Ep. 87. Understanding Type II Diabetes and Body Image with Kristie Messerli

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri interviews dietitian and certified diabetes educator Kristie Messerli (The Type 2 Diabetes Nutritionist) about type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, medication, and the shame and fear that often follow diagnosis. Kristie explains diabetes in lay terms, emphasizing insulin resistance as the underlying issue, genetics as a major driver, and the nuance beyond “cut carbs, lose weight, exercise more,” especially for women already dieting and exercising. They discuss complications as largely tied to unmanaged diabetes, the reality that medication may still be needed as the pancreas becomes less efficient, and myths about reversal, prediabetes, and weight loss. Kristie also breaks down GLP-1s, cautions against CGMs for people without diabetes/prediabetes, and shares resources, including her Balanced Blood Sugar Method and provider training group.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 03:19 Diabetes Explained Simply
• 06:14 Is Type 2 Your Fault?
• 12:54 Common Fears and Complications
• 17:56 Myth or Fact?
• 21:55 Hormones, Thyroid, and PCOS
• 29:36 Genetics Loads the Gun
• 31:45 Healing Trust With Food
• 43:03 GLP1s Explained
• 49:20 Medication Fear and Risks
• 55:58 Diabetes Shame and Culture
• 59:08 Resources and Next Steps

WANT MORE OF KRISTIE?

Connect with Kristie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist/ 

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri


*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri’s Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance