Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight. We are here to help! Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat Your body runs on two different fuels — fat and glucose — and most people are unknowingly using the wrong one. In this episode, Dr. Steve Hughlett breaks down why your body was designed to burn fat as its main energy source, and what happens when you run on glucose (sugar and carbs) instead. Spoiler: it's not good. Over time, too much glucose leads to weight gain, low energy, damaged blood vessels, and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Steve walks you through exactly how your body processes each fuel, why fat keeps you full for hours while carbs leave you hungry and crashing, and how insulin quietly stores fat on your body every time you eat the wrong foods. You'll also learn why eating fat does NOT make you fat — and how to start shifting your body back to fat-burning mode without starving yourself or giving up food you love. This episode is your first step toward steady energy, a healthier weight, and feeling like yourself again. Ready to take the next step? Book a free 15-minute wellness chat with Dr. Steve at drstevehughlett.com. Your body has two fuel sources — and the one most people use every day is slowly destroying their health. Fat is your body's clean, long-lasting fuel, but carbs and sugar have hijacked your energy system. Learn why insulin is the hidden reason you keep storing fat no matter how little you eat. Eating fat does NOT make you fat — and Dr. Steve explains exactly why in plain, simple terms. Find out how one small change to how you combine foods can help you burn fat and feel full for hours. Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this episode, Dr. Steve talks with Hilda Labrada Gore, better known as Holistic Hilda, a world‑traveling health explorer and host of the Wise Traditions podcast from the Weston A. Price Foundation. Hilda shares what she has learned from traditional cultures in places like Mongolia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cuba about food, joy, and real health.​ They discuss how moving away from processed "Franken foods" and back to simple, God‑made foods (meat, eggs, butter, seasonal produce) can lower inflammation, improve energy, and help prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes. You'll hear practical examples from indigenous diets, why getting off the blood‑sugar roller coaster matters, and how healthy fats help you feel full so you naturally stop snacking.​ Hilda and Dr. Steve also dive into lifestyle "medicine": grounding, sunlight, stress, and sleep. Hilda explains why she thinks of humans as "little batteries" that charge from the earth below and the sun above, and how morning sunlight and going barefoot can calm your nervous system and support better hormones and sleep.​ If you're stuck in the cycle of stress‑eating, ultra‑processed food, and more medications, this conversation will show you how simple, low‑carb, whole‑food changes (plus sun and grounding) can move you toward real energy and a longer health span, not just a longer lifespan.​ What Dr. Weston A. Price discovered about traditional diets and why the Weston A. Price Foundation was created.​ Why indigenous groups eating local, organic, seasonal, traditional foods have almost no type 2 diabetes or obesity.​ How refined foods (sugar, white flour, seed oils, additives) drive cavities, crowded teeth, inflammation, and chronic disease over generations.​ Why ultra‑processed foods are engineered to be addictive (the "bliss point," crunch, hand‑to‑mouth pattern) and keep you overeating.​ How swapping to nutrient‑dense animal foods and healthy fats can reduce cravings and help natural weight loss.​ The difference between "God‑made" and "man‑made" food, and why long shelf life often means it shortens your life.​ How Hilda's husband lost weight and lowered inflammation by ditching gluten and dairy for a time and focusing on meat and simple whole foods.​ Why healthy animal fats like butter, tallow, and lard (plus olive and coconut oil) are more supportive than industrial seed oils.​ How grounding (bare feet on the earth) and sunlight act like natural anti‑inflammatories and help your body "charge" properly.​ A simple morning routine (barefoot outside + early sunlight) that can help reset cortisol, improve sleep, and support energy all day.​ How Holistic Hilda went from curious health coach to "Dora the Explorer 2.0," visiting traditional cultures around the world to learn their secrets for energy and longevity.​ What Dr. Weston A. Price found when he studied isolated people groups and compared their teeth, posture, and overall health to those eating modern, refined foods.​ Why indigenous communities eating "the lost diet" of local, organic, seasonal, traditional foods almost never develop type 2 diabetes.