In this solo episode, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down the sweeping changes in GLP-1 medication pricing—and what these shifts truly mean for patients, clinicians, and the future of metabolic health. With new deals struck between the Trump administration, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk, millions of Americans will soon gain access to medications like Zepbound and Wegovy at significantly lower prices. But behind the headlines lies a complex story of political strategy, pharmaceutical incentives, patient safety, and the ongoing dysfunction of the U.S. drug pricing system.
Arti offers a clear, compassionate, and candid look at how transparent cash pricing could finally bring competition—and lower costs—to the GLP-1 market, why patients must still be cautious about compounded versions, and why safe prescribing is more important than ever as access expands. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating metabolic health, obesity treatment, diabetes care, or the realities of a healthcare system undergoing rapid change.
Key Topics Covered
Who This Episode Is For
Key Takeaways
Connect with Dr. Arti Thangudu
Welcome back to Endocrine Matters, the show where we tell the truth about hormonal health, call out the broken systems that keep women from getting the care they deserve, and build a new model of medicine rooted in evidence, empowerment, and human connection.
I’m your host, Dr. Arti Thangudu—endocrinologist, disruptor, and believer that women’s health should never be an afterthought in any exam room, policy discussion, or scientific study.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that deserves every woman’s attention: Alzheimer’s prevention. I’m joined by Barbie Boules, RDN—also known as The Cognition Dietitian—a registered dietitian, speaker, and writer with over 20 years of experience and 1,800 clients served.
Barbie blends rigorous, evidence-based science with deeply practical lifestyle strategies that help women actually change their lives—not just their intentions. She’s developed corporate wellness programs for more than 200 organizations worldwide, mentors future dietitians at Loyola University Chicago, and connects with a thriving global community through her bestselling Substack The Synapse and her influential Instagram platform.
Her mission aligns perfectly with ours at Endocrine Matters: empowering women to protect their brain health through nutrition, movement, sleep, stress mastery, meaningful connection, and purpose-driven living.
In this conversation, we explore:
This is the conversation every woman deserves.
Let’s get into it. 💫
🧠 Conversation Highlights
👩⚕️ About Dr. Arti Thangudu
Dr. Arti Thangudu is a triple board-certified endocrinologist, lifestyle medicine physician, and menopause society certified practitioner. She’s the founder of Complete Medicine, a patient-centered practice empowering high-achieving women to reverse metabolic disease and thrive in midlife and beyond.
Follow her for honest conversations on hormonal health, longevity, and the future of women’s medicine:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
Podcast: Endocrine Matters
✨ Come see me in clinic: SacompleteComplete Medicine | Endocrinology Care and Education
💌 Stay connected:
Sign up for our newsletter → SacompleteBlog | Complete Medicine
Thyroid disease should not be a battlefield — but for millions of people, that’s exactly what it has become.
Patients are exhausted, discouraged, and searching for answers in places they never imagined. And somewhere along the way, endocrinology lost their trust.
I’m Dr. Arti Thangudu, board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Lifestyle Medicine, and Menopause Society Certified. Today I’m joined by my extraordinary colleagues Dr. Vidhya Illuri and Dr. Munira Mehta, all of us board-certified endocrinologists, to talk openly—and honestly—about why so many thyroid patients are walking away from mainstream medicine, and what it will take to earn their trust back.
We’re diving into:
💔 Why thyroid patients often feel dismissed or unheard
⚖️ How 15-minute, insurance-driven visits shape care (and trust)
🌿 Why alternative and functional medicine feel more validating—even when not evidence-based
💡 The role of social media in shaping who patients see as “experts”
🩺 The dangerous realities we see as endocrinologists: thyrotoxicosis, heart failure, and strokes
🤝 And what collaboration, curiosity, and compassion could look like moving forward
This is not a debate about who’s right.
It’s a conversation about what patients deserve—care that is evidence-based, empathetic, and truly complete.
If you’ve ever felt unheard in your thyroid journey, this episode is for you.
🔔 Subscribe to learn how we’re reimagining thyroid, metabolic, and hormonal health with compassion and science.
Follow me on Instagram → @drartithangudu
🎥 About this episode:
Have you ever seen someone wearing a little sensor on their arm and wondered — should I be using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) too?
