LowCarbUSA Podcast

A new documentary exploring one of the most debated topics in metabolic health—the rise in LDL cholesterol sometimes seen in people following low-carbohydrate diets—is beginning its global rollout. In this episode of the LowCarbUSA® Podcast, I spoke with independent researcher Dave Feldman about his new documentary, The Cholesterol Code, which chronicles his research and the ongoing debate surrounding cholesterol and metabolic health. The movie is being premiered between March 15 and April 15 through multiple theatrical screenings around the world.  "If you don't see one in your community, then sign up to host your own screening in your area. Dave, an engineer by training who became widely known in the low-carb community through his self-experiments and data-driven investigations, described how the project began with a personal question. "I'm the engineer who started obsessing about his cholesterol when it went sky high on a keto diet," he said. "Then came about a lot of my self-experiments, which ultimately led to forming the lipid energy model, which is now published." That model attempts to explain why some people—particularly those who are lean and metabolically healthy—experience unusually high LDL cholesterol levels when following a ketogenic or very low-carbohydrate diet. These individuals are known as lean mass hyper-responders, a term Feldman coined to describe people who exhibit a distinctive metabolic pattern: very high LDL cholesterol, high HDL cholesterol, and very low triglycerides. Investigating the Risk Question While the metabolic explanation for the phenomenon has attracted growing attention, Dave said the larger and more pressing question has always been risk. "How much does the risk of going on a keto diet and then seeing your LDL go up— even if it is for these reasons—actually matter?" he said. "How much could this develop what's known as atherosclerosis, the building up of plaque in the arteries?" To explore that question, he launched a crowdfunded research effort through the Citizen Science Foundation. The study recruited 100 individuals identified as lean mass hyper-responders. Participants underwent advanced heart imaging using CT angiography at the Lundquist Institute, allowing researchers to measure plaque in the coronary arteries. "They get a baseline scan, and then one year later they get a follow-up scan," he explained. "That way we can see the changes of plaque over time—not just individually, but also at a population level." From Research Project to Documentary The documentary The Cholesterol Code captures the unfolding story of that research. According to Dave, filmmaker Jen Eisenhart began documenting the project shortly after the first baseline scan data became available. "They started filming and managed to capture all of this," he said. "It's a riveting story and it all comes together in this film." The documentary follows not only the scientific investigation but also the real-world experiences of people who adopted low-carbohydrate diets for serious medical conditions Many participants, he said, had experienced life-changing improvements—only to later face anxiety when routine blood tests showed rising LDL cholesterol levels. "They see their cholesterol go up and they go, 'Is this actually worth it?'" Dave said. "Even if I really respond well to a low-carb diet—even if I'm doing great—my cholesterol goes up. What does that mean?" The film includes interviews with individuals managing conditions such as type 1 diabetes, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease. Their stories are really touching, hats off to Jen Eisenhart and her team. It's such a great film. I feel those stories were among the most powerful moments in the film. One of the mental-health stories, particularly,  just ripped my heart out. She got her life back. She got her children back. And then she was agonizing about whether she should stop because her LDL was going up. Research Complications and Scientific Debate The research itself has also drawn attention because of an unexpected analytical complication that arose during the study. Dave explains that a secondary analysis conducted using artificial intelligence–guided plaque imaging software produced results that differed from other analyses of the same scans. "Three of those analyses disagree with this one," he says. "On top of that, the company that provides that analysis won't do a quality control check." As a result, the research team has requested retraction of the paper associated with that analysis while further investigation continues. "That development ultimately strengthened the documentary by extending filming and allowing additional analysis and interviews to be incorporated. The neat thing is this delay did give us a chance to tighten up the movie more." Community-Driven Film Screenings The film is now being released through a community-driven screening model. Viewers can organize or attend screenings through the film's website, which uses a platform that allows communities to request theatrical showings once a minimum number of tickets are reserved. "If they go to the website, that's where they can either join an existing screening—of which there are now many across the United States and actually across the world—or they can host their own," Dave said.  I really encourage listeners to participate. If you don't see one in your community, then sign up to host a screening and try to activate your community. Continuing Research Beyond the documentary, Dave said the work is continuing with additional research initiatives. One upcoming project—currently referred to as the Triad Study—aims to further investigate the metabolic patterns associated with lean mass hyper-responders and their cardiovascular implications. "We're hoping to close funding on our companion research study,"he said. "The numbers are looking pretty good." As debate continues about the role of cholesterol in metabolic health—particularly among people following carbohydrate-restricted diets—Dave believes the conversation must remain grounded in data and open scientific inquiry. For many viewers, the documentary offers both a scientific investigation and a human story about the intersection of metabolic health, medical uncertainty, and personal transformation. "It's a great film and it tells a story that a lot of people in this community are living right now."

