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Type 2 diabetes affects more than 422 million people worldwide, yet many don’t realize that it can be reversed with the right approach. This figure comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) and unfortunately, continues to increase.
Lewis Bertus, PA-C, is on a mission to change that. As the founder of Diabetes180, Lewis has helped countless individuals transform their health using a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based approach. Featured on the NHA Health Science Podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino, Lewis shares his groundbreaking methods and personal journey, which combines professional expertise with deeply rooted values.
A Holistic Start: From Theology to Medicine
Lewis’s foundation in holistic health began early, growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, which emphasizes the connection between physical and spiritual well-being. His undergraduate studies in theology further shaped his belief in holistic healing, and his early career in community outreach gave him firsthand experience addressing preventable health challenges.
“I grew up understanding that if you nourish the body correctly, it can heal itself,” Lewis said, crediting his upbringing for introducing him to plant-based principles long before they were mainstream.
Personal Experience Sparks Professional Mission
The inspiration behind Diabetes180 came from a personal challenge—helping his wife reverse her diabetes. Despite following conventional dietary advice and even experimenting with a keto diet, her condition persisted. Frustrated but determined, Lewis dove deep into research and implemented a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet.
“Within six weeks, her blood sugar normalized,” Lewis shared. “Her success became the catalyst for what is now the Diabetes180 program.”
Breaking Down Diabetes: Addressing the Root Cause
Contrary to popular belief, Lewis explained, type 2 diabetes isn’t caused by carbohydrates. Instead, he highlighted how excess dietary fat creates insulin resistance.
Excess dietary fat creates a barrier that prevents insulin from effectively delivering glucose into the cells. By focusing on a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, clients in the Diabetes180 program can significantly enhance their insulin sensitivity and take meaningful steps toward reversing diabetes.
The Diabetes180 Program: A Path to Transformation
Lewis’s three-month program offers a comprehensive approach to reversing diabetes, focusing on:
- Dietary Transition: Guidance on adopting a low-fat, plant-based diet.
- Mindset Coaching: Practical tools for managing stress and fostering a positive outlook.
- Exercise Recommendations: Customized plans incorporating both aerobic and resistance training.
Lewis’s wife, a former diabetic, co-leads the program, bringing personal insight and emotional support to clients navigating similar journeys.
Tackling Sugar Cravings and Integrating Fasting
Addressing sugar cravings effectively requires a complete dietary reset, as gradual changes often prove less successful. The program also incorporates intermittent fasting as a powerful strategy for clients with persistent insulin resistance. By synchronizing eating patterns with natural circadian rhythms, fasting promotes faster recovery and supports improved metabolic health.
Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Physicians
One of the biggest challenges Lewis faces is overcoming the widespread misconception that carbohydrates cause diabetes. By educating clients—and sometimes their physicians—on the science of insulin resistance, Lewis helps pave the way for sustainable health improvements.
Lewis ensures that clients understand his role as a supportive coach and resource, complementing the care provided by their primary healthcare team rather than replacing it. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make lifestyle changes while maintaining the guidance of their existing medical professionals.
Ready to Reverse Diabetes?
To learn more about Diabetes180 or to schedule a consultation with Lewis Bertus, visit www.LewisBertus.com.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction.
[02:00] It started with church.
[04:50] The spiritual side of plant based eating.
[07:00] Lewis’ wifes’ diabetes was a huge motivator to start his coaching practice.
[11:00] Is the problem fat or carbs?
[14:00] Is what you eat “gumming” the lock?
[16:00] In the long run, it’s easier when you make a clean break from sugar.
[20:00] Diabetes180 program elements.
[27:30] The role intermittent fasting has on our health.
[31:00] Start the day with your largest meal.
[34:00] Stop masking your symptoms.
[40:00] Strategies to manage stress.
[43:00] What’s on the horizon for Lewis.
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.
No Cost Recipe eBook lewisbertus.com/250-recipes-for-diabetes-weightloss
About Dr. Frank Sabatino
As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.
Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.
Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.
About NHA
The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.
The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.
The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.
More information: https://www.healthscience.org/
Scholarships
A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.
Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship. whuberman@healthscience.org
NHA membership
For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.
Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine), the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.
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