In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu, endocrinologist and founder of Complete Medicine, breaks down everything you need to know about CGMs — what they are, who they help, and when they might not be right for you.
You’ll learn:
Dr. Thangudu also discusses the rise of “wellness” companies promoting CGMs to the general public and why this can sometimes backfire — leading to confusion, fear, or even metabolic harm.
If you’re curious about glucose monitoring, data-driven health, or simply want to understand your body better, this episode will empower you with knowledge and balance — not fear.
👩⚕️ About Dr. Arti Thangudu:
Dr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist, diabetes and metabolism specialist, and lifestyle medicine physician. She’s also a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and founder of Complete Medicine, a direct care practice in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Thangudu helps high-achieving women and professionals thrive through personalized, expert-led care for conditions likediabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, and menopause.
Follow her for compassionate, science-based insights on Instagram @drartithangudu, or tune into her podcast Endocrine Matters for real conversations about hormones, metabolism, and modern healthcare.
📚 Chapters:
Intro: Should you be using a CGM?
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
Why I love CGMs for my patients
The pitfalls and common misconceptions
Understanding normal glucose patterns
The current CGM technology landscape
The misuse and misunderstanding trend
Practical advice for CGM users
The bottom line: How to use CGMs wisely
💡 Learn more:
👍 If you found this video helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe — it helps more people find real, expert-led conversations about endocrine and metabolic health.
Because technology is powerful — but only when guided by wisdom. 💙
#CGM #DiabetesCare #MetabolicHealth #Endocrinology
Loved your experience with us? Please consider leaving us a 5-star review — your kind words help others find care they can trust.
🎥 About this episode:
What’s the difference between Direct Care and Concierge Medicine — and how can these models completely transform your healthcare experience?
In this episode, Dr. Arti Thangudu, board-certified endocrinologist, diabetes and metabolism specialist, and founder ofComplete Medicine, breaks down how Direct Care puts the focus back where it belongs — on you.
She explains:
If you’re tired of rushed visits, confusing bills, and feeling like just another number in the system, this episode will show you a better way — one built on access, trust, and partnership.
👩⚕️ About Dr. Arti Thangudu:
Dr. Arti Thangudu is an endocrinologist, diabetes and metabolism specialist, and lifestyle medicine physician. She’s also a menopause society–certified practitioner and the founder of Complete Medicine, a direct care practice in San Antonio, Texas, designed for high-achieving women with conditions like prediabetes, diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, and menopause.
Through her clinic, podcast (Endocrine Matters), and Instagram community @drartithangudu, she empowers patients to take charge of their health with expert, compassionate, and personalized care.
💡 Learn more:
👍 If you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe to support expert-led, patient-centered medicine.
Thank you so much for watching! 💕 I’d love to know — have you ever experienced Direct Care or Concierge Medicine? What do you think works (or doesn’t) in our current healthcare system? Let’s start a conversation below 👇
Loved your experience with us? Please consider leaving us a 5-star review — your kind words help others find care they can trust.
✨ Come see me in clinic: www.sacomplete.com/
💌 Sign up for our newsletter: www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog
🎙️ Listen to our podcast: www.sacomplete.com/podcast
💻 Come see me in clinic: 👉 SacompleteComplete Medicine | Endocrinology Care and Education
Sign up for our newsletter: www.sacomplete.com/complete-medicine-blog
Listen to our podcast, Endocrine Matters: www.sacomplete.com/podcast
Have you noticed your blood sugars running high after surgery, illness, or medications like steroids or chemotherapy? In this video, Dr. Arti Thangudu, triple board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Internal Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, brings Dr. Vidhya Illuri and Dr. Munira Mehta on to discuss what post-acute hyperglycemia is, why it happens, and how to manage it safely — without going back and forth to the ER or hospital.
💬 You’ll learn:
📚 Resources Mentioned in the Video:
🌐 Follow me on other platforms:
Instagram: instagram.com/drartithangudu
💖 About Dr. Arti Thangudu & This Channel:
I’m Dr. Arti Thangudu, a board-certified endocrinologist, diabetes and metabolism specialist, lifestyle medicine physician, and menopause society-certified practitioner. At Complete Medicine, I help high-achieving women with metabolic disease, thyroid issues, and menopause take back control of their health. Subscribe to learn how to manage your metabolism, balance hormones, and live your healthiest, most empowered life.