​ How refined grains, sugar, and vegetable oils change facial structure, increase cavities, and set kids up for poorer health in future generations.​ The reason you can't stop at one bag of chips or cookies: food companies engineer products to hit your brain's pleasure centers and keep you hooked.​ Why real fats like butter, tallow, lard, and quality animal products are deeply satisfying and can naturally crowd out late‑night junk food.​ Hilda's story of Mongolian families thriving on animal foods (meat, milk, fat, even organs) and what that says about nutrient density and strength.​ The true cost of "cheap" food: more inflammation, pain, medications, doctor visits, and a poor quality of life as you age.​ How to start breaking the cycle of stress‑eating and ultra‑processed snacks by focusing on satiating protein and fat instead of constant carbs.​ A simple, free "prescription": get outside within 30–45 minutes of sunrise, bare feet on the ground, and let natural light and the earth help reset your body. Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications ​

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this eye‑opening episode, Dr. Steve breaks down how constant glucose intake silently destroys your health and drives obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, and brain decline. You will learn why man‑made, ultra‑processed foods and a high‑carb diet keep you in "glucose toxicity" and how lowering glucose and insulin with animal‑based, low‑carb whole foods can help reverse disease and get you off medications. Dr. Steve also explains the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, why current medical guidelines often make things worse, and the simple (but not easy) steps you can start today to protect your body from the inside out.​ If you're tired of low energy, weight gain, and endless prescriptions, this episode will show you how to fuel your body with real nutrition so it can finally heal, thrive, and stay well.​ 10 Key Takeaways We are living in "glucose toxicity" because most people eat man‑made, ultra‑processed food made almost entirely of carbohydrates and sugar.​ Glucose damages proteins all over the body (glycation), which leads to inflammation, organ damage, and diseases like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.​ Type 1 diabetes is a problem of no insulin, leading to very high blood sugar and extreme fat loss, while type 2 diabetes is a problem of too much insulin and constantly stored fat.​ Many type 2 diabetics are made worse by drugs that force the body to make even more insulin instead of addressing the real problem: eating too much glucose.​ Man‑made foods in boxes, bottles, bags, and cans are filled with ultra‑processed carbs, seed oils, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and chemicals that drive inflammation and disease.​ All plant foods contain carbohydrates (glucose), while animal foods provide protein and fat with minimal impact on insulin and blood sugar.​ Root vegetables, grains, flour products, breads, pastas, and baked goods act like powdered glucose in the body and rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin.​ Fructose from sugar and large amounts of fruit is quickly turned into fat in the liver, similar to how bears fatten up on berries for hibernation.​ The three pillars of modern disease are high glucose, high insulin, and chronic inflammation from chemical‑laden, ultra‑processed foods.​ Shifting toward animal‑based, low‑carb, whole foods and cutting sugar‑sweetened drinks and flour products is the fastest way to lower glucose and insulin, reduce medications, and allow the body to heal.​ If you're ready to reverse type 2 diabetes, reduce medications, and finally feel energetic and confident in your health, schedule a free Wellness Solutions Chat using the link in the show notes. You can also visit DrSteveHughlett.com and click the "Work With Us" tab to learn more about one‑on‑one coaching and online programs. Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications. ​

Want to lose weight, get off medications, and finally feel great again? Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down type 2 diabetes in simple language and explains why almost everything we've been taught about it is backwards. He shares why insulin resistance—not "high blood sugar"—is the true root cause, how our modern food choices drive the problem, and why medications and "eat less, move more" usually make things worse instead of better. You'll learn the four key truths about insulin, glucose, and fat that can help you start reversing type 2 diabetes naturally with food and lifestyle.​ Big picture & why this matters Why Dr. Steve went into medicine—and why he left the hospital system after 29 years—because of the misinformation around type 2 diabetes.​ How type 2 diabetes rates have exploded worldwide and why this is tragic when the condition is preventable, reversible, and often medication-free within weeks.