Mindset to Prevent or Overcome Type 2 Diabetes with Dr. Keith Hersey - Episode 154

In this powerful episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane acts as a bridge between the confusing world of healthcare and practical, daily living. She sits down with Dr. Keith Hersey, a wellness coach, author, and host of the Destroying Diabetes podcast.

What makes Dr. Hersey’s perspective so unique? He isn’t just a medical professional—he is a pharmacist with over 20 years of experience living with Type 2 Diabetes. He understands the shock of the diagnosis, the fear of complications, and the limitations of a healthcare system that often treats symptoms rather than causes.

If you are a caregiver, an aging adult, or someone managing blood sugar issues, this episode is a blueprint for taking back control.

🎧 Listen to the full episode above!

🧠 It Starts in the Mind

We often think diabetes management is strictly about insulin and cutting carbs. Dr. Hersey argues that the battle actually begins in your brain.

He explains that stress is a silent agitator of insulin resistance. When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that naturally elevates blood glucose to help us "fight or flight". While this was great for our ancestors running from predators, it is detrimental in our modern, sedentary lives.

Dr. Hersey emphasizes that shifting your mindset from "doomsday" to "empowerment" is the first step toward healing.

🍎 The 4 Pillars of Health

Dr. Hersey breaks down his approach into four manageable pillars. If you can’t do them all, he suggests starting with just one—nutrition.

1. Diet: You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. Dr. Hersey advocates for the 80/20 rule: Eat clean, whole foods 80% of the time, and allow yourself grace for the other 20%.
2. Movement: It doesn't have to be a marathon; consistent movement helps regulate blood sugar.
3. Stress Reduction: Finding even five minutes for prayer, meditation, or silence can lower cortisol levels.
4. Sleep: Getting less than six hours of sleep signals stress to the body, increasing inflammation and blood sugar. Sleep is when your body detoxes and resets.

🚫 Breaking the Myths

Diane and Dr. Hersey tackle the common misconceptions that hold people back:

• Myth: "It runs in my family, so I’m doomed."
  • Truth: While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices and our ultra-processed food environment are massive factors you can control.
• Myth: "I can eat whatever I want as long as I take more medicine."
  • Truth: You cannot "beat the system." Medication is a tool, not a cure-all for a poor diet.
• Myth: "Juice is healthy."
  • Truth: Drinking juice causes glucose spikes. Eating the whole fruit provides fiber that slows down sugar absorption.

📝 Episode Highlights

Here is a look at what we discuss in this episode:

• Dr. Hersey’s Personal Journey: How a routine test at a pharmacy convention led to a shock diagnosis and a new mission.
• The Science of Stress: Understanding how cortisol and negative thoughts directly impact blood sugar levels.
• Mindset vs. Medication: Why a positive mental shift is often more effective for long-term health than prescriptions alone.
• Healthcare Gaps: A frank discussion on why doctors often skip nutritional education and how patients are left to figure it out.
• Nutrition Truths: Why you can't out-exercise a bad diet and the importance of choosing whole foods over processed ones.
• The 80/20 Rule: How to create a sustainable lifestyle rather than a restrictive diet you’ll eventually quit.
• The Cost of Care: A look at expensive weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) and the danger of relying on them without lifestyle changes.
• Building Your Village: The critical role of family support and community in maintaining healthy habits.

💡 Take the Next Step

Dr. Hersey offers a free discovery call to see if his coaching program is right for you. Check out his podcast, Destroying Diabetes, on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Caregivers: Remember, you are the most important part of the caregiving equation. Please practice self-care and eat healthy, because you are worth it.

Did you enjoy this episode? Share it with a friend who needs encouragement! 💙