Episode Description

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide — yet many of the underlying risk factors are modifiable.

In this episode of Mind Your Being, Cass speaks with nutrition researcher Dr Amy Hutchison about the critical role metabolic health plays in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Together they explore what metabolic health actually means, how glucose and insulin regulate blood sugar after we eat, and why our circadian rhythms — the body’s internal 24-hour clock — influence how we process food.

They also explore the growing research around meal timing and how disrupted routines — such as shift work or poor sleep — can affect metabolic health. Could when we eat be just as important as what we eat?

Cass also shares a personal observation from wearing a continuous glucose monitor for 10 days, including what she noticed when stacking carbohydrates later in the evening and how it appeared to affect overnight glucose patterns and sleep.

This thoughtful conversation offers practical insights for anyone interested in supporting metabolic health and reducing long-term risk of chronic disease.

Topics discussed:
• What metabolic health really means
• Blood glucose, insulin and metabolic regulation
• Circadian rhythms and metabolism
• Why meal timing may matter
• Practical lifestyle strategies to support metabolic health

Bio:

Dr Amy Hutchison is an NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) Emerging Leadership Fellow based within the Lifelong Health Theme at SAHMRI (South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute) , and affiliated with the Robinson Research Institute.

Dr Hutchison has a keen interest in chrono-nutrition, with her research exploring

1) how modified meal patterns such as intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding can improve blood glucose control and cardiovascular risk in at-risk individuals,

2) how gastrointestinal appetite hormones respond to modified meal patterns,

3) changes in circadian rhythms in food intake, activity and sleep across pregnancy.

She is involved in a number of clinical trials exploring the effects of intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding on metabolic health, as well as the effects of protein supplementation on blood glucose control and metabolic health in shift workers.

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Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.