For individuals managing their blood sugar, the thought of indulging in a decadent treat like a crème brûlée donut can bring about a mix of excitement and apprehension.

However, with the right knowledge and strategies, a diabetes dietitian can help individuals navigate these moments, proving that life with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes doesn't mean sacrificing every sweet pleasure.

Imagine strolling through London's vibrant Borough Market, the aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air. Your eyes land on a crème brûlée donut from Bread Ahead, its glossy, caramelized sugar top beckoning. For someone living with diabetes, the immediate question might be, "How can I possibly enjoy this without my blood sugar skyrocketing?" The good news is that it's entirely possible with careful planning and understanding how foods impact your body.

Let's break down this delightful donut. First, the star of the show: that caramelized sugar crust. The layer of pure, torched sugar is a rapid ...

For anyone managing diabetes, whether it's Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, knowing how to handle unexpected situations is key.

One question that sometimes comes up, often when rummaging through old supplies, is about expired insulin. It might seem like a straightforward "no," but the reality can be a bit more nuanced, especially in a pinch. This is a topic that a seasoned diabetes dietitian or Diabetes Educator understands thoroughly, drawing from both science and practical experience to offer clarity.

Imagine finding an insulin pen that expired about six months ago. The immediate thought might be, "Is this still usable?" It's a common dilemma; surprisingly, depending on who someone asks, there can be a bit of a debate. However, when a diabetes dietitian or a Type 1 diabetes dietitian addresses this, they always lean on the science while acknowledging real-life scenarios.

The Science Behind Expired Insulin

The most critical question is: Will expired insulin still work? The s...

Moving to a new home or even just rearranging a space can be an incredibly demanding day, especially for someone managing diabetes.

Between the endless packing, transporting boxes, and then unpacking everything at the new location, it’s an activity that involves a lot of physical exertion and often disruption to routine. For individuals living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, this intense physical activity combined with potential changes in meal timing makes it remarkably easy to experience low blood sugars. Without proper preparation, a person might find themselves spending more time managing hypoglycemia and feeling unable to help, rather than being productive with the move. This highlights why having a clear strategy and a supportive care team, like a diabetes dietitian, is so valuable.

A diabetes dietitian understands that real-life events, like moving day, present unique challenges that standard daily routines don't always cover. They know that while it’s exciting to ...

Summer often means good times, sunshine, and being outdoors.

But for someone managing diabetes, whether it's Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, the warmer months can introduce a sneaky challenge: keeping blood sugars steady when the temperature rises. Many might diligently measure their food, dose their insulin on time, and even account for fats and proteins, yet still have frustratingly high blood sugars that seem to come out of nowhere. This puzzle often drives individuals nuts, as they've done everything "right" but still have unexpected spikes. The culprit? Often, it's the heat itself affecting insulin.

The Science of "Fried" Insulin

Here’s a critical insight that many people managing diabetes might not be thinking about: how heat impacts insulin. If someone wants their insulin to work at 100%, they absolutely cannot make the mistake of exposing it to extreme temperatures. Insulin, a vital medication for individuals with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes, is a prote...

Craving KFC while managing diabetes? You're not alone. 

Many individuals living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes often wonder how they can enjoy their favorite fast food without compromising their health goals. A dedicated diabetes dietitian and certified Diabetes Educator—who also lives with Type 1 diabetes—shares that smart choices at KFC are not only possible, but empowering. This approach isn’t about restriction; it’s about making strategic decisions that support blood sugar management while still enjoying the foods you love. 

Generalized advice often falls short when it comes to managing conditions like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This is where a specialized diabetes dietitian becomes invaluable. They go beyond basic meal planning, offering tailored guidance on carbohydrate counting, understanding fat and protein's impact on blood sugar, and navigating real-world scenarios like fast-food dining.

A T1D dietitian can help you precisely adjust insulin for meals, considering not just...

Living with diabetes, whether it's Type 1 or Type 2, often comes with a common challenge: the fear of food.

Many individuals, especially those diagnosed in their younger years, can find themselves feeling restricted and excluded from enjoying meals with friends and family. This apprehension often stems from concerns about blood sugar fluctuations and the perceived need to stick to a rigid "diabetes diet." However, as many experienced individuals can attest, and as a dedicated diabetes dietitian emphasizes, this doesn't have to be the case.

Imagine being the "Chicken Caesar salad kid" at every social gathering. For many, this isn't just an anecdote; it’s a lived reality. The thought of venturing beyond a meticulously calculated, "safe" meal can feel terrifying. The pressure to perfectly estimate carbs, fat, and protein, then precisely dose insulin, can be overwhelming. This mental imprisonment, watching others freely enjoy their food while you're left feeling limited, is a common stru...

Summer is here, and with it comes sunshine, outdoor activities, and… sweat!

For anyone managing diabetes, the warmer months can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping essential diabetes gear in place. A Diabetes Educator and someone who lives in the perpetually humid climate of Florida knows a thing or two about battling the heat and humidity to ensure diabetes management stays on track.

The Summer Sweat Struggle is Real: Keeping Your Gear Secure

Let's face it: sweat and adhesive don't mix well. This is a common frustration for many people using insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Here are the top two game-changing strategies to keep sites and sensors securely in place, even when active or just enjoying the outdoors:

1. The Power of Adhesion: Prepping Pump Sites

Think of it like this: one wouldn't paint a wall without prepping it first, right? The same goes for insulin pump sites. Before even thinking about sticking on the next site, consi...

When you have diabetes, planning your meals and monitoring your blood sugar becomes second nature, especially when you're on an international trip.

For people living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), maintaining stable blood sugar levels while traveling can be a challenge, but it’s entirely doable with the right strategies. As a diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator, understanding how to balance macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats, is key.

Here’s a breakdown of how one diabetes dietitian manages their food choices and blood sugar while traveling internationally. It’s not just about what you eat; it’s about making smart choices that work with your activity level, environment, and preferences.

Importance of Protein in Managing Blood Sugar

One of the most significant takeaways from this journey was the importance of protein. For individuals with T1D or T2D, protein helps keep blood sugar levels stable by preventing the spikes a...

Managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes can make grocery shopping feel complicated.

However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A registered diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator recently shared four practical and affordable grocery items from Safeway that are excellent choices for people living with diabetes. These items help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and provide key nutrients without complicated meal prep.

Whether someone is working with a type 1 diabetes dietitian, a type 2 diabetes dietitian, or a general diabetes educator, these foods are reliable staples that fit well into a diabetes-friendly lifestyle.

1. Walnuts: A Heart-Healthy, Low-Carb Snack

Walnuts are often recommended by a diabetes dietitian because of their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which supports heart and eye health—two important areas for people with diabetes.

Nutritionally, walnuts provide:

• Almost no carbohydrates
• About 5 grams of protein per serving
• Healthy fats that ...

As the weather warms up and more time is spent outdoors, many people with diabetes may overlook one small but powerful factor that can impact their blood sugar: sunburns.

Yes, sunburns—those painful, red reminders of forgotten sunscreen—can throw off your blood sugar control in ways you might not expect.

A registered diabetes dietitian, certified Diabetes Educator, and someone who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 25 years, knows this situation firsthand. And he has one message: don’t underestimate how your skin’s reaction to the sun can impact your diabetes management.

Sunburns and Blood Sugar: What's the Connection?

For people living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) alike, it’s essential to understand how stress affects blood sugar. And yes, sunburn is considered a type of physical stress on the body.

When the sun damages skin, the body kicks into repair mode. That triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Unfortunately, cortisol can cau...