When Dave Feldman first walked into a LowCarbUSA® event in 2016 carrying a laptop full of lab results, few people could have predicted where that moment would lead.  "I'm approaching everyone with my computer," Feldman recalls, "because I'm doing these self-experiments—getting blood work—and I'm trying to figure out why my cholesterol numbers were doing what they were doing."  What started as a personal puzzle became The Cholesterol Code, a global research effort, a nonprofit scientific foundation, and now a forthcoming documentary film. In this episode of the LowCarbUSA Podcast, host Doug Reynolds sits down with Feldman to trace that journey—and to explain why the next chapter will take center stage at the Symposium for Metabolic Health in Boca Raton, January 23–25, 2026 The Question That Wouldn't Go Away Dave's original question was deceptively simple: Why do some metabolically healthy, lean people see their LDL cholesterol rise dramatically on a ketogenic diet?  Over time, he noticed a consistent pattern. These individuals didn't just have high LDL—they also tended to have high HDL, low triglycerides, and excellent metabolic health. In 2017, he coined a name for this group: Lean Mass Hyper-Responders (LMHRs). But identifying a pattern wasn't enough.  "Even if the lipid energy model proves correct," Dave explains, "does that mean having higher LDL on a ketogenic diet carries higher cardiovascular risk?"  Answering that question required something far more difficult than a blog post or a hypothesis: a prospective imaging study. Building a Study When No One Will Fund One Dave spent years trying—and failing—to convince established institutions to study this population.  "There's not a lot of funding to study metabolically healthy people with sky-high LDL," he says dryly. "The interest is usually in people who already have multiple cardiovascular risk factors—which confounds everything."  So in 2019, he made a radical decision. He founded the Citizen Science Foundation, a public charity created for a single purpose: to fund independent research, with no money going to salaries or overhead.  "We raised $200,000,"Dave says, "and paid a research center to do the study."  By late 2021, recruitment was underway. One hundred lean, metabolically healthy ketogenic individuals underwent coronary CT angiography (CTA) scans to assess plaque in their coronary arteries, with follow-up scans roughly one year later. What the Data Actually Showed The early findings were striking.  When Dave's cohort was matched against participants from the Miami Heart Study, there was no statistically significant difference in coronary plaque, despite Dave's group having LDL levels less than twice as high.  "In fact," he notes, "our group trended toward lower plaque." But the most important finding emerged as more analyses were completed:  "There was no association between ApoB or LDL and plaque progression," Dave says. "Whatever your LDL level was, it did not correspond with how plaque developed."  What did matter? Baseline plaque. "Whether you're low-carb or not," he explains, "the more plaque you have at baseline, the more likely you are to see progression. That's consistent with the existing literature." When One Dataset Didn't Make Sense Then came the controversy.  An AI-based quantitative analysis from a company called Cleerly showed plaque progression that appeared inconsistent—not only with Dave's other data, but with decades of prior research.  "All of the scans showed progression," he says. "No regression. Not even noise."  For an engineer, that raised immediate red flags.  "If a bathroom scale is off by a quarter pound," Dave explains, "you expect wobble.  Below the noise floor, measurements go up and down.  But this dataset showed only one direction." Later, when Dave gained access to the anonymized data, he identified multiple anomalies and requested a blinded quality-control reanalysis.  That request was declined.  "I don't assume wrongdoing," he emphasizes. "But when something looks implausible, the response should be course correction."  Instead, he sought independent confirmation.  A second AI company, HeartFlow, conducted a fully blinded analysis—and its results aligned with every other analysis except Cleerly's.  "Three out of four analyses agree," he says. "Cleerly is the outlier." Why This Matters Beyond One Study The implications extend far beyond a single dataset.  Dave believes this episode exposes a deeper issue in nutrition and cardiovascular science: how dominant theories shape interpretation.  "The lipid hypothesis has a gravitational pull," he says. "It affects what people expect to see—and what they question."  As I put it, Dave has repeatedly taken the LowCarbUSA stage to announce findings that challenge assumptions—and each time, the conversation moves forward.  "If we want better answers," Dave says, "we have to do better science." The Documentary—and What Comes Next All of this has reshaped his upcoming documentary, The Cholesterol Code. Originally slated for release last year, the film has been expanded to include the scientific and human story behind these findings.  "We couldn't release it without covering what happened," he explains. "It's part of the truth."  For the first time anywhere, the official trailer for the film will be shown at the LowCarbUSA Symposium in Boca, immediately following Dave's talk.  Attendees will also be invited to help bring the film to live screenings around the world.  "The world premiere of the trailer will be at your conference," Dave told me.  "That alone is worth coming for." Why You'll Want to Be There One full day of the Boca symposium is dedicated to cardiovascular health, and Dave is one of the central voices shaping that conversation. Whether you attend in person or via live stream, this is a rare opportunity to engage directly with research that is still unfolding—and with the scientist who helped drive it. As Dave puts it: "The work just needs to get done,  and in Boca, it will." Learn more and reserve your in-person or virtual seat for the Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health (January 23–25, 2026)

