Managing blood sugar levels can be especially tricky when food and celebrations are abundant during the holidays.

For people with diabetes, the stress of managing meals and insulin can turn what should be a joyful time into a challenging experience. However, one simple strategy can make a big difference: exercise. Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), regular physical activity can help keep blood sugar levels in check, even after indulging in holiday meals.

The Power of Exercise for Blood Sugar Control

For those with diabetes, exercise has a powerful effect on insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity refers to how effectively the body uses insulin to process blood sugar. The more sensitive the body is to insulin, the easier it is to stabilize blood sugar levels. When someone with diabetes exercises, their muscles become better at absorbing glucose, which can help lower blood sugar levels naturally.

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian ...

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up the activities you love, including hiking.

Whether dealing with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), maintaining stable blood sugar levels during physical exertion is essential. A diabetes dietitian, or specifically a T1D or T2D dietitian, can help guide individuals on how to manage their diet and insulin needs to stay healthy and energized during long hikes or other physical activities.

For anyone planning to take on a long hike, blood sugar levels need to be carefully monitored. A skilled Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian can provide the right strategies for balancing insulin, hydration, and snacks to keep blood sugars stable.

Hydration and Electrolytes: Key to Stability

When engaging in physical activities, hydration is crucial. For individuals with diabetes, proper hydration goes beyond just drinking water. A diabetes educator, whether focused on Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, would recommend adding electro...

For those living with diabetes, indulging in a delicious dessert like baklava may seem like a challenge.

As a diabetes dietitian with over 25 years of experience managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), this guide breaks down how to count carbs and dose insulin for this beloved Greek treat so you can enjoy it without worrying about blood sugar spikes.

Understanding Baklava's Nutritional Breakdown

Baklava is a classic Greek dessert made from layers of phyllo dough, nuts (typically walnuts or pistachios), and sweet syrup or honey. While it’s a rich and satisfying treat, it’s crucial to understand the nutritional content, especially for those managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The main components of baklava are:

• Phyllo Dough: This provides a significant amount of carbs.

• Nuts (Walnuts or Pistachios): These contribute healthy fats and a bit of protein.

• Honey or Syrup: This adds sweetness and contributes to the sugar content.

The key to managing blood sugar levels while...

Eating delicious food while managing blood sugar levels is possible, especially with guidance from a skilled diabetes dietitian.

Whether someone has Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), it’s crucial to understand how different foods impact blood sugar. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or a Type 2 diabetes dietitian can help individuals make sense of meal planning, carb counting, and insulin management—allowing them to enjoy great meals without compromising their health.

Let’s take a look at a traditional Greek feast and how a diabetes educator would approach it to maintain balanced blood sugar.

A Greek meal typically includes a variety of dishes with a mix of vegetables, protein, and fats. One popular starter is a Greek salad, which may contain ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and a generous serving of feta cheese. While these ingredients are low in carbs, there are still some things to consider, like the small pieces of bread and the dried tomatoes. A dia...

Living with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, often means making careful choices about what you eat.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the foods you love! If you’ve ever been afraid to indulge in a food like cinnamon roll pancakes, thinking it might spike your blood sugar, you’re not alone. Many people with diabetes share similar concerns, but there’s a way to enjoy delicious meals while managing your condition effectively. That’s where a diabetes dietitian comes in.

Understanding Carbs and Insulin for Better Blood Sugar Control

Alt text: Your Diabetes Insider T1D and T2D Dietitians: A diabetes educator helps you enjoy your favorite foods while managing blood sugar and maintaining a healthy diet

Let’s take a look at something indulgent: cinnamon roll pancakes. On the surface, they may seem like a food to avoid, especially if you're worried about how it will affect your blood sugar. But with the right knowledge and guidance from a diabetes dietitian, you can confidently approa...

Understanding Carbs and Insulin for Better Blood Sugar Control

Let’s take a look at something indulgent: cinnamon roll pancakes. On the surface, they may seem like a food to avoid, especially if you're worried about how it will affect your blood sugar. But with the right knowledge and guidance from a diabetes dietitian, you can confidently approach these types of meals.

Here’s how it works: A typical stack of cinnamon roll pancakes can have around 135 grams of carbs. That’s a lot, but it’s important to remember that it’s not just about the carbs. A T1D (Type 1 diabetes) dietitian or T2D (Type 2 diabetes) dietitian would focus on the full picture, including the protein, fat, and the timing of your insulin doses to help you manage your blood sugar levels. Balancing your insulin with the carb content to prevent any unexpected spikes or drops.

For instance, the pancakes themselves contain about 25 to 30 grams of carbs per serving. The added icing can increase the carb count by another 1...

Traveling with diabetes, whether Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), presents unique challenges.

Planning is essential for those managing their condition while exploring new places. A diabetes dietitian with years of experience offers valuable tips for making travel easier, whether you're navigating international flights or walking through unfamiliar cities.

1. Adjusting to Time Zones

 One of the first things travelers will notice when going abroad is the change in time zones. This can impact blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes. For example, when traveling to a country with a time difference, such as the UK, it's important to adjust insulin pump settings to match the new local time. This prevents blood sugar spikes and other disruptions.

In addition to adjusting the pump, sleep disruption is common during travel, which can cause temporary insulin resistance. Travelers with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes may notice higher-than-usual blood sugar levels during the fir...

Managing diabetes can feel like a constant balancing act, especially when enjoying meals with friends or family.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), eating high-carb, high-fat meals like fondue can raise questions about how to keep your blood sugar levels in check. But with the right guidance from a diabetes dietitian, you can enjoy delicious foods without worrying about your blood sugar.

Handle High-Carb, High-Fat Meals with Diabetes

Imagine you're at a fondue dinner, where multiple courses are served: cheese fondue, bread, veggies, salad, steak, chicken, and a chocolate fountain to top it all off. It sounds delicious, but how do you manage blood sugar levels while eating? This is where a Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian comes in to help you navigate meals like these.

If you're living with T1D, you know insulin management is key to stabilizing blood sugar levels. When you eat a meal containing carbs and fats, like fondue, your bod...

Living with diabetes, whether it's Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), can initially feel overwhelming.

However, there are many valuable lessons to be learned throughout this journey. These insights can help you manage the highs and lows of diabetes with a more positive perspective. 

Here are 10 important lessons that a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator wishes he had known sooner:

1. Things Will Get Better with Time

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, it can feel overwhelming and as if managing it will always be a challenge. However, over time and with experience, you will find that regulating blood sugar levels, planning meals, and establishing daily routines becomes much more manageable. The key to this journey is patience and learning from any mistakes you make along the way. Consulting with a dietitian who specializes in Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can help you streamline your approach and reduce stress in the process.

2. Blood Sugar Fluctuations Are Part of...

Living with diabetes can sometimes feel like a never-ending game of guessing.

Whether it's figuring out how much insulin to take, how to handle high blood sugar, or just getting through a meal without the frustration of unpredictable blood sugar spikes, it can be tough. For those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), blood sugar management is a constant balancing act. But the good news is that there are strategies to help manage high blood sugars quickly and effectively, and a diabetes dietitian can be a crucial part of that process.

1. Take an Insulin Injection

For those living with Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, the first and most obvious solution to high blood sugar is to take insulin. However, many people don't realize that sometimes, injecting insulin manually—rather than relying solely on a pump—can be more effective. If a blood sugar level is stubbornly high, it may be due to a malfunctioning insulin pump site or poor absorption. In thes...