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Ever had your CGM tell you one thing while your fingerstick says something completely different? In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered, I share a real story of when my sensor started running consistently high and how it sent me spiraling with unnecessary corrections, frustration, and confusion.

We’ll talk about:

• Why CGMs can sometimes feel “off” compared to fingersticks
• FDA accuracy standards explained in plain English
• How circulation, hydration, and compression lows affect readings
• What to do when your sensor readings don’t make sense
• When to trust your body and when to call for a replacement

Whether you’re new to CGMs or have been wearing one for years, this conversation will help you understand the quirks of the tech and remind you: the goal is patterns, not perfection.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔️ Why fingersticks and CGM numbers don’t always match
✔️ The simple “15 rule” for checking accuracy
✔️ Common sensor issues like compression lows and hydration gaps
✔️ Practical steps when your CGM feels unreliable
✔️ How to reframe frustration and focus on long-term patterns

Connect With Me

If you’ve ever had a wild CGM vs. fingerstick difference, I’d love to hear it!
📲 DM me on Instagram: @balanced.bloodsugar.rd
📧 Email: contact@russpowellnutrition.com

Want help making peace with your CGM data and your blood sugar? Explore my programs here: russpowellnutrition.com

Support & Insurance Options

I accept most major health plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). You can also use FSA/HSA benefits, and I offer budget-friendly self-pay options for coaching and programs.

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Remission of type 2 diabetes is real, measurable, and possible for many people. In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered,Russ Powell, MS, RD, LD, BC-ADM, CDCES, explains what remission means, how the ADA defines it, and the science behind proven strategies like visceral fat reduction and structured weight loss protocols.

You’ll hear two powerful client stories:

• A 27-year-old who saw her blood sugars improve within weeks after years of “just take this medication” advice.
• A 59-year-old who started with an A1c of 8.9% on insulin and oral meds and, within three months, was off all medications. At one year, her A1c was 5.8% with no meds.

Learn how diet protocols like those in the DiRECT trial, ADA’s 2025 standards, and expert support can help you move toward remission or simply get more from your current plan.

👉 Book your free strategy call | Insurance accepted: UHC, BCBS, Anthem.

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Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound® they’re not brand-new, but at higher doses these medications are now being used beyond diabetes care. Yes, they can lower A1c, drive weight loss, and protect your heart and kidneys. But here’s what the headlines aren’t saying: up to 40% of the weight you lose could be lean mass.

In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered, Russ Powell, MS, RD, LD, BC-ADM, CDCES, cuts through the hype and breaks down what it really takes to come out stronger and healthier, not just lighter on GLP-1s.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between semaglutide (GLP-1) and tirzepatide (dual-hormone).
• The real timeline: A1c improvements at 3, 6, and 12 months.
• Why muscle loss happens and how to prevent it.
• Specific food choices that make your medication work better (and foods that can derail it).
• Why resistance training is non-negotiable if you want to protect your metabolism and maintain results long-term.
• How GLP-1s may actually improve muscle quality and joint health if you fuel and move the right way.

Resources & Links:
👉 Book your complimentary strategy call: www.russpowellnutrition.com/packages
👉 Follow Russ on Instagram: @balanced.bloodsugar.rd
👉 Learn more at: www.russpowellnutrition.com

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We get real about how blood sugar impacts sperm quality, testosterone, sexual vitality, and prostate health—with practical, sustainable nutrition for men navigating prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. No extremes, just patterns that move the needle.

You’ll Learn

• The top myths men believe about diet, sexual health, and fertility
• How glucose control shapes energy, testosterone, and sperm quality
• Smart carb strategy: how low is too low for long-term men’s health
• Nutrition that reliably improves A1c, weight, and libido (without going ultra-low-carb)
• Fertility nutrients (zinc, vitamin D, antioxidants, omega-3s): what matters vs. “superfood” hype
• Prostate nutrition basics: what to eat more of—and what to limit—especially with diabetes
• Real-life strategies busy men can stick with (work, family, stress)

Segment Guide

1. Why men’s health? Biggest misconceptions
2. Blood sugar → energy, testosterone, sperm quality
3. Patterns that reverse prediabetes/type 2 (sustainably)
4. Carb clarity for hormones & performance
5. Fertility nutrients and client wins
6. Prostate health, PSA, and the diabetes connection
7. Make it stick: simple systems that actually last
8. Myth-busting + practical takeaways

Connect

• Gregory Lafortune: www.gregorylafortune.com • IG: @menshealthdietitian
• Work with Russ: www.russpowellnutrition.com/packages

Disclaimer: Educational only; not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.