​ Type 2 diabetes as an "umbrella disease" driving kidney problems, liver disease, heart disease, dementia, and more.​ Key #1 – The true root cause The root cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, not high blood sugar.​ High blood sugar is a symptom that shows up decades after insulin resistance begins.​ What insulin is: a hormone your body releases whenever you eat or taste something sweet to tell your body what to do with glucose.​ What insulin does with glucose Four main jobs of insulin with the glucose you eat: Uses a tiny bit for immediate activity right after eating.​ Refills limited glycogen "storage tanks" in the liver (about 10 percent) and muscles (about 1 percent each).​ Dumps extra glucose into the urine once blood sugar is too high.​ Turns most of the extra glucose into fat (triglycerides) and stores it in fat cells.​ Why "eating fat makes you fat" is a myth; high insulin from glucose is what forces fat into fat cells.​ Key #2 – Insulin decides fat storage or fat burning High insulin = your body stores fat and cannot burn fat out of fat cells.​ Low insulin = your body burns fat out of fat cells for energy and cannot store new fat.​ Why the real key to weight loss, energy, and diabetes reversal is keeping insulin low, not counting calories.​ What insulin resistance really is Insulin resistance explained as "stuffed fat cells" that can't take any more triglycerides.​ As more fat cells fill up all over the body, the body must pump out more insulin to force fat in, which is pre-diabetes and insulin resistance.​ After 10–40 years of this, fat starts getting stored around organs (liver, heart, etc.), and that's when major damage begins.​ Healthy, pre-diabetes, and diabetes (the progression) Healthy: low insulin, low glucose.​ Early pre-diabetes: high insulin, normal glucose—usually missed because insulin is almost never tested.​ Full diabetes: high insulin and high glucose after years of stuffed fat cells.​ Why common medical definitions of "pre-diabetes" (using A1C only) are late and driven by marketing, not true root cause.​ Key #3 – It's not about lowering sugar, it's about not raising it The only meaningful way blood glucose rises is by eating it (carbohydrates and sugars).​ You have very little stored glucose in the body (about two teaspoons in the blood, roughly 2,400 calories max in glycogen).​ Stress and cortisol can temporarily raise blood sugar by releasing stored glycogen, but glucose is meant only for short "fight or flight," not all-day energy.​ Why "eat less and exercise more" fails Exercise burns some calories but rarely reaches the stored fat in fat cells because glucose stores are usually full.​ Exercise often makes people hungrier when they are running on glucose as their main fuel.​ The real solution is to stop constantly feeding glucose into the system so insulin can stay low and fat can be burned naturally.​ Key #4 – It's not about calories, it's about fuel source Calories from glucose vs calories from fat act very differently in the body.​ Glucose: quick energy, limited storage, meant for emergencies.​ Fat: long-lasting energy, huge storage capacity, and also needed to build cells, hormones, and absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.​ Being 10 pounds overweight means roughly 40,000 calories stored in fat that can be tapped when insulin stays low.​ Food categories and insulin Plant-based foods: always contain carbohydrates, and the basic unit of carbohydrate is glucose—so plants raise glucose and insulin to varying degrees.​ Animal-based foods: made of protein and fat; fat does not raise insulin, and protein raises it only slightly compared to carbs.​ Man-made/chemical foods (boxes, bags, bottles, cans): ultra-processed carbs plus sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and seed oils—these are the biggest drivers of high glucose, high insulin, obesity, and organ damage.​ Problems with the standard medical approach Most training and guidelines focus only on blood sugar, not insulin or insulin resistance.​ Common advice: "Eat the same carbs, just less, and exercise more," which keeps insulin high and the disease progressing.​ Most diabetes medications either raise insulin or increase insulin sensitivity, which only helps stuff more fat into already full fat cells and worsens the long-term problem.​ Hope and next steps Type 2 diabetes is preventable, reversible, and you have direct control by changing what you eat, especially cutting out glucose-heavy foods.​ Low-carb, whole-food eating (focusing on real food, not processed boxes and bags) is the key to lowering insulin and allowing the body to burn stored fat.​ Next episode will cover specific steps to reverse type 2 diabetes and get off medications safely.​ Call to action ​If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday. Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.

