#331: Plant Based Thriving with Type I Diabetes with Lauren Plunkett, RD
“We need to be able to trust our healthcare providers, but they have also got to re -up on what they've learned. They've got to look at the plant-based research. They've got to understand what insulin resistance is and how insulin resistance is created and caused and actually worsened by the diet that has been recommended to people with diabetes for 100 years now. Since the discovery of insulin, we have been treated with the attitude that carbohydrates are the problem. Carbohydrates have never been the problem. There's a much bigger picture to this.” –Lauren Plunkett
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
(01:00:00) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
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Lauren Plunkett
Registered dietitian and certified diabetes care & education specialist
Lauren Plunkett RDN LD CDCES, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care & education specialist with over 30 years of personal experience living with type 1 diabetes. Her professional experience includes pediatric endocrinology, performance nutrition, and diabetes health coaching with expert knowledge in Continuous Glucose Monitoring. In addition to her clinical experience, she serves as a writer, spokesperson, public speaker, indoor cycling instructor, and authored the award-winning book, Type One Determination.
A cornerstone of Lauren’s outspoken work is educating individuals on the benefits of plant-based nutrition for preventing and improving chronic conditions. She is also one of the hosts of “Green Glow”, a segment of the acclaimed Mastering Diabetes Podcast. You can learn more about working with her at LaurenPlunkett.com.
Resources:
Book: Type One Determination by Lauren Plunkett - https://amzn.to/4d2pjKJ
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