Interview with Wendy Lopez & Jessica Jones, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Certified Diabetes Care Specialists: Navigating Nutrition and Insulin Resistance with Diabetes Digital

Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez talk to Mary Alice Haney (of the She MD Podcast with Dr. Thais Aliabadi) about nutrition and insulin resistance. For many women navigating the complex world of PCOS, insulin resistance, and diabetes, finding a practical, compassionate, and culturally inclusive approach to managing these conditions can feel overwhelming. That’s why the work of Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones stands out. Both nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionists and certified diabetes care specialists, Wendy and Jessica co-founded Diabetes Digital, an insurance-covered telehealth platform specifically designed to help women of diverse backgrounds prevent and manage diabetes with tailored virtual nutrition counseling.

We sat down to learn about their journey, their unique insights into diabetes and prediabetes, and how their innovative program addresses not only nutrition but also holistic wellness for women living with metabolic challenges. The discussion unfolded around the intersection of social determinants of health, nutrition education, intuitive eating, and patient autonomy.

Table of Contents

• Origins of Wendy and Jessica’s Mission
• Understanding the Scope of Diabetes and Prediabetes
• Demystifying Diabetes: Types and Diagnosis
• Building a Sustainable, Balanced Relationship with Carbohydrates
• Exploring Intermittent Fasting and Medication Support
• Managing Menopause and Blood Sugar Stability
• Addressing Cultural Nuances and Accessibility in Nutrition
• Empowerment Through Intuitive Eating and Patient Autonomy
• Building a Career and Business as Women of Color in Wellness
• Getting Started with Diabetes Digital
• FAQ

Origins of Wendy and Jessica’s Mission

How did you both get started together, and what inspired the creation of Diabetes Digital?

Jessica shared how their paths crossed about 15 years ago at a Brooklyn house party, which led to a creative collaboration named Food Heaven, a community nutrition project on Brooklyn Public Access focused on healthy eating and nutrition education. What began as a passion project gradually transformed into a business and a podcast. As both deepened their clinical expertise, particularly in diabetes education, their focus shifted toward supporting individuals facing diabetes and metabolic issues.

Tapping into their combined experience, they launched Diabetes Digital, a virtual nutrition counseling platform authorized by insurance, to make diabetes care more accessible, holistic, and culturally resonant for women struggling with diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, or related metabolic concerns.

Understanding the Scope of Diabetes and Prediabetes

Why is it important for people to be aware of diabetes and prediabetes, even if they think “it’s not me”?

Wendy highlighted some staggering statistics: about 11.6% of the US population has diabetes, and 38% of adults have prediabetes. These numbers reveal how widespread insulin resistance and blood sugar irregularities really are.

They emphasized that prediabetes is often silent and overlooked because many do not receive proper lab screenings or preventative care. This oversight means that many people transition into type 2 diabetes without early intervention. It is especially critical for women with PCOS because insulin resistance frequently underlies the condition, but this also extends to many diverse populations.

What are some social factors that increase the risk of diabetes in Black and brown communities?

The conversation turned to social determinants of health—non-medical conditions that deeply influence health outcomes. Financial instability and chronic stress can physically impact the immune system and hormonal balance. Limited access to healthcare services, fewer clinics in neighborhoods, and long wait times for appointments create deterrents to seeking care.

Moreover, nutritional inequities play a major role. In many lower-income communities, access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and wholesome foods is limited, while ultra-processed and high-carb foods are more prevalent and affordable. Physical activity can also be restricted by unsafe neighborhoods or a lack of accessible gyms. This combination of stressors, education gaps, and environmental barriers creates a heavier burden for women of color in managing metabolic health effectively.

Demystifying Diabetes: Types and Diagnosis

Can you explain the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Jessica illuminated the distinction thoughtfully. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, reducing or eliminating insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections and are often diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood, though adult-onset cases termed “type 1.5” also occur.

Type 2 diabetes, by contrast, involves insulin resistance where cells become less responsive to insulin’s signal, leading to elevated blood sugar. It is influenced by genetics, age (especially over 45), lifestyle, and social factors. This type is often preceded by prediabetes and is generally associated with a higher risk in people of color, but it is less about individual blame and more about systemic and physiological factors.

How do people know if they are prediabetic or diabetic?

Prediabetes often has no symptoms. Regular blood work, particularly the A1C test, which reflects average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months, is essential. A normal A1C is less than 5.7%. Testing once a year is especially important for those with a family history or other risk factors.

Other monitoring includes fasting glucose tests and continuous glucose monitors for more immediate tracking. Early detection and consistent monitoring allow for better prevention and management strategies before full diabetes develops.

Building a Sustainable, Balanced Relationship with Carbohydrates

Why do carbs get a bad rap, and how can people reintroduce them healthfully?

