One of the biggest pet peeves of many living with chronic medical conditions is the inability to keep their life-saving medications cool enough to actually work.

As someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, I am completely dependent on exogenous insulin, 24/7/365, to keep my blood sugar levels in range and to maintain my day-to-day life. So, when I travel or am away from home, my insulin must be at a temperature acceptable for use when I need it.

Why? Insulin is a hormone that is made up of proteins, and when a protein molecule gets too warm, it starts to denature or unravel. When a protein starts to unravel, its utility and ability to function greatly decreases. For insulin, the threshold is met when it is exposed to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. On the flipside, if insulin gets too cold (under 32 degrees Fahrenheit), it will crystallize and not work as well either. 

So, if I were to use insulin that had gotten too warm in the Florida heat, the insulin may not work at 100% of the capacity tha...

Let’s be honest-prepackaged foods often get a bad rap, especially in the diabetes world. Many people think “fresh only” equals “healthy,” but that’s not always true. With the right choices, prepackaged foods can actually make diabetes management easier and more consistent.

Why Prepackaged Doesn’t Mean “Bad”

Prepackaged foods can help you stay on track when life gets busy. They save time, reduce stress, and prevent skipped meals-something that can throw blood sugars out of range. The key is learning how to read labels and choose wisely.

What to Look For

• Protein and Fiber: These help keep blood sugars steady and you feeling full.
• Low Added Sugar and Sodium: Check labels and pick options with minimal extras.
• Whole Ingredients: Look for foods made with simple, real ingredients you recognize.
  
  

Smart Prepackaged Picks

• Protein snack boxes or turkey sticks
• Microwavable grain bowls with veggies
• Unsweetened Greek yogurt cups
• Nuts, seeds, or roasted chickpeas
• Frozen vegetables...

If you’ve ever caught yourself staring at your glucose meter in frustration, you’re not alone. Many people living with diabetes get stuck chasing “perfect” numbers - but here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.

It’s time to stop beating yourself up for every out-of-range reading and start celebrating the steps you’re taking toward better control.

The Real-Life Wake-Up Call

Not long ago, one of our patients shared that she was feeling discouraged because her blood sugars were averaging around 165. She compared herself to others who seemed to have their numbers “under control.”

But what she didn’t mention at first was that just a few months earlier, her average was closer to 200. That’s a huge improvement - nearly a 35-point drop in her average blood sugar.

When we asked, “Why are you frustrated when you’ve made such amazing progress?” she paused. She realized she hadn’t even noticed how far she’d come.

And honestly, a lot of us fall into the same trap.

Why ...

 The back-to-school hustle is real, and between classes, work, or helping kids get out the door, finding healthy snacks that actually keep you full can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re managing diabetes or just want better energy throughout the day, these snacks check all the boxes-tasty, balanced, and blood sugar-friendly.

The best part?

No refrigeration needed. These options are perfect for backpacks, lunchboxes, or busy days on the go.

1. Chomps Turkey Sticks

Protein Powerhouse: Each stick packs around 6–10 grams of protein, making it a great way to stay satisfied between meals.
Super Convenient: Just throw one in your bag, and you’ve got a quick, mess-free snack ready whenever hunger strikes.
Tons of Flavors: From Original Turkey to Jalapeño and Italian Style, there’s a flavor for every mood.

Why it works: Protein helps keep blood sugar steady and your energy stable-exactly what you need for long school or workdays.

2. Moon Cheese

Crunchy & Satisfying: If you crave s...

If you’re a parent of a child with diabetes or a college student managing your own blood sugars, this topic might surprise you - testing accommodations. They’re one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools that can make a huge difference in your academic success.

Why Testing Accommodations Matter

Living with diabetes can make school challenging. Blood sugar highs and lows can hit at the worst times - even during exams. Testing accommodations make sure you’re not penalized for things outside your control. They give you the space to manage your blood sugar safely while still doing your best work.

What Are Testing Accommodations?

Testing accommodations are special adjustments that allow students with diabetes to take exams under fair conditions. These might include:

• Extra time if your blood sugar goes high or low during a test
  
• Permission to bring snacks or a glucose meter into the exam room
  
• Breaks for blood sugar checks or insulin doses
  
• Flexible scheduling if you need time to r...

