Flying with diabetes can be a real hassle.

From disconnecting insulin pumps to navigating TSA procedures, the journey alone can feel like a full-scale operation. For individuals managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, understanding why blood sugar levels often spike during flights—and how to prevent it—can make a world of difference.

Why Blood Sugar Levels Rise During Flights

The change in altitude during a flight can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When ascending, the body experiences stress due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure. This stress response can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Additionally, the low humidity in the cabin can lead to dehydration, which further contributes to elevated blood sugar levels. It’s a double whammy: stress and dehydration working together to make diabetes management more challenging.

Strategies to Keep Blood Sugar in Check

Alt text: Your Diabetes Insider T1D and T2D Dietitians: Altitude and dehydration raise...

In the world of diabetes management, medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have become popular for their potential to improve blood sugar control and assist with weight loss.

However, these GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be seen as standalone solutions. They work best when integrated into a comprehensive lifestyle strategy rather than being relied upon exclusively. Here’s why it’s crucial to combine medication with a holistic approach, guided by a Diabetes Educator or a diabetes dietitian.

The Limits of Medication Alone

Consider a recent case involving a patient who saw impressive results with a GLP-1 medication. This individual successfully lost nearly 30 pounds, exercised regularly five days a week, and maintained a balanced diet both at home and when dining out. The medication played a significant role, but it was the combination of lifestyle changes that led to the most notable success.

In contrast, a friend of this patient, who was also on the same medication,...

Fast food can be a convenient option, but for those managing diabetes,

it can also present challenges whether dealing with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), making smart choices is essential for keeping blood sugar levels steady. As a diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator, navigating the menu at Burger King can be tricky. Here’s a breakdown of the best choices for managing diabetes while enjoying a fast-food meal.

1. Chicken Fries: A Snack Option to Consider

For those in need of a snack at Burger King, chicken fries might be a reasonable choice. A nine-piece serving provides 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fat. While this snack does contain some carbs, it’s lower in carbs compared to many other fast-food options. The combination of protein and fat can help stabilize blood sugar levels, but it’s still important to monitor blood sugar closely after eating. Although it’s not the healthiest choice, it’s manageable if one is...

Traveling internationally with diabetes can be an exciting yet challenging experience.

For those managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), keeping blood sugar levels stable across different time zones requires careful planning and adjustment. One crucial piece of advice from a diabetes dietitian is to prepare your insulin pump for time zone changes before you even leave the plane. This simple adjustment can have a significant impact on maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout your journey.

Why Adjusting Your Insulin Pump is Crucial

When crossing time zones, jet lag and changes in your daily routine can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm, affecting blood sugar levels. Adjusting the clock on your insulin pump to match the local time of your destination as soon as you arrive can help your body stay in sync with your insulin needs. For example, if you land in a new time zone and it’s 9:00 a.m. local time but feels like 3:00 a.m. to your body,...

Many people managing diabetes have encountered a puzzling situation:

The estimated A1c from their Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) doesn’t always match the actual A1c results from a lab test.

Recently, a follower raised a question about this issue, which could resonate with others facing similar discrepancies.

The Role of a Diabetes Dietitian in Explaining A1c Discrepancies

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian often addresses these concerns. Here’s why there might be a difference between the CGM's estimated A1c and the actual lab results:

1. Measurement Variability: CGMs measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid rather than directly from the blood. This means that there’s a potential lag and variability in the readings compared to actual blood glucose levels. The GMI, which stands for Glucose Management Indicator, is used as a reference point and can differ from the A1c obtained through lab tests. This is a common issue that a T1D dietitian...

Traveling internationally with diabetes might seem challenging, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy delicious local foods while maintaining blood sugar control.

With a bit of preparation and smart planning, guided by a diabetes dietitian, your global adventure can be a sweet success!

1. Stay Active

Keeping the body in motion is crucial. During an Italian adventure, averaging around 18,000 steps a day helps maintain insulin sensitivity, making it easier to enjoy those delectable carbs without undue worry about blood sugar spikes. Complementing walking with strength training routines further supports blood sugar balance. Whether dealing with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, maintaining physical activity is essential. It helps balance blood sugar levels and allows for more relaxed enjoyment of meals. Your registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator can offer personalized advice that can help align activity levels with dietary needs.

2. Perfect Carb Counting

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Managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes often involves carefully selecting snacks that are both satisfying and supportive of blood sugar levels.

A certified diabetes educator and dietitian offers these top snack recommendations from Target that align perfectly with a diabetes-friendly eating plan. These nutritious snacks make managing diabetes a bit easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a closer look at these tasty options:

1. Tru Fru Bananas

First on the list are Tru Fru Bananas. These bananas are an excellent choice for individuals with diabetes, whether they are working with a Type 1 diabetes dietitian or a Type 2 diabetes dietitian. With only 9 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fiber per serving, Tru Fru Bananas provide a balanced option that is less likely to cause a blood sugar spike. They offer a sweet treat while staying in line with diabetes management plans. Incorporating bananas into the diet can help maintain stable glucose levels and add variety to snack choices.

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As people increasingly seek out natural remedies and dietary supplements, ashwagandha has become a popular topic of discussion.

This ancient herb, often referred to as Indian ginseng, is known for its wide array of health benefits. But for individuals managing diabetes—whether Type 1 or Type 2—there’s an important question to consider: Is it worth adding ashwagandha to their regimen? Let’s explore the research and uncover what might be relevant for those living with diabetes.

What Is Ashwagandha and What Are Its Claims?

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a root traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It's celebrated for its potential to alleviate stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve body composition. Additionally, it is often claimed to help with blood sugar management. However, it’s crucial to determine whether these claims are supported by scientific evidence, especially for those with diabetes.

The Research on...

When it comes to managing diabetes, the focus is often on diet and exercise.

But there are other factors that can significantly influence your blood sugar levels, which you might not immediately think of. Today, we’re exploring three overlooked factors that could impact your glucose control, and how working with a certified diabetes dietitian can help manage these issues effectively.

1. Seasonal Allergies

You might not realize it, but seasonal allergies can actually affect your blood sugar levels. Here’s how: Allergies trigger inflammation in your body, which can lead to increased cortisol levels. Cortisol, in turn, can raise your blood sugar and reduce insulin sensitivity. For those managing diabetes, this can be a tricky situation. A diabetes educator or a Type 1 diabetes dietitian can work with you to address these seasonal allergy issues. By developing a tailored plan, they can help you mitigate the impact of allergies on your blood sugar levels, ensuring that you...

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and you know what that means – it's time for some good old-fashioned social gatherings and epic feasts. 

But before you dive headfirst into that plate of deliciousness, let's talk about what NOT to do if you want to keep those blood sugars in check and enjoy your Labor Day to the fullest!

We recently had a patient who made a classic blunder during a Fourth of July BBQ, you'll want to learn from their unforgettable experience. It all started out just fine and dandy. They filled up their plate, surveyed the foodie wonderland before them, and even took the appropriate insulin dose. So far, so good, right? Well, that's where the smooth sailing ended.

Once the food coma-inducing deliciousness got the best of them, they committed the ultimate party foul – they started refilling their plate without keeping track of their insulin dose. The result? 

A skyrocketing blood sugar reading that could rival NASA's moon mission! Yep, you read that...