🕒 Topics Covered:
Introduction
What is Post-Acute Hyperglycemia
Causes: Surgery, Illness, Steroids, Chemotherapy
When to Worry and When to Seek Care
How Complete Medicine Can Help
Key Takeaways
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
#postacutehyperglycemia #bloodsugar #endocrinology
In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with Dr. Adrian Chavez, PhD in Nutrition — a leading nutrition scientist, educator, and host of The Nutrition Science Podcast. With his background in exercise science, nutrition, and health promotion, Dr. Chavez has spent over a decade translating complex nutrition research into practical, evidence-based strategies for better health.
Together, Dr. Thangudu and Dr. Chavez dive deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in medicine and wellness: What is the right diet for diabetes?
Key Points:
This conversation is a refreshing reminder that nutrition isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, context, and understanding what truly works for you.
🎧 Listen and Learn:
💡 Endocrine Matters is hosted by Dr. Arti Thangudu — endocrinologist, founder of Complete Medicine and HeyHealthy, and advocate for direct specialty care. Through bold, honest conversations, the show challenges the status quo and redefines what great endocrine care looks like. We’d love to see you in our clinic: get started here!
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with intuitive consultant Sydney Ashland to explore the emotional, relational, and professional challenges facing high-achieving women—particularly in medicine. They unpack the unseen costs of leadership, cultural expectations around gender roles, and the ways women often internalize unrealistic standards.
From navigating relationship dynamics to financial empowerment, Arti and Sydney share personal insights, mindset shifts, and practical strategies for living a more authentic, balanced life. Whether it’s planning shared calendars with a partner or advocating for financial autonomy, this episode offers a deep and compassionate look at what it takes to thrive in today’s world—without losing yourself in the process.
Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with intuitive consultant Sydney Ashland to explore the emotional, relational, and professional challenges facing high-achieving women—particularly in medicine. They unpack the unseen costs of leadership, cultural expectations around gender roles, and the ways women often internalize unrealistic standards.
From navigating relationship dynamics to financial empowerment, Arti and Sydney share personal insights, mindset shifts, and practical strategies for living a more authentic, balanced life. Whether it’s planning shared calendars with a partner or advocating for financial autonomy, this episode offers a deep and compassionate look at what it takes to thrive in today’s world—without losing yourself in the process.
Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Telemedicine isn’t just changing the way patients receive care—it’s reshaping the way physicians practice medicine, especially for women in endocrinology. In this episode, Dr. Munira Mehta joins Dr. Arti Thangudu to share how virtual care has created new opportunities for endocrinologists to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while also gaining more autonomy and work-life balance.
With 75% of U.S. counties lacking a single endocrinologist, access to specialty care is a significant challenge. Telemedicine is bridging that gap, making expert endocrine care more accessible to patients—while also allowing physicians to practice in a way that aligns with their values, schedules, and personal lives.
Dr. Mehta reflects on her journey from traditional practice to telemedicine, navigating non-competes, and redefining her career on her own terms. This conversation explores how telemedicine fosters longer, more meaningful patient interactions, greater flexibility for physicians, and a work culture that prioritizes well-being—especially for women physicians who often face systemic barriers in medicine.
Whether you’re a physician, healthcare leader, or just curious about the evolution of medical practice, this episode is an inspiring look at how technology can support better care, stronger physician-patient relationships, and a more sustainable future for medicine.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Resources and Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
Telemedicine isn’t just changing the way patients receive care—it’s reshaping the way physicians practice medicine, especially for women in endocrinology. In this episode, Dr. Munira Mehta joins Dr. Arti Thangudu to share how virtual care has created new opportunities for endocrinologists to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while also gaining more autonomy and work-life balance.
With 75% of U.S. counties lacking a single endocrinologist, access to specialty care is a significant challenge. Telemedicine is bridging that gap, making expert endocrine care more accessible to patients—while also allowing physicians to practice in a way that aligns with their values, schedules, and personal lives.
