Is Type 2 Diabetes Reversible? Insulin Resistance, Root Causes, and Simple Metabolic Shifts (Ep. 249)

In episode 249 of the Healthy Real Food podcast, host Erin interviews functional medicine practitioner Dr. Jason Shumard, who specializes in type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic health, particularly for women who feel stuck despite “doing everything right.” Dr. Shumard shares how his mother’s worsening diabetes and eventual death in 2021 led him to functional medicine and to helping patients normalize A1C and get off medications. He explains insulin resistance as a cellular problem (not just high blood sugar) and describes how repeated sugar and insulin spikes can shut down insulin receptors, driving cravings through effects on GLP-1 and leptin. They discuss early testing (A1C, fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride/HDL ratio), why extreme restriction raises cortisol and slows metabolism, the benefits of real-food, balanced eating, and the importance of resistance training and sustainable, structured plans—especially with GLP-1 use.

00:00 Is Diabetes Reversible

01:38 Meet Dr Jason Shumard

03:24 His Story and Mission

08:18 What Insulin Resistance Is

12:12 Root Causes and Testing

14:32 Functional Medicine Explained

17:44 Early Signs and Lab Markers

20:19 Cravings GLP1 and Hunger

21:42 Real Food to Heal Cells

25:03 Why Eat Less Fails Women

27:55 Sustainable Weight Loss Plan

32:52 Muscle Mass and Strength

36:04 Never Too Late to Heal

39:45 Start With Your Why

43:24 Where to Find Dr Shumard

To learn more from Dr. Shumard, visit his website at www.drshumard.com

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