Many people think they are "just fair-skinned" or that the sun is the enemy, but sometimes the problem is actually toxins in the food they just ate. Dr. Steve breaks down how compounds called furanocoumarins in certain plants can react with sunlight and damage your skin, causing redness, blisters, and dark spots, even if you are not allergic.​ He explains the difference between a normal sunburn and phytophotodermatitis, a reaction where plant chemicals on or in your skin are activated by UV light and create reactive oxygen species that damage your cells. You will learn why your overall diet, your antioxidant status, and the strength of your cell membranes matter so much for how your skin handles sunlight.​ Dr. Steve also talks about why a meat- and animal-fat-based, low-carb, whole-food way of eating can make your skin more resilient, improve your energy, and reduce inflammation, while ultra-processed foods, seed oils, sugar, and excess plant toxins can do the opposite. He gives practical tips on what to avoid before going out in the sun, how to build up your sun tolerance slowly, and how to support your mitochondria so your body can use sunlight the way it was designed to.​ If you feel like you burn easily, are confused about sunscreen, or are trying to move from tired and inflamed to strong and energized, this episode will help you connect the dots between your plate, your skin, and the sun.​ Key Talking Points (Bullet Points) Quick recap of Part 1: how UV light penetrates the skin and why healthy cell membranes and antioxidants protect against damage.​ Saturated fat and cholesterol as vital building blocks for strong, stable skin cell membranes rather than "bad fats" to fear.​ What furanocoumarins are and where they come from (certain plants and plant foods).​ How these compounds absorb UV light and create reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA and proteins in skin cells.​ Signs of damage: inflammation, blistering, hyperpigmentation, and why it may not be a normal sunburn.​ Explanation of phytophotodermatitis: "Phyto" = plant, "photo" = light, "dermatitis" = skin inflammation.​ Why it is different from an allergic reaction and can happen the first time you are exposed.​ Factors that affect how bad the reaction is: How much of the plant toxin you ate or got on your skin.​ Intensity of the sunlight and time of day.​ How long you are in the sun and how healthy your skin cells are.​ Why this often shows up on vacations or trips to the beach, especially when people are less used to sun.​ Common wellness trends that can backfire: Celery juice cleanses, giant raw salads, heavy citrus use before sun exposure.​ How they can secretly load you with furanocoumarins and set you up to "burn."​ Practical steps to reduce sun sensitivity from food: Be aware of what you ate hours before going outside.​ Avoid lots of raw celery, parsnips, and heavy citrus before sun.​ Always wash hands well after preparing citrus (limes, lemons) or other suspect plants, especially if you will be in the sun.​ Remember that even a few drops of lime juice on the skin can cause a painful reaction in the sun.​ Strengthening your skin from the inside out: Focus on animal-based, meat- and fat-rich foods: collagen-rich meats, organ meats, quality animal fats, and mineral-rich salts.​ How these foods support strong cell membranes, provide vitamin E, zinc, and other nutrients that improve sun tolerance.​ Why carnivore and animal-based eaters often notice better skin quality and better sun tolerance.​ Hydration and electrolytes: Drink about half your ideal body weight in pounds as ounces of water per day.​ Increase water if you drink alcohol, sugar, or caffeine because they are dehydrating.​ Make sure to include electrolytes, not just plain water.​ Lifestyle pieces that support skin health: Quality sleep as the time your body repairs and detoxes.​ Avoiding inflammatory seed oils and ultra-processed "Franken foods" in boxes, bottles, bags, and cans.​ Limiting processed carbs and high-fructose corn syrup that drive inflammation and oxidative stress.​ Building sun tolerance safely: Start with short sun exposure without burning, then slowly increase time outside.​ Let your skin tan naturally through melanin production instead of jumping straight to long sun sessions.