Ever think nachos are off-limits when you’re watching your blood sugar? Think again. Today, we’re digging into a plate of mouthwatering nachos and keeping our blood sugar steady while doing it.

Yes, it’s totally possible to enjoy your favorite foods and stay in range. You don’t have to give up the foods you love to have great blood sugar control. Let’s break it down.

Can You Really Eat Nachos with Good Blood Sugar?

At first glance, nachos might look like a blood sugar nightmare. They’re loaded with chips, ground beef, cheese, queso, sour cream, and all the fixings. But when you understand what’s on your plate and how to balance it, it’s easier than you think.

Let’s start with the main carb source: the chips.

That’s where most of the carbs come from. One serving of tortilla chips has about 20 grams of carbs, and a full plate can have around 120–130 grams total. That’s the main thing you’ll want to account for first.

But don’t forget about protein and fat, because they affect bl...

Newsflash: Not all carbs are created equal! 

When you were first diagnosed with diabetes, you probably heard that carbs are the fastest blood sugar boosters – and that's true. But let's dive into the carb universe and uncover the delightful nuances you might not have been told about.

Imagine carbs as a spectrum of superheroes, each with its unique superpower in affecting your blood sugar. Some carbs are like speedy superheroes, while others are more laid-back, taking their sweet time to make an impact. Let's break it down.

Picture this: Jelly beans, those tiny sugary delights, are like the Flash of the carb world. They dive straight into glucose, boasting a high glycemic index. Translation? Your blood sugar zooms up faster than you can say "superhero landing." While they're a sweet treat, they require a bit of vigilance to keep your blood sugar in check.

Now, let's talk about oats. 

They're more like the steady and reliable Captain America. Yes, they'll cause a rise in your blood ...

Every single day with diabetes presents you with a choice – a choice that can shape your journey in two drastically different ways.

So, let me ask you: which path are you going to choose? Will you opt for the one where fear, confusion, and uncertainty control every aspect of your life? Or will you embrace the one where your A1C levels consistently rest in the fives, where you're feeling your absolute best, indulging in your favorite foods, and living the life you adore?

The incredible part about this decision is that these two images can belong to the same person. Let me share the story of someone who faced the same dilemma. 

The first time we spoke to her, she was teary-eyed, overwhelmed by the prospect of diabetes taking over her entire existence. She believed that her life would never be "normal" again, that she'd never experience the joys of regular eating or stay active, and that her days would be filled with misery. She was diagnosed later in life, after the age of 50, making ...

Are you one of the countless individuals who have diabetes and are terrified of working out because you fear your blood sugar might plummet?

Well, you're not alone, and we’re here to shed some light on this daunting topic. 

Exercise isn't your enemy; it's your superhero! Let's dive into why working out is not only safe but also essential for managing diabetes.

First things first, did you know that one workout session can work its magic on your insulin sensitivity for up to three days? That's right, three whole days of improved blood sugar levels just from a single workout! Now, isn't that reason enough to put on those sneakers and hit the gym?

Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the dreaded low blood sugar. Yes, it's a valid concern, but fear not, because there are countless ways to prevent those pesky lows during workouts. Whether it's fine-tuning your nutrition, adjusting your insulin, or considering medication changes, you have options. But today, we’re not here to foc...

Have you ever felt like your blood sugar was on a wild roller coaster ride after hitting the gym for some intense weightlifting or sprint sessions?

If you've ever experienced the "moonshot" blood sugar levels that seem to defy gravity, you're not alone. 

We’ve been there too, scratching our heads and wondering why our glucose readings were soaring higher than our personal records. Let's dive into this relatable adventure of battling blood sugar spikes during workouts and discover some strategies to conquer them.

Picture this: you're in the zone, lifting weights or sprinting like the superhero you are, and suddenly, your blood sugar decides to skyrocket to the moon. It's frustrating, confusing, and downright annoying. But fear not, because there's a scientific explanation for this phenomenon.

The main culprit behind those soaring blood sugar levels during intense physical activity is a combination of factors. First off, your body requires energy to fuel your muscles, and it taps int...