Dr. Mehta reflects on her journey from traditional practice to telemedicine, navigating non-competes, and redefining her career on her own terms. This conversation explores how telemedicine fosters longer, more meaningful patient interactions, greater flexibility for physicians, and a work culture that prioritizes well-being—especially for women physicians who often face systemic barriers in medicine.
Whether you’re a physician, healthcare leader, or just curious about the evolution of medical practice, this episode is an inspiring look at how technology can support better care, stronger physician-patient relationships, and a more sustainable future for medicine.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Resources and Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
Dr. Francine Kaufman joins the podcast to share her wealth of experience in endocrinology, offering a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the field and the unique challenges women face in medicine. From the shifting demographics of endocrinology to the growing influence of technology in patient care, she reflects on the past, present, and future of the specialty.
This conversation unpacks critical issues such as gender disparities in medicine, the impact of feminization on pay and leadership opportunities, and the importance of advocating for oneself in negotiations. Dr. Kaufman also shares her perspective on maintaining clinical practice, fostering strong patient relationships, and navigating career advancement while balancing personal and professional demands. Whether you’re an aspiring endocrinologist or a seasoned physician, this discussion offers invaluable insights into the progress made—and the work still to be done—to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in medicine.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
Dr. Francine Kaufman joins the podcast to share her wealth of experience in endocrinology, offering a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the field and the unique challenges women face in medicine. From the shifting demographics of endocrinology to the growing influence of technology in patient care, she reflects on the past, present, and future of the specialty.
This conversation unpacks critical issues such as gender disparities in medicine, the impact of feminization on pay and leadership opportunities, and the importance of advocating for oneself in negotiations. Dr. Kaufman also shares her perspective on maintaining clinical practice, fostering strong patient relationships, and navigating career advancement while balancing personal and professional demands. Whether you’re an aspiring endocrinologist or a seasoned physician, this discussion offers invaluable insights into the progress made—and the work still to be done—to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in medicine.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
The journey of new motherhood is challenging enough, but for physician moms, the demands of medical training and clinical work can make it even harder—especially when it comes to breastfeeding. The cultural and systemic barriers in healthcare often leave women feeling like they have to choose between their careers and their families. But does it have to be this way?
In this episode, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with Dr. Alia Hussain, a direct care pediatrician and lactation advocate, to discuss the vital need for better maternity leave policies, workplace flexibility, and a culture that truly supports physician moms. As a mother herself, Dr. Hussain has experienced firsthand the struggles of balancing a demanding medical career with raising children. Through her work, she’s helping to change the conversation and offer solutions that keep women thriving in medicine.
This conversation is about more than just breastfeeding—it’s about rethinking how we support the people who care for us. If we want a healthier future, we have to invest in keeping talented, compassionate physicians in the workforce.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
The journey of new motherhood is challenging enough, but for physician moms, the demands of medical training and clinical work can make it even harder—especially when it comes to breastfeeding. The cultural and systemic barriers in healthcare often leave women feeling like they have to choose between their careers and their families. But does it have to be this way?
In this episode, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with Dr. Alia Hussain, a direct care pediatrician and lactation advocate, to discuss the vital need for better maternity leave policies, workplace flexibility, and a culture that truly supports physician moms. As a mother herself, Dr. Hussain has experienced firsthand the struggles of balancing a demanding medical career with raising children. Through her work, she’s helping to change the conversation and offer solutions that keep women thriving in medicine.
