In a classic cartoon, Wile E. Coyote runs off a cliff while chasing the Road Runner and only realizes he's in mid-air when he looks down.

This scenario is strikingly similar to what happens to blood sugar levels when insulin is stacked.

Stacking insulin involves taking multiple insulin corrections in a short period without eating, often driven by frustration over persistent high blood sugar. While it might seem like a quick fix, this method can lead to a severe and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, creating a risky rollercoaster effect.

Why Stacking Insulin is Risky According to a Diabetes Dietitian

According to a diabetes dietitian, stacking insulin is problematic because it overwhelms the body with more insulin than it can process effectively. Insulin needs time to take effect, and when multiple doses are administered too close together, they can all start working simultaneously. This can result in a sharp and potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, leading to hypog...

 A diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator have delved into Costco's extensive selection to find the best products for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

If you're looking for delicious and blood-sugar-friendly options, here are some standout picks that combine flavor and effectiveness in managing your blood sugar levels. Get ready to elevate your grocery game with these top choices!

1. Spinach and Red Pepper Meatballs

First up, let’s talk about these spinach and red pepper meatballs. They’re a fantastic addition to any meal, whether you’re making a hearty sandwich or topping off a dish of black bean pasta. With 15 grams of protein per serving and minimal carbs, these meatballs are perfect for stabilizing blood sugar while still providing that satisfying, savory flavor. Plus, the spinach and red pepper add extra nutrients and a burst of flavor.

2. Crisp Power Protein Pretzels

Let’s dive into something that would have been a great find sooner: Crisp Power Protein ...

For those managing diabetes, keeping insulin effective is crucial.

Insulin, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, is a lifeline that must be handled with care. Understanding how to properly store and manage insulin can make a significant difference in diabetes care, as an insulin mishap can lead to unwanted complications. Here’s what you need to know to keep your insulin safe, based on insights from a seasoned diabetes dietitian.

The Importance of Proper Insulin Storage

Insulin is a protein, and like all proteins, it can denature when exposed to improper temperatures. When insulin gets too warm, its effectiveness can be compromised, meaning it might not work as intended or could become ineffective altogether. This issue is especially pertinent when traveling or during warmer weather. For individuals managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), this could mean unexpected blood sugar spikes or dips, adding unnecessary stress to an already complex condition.

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For those managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, finding tasty and diabetes-friendly foods can be a challenge.

A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator has selected four outstanding Costco finds that help support optimal blood sugar management while satisfying cravings. Here are the top choices recommended by a diabetes dietitian for maintaining your dietary goals.

1. Organic Fruit and Vegetable Pouches

These organic fruit and vegetable pouches are ideal for adding essential servings of fruits and veggies to the diet with minimal fuss. Each bag contains just 13 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing blood sugar levels. The fiber helps slow sugar absorption, reducing the risk of spikes. Their portability also makes them perfect for quick snacks, whether on the go or at home.

2. Mush Overnight Oats

Mush Overnight Oats offers a quick and nutritious breakfast option. Each serving is packed with 5 grams of fiber ...

Flying with diabetes can be a real hassle.

From disconnecting insulin pumps to navigating TSA procedures, the journey alone can feel like a full-scale operation. For individuals managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, understanding why blood sugar levels often spike during flights—and how to prevent it—can make a world of difference.

Why Blood Sugar Levels Rise During Flights

The change in altitude during a flight can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When ascending, the body experiences stress due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure. This stress response can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Additionally, the low humidity in the cabin can lead to dehydration, which further contributes to elevated blood sugar levels. It’s a double whammy: stress and dehydration working together to make diabetes management more challenging.

Strategies to Keep Blood Sugar in Check

Alt text: Your Diabetes Insider T1D and T2D Dietitians: Altitude and dehydration raise blood sugar; seek ...

In the world of diabetes management, medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have become popular for their potential to improve blood sugar control and assist with weight loss.

However, these GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be seen as standalone solutions. They work best when integrated into a comprehensive lifestyle strategy rather than being relied upon exclusively. Here’s why it’s crucial to combine medication with a holistic approach, guided by a Diabetes Educator or a diabetes dietitian.

The Limits of Medication Alone

Consider a recent case involving a patient who saw impressive results with a GLP-1 medication. This individual successfully lost nearly 30 pounds, exercised regularly five days a week, and maintained a balanced diet both at home and when dining out. The medication played a significant role, but it was the combination of lifestyle changes that led to the most notable success.

In contrast, a friend of this patient, who was also on the same medication, did not achi...

Fast food can be a convenient option, but for those managing diabetes,

it can also present challenges whether dealing with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), making smart choices is essential for keeping blood sugar levels steady. As a diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator, navigating the menu at Burger King can be tricky. Here’s a breakdown of the best choices for managing diabetes while enjoying a fast-food meal.

1. Chicken Fries: A Snack Option to Consider

For those in need of a snack at Burger King, chicken fries might be a reasonable choice. A nine-piece serving provides 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fat. While this snack does contain some carbs, it’s lower in carbs compared to many other fast-food options. The combination of protein and fat can help stabilize blood sugar levels, but it’s still important to monitor blood sugar closely after eating. Although it’s not the healthiest choice, it’s manageable if one is aware of its effects.

2. Dou...

Traveling internationally with diabetes can be an exciting yet challenging experience.

For those managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), keeping blood sugar levels stable across different time zones requires careful planning and adjustment. One crucial piece of advice from a diabetes dietitian is to prepare your insulin pump for time zone changes before you even leave the plane. This simple adjustment can have a significant impact on maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout your journey.

Why Adjusting Your Insulin Pump is Crucial

When crossing time zones, jet lag and changes in your daily routine can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm, affecting blood sugar levels. Adjusting the clock on your insulin pump to match the local time of your destination as soon as you arrive can help your body stay in sync with your insulin needs. For example, if you land in a new time zone and it’s 9:00 a.m. local time but feels like 3:00 a.m. to your body, setting your ins...

Many people managing diabetes have encountered a puzzling situation:

The estimated A1c from their Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) doesn’t always match the actual A1c results from a lab test.

Recently, a follower raised a question about this issue, which could resonate with others facing similar discrepancies.

The Role of a Diabetes Dietitian in Explaining A1c Discrepancies

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian often addresses these concerns. Here’s why there might be a difference between the CGM's estimated A1c and the actual lab results:

1. Measurement Variability: CGMs measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid rather than directly from the blood. This means that there’s a potential lag and variability in the readings compared to actual blood glucose levels. The GMI, which stands for Glucose Management Indicator, is used as a reference point and can differ from the A1c obtained through lab tests. This is a common issue that a T1D dietitian or T2D dietiti...