Doug Reynolds welcomes listeners back to the LowCarbUSA® Podcast with a guest who works in one of the most specialized—and most misunderstood—corners of cardiovascular medicine: the heart's electrical system.  Dr. David Nabert is an electrophysiologist ("EP" doctor), focused on heart rhythm disorders, and he's one of the featured speakers at the Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health (January 23–25)—including the event's full day-plus dedicated to cardiovascular conditions. What gives this episode its pull is the combination of clinical depth and lived experience. David isn't just talking about rhythm problems from a textbook perspective—he's explaining how his own curiosity about metabolic health evolved, what shifted when he started questioning conventional assumptions, and why those questions matter for real patients in the real world. David describes how his entry point into metabolic health didn't begin in a clinic—it began with a random Google search. In 2021, while looking up a cardiology formula, he accidentally landed on a Nina Teicholz talk at the Cato Institute. "I started to watch it, and all of a sudden, an hour and a half passed," he says—one of those moments where interest turns into momentum. He listened to Teicholz's book, The Big Fat Surprise, then began searching for more voices in the low-carb space and quickly reconnected with familiar names, including Dr. Robert Cywes and Dr. Eric Westman (both will also be presenting in Boca), whom he calls mentors. That exploration ultimately led him to the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP) and, importantly, a willingness to test ideas on himself. David is candid about his own weight journey. He describes a time when a body mass index under 25 felt "skinny" to him, and he's open about losing weight, regaining some after a series of hip surgeries, and continuing to work on it. What ultimately shifted, though, wasn't just the number on the scale—it was how he began to rethink what "doing everything right" actually means. For years, he approached weight loss the way many clinicians were trained to: low-fat, high willpower, endure the hunger. He describes his old strategy bluntly: "The only way I had lost weight… was by doing protein sparing modified fast… I was just eating almost no fat." Predictably, it wasn't sustainable. When he later shifted to a lower-carb, higher-fat approach—"bacon, eggs, hamburger"—he was "amazed at how quickly I started to lose weight," and he began seeing changes in markers that traditional cardiology often de-emphasizes. After stopping long-term statin therapy (which he had been on for 25 years), he saw his LDL return to roughly where it had been earlier in life, but other changes caught his attention: triglycerides dropped to the lowest he'd ever seen, HDL improved, and fasting insulin improved as well. Just as meaningful were the changes he felt: "Every 10 or 20 pounds I lost, my hips got better," he says, attributing it not only to less load, but "also part of it was less inflammation." From there, the episode moves into the heart of why David is speaking during the cardiovascular-focused programming in Boca: rhythm, electricity, and the surprising overlap between conditions that seem unrelated—like seizures and arrhythmias. David explains that early ketogenic diet research in the 1920s focused on refractory seizures, and he argues the connection matters because many antiarrhythmic drugs and antiseizure drugs overlap mechanistically. In his view, these aren't separate worlds. "Treating seizures or treating cardiac arrhythmias is basically two faces of the same coin," he says—and that opens a practical question: if ketosis can help reduce seizures, might it also influence certain rhythm symptoms? He shares a striking clinical example that stuck with him: a former submariner with PTSD and episodes of fast heart rates who said, "I know when I'm… ketogenic… when I fall off the wagon… then I start having palpitations and fast heart rates." David later learned the patient was experiencing atrial fibrillation, and while he's careful not to overpromise, he describes a pattern he's observed: in earlier stages of rhythm problems, being in a ketogenic state may reduce symptoms and potentially slow progression for some people. "It doesn't cure atrial fibrillation," he emphasizes, but he's seen ketosis "improves symptoms," not only in AFib, but in other rhythm issues like SVT and PVCs—especially early on. From there, David widens the frame to what he's seeing in younger patients—particularly young women—showing up with palpitations, rapid heart rate, anxiety, and signs of metabolic dysfunction even when they don't "look" unhealthy by BMI alone. "Only 90% of them are metabolically unhealthy," he says, describing a familiar cluster: A1C not quite normal, resting heart rates high, daytime heart rates that shouldn't be running 100–120, and a nervous system dialed up in what he calls a "hyper adrenergic state." The mainstream response is often medication—beta blockers, for example—but David argues metabolic context matters, and he's exploring how nutritional strategies (including ketosis, sometimes even supplemental ketones) may reduce symptom burden in certain cases. He also discusses POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), noting it can be associated with viral infections and has become more common since "the bad virus we had five years ago." Again, he's measured in his claims: ketosis isn't a cure, but he's seen it help reduce symptoms in select patients who have tried many other standard approaches first. The second half of the conversation touches on medications and the tension between "lower the number" cardiology and whole-person outcomes. David brings up PCSK9 inhibitors and recalls being troubled by early data patterns: "You were less likely to die from that, but you're more likely to die from cancer or infection… And… the overall mortality was the same." That line of