You've probably had days where you find yourself obsessing over those pesky numbers on your glucose meter. We've all been there, and it can be incredibly frustrating. But here's the thing: it's time to shift our perspective and stop chasing the elusive goal of perfect blood sugars. 

Why, you ask?

Well, let us share a recent conversation we had with a patient that might change your outlook.

The patient was feeling utterly frustrated because her blood sugars weren't quite where she wanted them to be. Her average blood sugar level was around 165, and she couldn't help but compare herself to those who seemed to have it all figured out. But here's what she failed to mention at first – her blood sugars had previously been averaging around 200. That's right; she had already made a substantial improvement.

So, we asked her, "Why are you so frustrated when you're clearly making tremendous progress?" And do you know what she said? Nothing. She had no answer. It got us thinking,...

The back-to-school rush is in full swing, and whether you're a student heading back to class or a parent sending your little ones off to school, one thing is for sure: we all need some tasty and energizing snacks to keep us going throughout the day.

To help you make the most of your school days, we've teamed up with a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator to bring you four quality back-to-school snacks that will keep your blood sugar levels on point. 

Plus, the best part? No refrigeration needed! Because let's be real, who wants to deal with ice packs when you're on the go?

1. Chomps Turkey Sticks

• Protein Powerhouse: These little guys pack a punch with a whopping 6-10 grams of protein per stick.
• Deliciously Easy: They're not only nutritious but also super tasty. Just toss them into your backpack, and you've got a quick and satisfying snack between classes.
• Variety Matters: Chomps Turkey Sticks come in various flavors to keep your taste buds excited. It's the...

If you're a parent of a child living with diabetes or a college student managing this condition, then you're in for an eye-opening conversation today. It's a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention, but it's absolutely crucial for success in school with diabetes – testing accommodations. 

Breaking the Silence

Diabetes can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to education. The highs and lows (not just in blood sugar) can throw a curveball into your academic life. But here's the secret weapon that not enough people talk about: testing accommodations.

What Are Testing Accommodations?

In a nutshell, testing accommodations are like your safety net during exams. They're there to protect you in case your blood sugar decides to take a rollercoaster ride right in the middle of an important test. These accommodations ensure that you're not penalized for moments when your brain might not be working at its peak due to extreme blood sugar levels.

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Today, we are diving into a plate of mouthwatering nachos, and guess what? We are doing it with amazing blood sugar levels. Intrigued?

Well, you're in for a treat because we’re going to show you exactly how to enjoy delicious food while keeping those blood sugar levels in check. And guess what? You can do this with any type of delectable dish you desire.

A plate of nachos may seem like a blood sugar nightmare. You've got sour cream, ground beef, cheese, queso, onions – it's a flavor explosion! But hold on a second; we're going to break this down step by step. It's not as terrifying as it seems.

First things first, we're going to identify the carb sources, and in this case, it's a no-brainer – it's the chips. Those crispy, golden chips are your primary source of carbs, no contest. Let's assume one serving is around 20 grams of carbs (for easy math), and there are about five to six servings on this plate. That's roughly 120-130 grams of carbs from the chips alone....

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Living with diabetes can sometimes feel like a constant quest for perfection.

The meticulous monitoring of blood sugar levels, precise food measurements, and consistent exercise routines are all part of the intricate balancing act that people with diabetes face every day. 

However, the pursuit of perfection in diabetes management can be both mentally and emotionally draining. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of perfectionism in the context of diabetes and discuss the importance of setting realistic goals to maintain a healthier mindset.

The Perfectionist Trap

It's not uncommon for individuals with diabetes to develop a perfectionist mindset. The desire to achieve flawless blood sugar control, where every reading falls within the optimal range, is a noble goal, but it's essential to remember that diabetes is an unpredictable game. Despite your best efforts, there will be instances when your blood sugar levels behave unexpectedly, defying your expectations....

Picture this: you're going about your day, everything seems pretty normal, and then suddenly, your glucose meter reads a shocking 394. If you've ever experienced this rollercoaster of blood sugar levels, you're not alone. And let me tell you, it's like being on a wild ride without a clear map.

A while back, I had an encounter with my glucose meter that left me baffled. My blood sugar shot up to 394, and it wasn't because I indulged in a sugary treat or went overboard on carbs. Nope, it was after a session of lifting weights. Yes, you read that right – lifting weights. My brain felt as foggy as a misty morning, not just because of the mental haze high blood sugar can bring, but also because I was scratching my head wondering how lifting weights could cause such a spike.

You might be wondering how on earth lifting weights could impact blood sugar. Trust me, I had the same question. But here's a fun fact: I was once a cross country runner in high school. Yes, you read that right,...