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With special guest Suzanne Robotti from MedShadow, this episode highlights the startling reality of the sheer number of people who take prescription drugs, discusses side effects, and most importantly, arms you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful conversations with your doctor and healthcare team, so that you can achieve optimal diabetes health.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
CHAPTERS
1:59 Su’s Medication Journey
7:27 Overreliance on Medications
10:16 The Dark Side of Meds
15:05 Don’t Overlook Any Side Effects
18:29 Communicating With Your Doctor or Pharmacist
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Overview
Diabetes management often presents a crossroads where medication becomes a primary focus. But the pursuit of health autonomy and the scrutiny of medication dependency is a conversation long overdue, especially in terms of diabetes.
In this episode, our guest Suzanne Robotti from MedShadow brings her expertise to the table as Dr Jedha and Su explore taking the reins of your health back into your own hands.
Some of the topics we explore include:
Personal Empowerment and Informed Choices
Su’s personal story with the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) and her experience with her nephew’s ADHD diagnosis illustrates the profound impact of medications and the importance of informed choices. Her journey led to the founding of MedShadow, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive health information on medicines and alternative lifestyles. This emphasizes the vital role of being informed about the potential side effects and long-term impacts of medications.
Over-Medicalization and Its Impact
The discussion sheds light on the over-reliance on medication in the US. Statistics like 48% of citizens taking prescription drugs in the past 30 days highlight a culture leaning heavily towards pharmaceutical solutions. This over-medicalization can lead to adverse reactions, which, in the case of diabetes medications, are among the most common reasons for emergency hospital visits.
The Power of Diet and Lifestyle
The episode stresses the effectiveness of diet and lifestyle changes over medication in managing health conditions. In diabetes, we know nutrition plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes, often more effectively than medications.
The Importance of Questioning and Communication
An essential takeaway from the podcast is the encouragement to question medical prescriptions and seek alternatives. We urge you to ask your doctor, “What can I do instead of taking this medicine?” This approach can prevent the ‘drug cascade’ – a situation where new medications are prescribed to address the side effects of existing ones.
For other questions to ask your doctor, view this info on MedShadow.
Being Your Own Health Advocate
The conversation stresses the importance of being the boss of your medicines. Every visit to the doctor should be an opportunity to review your prescriptions and ask if they are still necessary, if there are less potent alternatives, or if lifestyle changes could replace them. Utilizing resources like pharmacists and being aware of all substances you’re consuming, including vitamins and herbal supplements, is crucial for avoiding harmful interactions.
A Call to Action For YOU
We encourage you to educate yourself about the medications you’re taking. Knowledge is your best asset to effectively manage health your prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Be vigilant about your health, and actively engage in discussions with your doctor and other healthcare providers.
Take charge of your health through education, informed decision-making, and effective communication!
Podcast Guest
About Suzanne Robotti
Suzanne is a medication side effects expert and Founder of MedShadow Foundation, a leading non profit, independent health journalism site focused on the side effects of medicines and lower risk alternative health options. Since 2017 Su has been appointed as the sole Consumer Representative on the FDA Advisory Committee on Drug Safety and Risk Management.
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