#210 - Pregnancy & metabolic health: Hormone changes & gestational diabetes | Dr. Azure Grant & Ben Grynol

Apr 27, 2023

Dr. Azure Grant, Levels Research Design Lead and women's health researcher, joins Ben Grynol to discuss the intricate relationship between pregnancy and metabolic health. They highlight how insulin resistance naturally increases during pregnancy and the importance of monitoring glucose levels. Azure explains the role of metabolic health in family planning, especially for older parents. The conversation also covers postpartum hormonal changes and the challenges they present, emphasizing proactive strategies for reducing the risk of gestational diabetes.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Metabolic Health and Fertility

Preparing metabolic health before pregnancy improves fertility chances and pregnancy outcomes.
Insulin resistance and weight greatly impact reproductive health and ovulatory function.

INSIGHT

Insulin Resistance Causes PCOS

Severe insulin resistance can cause PCOS and ovulatory dysfunction in women.
Managing insulin sensitivity helps restore regular ovulation and enhance fertility.

INSIGHT

Early Metabolic Shifts in Pregnancy

Pregnancy triggers dynamic hormonal and cardiovascular changes from early on.
Even very early metabolic changes can signal the body's adaptation to support fetal development.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

How does pregnancy affect your metabolic health at each trimester, from conception to postpartum lactation? Levels Research Design Lead Dr. Azure Grant talks with Ben Grynol about the different phases of pregnancy and how it affects hormones and things you can do to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.

Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Azure Grant, PhD, & Ben Grynol discuss:

(04:46) — Worsening or poor metabolic health can impact fertility

(06:15) — Age increases one’s risk of pregnancy complications, including those related to metabolic health

(13:53) — Every system in the body must adapt in response to pregnancy

(18:12) — Insulin resistance naturally occurs during pregnancy

(23:53) — The trajectory of glucose levels during pregnancy follows a U-shape

(28:33) — Can focusing on metabolic health during pregnancy reduce fatigue?

(39:44) — Gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both the birthing parent and their child

(41:31) — The importance of monitoring for and treating gestational diabetes

(43:56) — Parental health is paramount to child health

(51:28) — Continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy could be helpful

(57:03) — Metabolic health is an important factor in family planning and beyond

Transcripts & Show notes

🔗 Helpful links:

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1