Thriving with Diabetes: Increasing insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 medications (pros and cons), building muscle as a diabetic, and hormone's impact on your blood sugar with Ben Tzeel Artwork

The Homegrown Podcast

We're sharing the true story behind food, farming, and family, from our kitchen to yours. As a nourished fam living in the suburbs, our passion for real food leaves us longing to connect deeper with local farmers and food producers of all kinds. We're taking you straight to the source and sharing pieces of our personal journey along the way. Join us as we dive into candid conversations around REAL food, discuss hot topics in food and agriculture, and share inspiration from fellow real food enthusiasts.

All Episodes

The Homegrown Podcast

Thriving with Diabetes: Increasing insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 medications (pros and cons), building muscle as a diabetic, and hormone's impact on your blood sugar with Ben Tzeel

March 12, 2025 • Liz Haselmayer • Season 1 • Episode 162

In this episode of the Homegrown Podcast, hosts Liz and Joey engage with Ben Tzeel, a registered dietitian and diabetes specialist, to explore the complexities of living with diabetes. Ben shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes, discussing the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the critical role of insulin in blood sugar management, and the impact of diet and exercise on diabetes control.

Thank you to our sponsors, Ancestral Supplements. Use code: homegrown for 15% off your order.

00:00 Introduction to Diabetes and Personal Journey

04:36 Understanding Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

07:37 The Role of Insulin in Blood Sugar Management

10:41 The Challenges of Living with Diabetes

13:34 The Impact of Diet on Blood Sugar Levels

16:36 The Evolution of Diabetes Management Tools

19:35 The Science of Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar

22:36 Training Your Diabetes Like a Muscle

25:43 Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Through Lifestyle Changes

28:20 Navigating Food Choices and Blood Sugar Anxiety

29:38 The Importance of Muscle Building for Diabetes Management

31:34 Optimizing Nutrition Around Workouts

33:41 Understanding Insulin Sensitivity and Exercise

37:06 Managing Blood Sugar During Different Types of Workouts

42:55 Coaching Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

45:55 The 90/10 Rule: Balancing Enjoyment and Health

48:33 Daily Rhythms: Personal Insights on Nutrition and Exercise

52:24 The Impact of Hormones on Blood Sugar Management

54:11 Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: Hope and Strategies

58:00 Starting Small: Nutrition and Fitness Foundations

01:01:49 The Role of Medication in Managing Diabetes

01:02:41 Exploring GLP-1: A New Approach to Weight Loss

01:08:49 The Balance of Medication and Lifestyle Changes

01:14:00 Understanding Hunger Hormones and Their Impact

01:20:08 The Importance of Muscle Mass in Weight Management

01:21:41 Conclusion: Managing Blood Sugar and Health

Find Homegrown on Instagram HERE.
Find Liz Haselmayer on Instagram HERE.
Find Joey Haselmayer on Instagram HERE.
Shop real food meal plans and children's curriculum HERE.
Get exclusive podcast episodes HERE.
Shop natural home goods on Haselmayer Goods HERE.