Understanding blood sugar and insulin resistance in midlife
Understanding blood sugar, insulin resistance and the everyday habits that can help you stay healthier for longer with clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo.
One of the things I’ve become increasingly interested in is understanding how our bodies change in the second half of life.
When we’re younger, it’s easy to take our health for granted. But as we move through our 50s and beyond, our metabolism changes, our hormones change, and many of us suddenly find ourselves dealing with things we’ve never had to think about before - stubborn weight gain, changing energy levels, rising blood sugar and an increased risk of chronic disease.
The good news? There’s a lot we can do about it.
This week on Prime Time, I’m joined by clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo to unpack what’s really happening inside our bodies and why so many Australians are developing insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. More importantly, we talk about the practical changes we can make today to improve our long-term health.
Sarah explains blood sugar in simple terms, shares the everyday habits that matter most, and reminds us that it’s never too late to make positive changes. As she says, we shouldn’t be waiting until we’re unwell to start paying attention to our health.
We spend a lot of time planning financially for our future, but looking after our health deserves just as much attention.
You can grab a copy of The Blood Sugar Repair Plan by Sarah Di Lorenzo from Simon & Schuster or your favourite bookseller.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
Why our bodies change after 50: Understanding what’s happening to our metabolism, hormones and blood sugar as we move through midlife.
Insulin resistance explained in plain English: What it is, why it’s so common, and the signs many of us dismiss as simply “getting older.”
Simple food changes that make a real difference: Sarah shares practical strategies to help stabilise blood sugar without overcomplicating the way you eat.
The blood tests worth asking your GP about: The key health markers Sarah believes everyone should understand before problems become serious.
Why strength training is part of the solution: It’s not just about building muscle- it’s one of the most effective ways to support healthy blood sugar as we age.
It’s never too late to improve your health: Sarah explains why small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a profound impact, whatever your age.
From Bec’s Desk
Hello Primetimers!
I had a few beautiful days on The Ghan this week (more on that next week). What an experience — a proper journey through the centre of Australia. I did it with my daughter, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide via Katherine and Nitmiluk Gorge, Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges, and Coober Pedy. So much good food and wine along the way too.
This week we’re talking about your health — specifically how your body manages and metabolises sugar. Worth understanding as we figure out how to give our bodies what they need in midlife and beyond, without the excess.
And on courses: we’re in week 3 of the HESTA Epic Retirement course, with thousands of HESTA members working through the lessons.
Our own Epic Retirement Flagship Course kicks off next Thursday, with record numbers signed up — we’ve just closed the 25% earlybird offer so we can get welcome packs out in time.
If you missed it, keep an eye on Sunday’s Epic Retirement newsletter — there’ll be a subscriber-only offer for anyone who missed the earlybird. Sign up here if you’re not already subscribed.
And that’s it from me! Got some ideas for our show or questions you want answered on social media reels? I love to receive them - just reply to this email. I read every single letter!
Until next week - Make your Prime Time count!
Bec Xx
