In this episode, we’re joined by Diana Mesa, a bilingual dietitian and certified diabetes educator, to talk about the real-life challenges immigrant and first-generation families face when navigating the U.S. healthcare system. From language barriers and cultural stigma to confusing diagnoses and food shame, Diana shares practical tips for advocating for yourself or your loved ones.

We also dive into how diabetes can be managed with cultural foods, why weight is not the whole story, and what true support looks like in care that honors your identity. Diana shares stories from her work supporting first-gen clients, and offers practical ways to advocate for yourself, challenge medical bias, and find providers who truly listen.

If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance, visit diabetesdigital.co to connect with our culturally aware and weight-inclusive team. And if you love the show, don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes or Spotify—it makes a huge difference! For additional resources and show notes, head to diabetesdigital.co/podcast.

Are you wondering why Black and Brown women are disproportionately affected by diabetes? In today’s episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we dive deep into the systemic factors contributing to this health disparity. From access to quality healthcare and nutritious food to the pervasive impacts of medical bias and diet culture, we unpack the challenges these communities face and how they influence diabetes risk.

You'll learn practical steps for advocating for yourself in healthcare settings, choosing healthier foods on a budget, and building sustainable habits that go beyond restrictive diets. We also explore how stress, sleep, and relationships play a crucial role in managing diabetes and overall health.

If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance, visit diabetesdigital.co to connect with our culturally aware and weight-inclusive team. And if you love the show, don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes or Spotify—it makes a huge difference! For additional resources and show notes, head to diabetesdigital.co/podcast.

Have you ever been told to swap rice for quinoa or skip the plantains in the name of “healthy eating”? In this episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast, we sit down with Dalina Soto, a Dominican-American registered dietitian and author of The Latina Anti-Diet, to explore how mainstream nutrition has unfairly vilified cultural foods. Food is more than just calories—it’s tradition, culture, and connection. Dalina shares why reclaiming our cultural foods without guilt is a powerful act of healing.

We dive into the impact of diet culture and weight stigma on communities of color, unpack the problematic history of BMI, and discuss how the wellness industry often overlooks cultural nuance. Dalina also offers practical ways to heal your relationship with food while honoring tradition, showing how reconnecting with cultural foods can be an act of self-care and resistance.

If you're living with diabetes or prediabetes and want personalized support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance, visit diabetesdigital.co to connect with our culturally aware and weight-inclusive team. And if you love the show, don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes or Spotify—it makes a huge difference! For additional resources and show notes, head to diabetesdigital.co/podcast.