Pancakes to Protein: A Diabetes Educator’s Guide
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 15 to 20 grams. So, a stack of cinnamon roll pancakes might contain around 135 grams of carbs in total if you eat the whole plate. That’s where a diabetes educator’s expertise comes in, helping you calculate the correct insulin dose for that meal.
Role of Protein and Fat in Your Diabetes Diet
When you’re eating foods like pancakes, it’s also important to consider how other components, like protein and fat, affect your blood sugar. For example, if you were to pair your pancakes with something higher in fat, like an omelet, you might experience a delayed blood sugar rise. On the other hand, eating the pancakes alone might cause a faster spike and drop in blood sugar, but it’s easier to manage with proper insulin dosing.
A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian will guide you on how to balance these macronutrients and make sure your insulin-to-carb ratio is on point. This approach allows you to enjoy more flexibility in your diet while keeping your blood sugar in check.
Diabetes Dietitian Helps You Live Your Best Life
One of the most valuable things a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can do is help you build confidence around food. The goal is not just to manage your blood sugar, but to help you look and feel your best. You should be able to enjoy foods like cinnamon roll pancakes without stressing about your blood sugar levels or feeling deprived.
So, whether you’re living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, working with a diabetes dietitian can help you make informed choices, feel empowered in the kitchen, and achieve long-term success with your diabetes management. With the right tools, you can eat the foods you love—just with a little extra planning.