​ Why you may eventually tolerate sun without sunscreen if your nutrition and skin health are strong.​ Sunscreen discussion: Concerns about toxic chemicals in many sunscreens.​ The real problem often being damaged, poorly nourished skin and plant toxins, not the sun itself.​ Focus on not burning rather than avoiding all sun.​ Plants, antinutrients, and toxins: Plants use chemicals as defense systems against insects, animals, and humans.​ Some plant compounds interfere with digestion, hormones, and skin health.​ Antinutrients can bind minerals in the gut and keep you from absorbing them.​ Why you should be selective with vegetables, not fear them, but not make them the main course.​ Animal-based nutrition principles: Animal foods provide dense protein, healthy fats, cholesterol, vitamins, and minerals your body is built from.​ You are not built out of carbohydrates; glucose is meant for short bursts (fight or flight), not constant fuel.​ Benefits of including fatty fish like salmon at least once a week for omega-3s.​ Sun and circadian rhythm: Morning sunlight helps raise cortisol and wake you up.​ Evening darkness and fading light help trigger melatonin for sleep.​ Your body is designed to live in rhythm with the sun, not to fear it.​ Big-picture takeaways for listeners: Do not fear the sun; be cautious of man-made processed foods and certain plant toxins that damage your cells.​ Your skin is a mirror of what is happening inside your body. If you are inflamed on the outside, you are likely inflamed on the inside.​ Eat mostly animal-based whole foods, with small amounts of fruits and vegetables if desired, prepared in ways that reduce toxins.​ Make smarter choices before going outside, know what you ate, and protect your skin without being afraid of nature.​ "If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who burns easily in the sun and wants a more natural approach to skin health."​ "To join the Thrive Natural Transformation course and get step-by-step help reversing type 2 diabetes, boosting energy, and getting off medications, visit drstevehughlett.com and click the 'Work With Us' tab." If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications. ​

Want to lose weight, get off medications, and finally feel great again? Check out my step-by-step course that helps you take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. Get signed up here: Thrive Naturally Basic Course Stress isn't always bad. In this episode, Dr. Steve explains how "good stress" helps you survive and stay sharp, and how "bad stress" slowly tears down your body, energy, and health when it never turns off. You'll learn how adrenaline and cortisol work, why short bursts of stress can be healthy, and how chronic stress leads to weight gain, fatigue, poor sleep, and even type 2 diabetes. Dr. Steve also shares practical, natural ways to calm your system so you are not relying on more and more medications.​ Main talking points Why the body needs stress in short bursts for survival, focus, and performance.​ Fast "alarm" phase: adrenaline kicks in within seconds to raise heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to muscles.​ Follow‑up phase: cortisol arrives about 10 seconds later to keep you alert and to raise blood sugar so you have fuel to respond.​ Sympathetic ("fight or flight") vs parasympathetic ("rest and digest") systems and why you must be able to shift back into calm mode.​ How cortisol normally peaks in the morning to help you wake up and then should fall through the day as melatonin rises at night.​ What happens with chronic stress: constant high cortisol, fatigue, anxiety, depression, weight gain (especially belly and upper back), poor immunity, high blood pressure, headaches, bone loss, and higher diabetes risk.​ Signs of too little cortisol (adrenal insufficiency): fatigue, weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, mood changes, and blood sugar swings.​ Why adding more medications often creates more problems and side effects instead of real solutions.​ Natural supports: morning sunlight and walking, limiting bright screens at night, simple stress‑management practices, and brief, controlled "good stress" like short sprints or cold exposure to train your body to recover.​ Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.