thinking captures what pushed him toward metabolic health: a concern that focusing on a single marker can obscure the bigger picture of risk, resilience, and long-term outcomes. He also discusses SGLT2 inhibitors (like Jardiance and Farxiga) as potentially useful tools—especially in heart failure and diabetes—while stressing the importance of monitoring and hydration. In a moment that captures both his clinical caution and his enthusiasm for empowered patients, he tells people who go low carb on these meds to "get a Keto Mojo to check your ketone levels," because the goal is to use tools intelligently, not blindly. As the episode closes, Doug returns to the bigger mission behind the upcoming Boca program: helping attendees develop a confident, educated response to the most common fear tactic people face when they change their diet—LDL, heart attacks, and the assumption that low carb automatically means danger. Doug notes there are still "so few that really do get it and support it and talk about it," which is exactly why the cardiovascular-focused day-plus at the Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health (January 23–25) matters. David, for his part, is grateful to be part of it—and to be healthy enough to show up differently than last time. He reminds Doug that at previous events he was "either walking with one or two canes," but now, "I'm actually not going to run up on the stage, but I'll be moving pretty quickly." That moment captures the heart of the episode: metabolic health isn't theoretical. It's lived. And in Boca, that lived experience meets serious clinical discussion—especially for anyone trying to better understand cardiovascular risk, rhythm disorders, and the metabolic foundations that too often go unaddressed. If this conversation sparks your curiosity, the next step is obvious: join the community in Boca January 23–25 and immerse yourself in a day and a half of cardiovascular-focused talks designed to help you think more clearly, speak more confidently, and act more effectively—whether you're a clinician, a patient, or someone trying to help the people you love. Learn more about the Boca Symposium and register here.

Inside the SMHP Research Academy: How Practitioners Can Turn Real-World Results Into Published Science When the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP) launched the Journal of Metabolic Health in late 2023, one question quickly rose to the surface: How do we help frontline clinicians, many of whom have never conducted research, learn to design, run, and publish high-quality studies? Enter Dr. Melanie Tidman. A professor, researcher, and longtime SMHP member, Melanie recognized a gap, and built a solution. The result is the SMHP Research Academy, a fully supported, step-by-step pathway that teaches practitioners how to take research ideas from concept to publication. In this podcast episode, she walks listeners through what the Academy offers, why it exists, and how it's already helping clinicians produce peer-reviewed science. Below is a summary of what you'll hear, but the full interview is worth every minute. A One-of-a-Kind Resource for Practitioners Melanie created the Academy in early 2024 with a clear mission: make research accessible to clinicians working in the real world. "I had the vision back then to create an academy where our members who have never done research before could learn all of the ins and outs… of how to do research, how to collect data, how to analyze that data and how to publish a research article." Over nine months she built a 10-module, self-paced research curriculum, complete with video lessons, customizable learning formats, downloadable notes, and direct faculty support. Members can take the modules in order or revisit individual sections as needed. Each module, she notes, is "completely comprehensive and customizable for your own learning style." IRB Support—Including Up to $3,000 in Savings One of the biggest hurdles for new researchers is the IRB (Institutional Review Board) process. It's required for human studies in the U.S., but few practitioners know how to navigate it, and few are aware that approval often costs between $1,500 and $3,000. Melanie explains the differences between exempt, expedited, and full-board studies and then shares the Academy's unique advantage: "Two of us on the academy faculty are also faculty for universities having access to university IRBs… we become the primary investigator for the purpose of the IRB application… and there is no cost." For members, that alone is a major benefit—one of many. Faculty-Guided Support From Design to Publication The Academy pairs each participant with a research mentor and faculty team specializing in study design, data analysis, manuscript writing, and qualitative methods. Projects now include case reports, retrospective analyses, literature reviews, mixed-methods studies, and more. As Melanie notes, the Academy already has 16 projects underway, including "three articles in peer review right now." She emphasizes that no project is too small: "Say you just have one patient who had an incredible result, and you want to publish… I'm your man." Up to $10,000 in Total Value—Free for SMHP Members When Melanie adds up the typical costs—IRB fees, data-analysis consultation, manuscript editing, and open-access publication fees—she estimates that members receive between $9,000 and $10,000 worth of services at no charge. "If you publish with the Journal of Metabolic Health and you are a member of the SMHP, the SMHP will pay your open-access publishing fees," she explains. "There's another three to four thousand dollars worth of savings." Why This Matters The Academy empowers clinicians, from solo practitioners to large-system physicians, to turn real-world metabolic health outcomes into peer-reviewed evidence. And as Melanie reminds listeners: "I can't say enough about my gratitude… It's there for your benefit. If you are a member, you have an entire Academy worth of information at your fingertips." Learn more about The SMHP™ and join here.