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Wondering if intermittent fasting is just another diet fad or a proven strategy for blood sugar, diabetes, and weight management? In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered, Russ Powell, registered dietitian and diabetes specialist, breaks down the science (and the real-life “how-tos”) of intermittent fasting versus classic calorie counting.

What You’ll Learn:

• What intermittent fasting actually is, and how patterns like 12/12 (12 hours eating, 12 hours fasting) and 14/10 work for real people
• Research-backed results: Does when you eat matter as much as how much you eat for weight loss, visceral fat, and blood sugar control?
• Why some people love IF—and why others do better with steady meals or traditional calorie reduction
• How Russ uses glucose trends, protein, and movement to preserve muscle and avoid energy crashes
• Gender differences: time-restricted eating (TRE) and fasting tips for women and men
• How to safely try intermittent fasting or daily calorie reduction—plus who shouldn’t fast
• The most important takeaways for diabetes, metabolic health, and building an eating routine that lasts

Key Takeaways:

• Long-term studies show that both intermittent fasting and steady calorie reduction work for weight loss and blood sugar, as long as weekly calorie intake is similar
• Most improvements in blood sugar come from fat loss, not meal timing alone
• Women and men often need different approaches—Russ shares easy, real-life adaptations
• Protecting muscle and honoring your energy, sleep, and mood are key for sustainable results
• A blend of science, practical strategies, and myth-busting—all in one episode

Call to Action:
Ready for a nutrition strategy that’s built around your real life, schedule, and medications? Book your free strategy call at russpowellnutrition.com/packages and stop guessing what might work.

Listen & Subscribe:
Don’t miss an episode and hit subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend navigating diabetes, blood sugar, or weight loss confusion.

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Have you ever been told to “just eat in moderation” and felt completely lost? If you’re living with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, that vague advice doesn’t cut it. In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered, I’m breaking down what moderation actually looks like and introducing you to my D.A.M.M. Method, a simple framework I created to help my clients define moderation for themselves.

You’ll learn:

• Why “moderation” is confusing and often misused in diabetes nutrition advice.
• The four pillars of the D.A.M.M. Method to help you decide which foods fit in moderation.
• How to apply this method in everyday meals without guilt, stress, or food noise.
• Practical examples of using moderation while still enjoying foods you love.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Grab my D.A.M.M. Guide to start practicing moderation with confidence → https://russ-powell-nutrition-diabetes-care.kit.com/a8f1ea3cf7

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Apply to work with me: https://russpowellnutrition.com/packages
• Follow on Instagram: @balanced.bloodsugar.rd

Podcast: Blood Sugar Unfiltered available on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio

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Ever find yourself wide awake at 3 AM with a racing heart or restless mind? In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered, I dive into why this happens and how your blood sugar—and hormones—might be the reason. I break down simple, evidence-based strategies to stabilize your blood sugar, calm your nervous system, and finally get a full night of sleep.

"A calm night’s sleep starts with what you do before you even close your eyes—fuel your body, balance your blood sugar, and your hormones will thank you."

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• Why blood sugar swings can trigger 3 AM wake-ups
• How perimenopause and midlife hormone changes affect sleep
• The role of cortisol and stress in nighttime awakenings
• Easy meal and snack strategies to stabilize blood sugar overnight
• How tracking patterns with a continuous glucose monitor can transform your sleep

If you’re ready to stop the 3 AM wake-up cycle, try adding protein, healthy fats, and fiber to dinner, enjoy a balanced bedtime snack, and consider gentle post-meal movement to keep your blood sugar steady. These small shifts can mean big changes for your energy, mood, and sleep quality.

👋 Follow me on Instagram: @balanced.bloodsugar.rd

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode hit home!

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Reversing Insulin Resistance—Without Giving Up Your Culture
Why the right food strategy matters more than restriction

Have you been told you have to give up rice, tortillas, or fruit to reverse insulin resistance or manage type 2 diabetes?

In this episode of Blood Sugar Unfiltered, I’m calling out the food noise, shame-based coaching, and confusing advice that makes you feel like you have to choose between your health and your heritage. Spoiler: you don’t.

You'll learn:

• What “food noise” is and how to turn it down
• Examples of conflicting online advice and shame-driven messages
• How to eat cultural foods with confidence
• The 3-part strategy I teach my clients to balance blood sugar without restriction
• What to say when someone questions what’s on your plate

You can reverse insulin resistance.
You can manage type 2 diabetes—sometimes even reach remission.
And yes, you can enjoy the food that raised you.

Ready for a plan that works with your lifestyle—not against it?
Book your free strategy call: russpowellnutrition.com/packages

👋 Follow me on Instagram: @balanced.bloodsugar.rd

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode hit home!