Power Athlete Radio Ep 836: The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes w/ Andrew Koutnik
Nov 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Koutnik, a researcher specializing in diabetes and sports nutrition, shares powerful insights on managing diabetes for optimal athletic performance. He emphasizes the importance of tailored training and how strength can combat chronic disease. Koutnik exposes the misconceptions surrounding carbohydrate intake, advocating for low-carb diets to stabilize glucose levels. He provides practical tips for insulin management during exercise and explores the effects of dieting on metabolism, making a compelling case for metabolic health in athletes.
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Diabetes Care And Insurance Costs
- John and Andrew discuss extreme insurance costs and how diabetes care can make insurance unaffordable for families.
- Andrew recounted an ICU stay with a six-figure bill that was largely covered decades ago, illustrating system changes.
Suspend Insulin Before Intense Training
- Suspend insulin about 30 minutes before high-intensity training to lower insulin on board and prevent exercise hypoglycemia.
- Keep insulin on board below ~1–1.5 units so blood sugar stays stable during intense activity.
Train Fasted Or Time Food Away From Boluses
- Favor fasting or training with minimal insulin on board rather than eating with recent bolused insulin to improve reliability.
- Fuel with carbs after exercise when insulin sensitivity is higher to reduce hypoglycemia risk.