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Mastering Pancake Eating with Stable Blood Sugars: Insights from a T1D Dietitian

Uncategorized Apr 27, 2023

Pancakes are a favorite when it comes to breakfast foods, and I know you are probably wondering, ‘can diabetics eat pancakes?’ 

Well, I have good news for you! Yes! You don’t have to give up your favorite breakfast just because you got diagnosed with diabetes. If you're living with diabetes, you know that managing your blood sugar can be a daily challenge. And if you love food, that challenge can feel even greater. But that doesn't mean you have to give up delicious food.  In fact, with a little planning and knowledge, you can enjoy just about any food, even giant pancakes. 

Here are some tips on how to eat your favorite pancake without sending your blood sugar through the roof. 

1. Figure out the carb count.

After all, as someone with diabetes, you're probably already familiar with the importance of counting carbs and dosing insulin accordingly. For example, an enormous blueberry pancake is estimated to be equivalent to about four regular...

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Eating Dimsum with Diabetes: Tips from a T1D Dietitian

Uncategorized Apr 25, 2023

Are you ready for some delicious dim sum? 

If you're living with diabetes, eating out can be a daunting task, but don't let that stop you from enjoying amazing food like this. With a few simple tips, you can confidently navigate a meal like dim sum  and keep your blood sugars under control.

First and foremost, be mindful of the little plates. 

With so many options, it's easy to lose track of what you've eaten and when. To avoid forgetting insulin, remember to dose every time you have a different course. This will help you stay on top of your blood sugars and avoid any unpleasant spikes.

Pay attention to the fat and protein in your food.

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, dishes that are high in fat and protein, like meat and seafood dishes, can be particularly flavorful and satisfying. It's also important to be mindful of the carbohydrate content of your meal, as carbohydrates can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When consuming a meal that contains...

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Tips to Prevent High Blood Sugar Spikes | Insights from a T1D Dietitian for Diabetes Patients

Uncategorized Apr 24, 2023

There’s a LOT of things that suck when it comes to diabetes... and one of them is getting HIGH BLOOD SUGARS!

High blood sugar can make you feel terrible, zap your energy, and leave you feeling like you can't do anything. But there is a way to break through this feeling and learn how to not let it bother you anymore.

Let me share with you a technique that can change your life when it comes to dealing with high blood sugar.

When your blood sugar is high, it can feel like you're on a physical and emotional roller coaster, and it's not a fun ride. But there is a way to get off that roller coaster and start feeling better.

We call it the ARM technique, which stands for acknowledge, respond, move on.

Let’s break down each letter of the acronym. 

First, ACKNOWLEDGE your blood sugar level. Don't panic or get upset if it's not where you want it to be. Just accept it for what it is and move on to the next step.

Next, RESPOND to your blood sugar level. Figure...

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Type 1 Diabetes Dosing for Steakhouse Meals: Expert Advice from a Diabetes Dietitian at Charley's Steakhouse | #T1D Dietitian

Uncategorized Apr 20, 2023

Have you ever gone to a restaurant, indulged in a massive meal, and ended up with high blood sugar hours later? 

One of the most common battles for someone living with diabetes, as you don’t have full control over what’s available at that meal….

Yet, this doesn’t mean that all is lost. There are a few helpful tips and tricks you can keep in mind when eating out to help keep you healthy and also allow you to enjoy a regular, stress-free social life.

First things first, DON'T PANIC.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed when dining out with diabetes. With some planning and preparation, you can still enjoy your favorite restaurant meals without compromising your blood sugar levels. Let's break it down together.

Start by identifying the carb sources on your plate. Take a look at the dish and try to estimate the amount of carbs you're about to consume. For example, you might be eyeing a Lobster Mac and Cheese. This dish is a carb-heavy option, but it doesn't mean...

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Type 1 Diabetes Workout Tips: Preventing Low Blood Sugars with Expert Advice from a Dietitian

Uncategorized Apr 18, 2023

There are VERY few things on this planet as frustrating as finding yourself feeling shaky, feeling terrible, and collapsed in a chair in the middle of your workout. 

Why are you here? 

Because you live with diabetes and your blood sugar is low.

Low blood sugar is the sworn enemy of any power walk, CrossFit workout, yoga class, bike ride, or even half-marathon.

O, let's dive into three ways to prevent your blood sugars from going low during a workout.

#1 - Consider the type of workout and the duration of that workout.

Different types of exercise can have different effects on blood sugar levels. Strength-based activities, such as weightlifting, can cause blood sugar levels to remain stable or even increase slightly. On the other hand, cardio-based activities, such as running or biking, can cause blood sugar levels to decrease. Always remember that the duration of the exercise can play a role in blood sugar levels. The longer the exercise session, especially if it's...

