Tips for Optimizing Diabetes Care from a T1D Dietitian
Living with diabetes, whether it's Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), can often feel overwhelming.
However, there’s a powerful ally that can help you take control of your blood sugars—a diabetes dietitian. These experts specialize in guiding individuals through nutrition choices that can directly impact blood sugar control, making life with diabetes more manageable. Let’s take a look at three simple tips that can help you achieve the best blood sugars of your life in 2025, all while emphasizing the importance of working with a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian. 1. Measure Your Food
One of the best ways to improve blood sugar management is by carefully measuring your food. As a Type 1 diabetes dietitian often recommends, knowing the exact portion sizes you’re eating can make a huge difference in your blood sugar levels. Food accounts for around 80% of your blood sugar, so it’s crucial to be mindful of what and how much you consume.
A diabetes dietitian often advises using tools like a food scale or measuring cups to keep portions accurate. Using your fist as a reference can be helpful if you're eating out—one fist equals about one cup. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, learning these measurements can make managing your blood sugars easier. Even though it may seem like an extra step, the effort pays off.
2. Understand the Role of Fat and Protein in Your Meals
Many people with diabetes don’t realize that fat and protein can affect blood sugar levels, especially later in the day. A T1D dietitian knows that while fats and proteins don’t cause immediate spikes in blood sugar, they can slow digestion, leading to higher blood sugar levels later. For example, a meal with a lot of fat may cause your blood sugar to stay elevated in the morning, even if it looked fine the night before.
Understanding how your meals are balanced, especially if you have Type 2 diabetes, can help you manage this. A T2D dietitian may pair a high-carb meal with a bit more protein or fat to prevent blood sugar spikes, but the right balance is key. Monitoring how different foods impact your blood sugar at various times of day is something a diabetes educator can help you understand better.
3. Exercise Consistently
Exercise is another important tool to keep your blood sugars in check. Both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes benefit from regular physical activity, and research shows that just one session of exercise can improve your blood sugar control for up to three days. Regular exercise, especially a combination of cardio and strength training, helps improve insulin sensitivity, which is key for anyone with diabetes.
A T1D dietitian will emphasize the importance of creating a consistent routine that includes both types of exercises. This doesn’t mean you need to hit the gym every day, but rather find simple activities you can stick to, like walking, yoga, or at-home strength training.
For those with T2D, regular movement also helps with weight management, which further supports better blood sugar control. Whether you're doing 20-minute home workouts or walking around your neighborhood, making time for movement can have lasting benefits.
Conclusion
Managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By following simple steps like measuring your food, understanding how fat and protein affect your blood sugar, and committing to regular exercise, you can make 2025 the best year yet for your blood sugar control. Working closely with a diabetes dietitian, whether you're managing T1D or T2D, will help you refine your plan and stay on track.
These are just a few strategies to consider, and if you’re looking to learn more, a diabetes educator can provide personalized tips and support tailored to your specific needs. Start small, stay consistent, and take control of your health this year. Your future self will thank you!