I talk with producer, Kevin Carter, about the new movie they just launched called 'Animal'. This movie seeks to set the record straight about the benefits of the carnivore diet and what the 'Proper Human Diet' for humans really looks like.  It sets out to debunk so many of the untruths about meat and animal products that are proliferated by the plant based community.  It imparts the information in such a relatable way and provides us with, what I called, a 'toolbox of comebacks' so that we can have meaningful discussions with people who seek to disseminate misinformation about what we should be eating. The film features so many of the people who have graced our stages as speakers at many of our events.  Icons like Dr Robert Cywes, Dr Robert Kiltz, Dr Anthony Chaffee, Dr Shawn Baker, Dr Ken Berry, and Sally Norton are all featured in the movie. The film just launched on June 20 in select theatres and released that day to streaming as well.  It is available on pretty much all platforms where you can watch streaming content. The most interesting thing for me that came out of our conversation was the fact that people can arrange screenings in local theatres and even places like church halls on an ongoing basis.  I was very excited to hear about that and encourage everyone out there to try to do something in their town or city. Not only will you be helping to get this message out but you can put together an amazing community event and really do something real to make a difference.  Just go to the website and then scroll down and click on 'Host a screening'.  There's no risk, if you don't get enough people to sign up for it to be cost effective then that screening doesn't go ahead and everyone gets their money back.  It's not hard!

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA Podcast, Pam and I sit down with Siouxie Boshoff, founder of Scrummy Sweets, for a discussion exploring the murky world of food manufacturing, ingredient transparency, and the quest for truly clean, sugar-free treats. She says, "I'm just a girl who loved gummy bears and couldn't find one that didn't either kick me out of ketosis, spike my blood sugar, or disrupt my digestive tract in a way that was pretty catastrophic," she explained. "So I made my own." Throughout the conversation, she exposes some of the food industry's best-kept secrets—like how manufacturers sneak toxic additives into products without disclosing them. She recounts a shocking moment when a production manager suggested using an anti-foaming agent to fix a minor visual flaw in her gummy bears, "She looked at me and said, 'Oh, don't worry, you don't have to put it on the label. It's just considered part of the manufacturing process.' And I was like—You think I don't want it in there because I don't want to put it on the label? I eat my own product!" Siouxie's commitment to clean ingredients is unwavering. She discusses the meticulous process of sourcing organic, non-GMO ingredients and how even "natural flavours" can be a smokescreen for hidden additives. Her message is clear: if you care about your health, you need to demand better. Her insights are already making an impact. One sceptical physician at LowCarbUSA's recent Symposium for Metabolic Health in Boca Raton, FL admitted he initially avoided Siouxie's booth, assuming her products were just another "sugar-free gimmick." But after attending her talk, his perspective completely shifted, "I've been avoiding them all weekend, thinking it's just another sweet thing I can't trust," he said, "but after hearing you speak, I get it. We need more products like this." From revealing the hidden dangers of maltodextrin to explaining why she insists on MCT oil over seed oils in flavouring agents, Siouxie leaves no stone unturned. If you've ever wondered what's really in your "healthy" snacks—or why so many sugar-free products still sabotage metabolic health—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Watch the full interview and join the conversation on how we can push for cleaner, truly nourishing food choices in our world today. ScrummySweets website Scrummy Sweets Instagram Scrummy Sweets Facebook

In this powerful episode of the LowCarbUSA podcast, Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine sit down with Beth McNally and Matt Miernik, the couple behind T1D Nutrition, to discuss their journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the transformative role of nutrition in managing the condition. Their journey began in 2015 when their son Lachlan was diagnosed with T1D at age 9. After months of frustration with conventional high-carb, insulin-heavy treatments, they adopted a very low-carb diet, which dramatically improved Lachlan's blood glucose stability and brought his A1C levels into the normal range. Now, at 18, Lachlan is a thriving athlete, and Beth and Matt are dedicated to sharing the benefits of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction with others facing similar challenges. A central theme of the conversation is the recently published Position Paper by The SMHP on therapeutic carbohydrate reduction for type 1 diabetes, to which Beth, Matt, and a team of experts have made significant contributions. This paper will revolutionize T1D management by advocating for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction as a viable, evidence-based option. It calls for healthcare providers to support patients choosing this approach and underscores the importance of continued research and education on low-carb nutritional strategies. Beth expresses her enthusiasm for the Position Paper, noting its potential to challenge current T1D care practices. With only about 17% of youth and 21% of adults meeting the American Diabetes Association's A1C target of 7.0, this paper could be a game-changer, providing clinicians with new guidelines and resources to enhance patient outcomes. It advocates for open access and support for those exploring low-carb diets as a therapeutic intervention, signaling a much-needed shift in mindset. Throughout