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Savoring Stuffed French Toast with Diabetes: Expert Tips from a Diabetes Dietitian on How to Eat Right

Uncategorized Apr 17, 2023

There are so many dishes that people with diabetes often find themselves thinking they can’t have, and French toast is definitely one of them. 

Some may look at this towering breakfast masterpiece and think, "no way, I have diabetes, I can't eat this, my blood sugar will skyrocket." 

But fear not, my friends: with a little bit of planning and attention, you can absolutely enjoy this beauty without sacrificing your blood sugar control.

 Let's talk about how to navigate the potential blood sugar roller coaster that comes with indulging in such a delicious treat.

First things first, make sure you pre-bolus before diving in. Taking insulin before you eat, can help to prevent blood sugar spikes after a meal. The timing and amount of insulin you take will depend on factors such as the amount of carbohydrates in the meal, your current blood sugar level, and your individual insulin sensitivity.

Now, let's break down this dish into more manageable parts for carb...

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Hiking with Diabetes: Essential Tips from a Diabetes Dietitian!

Uncategorized Apr 13, 2023

Are you someone with diabetes who loves hiking and outdoor activities, but often finds it daunting to keep your blood sugar levels in check during such events?

Walking away from civilization and seemingly "off the grid" can be unsettling for people with diabetes. It's terrifying to rely on survival with only the items on your back, and carrying your pancreas adds another layer of uncertainty.

Maybe it’s the big reason why you might be hesitant to venture outside and away from home without the conveniences of low-blood sugar snacks, water, or medical support nearby.

These tips will inspire you to put on your hiking boots and reconnect with nature!

A pre-hike meal with a balance of carbs, fat, and protein can help provide sustained energy throughout the hike. In case of low blood sugar, bring low-calorie snacks such as Skittles, candy corn, and graham crackers.

Additionally, having only a small amount of active insulin before beginning the hike can help prevent low blood sugar.

...
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Mastering Diabetes: The Impact of Protein on Blood Sugar Levels Explained by a Diabetes Dietitian

Uncategorized Apr 11, 2023

Living with diabetes can be a challenge, but paying attention to protein intake can make it easier to achieve excellent blood sugars and an amazing A1C.

While many people with diabetes focus solely on carbs, protein is critical to the equation, and not paying attention to it can make blood sugar management more difficult.

In this blog post, I will explain why protein is essential and how it can affect blood sugar levels. 

Let’s dive into why protein is essential to consider in the blood sugar equation.

There’s a great story that I often share to help illustrate this point. Once upon a time, I went to a Brazilian steakhouse. If you’ve never been to a Brazilian steakhouse, there are many people coming around to your table with different types of meat and chicken and steak and pork and ALL of the different protein sources.  As someone who was into weight training at the time, I was thrilled to consume as much protein as I wanted in unlimited quantities....

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Understanding the Impact of Fat on Blood Sugar: Insights from a Diabetes Dietitian!

Uncategorized Apr 10, 2023

“It’s Not Just About the Carbs”

You've probably always been told to limit your sugar and carbohydrates.

Consuming too many processed carbohydrates can lead to a host of health problems. Some people think that's the only two things they need to stay away from; however, it's not. It turns out fats could play a major role in impacting blood sugar levels.

Fat has a more indirect effect on blood sugar levels than carbohydrates, but it can still have a significant impact. Because fat slows digestion, carbohydrates are released into the bloodstream more slowly over time, resulting in a more prolonged rise in blood sugar levels.

This can be a huge problem for people with diabetes who may need to dose their insulin when consuming carbs.

Managing the effect of fat on blood sugar levels is the main goal that dietitians in diabetes practices pursue with their patients. According to dietitians, meals with more fat require 47% more insulin overall. 

Even though it may...

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Insulin Pump Site Changes: A Diabetes Dietitian's Solution for STUBBORN Blood Sugar Levels

Uncategorized Apr 04, 2023

Insulin pumps are a choice many with diabetes turn to for their care since they can make blood sugar control much easier!

One of the main reasons why it has been a game changer is that they provide more precise control over insulin dosing. With an insulin pump, you can adjust your insulin delivery based on your body's changing needs throughout the day. 

However, insulin pump sites can sometimes fail or become ineffective, resulting in high blood sugars and frustration. So, when should you yank your insulin pump site early?

 

Here are a few tips when having trouble with ineffective or failed insulin pump sites.

#1. Correcting twice and no change:

Sometimes, you've corrected your blood sugar twice and it's still not coming down, even if you're doing everything else right.

This could be a sign that your insulin pump site is not working effectively, and waiting too long to address the issue could lead to dangerous blood sugar levels and of course, frustration. If you suspect...

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