Charmaine Dominguez, nutritionist, health coach, and entrepreneur, stands out as one of the top online references in the fight against type 2 diabetes. With nearly 1 million followers, she founded the “Reversing Diabetes Revolution,” a movement that has already helped over a thousand people achieve disease remission through a focus on whole, plant-based nutrition. Unlike passing trends, Charmaine combines science, nutrition, and entrepreneurship to transform lives and expand the reach of metabolic health in the digital space.
You have built a strong and authentic movement in metabolic health, focused on reversing type 2 diabetes. How would you describe the importance of going beyond passing trends and sticking to nutrition based on whole, plant-based foods for those struggling with insulin resistance?
Thank you! I genuinely believe that when it comes to reversing type 2 diabetes and improving metabolic health, we have to move beyond the latest trends and focus on what’s consistently proven to work in the real world—and that’s nutrition rooted in whole, minimally processed, plant-based foods.
The most substantial evidence in nutrition doesn’t come from fads or short-term hacks—it comes from meta-analyses and long-term population studies, which consistently point to diets rich in legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins as the foundation for preventing and even reversing type 2 diabetes. These aren’t just isolated findings—they’re repeated across decades of research and cultures worldwide.
A perfect example is the Blue Zones—regions where people live the longest and healthiest lives. These communities don’t follow low-carb or high-fat diets. Instead, they eat mostly plants, prioritize fiber, and keep animal products and processed foods to a minimum. And they’re not just living longer—they’re aging without the chronic diseases we see so commonly in Western populations, including diabetes.
So when I talk to clients, I remind them that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. And when your foundation is built on whole plant foods, you’re not just managing symptoms—you’re giving your body the tools to heal from the inside out, truly
With nearly 1 million followers and over a thousand clients helped, how do you handle the responsibility of being such an influential reference in the digital health field? How do you keep your message truthful and close to your audience despite such growth?
It’s an incredible honor—and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. As a registered dietitian, everything I share is grounded in peer-reviewed scientific research, not trends or personal opinion. I constantly review new studies, rely on consensus from large-scale meta-analyses, and prioritize evidence that stands the test of time.
In a space where misinformation spreads fast, I’ve made it my mission to be a trustworthy source, especially for people navigating something as life-changing as type 2 diabetes. My audience knows that when I share a tip or recommend a food, it’s backed by science, not hype.
But beyond the data, I stay close to my community. I read their comments, answer their questions, and make sure they feel seen and supported. Whether it’s one person or one million, my message stays the same: real food, science, and results.
Many people nowadays are curious about continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and how it can impact their lives. How do you guide your followers to use this technology without falling into the trap of relying too much on “trends,” focusing instead on sustainable changes?
Continuous glucose monitors can be a powerful tool for understanding how your body responds to food, stress, sleep, and real-time movement. I often encourage my community to use them—but with a healthy mindset. The goal isn’t to obsess over every spike—it’s to build awareness and make informed, sustainable changes.
As a registered dietitian, I remind my clients that blood sugar is meant to fluctuate—it’s completely normal to see a rise after eating or while exercising. What matters most is how much it rises. We typically aim for a less than 50 mg/dL increase from pre- to post-meal, which shows your body is handling the meal well.
But I’ve also seen people become anxious when their numbers aren’t “perfect.” That’s where balance is key. CGMs are a tool, not a test of your worth or progress. If you find yourself getting stressed, it’s time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture—progress over perfection. Metabolic health isn’t about chasing flatlines; it’s about consistency, nourishment, and peace of mind along the way.
You are a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, wife, and also create content for a large audience — how do you find balance among all these demands? What strategies do you use to pursue daily progress without demanding perfection from yourself?
I’ve learned that structure and mindset are everything. I start each day with intention: a morning journaling routine that helps me align with my purpose and set the tone mentally. Then I go for a daily hour-long walk in nature—no phone, just movement and stillness. That time grounds me, clears my head, and reminds me to stay present.
My faith and spirituality are also a huge part of how I stay centered. No matter how full life gets, I carry this deep trust that everything will work out. That peace allows me to lead, create, and show up for others with joy.
And I couldn’t do any of this without my amazing team. They believe in the mission just as much as I do, and having that kind of support is everything. We’re all in it together, and knowing I’m not doing this alone gives me the space to stay creative, energized, and focused on what really matters—helping people heal.
Thinking about the upcoming summer, what kind of quick recipes or tips would you recommend for those wanting to keep their blood sugar under control without giving up the pleasure of eating tasty and seasonally appropriate foods?
Have lots of cucumbers! Cucumbers are so hydrating (which can help lower blood sugar) and very refreshing as well! Try adding this Asian Cucumber salad recipe to your meals to balance blood sugars! This also shows that healthy eating doesn’t mean you give up the fun foods!
Spicy Gochujang Cucumber Salad
This bold and crunchy Korean-inspired cucumber salad brings the perfect mix of heat, tang, and umami—with zero oil and 100% plant-based ingredients. It’s quick to whip up and makes a great side or light snack!
Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
- 2 Persian cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste—check for vegan-friendly version)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup or date syrup
- 1 tsp reduced-sodium tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
Salt the cucumbers (optional for texture):
Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. This step keeps them extra crisp, but can be skipped if preferred.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, vinegar, maple syrup, tamari, and garlic until smooth.
Toss and chill:
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Chill for 15–20 minutes for best flavor.
Serve:
Enjoy cold as a side dish, inside lettuce wraps, or alongside rice and tofu.
Nutrition Perks:
- Low in calories & carbs
- Rich in antioxidants and gut-friendly spice
- No added oils or refined sugars
- Can support blood sugar balance when paired with a fiber-rich mea
Your multicultural and bilingual background certainly influences your work. How do you believe this cultural diversity enriches your view on health and wellness, and how do you bring it into your diabetes reversal method?
I love cultures! I am Chinese myself (born & raised in Hong Kong) and am married to a Mexican-American! So cultural foods are a big part of my nutrition philosophy. I believe you have to eat healthy foods you love culturally to be able make healthy eating sustainable. The trick is to swap for healthier ingredients! For example, instead of beef tacos, one can do fresh shrimp tacos or lentil tacos! Or instead of rice noodle, one can use 100% buckwheat noodles to make a tasty ramen soup! My reversing diabetes method is very personalized- start with what you LOVE to eat first and make healthy swaps from there!
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