Managing diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), can often make eating out feel tricky.

A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator can help break down how to choose better meal options, especially when dining at places like Panda Express. With its wide range of menu items, it’s important to make mindful choices that won’t drastically impact blood sugar levels. Here are some go-to options for those living with diabetes, recommended by a registered dietitian with experience in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

1. Teriyaki Chicken: A Protein-Packed, Low-Carb Option

For anyone looking for a balanced meal, the teriyaki chicken is one of the best options on the Panda Express menu. It's easy to see that this dish offers over 40 grams of protein and only 14 grams of carbohydrates. The 13 grams of fat make it a moderate choice that won’t spike blood sugar too quickly. Protein is important for maintaining muscle mass and regulating blood sugar and making this dish...

For those living with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels can often feel like a full-time job.

With so many diet plans, supplements, and medications available, it can be tough to figure out what actually works. One supplement that has been gaining attention is Berberine. Many people have been asking if this supplement could help with blood sugar control, and whether it’s worth adding to a diabetes management plan. We’ll break down the facts and help you understand if Berberine could be beneficial for you, whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a compound found in the bark and leaves of certain plants. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, especially in regions like China and India. Recently, research has highlighted its potential to improve glucose uptake, which is essential for boosting insulin sensitivity. This is particularly important for people living with diabetes, as insulin resistance is a major factor t...

Collagen has become a popular supplement for a variety of health benefits, including improving skin, hair, nails, and joint health. But if you live with diabetes, you may be wondering: Should I be taking collagen too? Will it help with my blood sugar? Let’s break it down based on recent scientific studies, so you can make an informed decision.

Collagen and Type 2 Diabetes: A Positive Impact

A recent study involving individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) found some promising results. People in the study who took collagen supplements experienced improvements in their A1c levels, fasting blood sugar, and even fasting insulin levels. This suggests that collagen may help improve blood sugar control, which is essential for anyone living with Type 2 Diabetes. This kind of positive change can make a big difference in overall diabetes management.

Type 1 Diabetes and Collagen Depletion

While the benefits for people with Type 2 Diabetes are encouraging, studies show a different scenario ...

Managing diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 or Type 2, can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing foods that won’t spike blood sugar levels. For individuals living with diabetes, protein can impact blood sugar, particularly when consumed in large amounts or without carbs. However, not all protein sources have the same effect. Some proteins are less likely to cause blood sugar spikes, making them great choices for people with diabetes.

Here are three protein sources that are less likely to impact blood sugar:

1. Fish – Safe Catch Tuna

Fish is an excellent option for individuals with diabetes, and Safe Catch Tuna is a top recommendation from a diabetes educator. This brand offers 26 grams of protein per serving with minimal fat, making it both nutritious and portable. What sets Safe Catch apart is its commitment to testing every fish for mercury and other heavy metals—something no other company does. For those managing diabetes, avoiding the accumulation of harm...

If you live with diabetes, you’ve likely heard about chromium and its supposed benefits for improving blood sugar and insulin resistance. Some even claim that chromium can help improve mood! But is this true? Does it work for people with diabetes? Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), it’s important to understand the facts before adding anything new to your routine.

What is Chromium?

Chromium is a mineral found in foods like broccoli, whole wheat flour, and brewer’s yeast. It's also sometimes added to cereals as a fortification. But can this mineral make a difference for people with diabetes? Let’s look at the science behind chromium supplementation.

Studies on Chromium and Diabetes

There have been several studies looking at the effects of chromium on people with diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here’s a quick look at the findings:

One study combined a lot of research on people with Type 2 diabetes, and the results were promising. It s...

Mastering meal breakdowns is essential for maintaining blood sugar balance, and a certified diabetes educator offers valuable tips on effectively managing meals for optimal results. Understanding how to manage what you eat properly is one of the most important aspects of blood sugar control, especially for people with diabetes.

Breaking Down Meals: Key Considerations

The first step in controlling blood sugar is identifying the carbohydrate sources in a meal. Carbohydrates are the primary contributors to blood sugar spikes, so they should be dosed first when managing meals. In some cuisines, like traditional Azorean cooking, carbs can be hidden in unexpected places. Fries and white rice are obvious sources of carbohydrates, but sauces and marinades may contain hidden sugars that affect blood sugar levels. It's important to recognize that not all carbs are as obvious as they might seem, and even small amounts in dressings or sauces can add up to impact your blood sugar control.

F...

When it comes to fast food, making the right choices can be challenging, especially for those managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator understands that life sometimes throws curveballs, and you may find yourself at a place like Sonic needing to pick a meal that keeps blood sugar levels in check. Here are a few recommended options from a T1D dietitian to help navigate the menu wisely.

1. Crispy Tenders – A Balanced Snack or Meal Base

One of the better choices on the Sonic menu is the three-piece crispy tenders. This option provides 21 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbs, and only 12 grams of fat, making it a solid protein boost. It can serve as a high-protein snack or as a small meal addition without significantly spiking blood sugar.

2. Philly Cheesesteak – A High-Protein Option with Some Adjustments

The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is another choice, offering 46 grams of protein and 39 grams of fat. However, due to the high-f...

If you have diabetes, here’s something you may not have considered: You’re probably not eating enough protein.

Protein plays a major role in the body. It helps build muscle, increases bone density, and keeps you feeling full. But if you’re managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), protein has an even bigger benefit—it helps stabilize blood sugar after meals. A diabetes dietitian tells you that if your meals don’t include at least 25-30 grams of protein, you may want to rethink what’s on your plate. Making this small change can have a huge impact on your blood sugar levels and overall diabetes management.

How Protein Helps with Blood Sugar Stability

When you eat carbohydrates alone, your blood sugar spikes quickly. But when you add protein to your meals, it slows down digestion, reducing sharp blood sugar rises. This is why a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian often recommends pairing carbs with protein to keep glucose levels stable.

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or...

For individuals managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels can be tricky to navigate. A surprising factor that plays a big role in blood sugar regulation is the timing of meals—particularly, how certain foods affect blood sugar differently depending on the time of day. Many people may have noticed that cereal, oats, granola, or fruit like bananas can cause a significant blood sugar spike in the morning, but this spike isn’t as severe if consumed later in the day. So, what’s going on?

It turns out the body’s natural rhythm plays a major role. Each morning, around 7 a.m., cortisol, the stress hormone, spikes. This surge in cortisol leads to insulin resistance, meaning your body’s ability to use insulin effectively is temporarily impaired. As a result, the same foods that would normally have a more moderate effect on blood sugar can cause much higher spikes in the morning.

This phenomenon is especially important for people with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 (T1D) or T...

 Outdoor activities can be a lot of fun, but if you have Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, a sudden drop in blood sugar can quickly ruin the experience. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or just going for a walk, low blood sugar can leave you stranded and feeling unwell. Fortunately, there are simple strategies to prevent this from happening. A diabetes dietitian can help guide you in the right direction, but here are three easy-to-follow tips to keep your blood sugar levels steady and enjoy your next outdoor adventure.

1. Decrease Your Active Insulin

One of the first things a T1D dietitian would advise is to decrease your active insulin before starting physical activity. Active insulin can make a significant impact on blood sugar levels, and during physical activity, your insulin may become even more powerful. This can cause your blood sugar to drop rapidly, especially if you’ve taken your usual dose. By reducing the active insulin on board, you can prevent an unexpected drop in...