This conversation is about more than just breastfeeding—it’s about rethinking how we support the people who care for us. If we want a healthier future, we have to invest in keeping talented, compassionate physicians in the workforce.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Dr. Eric Bricker started his career as a physician, but over time, he found himself drawn into the world of healthcare finance—unpacking the complexities of insurance, drug pricing, and hospital consolidation to help people better understand the system. In this episode, he breaks down how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) influence medication costs, why hospital mergers drive prices up, and what physicians can do to be better stewards of their patients’ financial health. We also talk about the power of transparency in healthcare and how both doctors and patients can work together to make more informed, cost-conscious decisions.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Links & Resources:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
Dr. Eric Bricker started his career as a physician, but over time, he found himself drawn into the world of healthcare finance—unpacking the complexities of insurance, drug pricing, and hospital consolidation to help people better understand the system. In this episode, he breaks down how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) influence medication costs, why hospital mergers drive prices up, and what physicians can do to be better stewards of their patients’ financial health. We also talk about the power of transparency in healthcare and how both doctors and patients can work together to make more informed, cost-conscious decisions.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Links & Resources:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
In this episode, Arti sits down with Brian Klepper, a nationally recognized healthcare analyst, strategist, and entrepreneur, to discuss the deep-rooted challenges within the healthcare system. They examine how financial incentives shape care quality, why chronic disease management—particularly for conditions like diabetes—often falls short, and the overlooked role of primary care in improving outcomes.
Brian, who advises healthcare organizations and employers on high-performance solutions, shares his perspective on the dysfunction of traditional insurance models and how data-driven approaches can realign incentives to benefit both providers and patients. He and Arti explore the public’s misconceptions about healthcare costs, the hidden barriers preventing physicians from fully understanding their own performance, and why endocrinologists must actively demonstrate their value in patient care.
This insightful discussion sheds light on the systemic issues at play and offers a vision for a more effective, patient-centered healthcare system—one where collaboration, transparency, and smart data tracking drive real change.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
• The Healthcare System is Failing Patients: Chronic disease management, especially for conditions like diabetes, remains inadequate, with only 10% of patients under control.
• Financial Incentives Prioritize Profit Over Care: The current system rewards volume over value, limiting patient access to the best treatment options.
• Data is Key to Better Outcomes: Tracking patient health metrics can improve care quality, but physicians often lack the time or tools to do so effectively.
• Primary Care Must Go Beyond Gatekeeping: Physicians should act as patient advocates, ensuring comprehensive and proactive care rather than simply referring cases.
• Collaboration Among Providers Leads to Better Care: A team-based approach improves patient outcomes and efficiency across the system.
• Physician-Led Solutions Are Underutilized: Doctor-run companies could transform healthcare delivery, but barriers prevent their widespread adoption.
• Endocrinology is Undervalued and Underfunded: Despite its complexity, the specialty faces inadequate reimbursement and limited recognition.
• Aligning Incentives Can Drive Meaningful Change: When providers and patients share goals for better outcomes, the healthcare system functions more effectively.
• The System Must Prioritize Patient Well-Being: Until structural changes shift focus from financial gain to patient health, achieving sustainable, high-quality care will remain a challenge.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
In this episode, Dr. Ruchi Gaba, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, renowned thyroid expert, and thyroid cancer survivor, shares her unique perspective on thyroid care. From her personal journey navigating a missed thyroid cancer diagnosis to her work as the Director of the Thyroid Therapy Center at Baylor, Dr. Gaba highlights the pressing need for empathetic, patient-centered approaches in endocrinology.
Tune in to hear Dr. Gaba’s insights into bridging the gap between endocrinologists and their patients, tackling thyroid care challenges, and fostering a collaborative and compassionate approach to endocrinology.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu
This episode features Dr. Sandra Sobel, a board-certified endocrinologist, lifestyle medicine specialist, and obesity expert based in Pittsburgh. With a passion for metabolic health, Dr. Sobel shares her journey from practicing in traditional clinical settings to founding her direct care practice, Summon Health, where she delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Dr. Sobel also highlights the need for cultural and systemic change in the medical field, encouraging physicians to explore innovative models to better serve their patients.
Learn more about Dr. Sandra Sobel and her work at Summon Health and discover how lifestyle interventions can lead to better outcomes for patients living with metabolic diseases.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
Episode Highlights:
• The limitations of traditional endocrinology practices, including time constraints and administrative pressures.
• The role of lifestyle medicine and nutrition in improving metabolic health, diabetes care, and overall patient outcomes.
• The lack of formal nutrition training in medical education and its impact on endocrinology practice.
• How direct care enables deeper patient relationships, personalized care, and the flexibility to address root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.
• The challenges and rewards of transitioning to an alternative practice model, focusing on aligning patient care with professional values.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Arti:
Instagram: @drartithangudu
LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD
YouTube: @drartithangudu