Podcast
Prediabetes and The Path to Better A1C: Blood Sugar, Energy, Brain Focus & Insulin Resistance
Hosted by Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC · EN
Struggling with prediabetes, high A1C, insulin resistance, cravings, brain fog, or low energy? Join Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC, for practical, science-backed strategies to improve blood sugar, lower A1C, reduce cravings, and prevent type 2 diabetes without extreme diets.
Each episode delivers simple tips on nutrition, habits, stress, sleep, metabolic health, PCOS, weight management, GLP-1
📝Free Prediabetes Guide > https://subscribepage.io/starterguide
📝Free Snacks List > https://subscribepage.io/snacks
📝Free GLP1 Guide > https://subscribepage.io/glp1
🌐 www.jennypena.com 📧 hello@jennypena.com
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 82:5 Things Soccer Teaches Us About Blood Sugar and Better Health
2w ago00:15:51Tap to summarizeWhat can a soccer match teach you about lowering your A1C? More than you might think. ⚽In this special episode, I'm stepping away from my usual format and sharing five surprising lessons soccer has taught me about building healthier habits, balancing blood sugar, and preventing type 2 diabetes.As someone who didn't grow up watching soccer but became a proud soccer mom after my son started playing, I've discovered that the same principles that help teams succeed on the field are the same principles that help us succeed with our health.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why consistency matters more than perfection• How every healthy habit plays a different role in blood sugar management• Why prediabetes is your opportunity to make adjustments before it's too late• The biggest mistake people make when trying to improve their health• Why support and coaching can make all the differenceWhether you're working to lower your A1C, prevent type 2 diabetes, or simply build healthier habits, these lessons will change the way you think about your health journey.🎁 Free Resource: Download my 3-Day Summer Kickstart Guide, featuring three days of simple, protein-packed meals that average 85-90 grams of protein per day. Perfect for busy schedules and anyone looking to support healthy blood sugar.👉 Download here: https://jennypena.my.canva.site/summer2026Want to work with me? Book a clarity call to chat!https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/callIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's cheering on their favorite soccer team this World Cup!
Transcribe →Ep 81:Fatty Liver: The Silent Warning Sign Linked to Blood Sugar and Prediabetes
4w ago00:13:28Tap to summarizeYour doctor says, "Your liver numbers are a little elevated. It's probably nothing." So you move on.But what if those "slightly elevated" liver enzymes are actually an early warning sign of metabolic dysfunction?In this episode, Coach Jenny Peña breaks down the surprising connection between fatty liver, insulin resistance, and blood sugar—and why this often-silent condition deserves more attention.You'll learn:✔️ What fatty liver is (and why doctors recently changed its name)✔️ Why fatty liver and blood sugar create a two-way cycle that can worsen insulin resistance✔️ Why elevated liver enzymes shouldn't always be brushed aside✔️ Three simple, science-backed habits that help support both your liver and your blood sugarThe hope rests in the fact that fatty liver is often one of the most reversible metabolic conditions when caught early.If you've been told your liver enzymes are elevated, have prediabetes, insulin resistance, or simply want to protect your long-term health, this episode will help you understand what your liver may be trying to tell you.🎁 Download my free Prediabetes Roadmap to start improving your blood sugar with simple, sustainable habits:https://starterguide.subscribepage.io/If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who has ever heard the words, "Your liver numbers are a little high."
Transcribe →Ep 80: Brain Fog? The Hidden Blood Sugar Problem Most People Miss
Jun 1900:17:53Tap to summarizeEver walk into a room and forget why you went there? Read the same sentence three times? Feel like your brain simply shuts down around 3 PM?Many people blame aging, stress, or lack of sleep. But there's another possibility that often gets overlooked: your blood sugar.In this episode, Coach Jenny Peña explains why blood sugar swings—not just high blood sugar—can affect your focus, memory, energy, and mental clarity throughout the day.You'll learn:• Why your brain needs steady glucose, not more sugar• What actually causes the afternoon energy and focus crash• How blood sugar spikes trigger inflammation and stress hormones• Three simple strategies you can start today to improve focus and steady your energyIf you've ever struggled with brain fog, cravings, or that "wired but exhausted" feeling, this episode will help you understand what's happening inside your body—and what you can do about it.🎁 Download my free Prediabetes Roadmap Guide for the first steps to balancing your blood sugar:https://starterguide.subscribepage.io/If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little more energy and mental clarity.
