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Diabetes During Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can strike at any moment, and for those living with diabetes, preparation is key.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), having a solid plan in place can help keep you safe and healthy. Here’s what you need to know to manage your diabetes during emergencies.

Understand Your Insulin Needs

First and foremost, ensure you have enough insulin on hand. As a Type 1 diabetes dietitian often emphasizes, insulin management is crucial. If you rely on an insulin pump, remember it requires a power source. In a disaster, power outages may occur, making it vital to have backup insulin available, either in vials or pens.

It’s also wise to keep your insulin stored properly. When preparing your emergency kit, consider insulated bags or ice packs to help maintain the right temperature.

Stock Up on Snacks

During a disaster, you may need extra snacks, especially if you’re evacuating or physically active. It is recommended by a registered...

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Diabetes Essentials: Guide from a Dietitian

Managing diabetes requires preparation, whether it’s Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Many people wonder what essentials should always be carried out for effective management. A diabetes dietitian can provide valuable insights on this topic. Here are four crucial items that everyone with diabetes should consider keeping handy at all times.

1. Blood Sugar Meter

A reliable blood sugar meter is essential for anyone with diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are fantastic tools but can sometimes malfunction or expire. Without a way to measure blood sugar levels, managing diabetes becomes challenging. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian recommends carrying a meter and test strips whenever leaving home. This allows individuals to check their levels anytime and ensure they remain within the target range, making it a vital part of diabetes care.

2. Backup Insulin Pens

For those using insulin pumps, having backup insulin pens is critical. Unexpected issues can arise,...

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Prevent High Blood Sugars from Ruining Your Day

High blood sugar can be frustrating, especially when it happens suddenly.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can show a reading of 227, leaving one feeling tired and overwhelmed. Instead of letting that moment ruin the day, adopting a simple ARM strategy can help manage those spikes effectively.

Acknowledge

The first step is to acknowledge the high blood sugar. Seeing a number like 227 can be alarming, but panicking won’t help. Take a deep breath and recognize what is happening. Acknowledgment is crucial because it sets the stage for effective action. Stressing about the number can lead to more anxiety, which may worsen the situation.

Respond

Once the blood sugar has been acknowledged, it’s time to respond. There are practical steps that can be taken depending on whether blood sugar is high or low.

For high blood sugar, drinking water is essential. Staying hydrated helps the body process glucose more effectively. Taking a corrected dose of insulin may also be necessary,...

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Should you weigh your food if you have diabetes?

If you live with diabetes, weighing your food might not be at the top of your to-do list.

However, it should be! Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding portion sizes can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. Let's explore why weighing your food is so crucial, using a real-life example to illustrate the point.

Importance of Accurate Measurements

Imagine you want to enjoy a tasty snack of crackers. You grab a box and think, "I’ll just have a few." But do you know how many grams you’re consuming? For instance, let’s say that 28 grams equals about five crackers. You might consume more than you think if you don't weigh them.

When you put these crackers on a scale, you might start with one and see it’s 12 grams. Add another, and you’re at 23 grams. Now, when you add that fifth cracker without weighing, you might be shocked to find out you’ve exceeded your portion size. If you were aiming for those 28...

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Protein Candy Bars: A Diabetes Dietitian's Take

When managing diabetes, whether it's Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), it can be difficult to find enjoyable treats that provide a delightful way to balance indulgence with nutrition.

Can protein-infused candy bars be possible to include in a diabetes diet? Let’s see.  

An exciting range of protein-packed candy bar brands like Snickers and Mars offer versions loaded with protein. With the guidance of a knowledgeable diabetes educator, the nutritional profiles of these bars were carefully examined.

Nutritional Highlights

The Snickers Protein Bar, for example, contains around 11 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of fat per 100 grams. While 20 grams of carbs may seem high, the substantial protein content can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for diabetes patients. The protein sources, primarily whey and milk proteins, add to its nutritional value.

Similarly, the Mars Protein Bar offers about 10 grams of protein and 26...

