionable advice on incorporating plant-based, high-fiber foods into your diet, and how these changes can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
Lauren Plunkett, RDN LD CDCES is a seasoned registered dietitian and certified diabetes care & education specialist, drawing from over three decades of firsthand experience managing type 1 diabetes. Her expertise spans pediatric endocrinology, performance nutrition, and diabetes health coaching, particularly in Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Beyond clinical practice, Lauren is a prolific writer, public speaker, and author of the award-winning book, “Type One Determination.” As an advocate for plant-based nutrition to enhance health outcomes, she co-hosts "Green Glow" on the Mastering Diabetes Podcast, solidifying her role as a leading voice in diabetes education and wellness.
Discussion points:
- (00:00) Laren Plunkett intro and background
- (07:01) Lauren Plunkett shares her journey discovering type 1 diabetes at age 11 - challenges, parental support, and continuous learning
- (12:25) Advice for managing type 1 at any age, high rates of disordered eating, impact of language on identity, and benefits of positive mindset and physical activity
- (18:30) How Lauren discovered and adopted a plant-based diet for improved health, energy, digestion, and insulin sensitivity for type 1 diabetics, while finding enjoyment in spinning and breaking stereotypes in sports
- (32:25) A holistic approach to diabetes management includes stress management, sleep, exercise, and a plant-based diet.
- (36:45) Nature's high-fiber, plant-based foods and how they benefit and improve insulin sensitivity and energy levels for those with type 1 diabetes, along with careful insulin dose adjustments and empathy from healthcare providers.
- (48:53) Plant-based diet transition recommendations, taking inventory of your kitchen, going slow
- (55:22) Tips for healthcare providers, don’t use terms like “diabetic” - use “people with diabetes)
- (58:58) Socio-economic barriers to obtaining technology, management and treatment
- (01:00) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
- Please subscribe, and reach out to us with your comments, questions, and feedback
Resources:
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Book: Type One Determination by Lauren Plunkett - https://amzn.to/4d2pjKJ
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