In this episode, Dr. Steve shares a powerful talk from the Secrets in Health Conference about how diabetes medications often "miss the mark." He explains the real root problem behind type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance), why focusing only on blood sugar and A1C keeps you sick, and how man-made, high-carb processed foods have created an epidemic of high insulin, inflammation, and weight gain. You'll learn what pre-diabetes really is, how drug companies have shaped the way doctors are trained, and why low-carb, whole, animal-based foods can help you lower insulin, burn fat for fuel, and regain your energy without living on medications.​ Bullet point episode highlights The "three columns of disease": high inflammation, high insulin, and high blood glucose damage every organ over time.​ High insulin and inflammation show up 10–40 years before blood sugar ever becomes high, which is when most people finally get diagnosed.​ Man-made, processed "Franken foods" from the center aisles of the store drive high insulin, high glucose, and constant fat storage.​ Type 2 diabetes is really a problem of insulin resistance, not just "high blood sugar." High blood sugar is a symptom, not the root cause.​ Insulin is the fat-storage hormone: High insulin = you store fat. Low insulin = you burn fat from your fat cells for energy.​ There are only two ways blood sugar goes up: you pull it from your limited glycogen stores or you eat it (through carbohydrates).​ The body was designed to use fat as the main long-term fuel and glucose just for short bursts like "fight or flight," not as an all-day energy source.​ Processed foods often mix carbs and fats together (like burgers with buns, pizza, donuts), which is the worst combo for fat gain.​ Our bloodstream only holds about 2 teaspoons of sugar, yet the modern diet now averages an estimated 65 teaspoons of sugar per person per day when you include soda, juice, breads, pasta, and sweets.​ Extra glucose is quickly turned into triglycerides and stored as fat, which keeps your insulin high and your energy low.​ How insulin resistance develops Every fat cell takes in triglycerides under the command of insulin until it is completely full.​ When fat cells are stuffed and can't take more, they become insulin resistant and start pushing the problem to other cells and organs.​ This process can take decades, which is why you can look "fine" but be building disease silently for years.​ "TOFI" people (Thin Outside, Fat Inside) can look lean but still have fat packed around their organs and have type 2 diabetes.​ Others can be very obese without diabetes because their bodies keep making new fat cells (adipocyte hyperplasia), but they still suffer from hormone problems and other issues from having so much fat tissue.​ How diabetes medications mislead us Most diabetes drugs work in only two basic ways: Forcing the pancreas to make more insulin. Making cells more sensitive to insulin.​ This means the drugs push even more triglycerides into already stuffed fat cells, kicking the can down the road and worsening insulin resistance over time.​ Historically there were only two main drug classes (sulfonylureas and biguanides like metformin), but once A1C testing and "pre-diabetes" were defined, the number of drug classes and medications exploded.​ A1C was originally used around a cutoff of 8, then gradually lowered to 7, then 6.4, which suddenly turned millions more people into "drug candidates."​ The creation of the "pre-diabetes" label (A1C 5.7–6.4) allowed even more people to be put on medications, even though true pre-diabetes is high insulin with normal blood sugar, often for 10–40 years.​ There are now six drug classes and over 30 diabetes medications, with roughly one new drug coming out every year, yet people are sicker and on more meds than ever.​ GLP-1 drugs and rapid weight loss GLP-1 agonist drugs (the popular weight loss/diabetes injections) work partly by paralyzing the stomach so you feel full and eat less.​ They also stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, which can keep you in fat-storage mode even when blood sugar looks "better" on labs.​ When people aren't eating enough, the body pulls energy from fat stores (good) but also from muscle (bad), leading to muscle loss and slower metabolism.​ Many of these medications come with 30–70 documented adverse effects each, meaning they may improve a single lab number while harming many other systems.​ What you should really focus on Stop focusing only on: Blood sugar numbers. A1C. "Weight loss" on the scale.​ Start focusing on: Lowering insulin levels. Losing fat while protecting muscle. Reducing inflammation.​ A healthy goal for fasting insulin is ideally below 5, and even closer to 3 if possible.​ You can order your own fasting insulin test through services like OwnYourLabs and get it drawn at labs such as Labcorp, often without needing a doctor's order.​ Food and lifestyle message (for your 30–70 audience) Man-made, high-carb, highly processed foods (boxed, bagged, and canned) are the main drivers of high insulin, low energy, and stubborn weight.​ You never "need" to eat refined sugar or processed carbs; the body can function just fine without adding glucose from junk foods.​ Emphasize: Low-carb, whole foods. Mainly animal-based foods: meat, healthy fats, and natural cholesterol for energy, vitamins, minerals, and protein.​ Non-starchy vegetables above ground and limited fruit, especially if you already struggle with blood sugar.​ This way of eating keeps insulin low, allows your body to burn fat for fuel, supports your muscles, and boosts day-to-day energy without hours in the gym or restrictive "diet mentality."​ Call to action Ask for (or order) a fasting insulin test instead of only tracking blood sugar and A1C.​ Shift their focus from "glucose control" to "insulin control and fat loss."​ Start cutting out man-made processed foods and base meals on real, whole, mostly animal-based foods.​ Invite them to check out your Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Weight-Loss Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.

