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.

2. Choba...

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 Ashwagandha and Blood Sugar Contro...

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 maintain bet...

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 right. Their blood su...

Navigating fast food options can be challenging when managing diabetes, whether you're consulting with a Type 1 diabetes dietitian or a Type 2 diabetes dietitian.

It’s not always optimal, but sometimes, life will give you no other option, so you've got to make the best of the situation.Thankfully, Whataburger offers a variety of choices that can fit into your diabetes meal plan while still allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making diabetes-friendly choices at Whataburger, with practical tips from a certified diabetes educator to help you keep your blood sugar levels in check.

1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich

When you're at Whataburger, a great option to consider is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This choice provides 32 grams of protein, 44 grams of carbs, and only 14 grams of fat. For those managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, the high protein content helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer. The moderate fat c...

Traveling with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, requires careful planning and foresight to ensure smooth diabetes management.

One crucial piece of advice from a diabetes educator is to always pack more supplies than you think you’ll need. While this may initially seem excessive, it is a strategy that can prevent a lot of stress and health issues during your travels.

Why is Packing Extra Supplies Important?

Travel often comes with unexpected events, and managing diabetes in these situations can be challenging. For instance, imagine being on vacation and discovering that an insulin infusion site needs to be changed urgently. If only the exact amount of supplies was packed, it could result in serious complications if there are no backups available. This scenario underscores the importance of having extra supplies on hand. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian typically recommends packing two to three times the amount of supplies you initially estimate. This includes insulin, infusion sets, gl...

When managing diabetes, it's easy to focus on the basics: diet and exercise.

These are crucial for controlling blood sugar levels, but other factors also play a significant role. Here are three lesser-known influences that might be sneaky troublemakers for blood sugar stability.

1. Sleep

Sleep is fundamental for overall health, but its impact on diabetes management is often underestimated. Research shows that even one night of poor sleep can increase insulin resistance by up to 40%, reaching levels comparable to those seen in Type 2 diabetes. For individuals managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, inadequate rest can lead to unstable blood sugar levels.

Why does this happen? During sleep, the body undergoes essential repair processes and regulates hormones, including those that affect insulin sensitivity. Disrupted sleep impairs this balance, making it harder to maintain stable blood sugar levels. If blood sugars fluctuate despite sticking to a diet and exercise plan, it mig...

Navigating dining out with diabetes, whether it’s type 1 or type 2, can be a challenge.

However, with a bit of guidance, making smart choices can be both easy and enjoyable. For those heading to Panera Bread, here are some top recommendations from a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

1. Greek Salad

A top pick for managing blood sugar levels is the Greek Salad. This option features grilled chicken and contains less than 10 grams of carbs, making it a great choice for those seeking a low-carb meal. The minimal carb impact is ideal for controlling blood sugar. Additionally, the salad is packed with a variety of veggies, offering important nutrients and fiber beneficial for overall health and diabetes management.

2. Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

The Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is another excellent choice. It provides over 33 grams of protein and combines fresh vegetables with the sweetness of apples. This combination not only makes for a flavorful meal but also helps in...

Hiking with diabetes can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Whether managing type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, maintaining glucose balance while navigating trails is entirely achievable with the right strategies. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable hiking adventure.

1. Plan Your Insulin Timing

Proper insulin management is crucial for a successful hike. Before heading out, ensure that your insulin on board is minimal. This involves letting your insulin be fully absorbed and out of your system before starting the hike. Ideally, consume a substantial meal well before the hike begins, allowing time for digestion and insulin absorption. If you have a long journey to the trailhead, like an hour-long train ride, it can help in managing insulin levels effectively. By planning your meals and insulin doses carefully, you can significantly influence your ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels througho...

When you're first diagnosed with diabetes, it often feels like the entire focus is on carbs—counting them, managing them, and adjusting your insulin based on them.

This singular focus can make it seem like carbs are the only thing that matters. But here's a crucial insight that many diabetes dietitians wish you knew: it's not just about carbs. Protein and fat play significant roles in managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and understanding their impact is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

The Overlooked Nutrients

Let’s start with protein and fat. While carbohydrates undoubtedly have the most immediate impact on blood sugar levels, protein and fat can influence your blood sugar too, though in a different way.

1. Protein's Role

For those with Type 1 diabetes, protein can affect blood glucose levels more subtly. When you consume protein, it doesn’t cause a sharp rise in blood sugar like carbohydrates can, but it does influence insulin needs. It’s important...