Host Paula Bell sits down with April from Iowa Diabetes at the My City My Health Conference to discuss what makes specialized diabetes care different—and why it matters. From understanding the basics of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to exploring cutting-edge research opportunities, this conversation breaks down how one West Des Moines clinic is changing lives through focused expertise.
April shares the personal passion behind her work, explains why diabetes deserves more than general primary care, and reveals how Iowa Diabetes is working toward an ambitious goal: reaching a million lives before 2027. Plus, learn about the unexpected ways patients have discovered underlying health conditions through research study screenings.
Whether you're managing diabetes, supporting someone who is, or just curious about how specialized healthcare works, this episode offers practical insights and real hope.
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SHOW NOTES:
[
00:00] Introduction at My City My Health Conference
[
00:44] What is diabetes, really?
• Breaking down the "sugars" myth
• Genetic vs. lifestyle factors
• The role of diet and obesity in America
[
01:29] Type 1 vs. Type 2: Understanding the differences
• Insulin resistance explained
• Treatment approaches for each type
• When Type 2 diabetes requires insulin
[
02:36] Inside Iowa Diabetes: A specialty clinic with a mission
• Goal: Reach a million lives before 2027
• The power of specialized care vs. general practice
• Meet the team: Endocrinologists, diabetes educators, pharmacists, and more
[
03:15] Beyond clinical care: Research that matters
• Studies on medications like Ozempic and Monjaro
• Obesity research for people with and without diabetes
• Fatty liver disease studies
• How research screenings uncover hidden health conditions
[
04:19] Real patient stories and testimonies
• Life-changing results from specialized care
• Unexpected health discoveries through study participation
[
05:27] April's personal passion for diabetes care
• Why specialized knowledge matters
• Getting people on the right health journey
• The difference between treatment and true support
[
06:15] How to connect with Iowa Diabetes
• Phone: 515-329-5690 (speak with a specialty navigator)
• Website: iowadiabetes.com
• Location: 4211 Corporate Drive, West Des Moines (near Whole Foods)
• Social media: Facebook
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RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Iowa Diabetes
📞 Phone: 515-329-5690
🌐 Website: iowadiabetes.com
📍 Location: 4211 Corporate Drive, West Des Moines, IA
📱 Facebook: Iowa Diabetes
Services Available:
• Specialized diabetes clinical care
• Medical nutrition therapy
• Diabetes education
• Research study opportunities (Ozempic, Monjaro, obesity, fatty liver)
• Specialty navigation services
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
✓ Diabetes care benefits from specialized expertise, not just general primary care
✓ Type 1 requires insulin; Type 2 can often be managed with oral medications initially
✓ Lifestyle factors play a huge role in diabetes development and management
✓ Research studies can provide access to cutting-edge treatments AND uncover unknown health issues
✓ Specialty navigators help connect patients with the exact services they need
✓ Iowa Diabetes has a mission to reach a million lives before 2027