Jessica and Wendy agreed that carbohydrates are often misunderstood. They are a diverse group that includes not just bread and rice, but also fruits, beans, sweet potatoes, plantains, corn, and more—all critical sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Cutting carbs drastically often leads to unsustainable diets and poor relationships with food. Instead, the emphasis should be on balanced meals that combine carbohydrates with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This balance helps slow the absorption of glucose and stabilizes blood sugar.

A good first step is identifying which carbohydrate-containing foods someone enjoys and planning meals around those. Addressing cultural food preferences is also vital to make nutrition sustainable and more joyful.

What practical strategies do you recommend for someone newly managing prediabetes?

Exercise is a powerful tool. Even a 10-minute walk after a large meal can lower blood sugar significantly. If outdoor walks aren’t convenient or safe, simple indoor activities or “walk at home” YouTube workouts offer accessible movement options.

In nutrition, focusing on a balanced breakfast with carbs, protein, fiber, and fat can dramatically improve control. For example, switching from a carb-heavy breakfast to a more savory, balanced meal has evidence of lowering A1C levels in patients.

Exploring Intermittent Fasting and Medication Support

What are your views on intermittent fasting for blood sugar management?

While intermittent fasting works for some, Jessica and Wendy caution that it isn’t necessary or suitable for everyone, especially those with diabetes on medications like insulin. Fasting can cause dangerous blood sugar swings, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and lead to overeating during eating windows.

Social and lifestyle factors also make fasting challenging. The key is finding a way of eating that fits personal preferences and supports stable blood sugar without unnecessary restrictions.

How do GLP-1 medications fit into diabetes care, and what nutritional advice do you give patients using them?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications shown to lower A1C (blood sugar) by approximately 0.5% to 2.4%, depending on the drug and individual. While medication decisions are best made in consultation with healthcare providers, ongoing nutrition counseling is crucial.

GLP-1 medications often reduce appetite, leading some patients to eat less frequently or skip meals, which can risk muscle loss. Maintaining lean muscle through adequate protein intake (about 25-30 grams per meal) and strength training two to three times a week is important. Muscle not only supports metabolism but also aids blood sugar regulation by increasing glucose uptake.

Managing Menopause and Blood Sugar Stability

What lifestyle and nutrition shifts support women through menopause in balancing blood sugar and energy?

Jessica, experiencing early menopause herself, stressed the value of working with knowledgeable healthcare providers and dietitians familiar with hormonal changes. The same principles that apply to prediabetes and diabetes management hold true here: balanced macronutrients on the plate and prioritizing protein intake to preserve muscle mass and metabolic health.

She pointed out that as we age, maintaining muscle through strength training is critical to prevent falls and maintain mobility. This is a shift from the younger focus on mostly cardio; resistance exercises now play a fundamental role in overall health.

Are there particular foods or habits menopausal women should focus on?

Emphasis is on getting enough protein, incorporating whole foods, fiber, and balancing meals for steady blood sugar. Sleep and stress management also powerfully affect hormonal balance and metabolism, so cultivating rest and relaxation strategies is equally important.

Addressing Cultural Nuances and Accessibility in Nutrition

How do you incorporate cultural dietary preferences in your approach?

Both Wendy and Jessica believe nutrition care must honor cultural foods and traditions. Eliminating or demonizing staple cultural foods does not foster sustainable health. Instead, they focus on how to balance meals while keeping culturally significant foods in place. For example, Southern classics like fried chicken and collard greens can be adapted thoughtfully without complete elimination.

For those with limited budgets or food access, what practical advice do you offer?

They encourage using frozen fruits and vegetables, which retain most nutrients and stay fresh longer, offering a budget-friendly and convenient option. Planning meals with staple, affordable items like beans and legumes also ensures fiber and protein intake. Whenever possible, small lifestyle adjustments like parking farther from stores or incorporating movement during daily errands help enhance overall health.

Importantly, they acknowledge that food is not always the biggest priority for many facing socioeconomic hardships; stable housing, transportation, and other needs come first. Nutrition advice is shared compassionately with attention to where someone is in their life.

Empowerment Through Intuitive Eating and Patient Autonomy

How does Diabetes Digital incorporate intuitive eating and Health at Every Size?

One of the most innovative aspects of Diabetes Digital is its departure from traditional restrictive diabetes diets. Instead, it embraces non-restrictive, patient-centered approaches that align with intuitive eating principles. Jessica calls it a “therapeutic approach” that respects patients’ experiences with food, fostering a positive, guilt-free relationship rather than prescribing rigid food lists or calorie restrictions.

The program honors cultural foodways, addresses disordered eating histories, and emphasizes overall well-being beyond weight loss, including mental health, sleep, and social supports. They aim to empower patients as their own health advocates through education on nutrition fundamentals and personalized, realistic food strategies.

What does patient support look like in practice at Diabetes Digital?

The care is individualized. Some clients require weekly visits over 12 sessions or more; others seek just education to debunk misinformation they have received elsewhere. The team balances clinical needs with insurance coverage, co-pays, and personal budgets.