Transcribe →Ep 79: Blood Sugar and Dementia: The Hidden Brain Risk Every Man Over 40 Should Know
Jun 1200:24:21Tap to summarizeWhat if the same blood sugar issues affecting your waistline were also impacting your brain?In this episode, Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC, explores the growing body of research connecting blood sugar, insulin resistance, and dementia risk. While most people associate high blood sugar with diabetes, fewer realize it may also affect memory, cognition, and long-term brain health.You'll learn:✅ Why blood sugar matters for brain health✅ The connection between insulin resistance and cognitive decline✅ Why men may be at greater risk than they realize✅ Common warning signs that shouldn't be ignored✅ The role of belly fat, inflammation, and testosterone✅ What researchers mean when they talk about "Type 3 Diabetes"✅ Four science-backed lifestyle habits that help protect both your brain and your blood sugarIf you're over 40 (or care about someone who is) this episode will give you practical steps you can start using today to support healthier aging and reduce your risk factors.Remember: your genes are not your destiny, and it's never too early (or too late) to start protecting your future health.Connect with Jenny:Book a clarity call: https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/callWebsite: https://www.jennypena.comInstagram: @coachjenp Grab my free prediabetes roadmap guide: https://starterguide.subscribepage.io/
Transcribe →Ep 78:Why Men Over 40 Feel Tired, Gain Belly Fat, and Lose Energy (It's Not Just Age)
Jun 500:18:40Tap to summarizeMost men assume that feeling exhausted, gaining belly fat, and losing energy is just part of getting older.But what if it isn't?In this Men's Health Month kickoff episode, I break down the surprising connection between blood sugar, insulin resistance, testosterone, energy levels, and that stubborn belly fat that seems impossible to lose.You'll learn:✅ Why the afternoon energy crash happens✅ How blood sugar affects focus, mood, and productivity✅ The connection between insulin resistance and testosterone✅ Why belly fat can make blood sugar and hormone issues worse✅ Three simple strategies to improve energy and blood sugar starting today✅ Why every man should know his A1C numberIf you've been told that fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and low energy are simply signs of aging, this episode may change the way you look at your health.Whether you're concerned about prediabetes, insulin resistance, weight loss, or simply feeling like yourself again, this episode is packed with practical and science-backed insights you can start using immediately.🎁 Free Resource: Prediabetes Roadmap GuideBook a free clarity call - https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/callLearn simple strategies to balance blood sugar, improve energy, and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Transcribe →
Ep 77: Why Women Gain Weight in Perimenopause (Even When Doing Everything Right) | Bria Gadd
May 2900:35:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Path to Better A1C Podcast, Jenny Pena sits down with functional diagnostic practitioner, health coach, and host of The Period Whisperer Podcast, Bria Gadd, to discuss the real reasons so many women struggle with weight gain, fatigue, cravings, brain fog, poor sleep, and blood sugar imbalances during perimenopause and menopause.If you feel like your body suddenly changed overnight, despite eating well, exercising, and “doing everything right”, then this episode is for you.Jenny and Bria dive into:The connection between cortisol, hormones, and blood sugarWhy women wake up between 2–4 AM during perimenopauseStress, adrenal health, and unexplained weight gainWhy extreme dieting and over-exercising can backfireThe truth about intermittent fasting for womenHow protein, sleep, walking, and nervous system support impact metabolismGLP-1 medications, weight regain, and metabolic healthWhy perimenopause may not be the root problem — but the tipping pointThis conversation is packed with practical, sustainable strategies to support hormones, energy, metabolism, and long-term health without extreme approaches.Connect with Bria Gadd:Podcast: The Period Whisperer PodcastInstagram: @bria_period_whisperMessage Bria on IG for a 50% discount using code JENNY on her menopause course!Connect with Jenny:Website: https://www.jennypena.comInstagram: @coachjenpGrab my free prediabetes roadmap guide: https://subscribepage.io/starterguideIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this conversation.
