E14: Learning from Living with Type 1 Diabetes, with Certified Nutrition Coach, Hanna Boethius

“I help people with diabetes to become experts of their own, lower hemoglobin A1C, better blood sugar, and thrive through inspiring lifestyle changes.” Those are the words of Dr. Mowll’s guest today, Certified Nutrition Coach, Hanna Boethius.   Hanna says she loves helping people with diabetes to be healthier and more confident with figuring out a few simple lifestyle changes to drastically improve their quality of life. She has lived with type 1 diabetes her entire life, having been diagnosed at two years old. Unlike your conventional doctor, Hanna can help you find complementary ways to feel confident with diabetes. She focuses on things she says your care team won’t even think of. She strives to give you the power to know exactly what’s going on, to not feel alone, and be motivated in taking care of yourself — and, most importantly, be a healthier you.”   During the interview today, Hanna shares her type 1 diabetes story, how she went through a period of ignoring her disease (and then recommitting to getting back in control of her blood sugar), the concept of nutrient density, and some of the glaring problems with the vegan dietary approach. She discusses her Nutrition Coach training and how her Nutrition Coach saved her life. Dr. Mowll and Hanna also discuss the diet that works best for her and how she found food freedom, what made the biggest difference in her insulin sensitivity, the lessons she’s learned from wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor (including one of the most important factors that impact her blood sugar), and her most effective techniques to reduce stress and improve blood sugar levels. Key Takeaways: [:58] All about Dr. Mowll’s guest today, Hanna Boethius. [3:00] Dr. Mowll reads an iTunes review. Remember, if you leave a review and Dr. Mowll reads it on the podcast he’ll send you the best of the Diabetes Summit on a flash drive. [4:55] Dr. Mowll welcomes Hanna to the podcast. [6:08] Hanna shares the story of her diagnosis and her journey up to this point. [10:33] The main lessons Hanna learned after diving deeper into learning more about nutrition. [13:03] How long was the process of refining Hanna’s diet? [13:35] How long has she been using the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)? [14:21] What Hanna found to be the most significant influencers over her blood sugar, dietary-wise. [15:55] How much protein does Hanna normally consume in a meal? [16:46] Dr. Mowll and Hanna talk about foods that are nutrient density, ways to get it, and the importance of it. [21:07] The importance of enjoying your diet and have it be realistic and doable. Support the show