Managing diabetes isn’t just about taking insulin or medications; diet plays a huge role.

Many people with diabetes struggle with the question of whether a low-carb or high-carb diet is better for their health. This debate can be especially confusing for people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). A diabetes dietitian can help make sense of this topic, but with so many opinions and options, it’s hard to know where to start.

Type 1 Diabetes and Carbs: The Research

When it comes to Type 1 diabetes, which makes up only 5-10% of the total diabetes population, the answer isn't as straightforward. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian often works closely with clients to navigate these challenges. Some studies show that reducing carbs to fewer than 75 grams per day can lead to improvements in blood sugar control. One study followed people with Type 1 diabetes over four years, and those who stuck to a low-carb diet showed great results. However, sticking to a low-carb regimen is toug...

Managing diabetes can make it challenging to find suitable snacks while on the go.

A certified diabetes educator visited Buc-ee’s and discovered four excellent options that are both convenient and friendly to blood sugar levels. Here are four diabetes-friendly snacks that individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D) will appreciate.

1. Low Snacks for Low Blood Sugar

Buc-ee’s offers an entire section dedicated to low snacks, perfect for when you need a quick fix for low blood sugar. Whether it’s fruit snacks, juice, or Swedish Fish, there’s no shortage of options to raise a low blood sugar. As a diabetes dietitian, it's always a relief to have fast-acting carbs available when you need them most. These snacks are ideal for people with Type 1 diabetes who may need quick access to raise their blood sugar levels.

2. Smoked Turkey Tenderloin and Meat & Cheese Plates

Buc-ee’s offers smoked turkey tenderloin and meat and cheese plates for a grab-and-go, blood sugar-frie...

Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle, especially for those living with diabetes.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), shedding unwanted pounds requires a thoughtful, balanced approach to both nutrition and activity. Many people with diabetes can lose weight successfully while also maintaining good blood sugar control. Here’s what a diabetes dietitian would tell you about the key factors to keep in mind when trying to drop pounds.

1. Understand Calorie Balance

One of the most important factors in weight loss, whether you have diabetes or not, is calorie balance. You must be in an energy deficit, meaning you are consuming fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. This principle applies to everyone, but for those with diabetes, it requires extra care and attention.

A T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian will help you figure out your daily calorie needs and design a plan that fits your personal goals and lifestyle. While it can be...

Managing blood sugar can be a challenge for anyone living with diabetes.

Whether someone has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, a balanced meal that keeps blood sugar levels steady is key. As a certified diabetes educator with 25 years of experience living with Type 1 diabetes, one thing that’s been learned is that eating out doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, people can make choices that support their health while still enjoying a tasty meal. One of the go-to spots for a quick, diabetes-friendly meal is Chipotle.

Why Chipotle Can Be a Smart Choice for Diabetes

For those living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), the right meal can make all the difference in managing blood sugar. When done right, Chipotle can be a great place to find a balanced meal. A T1D dietitian recommends customizing orders to include plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and fiber-rich options while keeping carbs under control. Let’s dive into how to create a meal that’s both deliciou...

Managing blood sugar levels can be challenging for those living with diabetes, but making a few simple changes can have a big impact.

Whether someone is dealing with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there are common habits that can interfere with blood sugar control. For anyone looking to improve their health in 2025, here are five key things to stop doing to avoid the blood sugar roller coaster and achieve better control.

1. Stop Guessing On Carb Counts

One of the biggest mistakes people with diabetes make is guessing when it comes to carb counting. It’s like playing roulette with blood sugar levels without accurately counting carbs. This often leads to either dangerously low or high blood sugar levels. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian recommends taking an extra 45 seconds to a minute before each meal to carefully examine the food, check for hidden carbs, and accurately administer insulin. This small adjustment can make a big difference in maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the ...

When managing diabetes, it's essential to choose foods that help control blood sugar levels.

A diabetes dietitian typically recommends meals that are high in protein and fiber while being low in carbs. These protein pancakes fit the bill perfectly!

Why These Pancakes Are Perfect for People with Diabetes

The recipe includes ingredients like eggs, egg whites, RISE protein powder (no added sugar), coconut flour, and cottage cheese. These ingredients provide over 60 grams of protein and help stabilize blood sugar throughout the day. Plus, they're gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 3 whole eggs
• 3 egg whites
• 1 scoop RISE protein powder (no added sugar, gluten-free)
• 5 tablespoons coconut flour (or oats as an alternative)
• ¾ cup cottage cheese
• Optional: Berries for topping (adds extra fiber and flavor!)

How to Make Blood Sugar-Friendly Protein Pancakes

1. Blend It All Together: Combine the egg...

If you have diabetes, you've probably heard the term "net carbs" before.

But what exactly are net carbs, and how do they affect your blood sugar? For those managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, understanding net carbs can play a crucial role in keeping your blood sugar levels stable. In this post, we’ll explore what net carbs are, how to calculate them, and why it’s important to work with a diabetes dietitian to manage your carb intake effectively.

What Are Net Carbs?

Net carbs are simply the total carbohydrates in a food minus the fiber and sometimes sugar alcohols. Fiber and sugar alcohols don’t have a significant impact on blood sugar, so subtracting them from the total carbs gives you a more accurate picture of how that food will affect your glucose levels. For example, if a food has 22 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fiber, you would subtract the fiber to get 17 grams of net carbs.

Why Do Net Carbs Matter for People with Diabetes?

For people living with Type 1 diabetes (...

For individuals managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, making smart food choices while eating out can be challenging.

A diabetes dietitian, especially one with experience like a Type 1 Diabetes Dietitian, can offer valuable advice on how to navigate fast food menus. When it comes to places like Arby’s, it's still possible to make blood sugar-friendly choices that align with diabetes management.

1. Half-Pound Roast Beef Sandwich

 For those craving something hearty, the half-pound roast beef sandwich is a decent option. With 48 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat, it provides a solid amount of nutrition. However, the carb load can be a bit much, especially for those with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). A simple trick to reduce the carbs is to cut the sandwich in half and remove half of the bun. This modification helps lower the carb content while still providing plenty of protein and fat.

2. 9 Premium Nuggets

 For a lighter meal or snack, the 9 premium nuggets can be a great choice. They offer...

Managing diabetes—whether Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D)—often means dealing with fluctuating blood sugar levels.

One of the most frustrating experiences is when blood sugar spikes to numbers like 262 or higher, and despite repeated corrections, it just won’t come down. In situations like these, many diabetes dietitians recommend considering an intramuscular (IM) injection as a potential solution.

What is an Intramuscular Injection?

An intramuscular injection is a method of insulin delivery where the insulin is injected directly into muscle tissue rather than into the subcutaneous fat under the skin. Muscles are metabolically more active than fat, meaning they absorb insulin more quickly. This faster absorption can help lower high blood sugar levels more rapidly.

For people with diabetes, an intramuscular injection is typically administered into areas like the shoulder or thigh, where muscle tissue is easily accessible. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian, or T2D dietitian, may suggest this ...

Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to meal planning.

As a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator, it’s important to recommend food choices that help manage blood sugar levels effectively without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), making smart food choices can make all the difference. Here are four Costco finds that can help improve your blood sugar control while still offering tasty and nutritious meals.

1. Sweet Potatoes – A Super Versatile, Blood Sugar-Friendly Choice

Sweet potatoes are a diabetes-friendly option that should be on your grocery list. As a diabetes dietitian often recommends, sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, which helps slow down the release of sugar into your bloodstream. This makes them a great alternative to regular potatoes, which can cause more significant blood sugar spikes. They're also rich in potassium, essential for heart health—especially important for people wit...