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Blood Sugar-Friendly Snacks for Diabetes

Navigating snack options as someone living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be challenging.

But a diabetes dietitian can help identify tasty, blood sugar-friendly choices. Here are some top snack picks that are delicious and suitable for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

1. Wilde Chicken Chips

Wilde Chicken Chips are a fantastic snack option. Made from real chicken, these chips are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making them a favorite among those advised by a T1D dietitian. They have no impact on blood sugar, allowing for guilt-free snacking. Available in bulk at stores like Costco, these chips are perfect for quick bites or adding crunch to salads.

2. Legendary Protein Poptarts 

Legendary Protein Toaster Pastries are another excellent choice recommended by a diabetes educator. Super low in carbs and 20 grams of protein per pastry, they align well with dietary guidelines for managing T1D and T2D. When warmed in the microwave, these...

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Understanding Carbs While Managing Diabetes

When starting the journey of managing diabetes, it’s common to hear that “all carbs raise blood sugar.”

While this statement holds some truth, it oversimplifies a more complex reality. Different types of carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels in various ways. Understanding these differences is essential for effectively managing both Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). This is where the expertise of a diabetes dietitian becomes invaluable.

Carbohydrate Breakdown and Blood Sugar

Carbohydrates are vital for energy, but they break down at different speeds. Quick-digesting carbs, such as sugary snacks and certain types of bread, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. For instance, eating a slice of sourdough bread may lead to a significant rise in blood glucose levels due to its carbohydrate composition. In contrast, whole wheat bread results in a slower, more controlled increase in blood sugar. This understanding is crucial for anyone managing diabetes,...

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Airline Meals with Diabetes

The experience of traveling for special occasions can be filled with anticipation and excitement.

However, for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D) managing meals during flights brings to light the challenges of limited dining options. Taking proactive steps ahead of time can significantly impact the overall experience.

When making flight arrangements, individuals with diabetes are often advised to request a “diabetic meal.” However, these meals are frequently perceived as unappealing, consisting of bland, carb-heavy dishes that can still lead to blood sugar spikes.

A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator recommends an alternative approach: engaging with the flight attendant when boarding can greatly improve the meal experience for those with diabetes. By informing the staff of dietary needs, passengers can discover meal options that may not be included in the pre-order menu, leading to better choices. Flight...

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Diabetes Guide for a Smooth Trip

Understanding the Impact of Travel on Blood Sugar

Travel often means long hours of sitting, which can increase insulin resistance. This means blood sugar levels can rise, even if the usual routine is disrupted. For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, staying on top of insulin doses is essential. A T1D dietitian can provide personalized advice for adjusting insulin rates during travel. Similarly, those managing Type 2 diabetes can benefit from insights offered by a dietitian.

Adjusting Basal Rates for Long Journeys

One effective strategy for maintaining stable blood sugar during travel is to consider increasing the basal insulin rate for the day of the trip. While this may sound intimidating, it’s a smart move. When sitting for extended periods, the body’s insulin needs can change. A diabetes educator can help determine the right adjustments to prevent highs and lows during the journey.

Seeking Professional Support

For anyone who finds managing diabetes while traveling...

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Kayaking Tips for Those with Diabetes

When it comes to outdoor adventures like kayaking, managing blood sugar levels is essential for those living with diabetes.

A diabetes dietitian can provide invaluable guidance for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here’s how to keep blood sugars steady during this exciting activity.

A kayaking trip can be the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature while staying active. With sights of manatees and turtles, the experience can become truly unforgettable. However, managing blood sugar levels while paddling against the current is the real challenge. This is where preparation and guidance from a diabetes educator become essential for success.

Minimizing Active Insulin

Before starting the kayaking adventure, keeping active insulin levels to a minimum is vital. This strategy is crucial because physical exertion can lead to quick drops in blood sugar. For any outdoor activity lasting over 60 minutes, reducing active insulin helps prevent rapid drops, allowing for a safer...

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