the episode, Beth and Matt stress how this Position Paper will empower both patients and clinicians, offering a solid foundation for discussing low-carb options within healthcare teams and integrating evidence-backed guidelines into mainstream T1D care. They encourage families to share the Position Paper with their doctors, fostering more comprehensive and supportive care. The couple also reflects on their involvement in the January 2024 LowCarbUSA Boca Raton Symposium for Metabolic Health, which featured a dedicated Type 1 Day. This event assembled international experts in T1D management, including Dr. Ian Lake, Dr. Suzanne Schneider, Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Belinda Lennerz, and Dr. Robert Cywes, who shared innovative insights into how nutrition can stabilize blood glucose levels and improve the quality of life for those with T1D. These presentations set the stage for the Position Paper and underscored the need for a low-carb approach to gain wider recognition and support within the medical community. Matt offers additional insights into why therapeutic carbohydrate reduction is so effective, explaining how reducing carbohydrate intake decreases insulin dependency, leading to more stable blood glucose levels. He compares it to "removing logs from a fire," minimizing the blood glucose fluctuations that make T1D so difficult to manage. This Position Paper will address these scientific principles, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and tools to guide their patients more effectively. Matt also discusses the phenomenon of "double diabetes," a condition where individuals with type 1 diabetes develop insulin resistance, resembling type 2 diabetes. He explains how the conventional high-carb diet paired with large insulin doses can lead to this dangerous overlap, increasing health risks and complications. By adopting a low-carb approach, insulin needs are minimized, reducing the chances of developing double diabetes and supporting better metabolic health in people with T1D. Doug and Pam share how eye-opening the Type 1 Day event was for them and other attendees, with many healthcare professionals admitting they gained more insight into T1D management in one day than they had in their entire careers.  Click here to listen and discover the latest advancements in therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. Additionally, LowCarbUSA® has released all the Dedicated Type 1 Diabetes Workshop & Presenter videos from the recent LCUSA & SMHP Symposium for Metabolic Health, held in January. This video playlist features expert presentations that explore therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, optimal protein intake, healthy fats, and low-carb strategies for T1D. Featured speakers in this series include: Dr. Èvelyne Bourdua-Roy, MD & Dr. Tro Kalayjian, DO- Workshops intro & Prevailing outcomes in T1D Beth McNally, MS MA CNS LDN - Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction (TCR)/Low-carb Diet Implementation for T1D Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Low-Carb in T1D: Getting started, troubleshooting and guidance Dr. Belinda Lennerz, MD - Medication & Technology Implementation Allison Herschede, BSN, RN, CDCES - Hormonal Challenges for Women with T1D Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Exercise how to & Fasting (intermittent and multi-day) Lester Hightower & Beth McNally, MS MA CNS LDN - Parents Perspective - TCR/Low-carb for Type 1 diabetes Dr. Eric Westman, MD, MHS - Standard of Care - Advances and challenges in Type 1 diabetes care Dr. Jessica Turton, PhD, MND, B.App.Sc (ExSpSc) - Current research on low-carbohydrate diets for Type 1 diabetes management Dr. Belinda Lennerz, MD - Children living with Type one Diabetes - Current and future research questions pertaining to therapeutic dietary carbohydrate reduction in children Dr. Eric Westman, MD, MHS, Dr. Jessica Turton, PhD, MND, B.App.Sc (ExSpSc), & Dr Belinda Lennerz, MD - Panel Discussion Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD - Clinical implementation of low-carbohydrate diets in T1DM – experiences from adults and children Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Exercise and Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction – Current research and clinical experiences Suzanne Schneider, PhD Researcher, MSc, Bcomm - Cognitive and Psychological Implications of Carbohydrate Reduction in T1DM Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD, Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP, & Suzanne Schneider, PhD Researcher, MSc, Bcomm - Panel Discussion These videos are available for free on the LowCarbUSA® YouTube channel in the "Type 1 Workshop - Symposium for Metabolic Health - Boca 2024" Playlist. Explore this valuable resource to gain insights from the leading voices in T1D management and be part of the growing community dedicated to improving outcomes for those living with type 1 diabetes. Links: T1D Nutrition website

In a recent LowCarbUSA®, hosts Doug Reynolds, MHP and Pam Devine, MHP spoke with Dr. Jeremiah Eisenschenk and Dr. Angie Ausban, two prominent practitioners from the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota, about the upcoming LowCarbUSA® Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes. This one-day event, scheduled for September 21, aims to unite healthcare professionals and the public around the importance of metabolic health. Dr. Eisenschenk, a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician, shared his journey into metabolic health, which began after attending a transformative lecture in 2016. Since then, he has co-founded the Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes and Essentia Health – Brainerd Weight Management Department, bringing his expertise to both the hospital and community settings. "I saw some pretty impactful results, even in six months," he noted, reflecting on the positive changes in his patients' health through carbohydrate reduction approaches. Dr. Ausban, who has a background in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, recounted her own evolution in understanding obesity and metabolic health. After co-founding the CentraCare Medical Weight Management program, she became certified in Obesity Medicine and later joined CRMC as the Medical Director of the Metabolic Health and Medical Weight Management Program. "It's not just obesity and diabetes; it's everything—heart disease, stroke, dementia," she emphasized, underscoring the widespread impact of insulin resistance. The one-day event is open to the public, but technical enough to also offer optional CME opportunities for healthcare professionals, carbohydrate reduction meals, and local vendors, fostering a collaborative environment between the community to address the growing metabolic health crisis.  