Taking Control Of Your Diabetes® – The Podcast!

Episode Summary: "Type 2s – Start Here!"

Date: April 6, 2026
Hosts: Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus

Episode Overview

This episode is a supportive, information-packed guide for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Edelman and Dr. Pettus—both endocrinologists living with diabetes themselves—discuss the emotional and practical challenges facing the newly diagnosed. Using a conversational and humorous tone, they offer their "Top 10 Tips" for starting your type 2 journey, busting myths, and highlighting modern advancements (like GLP-1 medications and CGMs) that are transforming diabetes care.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understand What Type 2 Diabetes Really Is (03:56–07:23)

• Main Insight: Type 2 diabetes is not your fault—it's a hereditary, metabolic condition. It’s primarily about insulin resistance, not a lack of willpower.
• Progressive Nature: Most people will need more medications over time, no matter how “perfectly” they manage lifestyle.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Type 2 diabetes is super hereditary and it’s passed along from generation to generation. So I say it’s your parents’ fault.” – Dr. Edelman (06:26)

2. Don’t Panic—But Do Take Action (07:32–09:19)

• Balanced Approach: Don’t go to extremes out of panic (fad diets, crash exercise routines). Small, consistent changes work.
• Active Ownership: Address diagnosis promptly for best long-term outcomes.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Don’t panic, but take action... The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to control and more medications you might need.” – Dr. Pettus (08:13)

3. Focus on Your Weight (09:52–14:27)

• Real Talk: Central (“beer belly”) obesity is common—losing even 5–10% of body weight can make a significant difference.
• GLP-1 Medications: These new medications can be game-changers for weight and glucose control. Not everyone will succeed with diet and exercise alone, and that’s OK.
• Memorable Quote:

  “With type 2 diabetes, it’s not ‘you are what you eat,’ it’s ‘you are with how much you eat.’” – Dr. Edelman (11:46)

4. GLP-1 Medications—A Modern Miracle (14:27–18:47)

• Broad Benefits: Beyond diabetes, GLP-1s help with weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart and kidney health, sleep apnea, and more.
• Access Expanding: Affordability and insurance coverage are improving.
• Quick Reference:

  “These are beneficial public health drugs... we’re not that far away from everybody should be on one of these medications. And people with type 2 diabetes are, I think, legitimately lucky to have access to these drugs.” – Dr. Pettus (16:48)

5. Exercise—Move Your Body Daily (18:59–21:53)

• Guidelines: Aim for at least 150 minutes/week (e.g., 30 minutes, 5 days a week), but even small amounts of walking make a difference.
• Holistic View: Benefits (improved insulin sensitivity, well-being) go beyond just weight loss.
• Include Stretching: Older adults especially benefit from incorporating flexibility.

6. Learn How Food Affects You (21:57–23:14)

• Personal Patterns: Pay attention to which foods spike your blood sugar.
• Moderate, Don’t Eliminate: It’s about portion control and smart substitutions—not banning entire food groups.

7. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Strategically—CGM Power (23:55–28:52)

• Testing Smarter: Key times—first thing in the morning, post-meal, and at bedtime.
• CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor): Try a sensor, even periodically. It’s the single most helpful device for understanding your body and motivating change.
• Memorable Quote:

  “CGM doesn’t do anything other than provide information. So the reason that people’s blood sugars improve is because they were using that to enact change.” – Dr. Pettus (27:02)

8. Be Consistent with Medications (29:18–31:50)

• Adherence Matters: Type 2 is often “polypharmacy”—glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
• Stay Informed: Know what each med does, and consult your provider before stopping anything.

9. Protect Your Heart—Start Early (32:13–35:32)

• ABCD Approach:
  • A: A1C under 7 & consider Aspirin
  • B: Blood pressure under 130/80
  • C: Cholesterol (LDL less than 70, or 55 if with existing heart disease)
  • D: Diabetes drugs with heart benefits (GLP-1s, SGLT2s)
• Proactive Prevention: Don’t “kick the can down the road.”

10. The Diabetes 'Warranty Program'—Regular Health Checks (35:32–36:54)

• Annual Labs: A1C, cholesterol, kidney and liver function tests.
• Eye Exams: Dilated eye check every year.
• Feet: Set up care for circulation issues.

11. Build a Support System (37:14–39:30)

• Educate Your Circle: Let friends and family know how to help (without being the “diabetes police”).
• Family Affair: Often, other family members can also benefit from healthy lifestyle changes.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Everyone in this country should live like they just got type 2 diabetes, because what’s the recommendation? Eat healthy, lose weight, exercise, take the medications that keep you healthy.” – Dr. Edelman (38:14)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• It’s hereditary, not your fault:

  “Type 2 diabetes is super hereditary and it’s passed along from generation to generation … it’s your parents’ fault.” (06:26)

• Small changes, not panic:

  “Small, consistent changes, not extreme short term efforts, is the real key.” (08:31)

• GLP-1s described as a new era:

  “We’re not that far away from everybody should be on one of these medications… People with type 2 diabetes are, I think, legitimately lucky to have access to these drugs.” (16:48)

• Support matters:

  “Build and educate your current [support network]... How can they not be the diabetes police, and be the diabetes supporters?” (37:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Type 2 Is Not Your Fault: 00:23–02:08
• Tip #1: Understanding the Disease: 03:56–07:23
• Tip #2: Don’t Panic, Take Action: 07:32–09:19
• Tip #3: Weight Loss and its Challenges: 09:52–14:27
• GLP-1 Medications Deep Dive: 14:27–18:47
• Tip #4: Exercise: 18:59–21:53
• Tip #5: Food’s Effect: 21:57–23:14
• Tip #6: Monitoring Glucose & CGMs: 23:55–28:52
• Tip #7: Medication Consistency: 29:18–31:50
• Tip #8: Heart Health & ABCDs: 32:13–35:32
• Tip #9: Regular Health Checkups: 35:32–36:54
• Tip #10: Support Networks: 37:14–39:30
• Final Summary/Recap: 40:14–end

Tone & Takeaways

The hosts blend medical expertise with empathy and levity. Their tone is reassuring but action-oriented: you are not to blame, but there’s a lot you can do—and the tools are better than ever. The podcast is both empowering and practical, leaving listeners with steps they can act on right away.

Summary (For Those Who Haven’t Listened)

If you’ve just been diagnosed, this episode will demystify the most crucial first steps. From understanding what type 2 diabetes is (and why it’s NOT your fault), to knowing about powerful new medications and devices, to building a circle of support, Dr. Edelman and Dr. Pettus show that with early, steady effort, you can live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.