Transcribe →Ep 76: Perimenopause, Blood Sugar & Midlife Changes: What Women and Partners Need to Know
May 2200:27:52Tap to summarizeCould your hormones be affecting your blood sugar, cravings, sleep, mood, and even your relationships?In this episode of Path to Better A1C, Jenny Pena breaks down the real science behind perimenopause and menopause, including the symptoms women are rarely warned about and why partners should understand this transition too.From brain fog and anxiety to belly fat, cravings, sleep disruption, frozen shoulder, mood swings, and rising blood sugar, this episode explores how hormonal shifts during midlife can impact metabolism, emotional health, energy, and daily life.Jenny discusses:The difference between perimenopause and menopauseWhy symptoms can begin in your late 30s or early 40sHow hormonal changes affect blood sugar and weightThe connection between stress, cravings, sleep, and metabolismWhy strength training and protein become more important during midlifeThe role GLP-1 medications may play for some womenPractical lifestyle shifts that support energy and metabolic healthWhat partners can do to better support women during this stage of lifeWhether you are navigating perimenopause yourself or trying to better understand what your partner is experiencing, this episode offers practical guidance, validation, and real conversation around a topic that too many people still avoid discussing openly.🎧 Share this episode with a friend, sister, spouse, or partner who needs to hear it.✨ Ready to support your blood sugar naturally and sustainably?📌 Book a Clarity Call with Coach Jenny:Book a Clarity Call -https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call📌 Download the Free Prediabetes Roadmap Guide:Prediabetes Roadmap Guide📌 Learn More About Coaching & Wellness Programs:https://www.jennypena.com/wellness📌 Follow Jenny on Instagram - @prediabeteswithjenny https://www.instagram.com/prediabeteswithjenny 🎧 New episodes of the Path to Better A1C Podcast are released every Friday morning.
Transcribe →
Ep 75: Living with Type 1 Diabetes and Helping Others Do the Same — A Conversation with Melissa Slemp
May 1500:37:13Tap to summarizeEp 75: Living with Type 1 Diabetes and Helping Others Do the Same — A Conversation with Melissa SlempIn Episode 75 of the Path to Better A1C Podcast, I sit down with Melissa Slemp for an honest and empowering conversation about living with type 1 diabetes, navigating hormones and midlife health, and helping other women do the same.Melissa Slemp is a Certified Health and Hormone Health Coach and the owner of Abundant Health with Melissa. Living with type 1 diabetes since age 14, Melissa understands firsthand how building a strong foundation of health, balance, and resilience can positively impact every area of life — from relationships and careers to confidence and overall well-being.She is also the host of the Type 1 In Midlife Podcast, where she shares insights from her own diabetes journey and interviews guests who help women redefine what thriving with type 1 diabetes can look like through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.In this episode, we discuss:✨ The differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes✨ Why blood sugar balance matters for everyone✨ The connection between hormones, insulin resistance, and menopause✨ Brain fog, cravings, energy crashes, and blood sugar spikes✨ The emotional and mental load of managing diabetes✨ Why restrictive diets often backfire✨ Sustainable habits and routines that support long-term health✨ How family members can better support loved ones living with diabetes✨ The importance of understanding your labs and advocating for your healthMelissa also shares her own experience living with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years, how technology has transformed diabetes management, and why routines, nourishment, movement, and mindset matter so much when it comes to thriving long term.This conversation is packed with practical insights, encouragement, and reminders that managing blood sugar is about so much more than avoiding sugar — it’s about understanding your body and creating a lifestyle you can realistically sustain.🎙️ Connect with Melissa Slemp:🌐 Website: Abundant Health with Melissa🎁 Free Guide: HRT and Type 1 Diabetes – A Free 5-Step Guide📸 Instagram: @type1.in.midlife💼 LinkedIn: Melissa Slemp on LinkedIn📧 Email: hello@abundanthealthwithmelissa.com✨ Ready to support your blood sugar naturally and sustainably?📌 Book a Clarity Call with Coach Jenny:Book a Clarity Call📌 Download the Free Prediabetes Roadmap Guide:Prediabetes Roadmap Guide📌 Learn More About Coaching & Wellness Programs:Jenny Pena Coaching Website📌 Follow Jenny on Instagram:@prediabeteswithjenny🎧 New episodes of the Path to Better A1C Podcast are released every Friday morning.
