The 2 "Forgotten Organs" Driving Type 2 Diabetes (And How to Fix Them)

Are you eating well, taking your medications, and moving your body, but your blood sugar numbers still won't budge? The missing puzzle pieces might be your body's two "forgotten organs": your fat and your gut microbiome. In this episode of The Diabetes Podcast®, Amber (RD, CDCES) and Richie dive deep into the biology of why your body fat is not just a storage unit, but a massive, highly active hormone factory. We break down the critical differences between harmless subcutaneous fat and dangerous, inflammatory visceral fat. You'll also learn why "leptin resistance" makes you feel hungry all the time, and why the "don't eat fruit" myth is completely backwards. Then, we travel to the gut to explore how your microbiome directly impacts your blood sugar. Discover how eating fiber and fermented foods can actually help your body produce its own natural GLP-1 hormones! Remember, this disease is not a failure of willpower; it's biology. Take courage! You can do this, and we can help. Need help NOW? Reach out to our support email at [email protected]. Follow the podcast for more evidence-based, shame-free diabetes education! Chapters: 00:00 - The Forgotten Organs of Diabetes 02:50 - Why Body Fat is an Endocrine Organ 09:15 - Subcutaneous vs. Visceral Fat 19:00 - Adiponectin and Insulin Sensitivity 24:40 - Leptin Resistance and Constant Hunger 30:00 - Fructose, Fruit, and the Liver 34:30 - The Gut Microbiome's Role in Blood Sugar 42:40 - Understanding Intestinal Permeability 46:30 - How the Gut Produces Natural GLP-1 50:40 - Feeding Your Gut: Fiber and Fermented Foods  Disclaimer:The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin.Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away.We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk.Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.