Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on flavor. You can enjoy satisfying snacks that help keep blood sugars stable and cravings under control. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, choosing snacks with the right balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats makes all the difference.

Here are four delicious and dietitian-approved snacks that fit perfectly into a diabetes-friendly lifestyle.

1. Purely Elizabeth Granola

Crunchy, sweet, and packed with whole grains and protein, Purely Elizabeth granola is a smart swap for traditional sugary cereals. It’s made with complex carbs and heart-healthy fats, which help give you lasting energy without spiking your blood sugar. Enjoy it with Greek yogurt, on fruit, or straight from the bag.

2. Avocado Hummus

A mix of creamy avocado and flavorful hummus, avocado hummus is rich in fiber and healthy fats that help keep you full longer. Pair it with sliced veggies or whole-grain crackers for a snack that’s both satisfying and blood suga...

Ever notice your blood sugar creeping up and wonder what quick, simple thing you can do-besides reaching for insulin or jumping into a workout? Try this underrated trick: drink water.

Yep, staying hydrated might be one of the easiest and most effective ways to help manage blood sugar levels naturally. This “diabetes water hack” works because when your blood sugar rises, your body pulls water from your cells into your bloodstream to dilute the glucose. If you’re dehydrated, your blood becomes more concentrated, making those sugar levels spike even higher.

By drinking water, you increase your blood volume, helping your kidneys flush out excess glucose through urine. It’s a simple, science-backed way to support your body’s natural blood sugar regulation-no fancy gadgets or supplements needed.

Why It Works

When you stay hydrated:

• Your body processes glucose more efficiently
• You reduce the risk of dehydration-induced spikes
• Your kidneys can remove excess sugar more effectively
  
  
...

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have completely changed the way people with diabetes track blood sugars. These small devices give you automatic readings every few minutes-no more constant finger pricks, no guessing, just data.

But there’s one important thing many people don’t realize: CGMs have a natural 10–15 minute delay between what your device shows and what’s actually happening in your bloodstream.

Why CGMs Have a Delay

CGMs measure glucose in your interstitial fluid (the fluid around your cells), not directly from your blood. Because glucose takes time to move from the bloodstream into that fluid, your CGM readings will always lag slightly behind your real-time blood sugar levels.

Most of the time, this delay doesn’t cause major issues-but it matters during fast changes, like after eating, exercising, or dosing insulin.

The Problem with Overcorrecting

Let’s say your CGM shows a blood sugar of 264 and trending up. You take insulin to bring it down, but your real-tim...

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...

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...

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 ...