Their diverse, culturally humble staff allows all patients—70-75% of whom identify as people of color—to feel heard and understood. This builds trust and inspires sustained lifestyle changes that positively affect blood sugar and health.

Building a Career and Business as Women of Color in Wellness

What barriers have you faced as women of color entrepreneurs in the wellness space?

Wendy and Jessica candidly discussed challenges like being underpaid compared to peers, tokenization during social movements, and exploitation of their stories without sustained partnership or support. These experiences fueled their drive toward self-sufficiency and creating spaces where their voices are central year-round, not just momentarily.

How has your personal background shaped your professional mission?

Their work is deeply informed by their own families’ experiences with diabetes and prediabetes, reflecting generational risks and fears. This personal connection strengthens their compassionate approach and commitment to culturally aware education that truly meets patients where they are.

Jessica remarked on the importance of hiring and training a diverse team to better connect with a majority BIPOC patient base and create meaningful therapeutic relationships.

Getting Started with Diabetes Digital

How can someone interested in your services connect with Diabetes Digital?

The platform, accessible at diabetesdigital.co, offers a straightforward sign-up process including a short quiz and insurance verification within 24 hours. Patients can often schedule their first nutrition counseling session the very next day.

The team also produces the Diabetes Digital Podcast, which provides ongoing expert insights, personal stories, and practical guidance for managing diabetes, prediabetes, and related metabolic conditions.

For regular updates and community engagement, follow their Instagram @diabetesdigitalco.

What is your advice for someone starting their metabolic health journey?

The first step is awareness: understanding your risk, getting appropriate blood work, and finding supportive care that respects your background and preferences. Small, sustainable changes in diet, incorporating enjoyable movement, managing stress and sleep, and balancing meals with your favorite foods create a foundation for long-term health.

FAQs

What is the role of insulin in blood sugar regulation, and how does insulin resistance develop?

Insulin is a hormone that acts like a key, allowing glucose from carbohydrates to enter cells and provide energy. In insulin resistance, the body’s cells don’t respond as well to insulin, so glucose builds up in the blood. This ongoing high blood sugar harms the vascular system and can lead to diabetes if untreated.

How often should someone get tested for prediabetes or diabetes?

An annual A1C test is recommended, especially for individuals with risk factors like family history, PCOS, or certain ethnic backgrounds. The A1C gives an average blood sugar reading over two to three months, helping detect prediabetes early.

Are carbohydrates always bad for blood sugar control?

No. Carbohydrates are essential for energy and a wide range of nutrients. The key is balance: combining carbohydrates with protein, fiber, and fats slows glucose absorption and stabilizes blood sugar. Avoiding carbs entirely can lead to nutrient deficiencies and unsustainable dietary habits.

Is intermittent fasting safe for individuals with diabetes?

Intermittent fasting may not be safe for everyone with diabetes, especially those on insulin or medications that lower blood sugar, due to risks of dangerous lows. It requires careful monitoring and medical supervision. Alternative balanced eating patterns are effective and often easier to maintain.

How do social determinants of health affect diabetes risk?

Social determinants like financial stress, limited access to quality healthcare, food deserts, unsafe neighborhoods, and lower health education disproportionately increase the risk and burden of diabetes among Black and brown communities and low-income populations.

What does Diabetes Digital offer compared to traditional diabetes care?

Diabetes Digital offers insurance-covered virtual nutrition counseling that emphasizes a personalized, non-restrictive, culturally humble approach. Unlike many restrictive diets, their program promotes intuitive eating, acknowledges cultural food preferences, addresses emotional aspects of eating, and supports patient autonomy.

How can menopausal women support blood sugar balance?

Menopausal women should focus on balanced meals rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and whole foods, alongside strength training to maintain muscle. Managing sleep, stress, and working with providers experienced in menopause also play critical roles.

What is the best way to start improving blood sugar control for someone newly diagnosed with prediabetes?

Starting simple is key. Incorporate short daily walks, especially after meals, balance meals with protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrates you enjoy, get regular testing and professional support, and focus on manageable lifestyle changes rather than drastic diets.

How can patients on GLP-1 medications maintain muscle mass and healthy eating habits?

Because GLP-1s may reduce appetite, it’s crucial to schedule meals even when not hungry and prioritize protein intake (about 25-30 grams per meal). Combining this with strength training helps preserve lean muscle, which is essential for glucose regulation and overall health.

How can someone access Diabetes Digital’s services?

Visit diabetesdigital.co to complete a quick quiz and submit insurance information. They verify benefits within 24 hours and often schedule appointments as soon as the next day for virtual counseling sessions.

Why is it important to honor cultural foods in diabetes care?

Cultural foods are tied to identity and emotional well-being. Completely eliminating these foods can lead to unsustainable diets and disordered eating. Integrating them thoughtfully into balanced meals supports long-term adherence and respect for patient backgrounds.

This article was created from the video Navigating Nutrition, Insulin Resistance with Diabetes Digital: Jessica Jones & Wendy Lopez | SHE MD for Dr. Thais Aliabadi’s website.