RESOLUTIONS VERSUS REALITY #01 – EPISODE RECORDING

Healthy lifestyle, weight loss and first signals of metabolic disorders.

Podcast: WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?

Episode: Resolutions vs. Reality #01

Leading: Dariusz Litera

Guest: Włada Radzewicz, doctor, diabetology specialist

Duration: approx. 21 minutes

Weight loss is one of the most common New Year's resolutions. In practice, many people embark on a weight loss journey without first assessing their health, ignoring the signals their bodies send them.

In the first episode of the series "Resolutions vs. Reality," we talk about when it's worth stopping, taking a closer look at your body, and checking whether fatigue or lack of energy are symptoms of metabolic disorders.

CONVERSATION RECORDING

[00:00:00] Introduction

Dariusz Litera:

Lifestyle changes are one of the most common New Year's resolutions. But how do we actually know it's time to truly focus on our health, weight, and fitness? What signals does the body give us before excess weight develops into serious metabolic disorders? Want to find out? Find out what your doctor has to say. Today, your doctor is diabetologist Dr. Włada Radzewicz. Good morning, doctor.

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Good morning, Mr. Darek. Hello to all our listeners. I'm delighted to have you on the podcast today.

[00:00:31] How does the body signal the need for a lifestyle change?

Dariusz Litera:

What are the most common signs that our lifestyle needs to be changed before more serious health problems develop? What does our body tell us on a daily basis?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Above all, we must learn to listen to our bodies. We're busy, we work very hard, and we often don't have time to detect these crucial signals. It can be difficult to distinguish between significant symptoms and those resulting from daily fatigue.

[00:01:15] Stress, sleep and daily overload

Dariusz Litera:

Let's look at a middle-aged man who doesn't get enough sleep, is under a lot of stress, and doesn't exercise regularly. What should he pay attention to?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

First, I'd say rest. If I'm well rested, less stressed, and not constantly hungry and rushing, only then can I truly distinguish whether symptoms like drowsiness or fatigue are worrying or simply a result of my lifestyle.

[00:03:02] Why is it worth "letting go" at the start?

Dariusz Litera:

So, to start with, it's worth letting go a little and checking what your body really needs?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Exactly. If we're chronically sleep-deprived and stressed, we can't tell whether fatigue is a symptom of illness or simple sleep deprivation. Only creating the right conditions allows us to tell the difference.

[00:04:12] New Year as a Diagnostic Moment

Dariusz Litera:

Is the New Year period a good time not so much to "lose weight" but to take a closer look at your metabolism?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Yes. Let's rest for a few days, regain our strength, and see if our body is ready for weight loss. Sometimes it turns out that we need to take care of our health first, and only then our weight.

[00:05:19] Where to start? Doctor or home diagnostics?

Dariusz Litera:

Where should you take your first steps: to a general practitioner or to a specialist?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Let's start with the scale. It's a fundamental tool. Everyone should know their weight, height, and circumference. This provides a starting point.

[00:06:24] Bathroom scale and tape measure

Dariusz Litera:

In addition to the scale, will a measuring tape be useful?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Absolutely. These are two basic tools that are easily accessible and very helpful in achieving your health resolutions.

[00:07:09] Alarm symptoms

Dariusz Litera:

What symptoms should prompt us to see a doctor?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

The problem is that metabolic symptoms are common and often overlap. Therefore, it's crucial that the body has the conditions to clearly express them.

[00:08:24] Insulin resistance 

Dariusz Litera:

How to recognize the first signs of insulin resistance?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Insulin resistance is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. While not a disease in itself, it is the first step on the path to diabetes. The next stage is prediabetes, and then diabetes.

[00:09:34] Laboratory tests

Dariusz Litera:

What research is crucial?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

The basis for this is a fasting glucose level, along with measurements of weight, height, blood pressure, and BMI. Only then do we decide on further diagnostics.

[00:12:06] Why do patients arrive too late?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

As many as 90% patients come to a diabetologist already diagnosed with the disease. We would like to detect these disorders much earlier.

[00:12:50] Obesity as a disease

Dariusz Litera:

What factors increase the risk of metabolic diseases?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Obesity is a disease that can lead to over 200 other conditions. Often, patients are unaware that they have insulin resistance or prediabetes.

[00:16:49] First real steps

Dariusz Litera:

What first steps are most realistic?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Let's start with movement. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk instead of the car. The most important thing is to get started.

[00:18:15] 10,000 steps, myth or standard?

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

10,000 steps is a minimum, but not all walking constitutes exercise. Physical activity is time dedicated solely to yourself.

[00:20:15] Summary

Dariusz Litera:

The path to better health requires effort.

Dr. Vlada Radzewicz:

Yes. This is a lifelong decision, not a momentary resolution.

Key conclusions: 

• Chronic fatigue can mask metabolic disorders
• Weight loss should be preceded by a health assessment
• Weight and waist circumference are key to prevention
• Physical activity must be planned and regular
• Changing your lifestyle is a long-term process

Attention!

This material is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace an individual medical consultation. If you experience any disturbing symptoms or have concerns about your health, please contact us. consult a doctor.

Link:

Diabetologist