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Navigating the Peaks and Valleys: A Journey Through Diabetes Challenges

Living with diabetes is a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges, and sometimes, those challenges can be daunting. 

Recently, someone faced one of the most terrifying episodes in their more than two decades of living with Type 1 diabetes, and the experience served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of this condition.

It all unfolded during a trip out of town with their loved ones. In the dead of night, they woke up feeling peculiar—experiencing extreme dehydration, a parched mouth, and a faint scent of ketones lingering in the air. 

Despite heading to bed with normal blood sugar levels, something just didn't feel right, and their instincts told them that trouble was brewing.

Upon checking their Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), their heart sank as they saw the number glaring back at them: 378. 

It was a reading that didn't align with how they felt, and a subsequent blood glucose test confirmed their worst fears—levels were soaring...

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Navigating Diabetes Care: Why Scheduling with a Dietitian Matters

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you know it's important to handle your condition well. A big part of managing diabetes is what you eat, and getting help from a registered dietitian can really make a difference in how you feel overall. They can give you good advice to help you with your diabetes and make you feel better.

A dietitian specializes in providing personalized nutrition advice tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, working with a dietitian can help you develop a balanced meal plan that supports stable blood sugar levels and promotes overall health.

For those living with Type 1 diabetes, the daily routine revolves around vigilant blood sugar monitoring and precise insulin management. 

Partnering with a dietitian opens up avenues to refine insulin doses and gain insight into dietary choices. This collaboration equips individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about...

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Delicious Discoveries: Diabetes-Friendly Snacks for Flavorful Living

Living with diabetes doesn't have to mean giving up on tasty snacks. As individuals navigate the complexities of managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, finding delicious and satisfying snacks that align with dietary needs can be a challenge. 

However, fear not! A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator has curated a diverse array of snack options tailored specifically for those managing diabetes.

First on the list of delectable discoveries is Purely Elizabeth granola. This delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors offers a guilt-free indulgence suitable for any time of day. 

Whether you're craving the comforting taste of pumpkin or something more adventurous, Purely Elizabeth granola delivers. 

With its combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and heart-healthy fats, it provides a sustained energy boost without causing blood sugar spikes, making it an ideal snack choice for individuals with diabetes.

Next up is avocado hummus, a...

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Power of Hydration: The Diabetes Water Hack for Blood Sugar Control

Are you struggling to find effective ways to lower your blood sugar levels when they spike unexpectedly? Before resorting to drastic measures like administering rapid insulin injections or engaging in strenuous physical activity, consider a simple yet potent solution that often gets overlooked: hydration. 

This little-known technique, often referred to as the "diabetes water hack," can play a significant role in managing blood sugar levels, particularly during episodes of hyperglycemia.

The premise behind this strategy is rooted in the physiological response of the body to high blood sugar levels and dehydration. When blood sugar levels are elevated, the body attempts to dilute the excess glucose by drawing water from the cells into the bloodstream.

However, if you're dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, leading to concentrated sugar levels. By drinking water, you effectively increase blood volume, prompting the kidneys to expel excess glucose through urine, thus lowering...

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Navigating the Real-Time Challenges: Unveiling the 15-Minute Delay in Continuous Glucose Monitors for Optimal Diabetes Management

In the ever-evolving landscape of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have become indispensable tools for individuals dealing with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. 

These small devices offer a revolutionary way to monitor blood sugar levels, eliminating the need for constant finger pricking and providing real-time data every five minutes. While the benefits are undeniable.

There's a crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed – the 15-minute delay between CGM readings and actual blood sugar levels.

CGMs are fantastic companions on the journey to maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. They allow users to pick up on trends, understand their body's responses to different foods, and make informed decisions about insulin dosages. However, it's essential to grasp the nuances of these devices to avoid pitfalls that can lead to erratic blood sugar levels.

Imagine this scenario: Your CGM displays a blood sugar reading of 264, indicating a steady increase. Frustrated,...