The symposium will feature a diverse lineup of expert speakers, including: Robert Cywes, MD, PhD Gurpreet Padda, MD, MHP, MBA Mark Cucuzzella, MD, FAAFP, MHP Vera Tarman, MD Jeremiah Eisenschenk, MD Angelina Ausban, MD Shawn Roberts, MD. This event is unique for the Brainerd Lakes area, as four health systems have come together to support this initiative—a rare collaboration in today's competitive healthcare landscape. Dr. Eisenschenk highlighted the importance of this unity, saying, "If we can coalesce for this greater mission... any part of America, any part of the world, can do this." In addition to the symposium, a charity golf event was going to be organized by Dr. Ausban's husband, Kevin Smith, but will now be postponed and take place next spring to raise funds for the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and the local Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Ausban invited attendees to participate, adding, "We are super excited about this event." The upcoming symposium promises to be an inspiring and educational gathering, providing healthcare professionals and the public with the tools and knowledge to improve metabolic health and, ultimately, the quality of life for many. Learn more and register here.

This podcast episode offers just a preview of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Roshani Sanghani will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year's symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Endocrinologist Dr. Roshani Sanghani recently sat down with Doug Reynolds for a compelling podcast interview, discussing her innovative approach to diabetes management and her upcoming participation in the LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health from August 15-18. Dr. Roshani, who has become a leading voice in the field of endocrinology, shares her profound journey and introduces her new book, Turn around Diabetes: The Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate Type 2 (and Type 1) Diabetes with Less Medication. A Transformative Approach to Endocrinology Dr. Roshani's medical career began in Mumbai, India, where she completed her medical degree before moving to the United States. She is board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Her practice evolved significantly during the pandemic, transitioning to a 100% virtual model, which she continues to implement successfully. "I've always been interested in the mind-body connection," she explains. "Endocrinology became a natural space for me because hormones directly link our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Helping that system stay in balance through mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed became my passion." Turning Diabetes Management on Its Head Her shift towards a lifestyle-first practice was catalyzed by a patient in Mumbai who was struggling with uncontrolled diabetes. "This patient was labeled non-compliant because he refused insulin. Instead of ending the relationship, I suggested he reduce his carbohydrate intake. A year later, he was well-managed with just one tablet," she recounts. This experience ignited her journey toward emphasizing lifestyle changes over medication. Her approach focuses on empowering patients through motivational interviewing, a technique that encourages patients to discover their own motivations for change. "Patients come to us because they want to get better, not stay sick. Motivational interviewing flips the model from compliance to empowerment, helping patients make sustainable changes," she says. An Advocate for Behavioral Change Dr. Roshani's upcoming book, "Turn Around Diabetes," explores the behavioral aspects of managing diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of addressing psychological barriers and equipping patients with strategies to overcome them. "This book is meant to be a companion for anyone with diabetes, aiming to prevent diabetes, or seeking a healthier lifestyle. It's about overcoming obstacles in nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise," she explains. Using the analogy of a "lifestyle car," she describes how nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise are the four wheels that keep us moving forward. "Life is dynamic, and our journey will have its ups and downs. It's about continuous adaptation and navigating through challenges," she notes. Joining Forces with LowCarbUSA Dr. Roshani is thrilled to be a speaker at the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium. "I'm excited to meet everyone in person and share insights on how behavioral change can significantly impact diabetes management," she says. Her talk promises to be a highlight, given her reputation for delivering engaging and informative presentations. Doug praised her contributions, noting, "One of the best talks we've had was by Dr. Roshani. Her ability to prepare engaging content and provide deep insights is unmatched. We're looking forward to her talk next month." Listen to the full podcast interview to gain deeper insights into her approach and philosophy. Her new book, "Turn Around Diabetes," will be available at the LowCarbUSA Symposium, providing attendees with practical strategies to navigate diabetes with less medication.

