Debunking Diabetes Myths: Effectively Managing Blood Sugar with Dr. Beverly Yates

This episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Beverly Yates ND, an internationally acclaimed diabetes expert who uses the Yates Protocol to help people get control over their blood sugar, reclaim their energy, and enjoy life again. The Yates Protocol was developed over the course of her 20-plus-year clinical career, using the Systems Approach from her prior career as an MIT-trained Electrical Engineer. Diabetes is on the rise globally, and the Yates Protocol has helped thousands of people around the world with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes to get control of their blood sugar and live life the way they want to. In our conversation, Beverly shares a variety of clinical pearls regarding diabetes and blood sugar.  She highlights five key lifestyle aspects that prevent or control diabetes, the lab numbers that are cause for alarm, and the role that culture sensitivity plays in effective practitioner recommendations.  She weighs in on the various monitors, diets, medications, and popular hacks that can be used to control blood sugar and offers her wisdom and practical advice for anyone who is struggling to manage their blood sugar more effectively.  I'm your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. Key Takeaways: [2:10] Beverly's personal illness journey led her to specialize in naturopathic medicine. [5:00] A family history of diabetes in Beverly's family tree didn't stop her from taking control of her personal health. [7:44] Awareness of culturally sensitive diets is a key point of effective connection and healing. [10:43] Key lab numbers that should result in sounding the alarm on fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin, and hemoglobin A1C. [17:03] A comparison of the effectiveness of continuous blood glucose monitors and glucometers and what actions can be taken based on the data results. [20:10] Basic glycemic control is reflected in normal, timely rises and falls in blood sugar levels based on activity level and dietary intake. [21:36] Surprising foods that may cause a spike in blood sugar — and some that don't. [23:30] Snacking throughout the day is not the answer to controlling blood sugar. [26:04] The Theia Health app can be used by practitioners to collect patient CGM data. [28:18] Beverly's 4 recommended food combining hacks that can be used to support blood sugar regulation. [32:10] Additional meal timing considerations that have the potential to cause a spike in blood sugar. [35:55] The role of medications including Ozempic and GLP-1 agonists as the answer to Type 2 diabetes and obesity. [43:17] Tactics for practitioners to help manage potential side effects of medications. [46:02] Nutrients and herbs that can help support blood sugar management. [49:50] The role of the gut microbiome in managing diabetes can be impacted by diet and insulin resistance issues. [52:32] Beverly shares her personal favorite supplements, her favorite health practices, and the outdated advice that she has changed her mind about over her years of practice.  Episode Resources: Dr. Beverly Yates  Heart Health for Black Women: A Natural Approach to Healing and Preventing Heart Disease  Natural Health Care  Theia Health App The Patient Will See You Now Design for Health Resources: Designs for Health Research Article: Effects of delta-tocotrienol supplementation on Glycemic Control, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and miRNA expression in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized control trial Research Article: A Novel Mixture of δ-Tocotrienol, Vitamin D3, Resveratrol (NS3) Significantly Decreases Diabetes Biomarkers Including Inflammatory in People with Type 2 Diabetes Blog: The Latest on Berberine and Gut Health Blog: Berberine's Potential to Support Heart Health and Blood Sugar Metabolism Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Berberine and the Gut Microbiome Blog: New study links inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome to type I diabetes Blog: The Potential Link Between CoQ10 and Endocrine Health Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.