Did you know that studies have shown a whole-food, plant-based diet can not only manage but also reverse type 2 diabetes? Research published in respected journals like The Lancet and Diabetes Care highlights how a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can significantly reduce insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels, and restore metabolic health. This evidence-based approach is transforming the way healthcare professionals address chronic illnesses, including diabetes.
One of the advocates at the forefront of this movement is Lewis Bertus, a physician assistant who has dedicated his career to helping patients reclaim their health through plant-based eating. Appearing on Kathleen Gage’s Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, Bertus shared his personal and professional journey into using food as medicine.
The Shift from Conventional Medicine to Holistic Healing
While traditional medical training offers limited education on nutrition, Bertus’s experience as a caregiver for his wife, who was diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes, prompted him to explore alternatives. Despite following medical advice and a low-carb diet, his wife’s condition worsened, leading Bertus to take matters into his own hands.
After two years of in-depth research, Bertus discovered that a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet addresses the root cause of type 2 diabetes—insulin resistance. Within six weeks of transitioning to this lifestyle, his wife reversed her diabetes. This breakthrough not only transformed her health but also redefined Bertus’s approach to patient care.
Why Plant-Based Eating Works
A plant-based diet is effective in reversing diabetes because it minimizes dietary fat, which is often overlooked as a contributor to insulin resistance. Unlike low-carb diets, which focus on restricting carbohydrates, a whole-food, plant-based diet emphasizes unprocessed or minimally processed foods, including:
- Vegetables: Rich in fiber and essential nutrients that regulate blood sugar.
- Fruits: Natural sources of antioxidants and vitamins.
- Legumes: Packed with protein and fiber for satiety and blood sugar stability.
- Whole Grains: Slow-digesting carbohydrates that prevent blood sugar spikes.
By focusing on these foods and reducing fat intake to less than 15% of daily calories, Bertus has helped numerous patients stabilize their blood sugar, reduce dependency on medications, and improve their overall quality of life.
Overcoming Barriers to Access and Awareness
A critical challenge Bertus addresses is the disparity in access to healthy foods, particularly in lower-income communities. While grocery stores in these areas may lack variety, Bertus points out that affordable staples like dried beans, rice, and frozen vegetables are widely available and can form the foundation of a nutrient-rich diet.
He also emphasizes the importance of education, citing resources like NutritionFacts.org, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and his own platform, LewisBertus.com, as starting points for anyone looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Beyond Health: A Holistic Connection
While his initial motivation was reversing chronic illness, Bertus has come to appreciate the broader implications of plant-based eating. From reducing animal suffering to mitigating environmental damage, the ripple effects of this lifestyle align with his values of compassion and interconnectedness.
A Call to Action
For those living with diabetes or other chronic conditions, Bertus offers a message of hope: “Find your why.” Whether it’s living to see your grandchildren grow, avoiding invasive surgeries, or simply feeling better, having a strong purpose can fuel your commitment to change.
The science is clear—plant-based eating is a powerful tool for reversing diabetes and preventing chronic illness. As Bertus’s journey illustrates, taking that first step can lead to profound transformations in health and well-being.
To learn more about Lewis Bertus and his approach to reversing diabetes, visit LewisBertus.com or tune into the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast with Kathleen Gage. Your journey to better health starts today.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[01:30] Where it started for Lewis.
[03:30] Shattering the myth of muscles and animal protein.
[06:00] Securing his first physician assistant job.
[07:30] Diabetes hits close to home.
[11:00] People of color are at a higher risk of Type II diabetes… and here’s why.
[13:00] We’ve been lied to.
[19:00] Dealing with family pushback.
[23:00] Understanding the Red, Yellow, Green foods.
[29:00] Tragic outcomes from complications from Type II diabetes.
[33:30] Fertility or infertility… food choices do matter.
About Lewis Bertus
Lewis Bertus, PA-C, is a dedicated physician assistant with a passion for empowering individuals to take control of their health through the power of lifestyle medicine. Since beginning his medical career in 2017, Lewis has combined his clinical expertise with his personal mission to help patients overcome chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Witnessing the life-changing effects of a whole-food, plant-based diet—first with his wife and later with countless patients—Lewis has become a strong advocate for using nutrition and lifestyle changes to reverse diabetes and promote long-term health.
Through personalized coaching, Lewis supports those with type 2 and prediabetes in achieving freedom from their illness. He also helps individuals with type 1 diabetes reduce insulin needs and improve quality of life. Committed to holistic healing, Lewis aims to inspire others to unlock their full potential for vitality and longevity.
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No Cost Recipe eBook lewisbertus.com/250-recipes-for-diabetes-weightloss
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About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.