In an insightful interview conducted by LowCarbUSA® co-founder Pam Devine, Dr. Georgia Ede, MD, shared profound insights from her new book, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind," and highlighted the significance of metabolic psychiatry. Dr. Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience in nutrition, brain metabolism, and mental health, will be a key presenter at the upcoming LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, taking place from August 15-18, 2024. Pam Devine expressed her excitement about her participation, recalling their first collaboration in 2017. Dr. Ede emphasized the unique atmosphere of the LowCarbUSA® conferences, describing them as "science for the people." She praised the efforts of Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine in creating a warm and welcoming environment. According to Dr. Ede, "Every conference has a different feel, and this particular conference has a really nice down-to-earth, people-focused feel. It's science for the people." Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18 This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Ede will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year's symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Focus on Metabolic Psychiatry One standout feature of this year's conference is the dedication of an entire day to metabolic psychiatry on August 15th. Dr. Ede noted the explosion of research in the field and the quantum leap it represents for psychiatry. "The brain matters," she stated, highlighting developments in treating mental health conditions through metabolic interventions. Addressing the limitations of conventional psychiatry, she remarked, "We have not been thinking about root causes. Metabolic psychiatry looks at the metabolic root causes, the drivers, the underlying forces that are damaging and destabilizing the brain." She pointed out that the traditional approach of treating mental health conditions as lifelong chemical imbalances requiring medication is being challenged by new findings in metabolic psychiatry. Debunking Dietary Myths Dr. Ede debunked common dietary myths, such as the belief that oatmeal is a brain-healthy breakfast. She shared a case from her book where a physician's blood sugar spiked dangerously after consuming oatmeal, underscoring the need for a fundamental shift in dietary recommendations. "If you want real change to your mental health, you need to fundamentally restructure your diet from the ground up in ways that make biological sense," she stated. "Base your diet on science, not wishful thinking and wild guesses." Importance of Nutrient-Rich Foods She emphasized the importance of nutrient-rich foods that provide the essential building blocks for brain health. "The brain needs nutrients. All food is about parts and energy. We need the right parts to build cells, including brain cells, and we need to fuel those cells sustainably." Essential nutrients include amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are often lacking in typical modern diets. "Most of what we're eating now is not nourishing or energizing our brain properly. In fact, it's damaging the brain," she added. One major culprit in this dietary crisis is the widespread consumption of vegetable oils. "Vegetable oils are extraordinarily high in Omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid," she noted. "Over the past 60 years, our intake of linoleic acid has increased significantly, and it's accumulating in our body fat and brain, causing oxidative stress and inflammation." This leads to brain damage over time. She highlighted the importance of choosing foods that support brain health by providing necessary nutrients without causing harmful spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. She asserted, "Animal-based foods, rich in essential nutrients and low in carbohydrates, are key to this approach." Dr. Ede also discussed the concept of "quiet diets" featured in her book, which include variations like quiet paleo, quiet keto, and quiet carnivore diets. These diets emphasize low-carbohydrate and ketogenic principles to reduce metabolic stress on the brain. "The more sugary your diet is, the harder it can become for your brain to use that sugar for energy," she explained. This can lead to insulin resistance, making it difficult for the brain to process glucose effectively. Balancing Brain Chemistry She expanded on this, explaining how the brain processes glucose and the critical role of insulin. "The brain doesn't need insulin to let the glucose in; it needs insulin to process the glucose once it comes in," she explained. Without adequate insulin, the brain, despite being flooded with glucose, cannot utilize it effectively, leading to a paradoxical situation where the brain is both overwhelmed with glucose and starving for energy. This disruption in brain chemistry can lead to severe mental health issues. "If you want to balance your brain chemistry, one of the most effective ways to do that is to unbalance your diet," she stated. Lowering carbohydrate intake, particularly to ketogenic levels, can significantly improve brain function by stabilizing glucose and insulin levels and providing ketones as an alternative energy source. Dr. Ede also discussed the balance between glutamate and GABA, the brain's primary neurotransmitters. "Glutamate is the gas pedal, and GABA is the brake pedal," she explained. The balance between these neurotransmitters determines the brain's activity level, and eating refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils can profoundly disrupt this balance, leading to overstimulation and mental health issues. "If you're eating these refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils, you're getting all this inflammation and oxidative stress," she said. "The inflammation and oxidative stress throw this system profoundly out of balance." The interview concluded with Pam Devine highlighting the importance of attending the LowCarbUSA Symposium in person. Dr. Ede echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique benefits of in-person conferences. "It's a completely different experience," she said. "You'll meet other people, make lasting connections, and leave feeling energized and more knowledgeable." She encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts and immerse themselves in the latest research on metabolic health.