Show notes
Today, I am blessed to have here with me, a Functional Medicine and Wellness practitioner, Dr. Casey Means.
Dr. Casey’s mission is to use scientific knowledge as a tool to maximize the human experience for herself and her patients. Life is precious, and Dr. Casey believes that science can help us all experience better, happier, and healthier lives, if we choose to implement scientific knowledge in an effective way.
Originally from Washington, DC, Dr. Casey headed west for college, and graduated with Honors from Stanford University with a degree in Human Biology, with a concentration in the Cellular and Genetic Basis of Disease. She completed her medical degree at Stanford School of Medicine, and subsequently trained to be a Head & Neck Surgeon at OHSU before transition to Functional Medicine.
Dr. Casey’s training with the Institute for Functional Medicine allows her to help you stay healthy and heal from within. We will look deeply into your unique health story and biology to identify the root causes of your health concerns.
Dr. Casey has spent thousands of hours in the operating room and hospital, and have seen almost everything that can go wrong in personal health. Her functional medicine approach offers safe, effective, and natural interventions that address the root cause of disease.
In this episode, Dr. Casey speaks about her pivot from Head & Neck Surgeon to Functional Medicine. We dive deep into glucose monitoring and the best ways to utilize a CGM. Dr. Casey speaks about the effects that stress can have on our glucose levels and what our optimal glucose levels should be. Tune in as Dr. Casey explains how Levels will help you maximize your metabolic health so you can live a longer, fuller, healthier life.
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// T I M E S T A M P S
[01:00] About Dr. Casey
Casey Means, MD, is a Functional Medicine and Wellness practitioner in Portland, OR.
She graduated from Stanford Medical School and did four years of additional training in ENT/Otolaryngology and subsequently trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine.
She is a whole-foods plant-based diet advocate, which she promotes on her Instagram account, @drcaseyskitchen.
Casey is passionate about helping patients identify the root causes of their ailments, and creating intervention plans with her patients that primarily focus on nutritional and lifestyle approaches.
[14:30] Making The Pivot To Functional Medicine
It was an easy decision for Dr. Casey to pivot to functional medicine.
Casey’s purpose is to help the most people that she possibly can.
Ultimately, Dr. Casey realized she could merge her functional medicine insight into digital tools and potentially help millions.
[19:25] About Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night and can alert you if your levels go too high or low.
This technology has been around for over a decade.
Insulin resistance and metabolic diseases start decades before the actual diagnosis and result from repeated and regular insults to your metabolic system.
No two people respond to carbs the same; that’s why a CGM is useful.
[31:05] The Effects of Cortisol On Glucose
Our perception of stress effects our glucose levels.
Stress will raise your glucose.
It’s good to be aware of your stress levels throughout the day.
It’s difficult to know whether or not we are stressed. You cannot hide the stress from your body even if your brain doesn’t think you are stressed.
If you’re getting a glucose surge, then try to add a meditation practice to your day.
[34:25] About The Dawn Phenomenon
First thing in the morning, glucose will rise on its own.
In order to wake up from sleep, our body will release cortisol and other hormones. These hormones will have an impact on our bodies.
This effect is more pronounced in someone who has diabetes.
Evidence suggests that a very healthy person will not have much of a dawn effect.
In someone who has perfect insulin sensitivity, then the body will compensate for the glucose surge. It’s normal not to see a dawn effect.
[36:10] Optimal Glucose Ranges
If you have a fasting glucose of below 100, you’re considered normal. If you are 100 – 125, you are considered prediabetic. If you are 126 and above, you are considered diabetic.
If you’re below 100 in the morning, then you’re okay. After a considerable carb-rich meal and you stay below 140, then you’re fine.
However, Dr. Casey says these numbers are way too lenient.
If you look at the research, even in the “normal” range risk of all diseases increases above 70.
Some research suggests that the lower your fasting glucose is, the risk for mortality goes up. This does not entirely convince dr. Casey. Low fasting glucose needs to be studied better.
[46:25] Getting Your Own CGM
For an average person, their doctor will not give them a CGM.
When you become a Level customer, you will get an evaluation from a doctor to use a CGM. Then, you will get a CGM in the mail.
The monitor will track your metabolic fitness and allow you to take control of your health.
Check out Levels: https://www.levelshealth.com/
AND MUCH MORE!
Resources from this episode:
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast including Ben Azadi disclaim responsibility from any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. Opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not accept responsibility of statements made by guests. This podcast does not make any representations or warranties about guests qualifications or credibility. Individuals on this podcast may have a direct or non-direct interest in products or services referred to herein. If you think you have a medical problem, consult a licensed physician.