Transcribe →
Ep 74: Prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3 Diabetes Explained
May 800:20:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Prediabetes and the Path to Better A1C, Jenny Pena breaks down the major differences between Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and the emerging concept of Type 3 diabetes. If you’ve ever felt confused about insulin resistance, blood sugar imbalances, A1C levels, or why brain fog and energy crashes happen, this episode connects the dots in a simple and approachable way.Inside this episode, Jenny explains:The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetesWhat prediabetes actually meansWhy insulin resistance mattersThe warning signs many people ignoreThe connection between blood sugar and brain healthWhat researchers are calling “Type 3 diabetes”Why knowing your A1C and fasting glucose numbers mattersJenny also discusses how blood sugar balance can impact not only diabetes risk, but also mood, focus, cravings, energy levels, and long-term cognitive health. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with prediabetes, are trying to prevent Type 2 diabetes, or want to better understand the relationship between insulin resistance and brain health, this episode will help you better understand what is happening inside your body without overwhelming medical jargon.Episode 22 - Focus, Brain Fog & Fatigue Link hereEpisode 54 1/2 - Brain Health, Red Light Therapy and Diabetes Link here🎧 Connect with Jenny: https://www.jennypena.com📘 Download the Free Prediabetes Roadmap Guide:Prediabetes Roadmap Guide📱 Instagram: @coachjenp📅 Ready for support? Book a Clarity Call to discuss your blood sugar, elevated A1C, cravings, energy levels, and next steps: https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call📩 Questions or podcast topic requests?Email: hello@jennypena.com
Transcribe →
Ep 73: Your Gut Is Talking… Are You Listening? Gut Health, Blood Sugar & Functional Lab Testing - A Chat with Kim Heintz
May 100:27:39Tap to summarizeEp 73: Your Gut Is Talking… Are You Listening? Gut Health, Blood Sugar & Functional Lab Testing - A Chat with Kim HeinzWhat if your symptoms aren’t random…but no one has actually looked deep enough to connect the dots?In this episode, I sit down for a chat with Kim Heintz, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, to explore the connection between gut health, blood sugar, and what functional lab testing can reveal that traditional approaches often miss.Because here’s the reality: You can be doing everything “right”… and still feel stuck.Kim shares her personal journey from chronic migraines, fatigue, and burnout to becoming symptom-free—and how taking a root-cause approach completely changed her health and career. This is not just about adding more supplements or doing more things.It’s about understanding what your body is actually trying to tell you.• What gut health really means (beyond the buzzwords)• How gut health impacts blood sugar, hormones, and inflammation• Why medications like GLP-1s can affect digestion—and what to be mindful of• Simple habits that support your gut (and actually make a difference)• The role of fiber, hydration, and movement in stabilizing blood sugar• Common nutrient gaps like magnesium and electrolytes• How functional lab testing can uncover hidden imbalances and root causes• When it might be time to stop guessing and start looking deeperIf you have been feeling:– frustrated with cravings or blood sugar swings– confused by digestive symptoms– low energy, foggy, or just “off”This conversation will help you connect the dots.Connect with Kim Heinz:Email - kim@kimheintz.comWebpage - https://www.kimheintz.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kim.heintz/Kim Heintz is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner who specializes in gut health and helping people get to the root cause of symptoms using functional lab testing instead of guesswork.She created a free 4-part private podcast called The Gut–Hormone Connection, where she breaks down how the gut influences hormones, what might be driving symptoms like constipation, candida overgrowth, and low energy, and where to start if things feel off.Listen to the free podcast series here: https://kim-wgfskmz7.scoreapp.com/Kim's Magnesium IG Posts:https://www.instagram.com/p/DY5slEBCSCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==https://www.instagram.com/p/DTwPZu0DegN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Connect with Jenny:📘Prediabetes Guide: https://wwwsubscribepage.io/starterguide💊What to Focus on while using GLP-1s Guide: https://subscribepage.io/glp1🗒️Balancing Snacks List: https://subscribepage.io/snacks📞Book a FREE Call - https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call🌐 https://www.jennypena.com📲 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/
Transcribe →