Dr. Nicola Guess, an RD and PhD researcher from Oxford, dives into the world of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and their implications for those without type 2 diabetes. She discusses the nuances of glucose dynamics and the misconceptions surrounding glucose data interpretations. Nicola emphasizes the importance of understanding individual glucose responses, especially regarding diet and exercise. Plus, she highlights the potential mental health impacts of CGM usage, advocating for a more holistic approach to health rather than fixating solely on glucose levels.

Nicola Guess, a dietitian and researcher at the University of Oxford, challenges the misconceptions surrounding ultraprocessed foods. She delves into the complexities of food classification, advocating for a nuanced approach to nutrition. Instead of fearing ultraprocessed labels, she urges listeners to consider overall dietary patterns. The discussion also highlights the urgent need to address the prevalence of unhealthy food options and suggests strategies like taxing these foods to promote healthier choices.

Julian Baggini, a philosopher and author focused on food and philosophy, teams up with Nicola Guess, an academic dietitian from the University of Oxford. They dive into the recent obsession with glucose tracking for personalized nutrition. Discussions revolve around the complexities of blood glucose and its connection to health, challenging the superficiality of nutritionism. They also critique the use of continuous glucose monitors, highlighting their limitations for healthy individuals and advocating for a holistic approach to nutrition that goes beyond just glucose data.

Dr. Nicola Guess and Professor Jonathan Little discuss the importance of managing glucose 'spikes' after a meal or intense exercise. They explore the difference between glucose spikes and chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes, the relationship between carbohydrate intake and blood sugar control, the pros and cons of continuous glucose monitoring, understanding pre-diabetes glucose levels, and the role of beta cells in type 2 diabetes and exercise.

In this discussion, Dr. Nicola Guess, a nutrition scientist at the University of Oxford specializing in type 2 diabetes prevention, dismantles common health myths. She reveals why continuous glucose monitors are mostly unnecessary for non-diabetics and critiques the misleading nature of microbiome tests claiming personalized advice. Nicola emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to ultra-processed foods and the real health markers to monitor, offering actionable insights while cutting through the noise of trendy diet hacks.