In this in-depth solo episode, Sean A. Russell explores type 2 diabetes beyond the surface-level explanations most people hear. Instead of focusing solely on sugar and carbohydrates, the conversation centers on insulin resistance and the biological mechanisms that drive blood sugar dysfunction. Drawing on decades of research and insights from experts like Dr. Neal Barnard and the Mastering Diabetes team, Sean explains how excess saturated fat interferes with insulin signaling, why low-carbohydrate diets often provide short-term symptom control without true reversal, and how whole-food, plant-based nutrition supports metabolic health. This episode is designed to educate, clarify confusion, and empower listeners with a deeper understanding of how diabetes develops and what restoring function actually means
Disclaimer
This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Sean A. Russell is not a medical doctor. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional before making medical or dietary decisions.
The Core Misunderstanding About Diabetes
- Why sugar is often blamed incorrectly
- How insulin resistance actually begins
- The difference between managing symptoms and addressing root causes
What Insulin Really Does
- How insulin moves glucose into muscle and liver cells
- What happens when insulin signaling breaks down
- Why glucose gets trapped in the bloodstream
The Role of Saturated Fat
- How excess fat accumulates inside cells
- Why saturated fat disrupts insulin sensitivity
- Understanding the “clogged lock” analogy
Why Low-Carb Diets Appear to Work
- Short-term blood sugar suppression vs long-term outcomes
- Why symptom control is not the same as reversal
- Kidney stress and metabolic risk over time
Whole Food, Plant-Based Nutrition Explained
- Fiber, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity
- Clearing excess intracellular fat
- Why carbohydrate-rich whole foods behave differently
Different Types of Diabetes
- Type 1, Type 1.5, prediabetes, type 2, and gestational diabetes
- Why insulin resistance plays a central role in most cases
- Why one-size-fits-all advice fails
Lab Markers That Matter
- Fasting blood glucose
- A1C
- Fasting insulin
- C-peptide and what it reveals
Why This Topic Is Controversial
- Gaps in nutrition education
- Industry influence on guidelines
- Fear-based messaging and identity attachment
Reframing Reversal
- What reversal actually means
- Restoring function vs lifelong management
- Moving from confusion to clarity
Diabetes Resources
About the Show
The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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