JOIN The FREEZE the SCALE Challenge Your Body's Two Sources of Fuel The body can use either glucose or fat as fuel. Most people rely on glucose due to dietary guidelines over the last 40–50 years, but this is not the way humans are designed to function.​ Using fat for energy leads to stable insulin levels, reduced inflammation, and lower blood sugar—all three are pillars for good health and protection against disease.​ Elevated insulin levels (from glucose) cause the body to store fat; using fat for energy keeps insulin low and helps you burn stored fat.​ Where Glucose Comes From Glucose is found in all carbohydrates, which are plant-based foods. Not all carbs are equal: fruits and above-ground vegetables are much healthier than man-made foods like sugar, flour, and processed snacks.​ Man-made, processed foods lead to excessive glucose intake, high insulin, and ongoing fat storage—this is a main contributor to obesity and organ damage. Fat: The Better Fuel Animal fats (tallow, lard, butter, whole milk, Greek yogurt) and naturally pressed fruit oils (avocado, extra virgin olive, coconut oil) are good choices.​ Avoid highly processed vegetable and seed oils; these "man-made" oils are linked to inflammation and toxicity, often due to chemical processing and additives.​ Why Fat Burns Longer Than Glucose Glucose burns quickly—like throwing kindling on a campfire, giving a short burst of energy and then leaving you hungry and searching for more fuel.​ Fat is like a big log on the fire, providing steady, long-lasting energy throughout the day since it stays in the stomach and intestines much longer and stimulates fullness hormones.​ Eating mostly protein and fat allows you to go longer without feeling hungry, unlike carbs that leave you hungry every few hours.​ Energy Storage and Usage The body stores very little glucose—just enough for about 24 hours of energy. In contrast, even 10 pounds of body fat equals around 40,000 calories of energy—plenty to last days or weeks.​ We are designed to tap into our fat stores for sustained energy, but modern diets keep our bodies locked into using glucose instead.​ Negative Effects of Glucose Metabolism Burning glucose generates more damaging free radicals and oxidative stress, contributing to insulin resistance, diabetes, organ and blood vessel damage, and chronic inflammation.​ High insulin levels eventually fill fat cells to the max, leading to fat storage in organs (liver, pancreas, heart, kidneys), causing fatty liver and other diseases.​ Changing Your Fuel Source The quickest way to shift to fat-burning is to limit glucose-rich foods (man-made carbs, processed snacks) and focus on whole foods: meats, eggs, full-fat dairy, above-ground vegetables, and natural fats.​ Protein briefly raises insulin but much less than carbs, and it's critical for preserving muscle and keeping you full.​ The body does not need dietary glucose—it can make what is needed from protein and fat.​ Hunger, Fullness, and Fat Loss Glucose meals make you hungrier by interfering with fullness hormones like leptin, often leading to overeating and weight gain.​ Protein and fat meals stimulate more lasting fullness and keep you satisfied for hours, reducing cravings for snacks and sweets.​ Medications or starvation diets may lead to muscle loss and feeling unwell due to inadequate protein and nutrients—avoid restrictive diets.​ Practical Tips for Listeners Avoid man-made carbs and processed foods; stick to whole, nutrient-dense foods that support steady energy.​ Focus on above-ground veggies, whole cuts of meat, eggs, full-fat dairy, and natural oils for meals.​ Don't worry about dietary fat—fat does not make you fat; excess glucose does.​ You have control over your health by choosing what you eat; keep meals simple, satisfying, and easy to prepare.​ Featured Call-to-Action Stay tuned for the podcast's new name and branding! Consider joining the "Thrive Naturally Transformation" course for extra support with energy, diabetes reversal, and medication reduction. See drstevehughlett.com for details.​ Please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe if you enjoyed my show. If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Weight-Loss Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday. Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.