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Prepackaged Foods: Debunking the 'Devil' Myth and Embracing Convenience with Diabetes

Today, we're diving into a hot topic that stirred up some controversy not too long ago. We made a post recommending prepackaged foods available at Costco, and boy, did it ruffle some feathers. People came at us saying that packaged foods are the devil and should be banished from our diets. 

But let's set the record straight – prepackaged foods are not the villain they're made out to be.

We want to emphasize that there's no such thing as inherently "good" or "bad" foods. Food is just... well, food. It's up to you to assign meaning to it based on your nutritional needs and lifestyle. Those pre packaged goodies? They can be totally legit if they fit into your nutrition plan.

We recommended these items not because they're some kind of miracle cure, but because they offer fantastic grab-and-go options for folks with busy lives. Let's face it, life can get crazy, and having nutrient-dense, convenient choices can be a game-changer. 

That's why we suggested these products,...

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Why insulin must stay cold

One of the biggest pet peeves of many living with chronic medical conditions is the inability to keep their life-saving medications cool enough to actually work.

As someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, I am completely dependent on exogenous insulin, 24/7/365, to keep my blood sugar levels in range and to maintain my day-to-day life. So, when I travel or am away from home, my insulin must be at a temperature acceptable for use when I need it.

Why? Insulin is a hormone that is made up of proteins, and when a protein molecule gets too warm, it starts to denature or unravel. When a protein starts to unravel, its utility and ability to function greatly decreases. For insulin, the threshold is met when it is exposed to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. On the flipside, if insulin gets too cold (under 32 degrees Fahrenheit), it will crystallize and not work as well either. 

So, if I were to use insulin that had gotten too warm in the Florida heat, the insulin may not work at 100% of...

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Embrace Progress, Not Perfection: A Refreshing Perspective on Managing Blood Sugars

You've probably had days where you find yourself obsessing over those pesky numbers on your glucose meter. We've all been there, and it can be incredibly frustrating. But here's the thing: it's time to shift our perspective and stop chasing the elusive goal of perfect blood sugars. 

Why, you ask?

Well, let us share a recent conversation we had with a patient that might change your outlook.

The patient was feeling utterly frustrated because her blood sugars weren't quite where she wanted them to be. Her average blood sugar level was around 165, and she couldn't help but compare herself to those who seemed to have it all figured out. But here's what she failed to mention at first – her blood sugars had previously been averaging around 200. That's right; she had already made a substantial improvement.

So, we asked her, "Why are you so frustrated when you're clearly making tremendous progress?" And do you know what she said? Nothing. She had no answer. It got us thinking,...

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4 Fun and Healthy Back-to-School Snacks to Keep Your Energy Up!

The back-to-school rush is in full swing, and whether you're a student heading back to class or a parent sending your little ones off to school, one thing is for sure: we all need some tasty and energizing snacks to keep us going throughout the day.

To help you make the most of your school days, we've teamed up with a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator to bring you four quality back-to-school snacks that will keep your blood sugar levels on point. 

Plus, the best part? No refrigeration needed! Because let's be real, who wants to deal with ice packs when you're on the go?

  1. Chomps Turkey Sticks

  • Protein Powerhouse: These little guys pack a punch with a whopping 6-10 grams of protein per stick.
  • Deliciously Easy: They're not only nutritious but also super tasty. Just toss them into your backpack, and you've got a quick and satisfying snack between classes.
  • Variety Matters: Chomps Turkey Sticks come in various flavors to keep your taste buds excited. It's the...
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Succeeding in School with Diabetes: The Power of Testing Accommodations

If you're a parent of a child living with diabetes or a college student managing this condition, then you're in for an eye-opening conversation today. It's a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention, but it's absolutely crucial for success in school with diabetes – testing accommodations. 

 

Breaking the Silence

Diabetes can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to education. The highs and lows (not just in blood sugar) can throw a curveball into your academic life. But here's the secret weapon that not enough people talk about: testing accommodations.

 

What Are Testing Accommodations?

In a nutshell, testing accommodations are like your safety net during exams. They're there to protect you in case your blood sugar decides to take a rollercoaster ride right in the middle of an important test. These accommodations ensure that you're not penalized for moments when your brain might not be working at its peak due to extreme blood sugar levels.

...

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