For those managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, discovering effective supplements and strategies is essential.

One supplement that’s recently gained attention is alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Known for its potential benefits in blood sugar control and diabetic neuropathy relief, ALA may offer valuable support in diabetes care. Here’s a detailed look at what ALA can do and its relevance for diabetes educators.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and yeast. It’s also available as a dietary supplement. Diabetes educators are increasingly considering ALA due to its potential to enhance blood sugar management and alleviate symptoms of neuropathy, a common complication in diabetes.

What Does the Research Say?

A recent meta-analysis—a study that combines results from multiple research efforts—provides compelling evidence on ALA's benefits for diabetes management:

• Improves A1C Levels: A1C reflects l...

Stadium food is often loaded with carbs and sugars, making it tricky to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Here’s a guide, informed by tips from a type 1 diabetes dietitian, on how to navigate stadium food while keeping your diabetes in check.

Understanding the Challenge

Stadiums are notorious for their non nutritious food options. When faced with menus full of hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and cheesesteak dogs, it’s easy to see why these choices are often considered “blood sugar bombs.” For individuals managing type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, these high-carb and high-fat foods can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, particularly when you’re sedentary for long periods.

Making Smart Choices

From the perspective of a type 1 diabetes dietitian, the key to managing blood sugar while enjoying stadium food is to focus on options that are high in protein and fiber. Both nutrients help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer. During a recent vis...

When it comes to dining out at Five Guys, making diabetes-friendly choices is crucial for managing blood sugar levels effectively.

Whether you're living with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, understanding how to make informed decisions can help you enjoy your meal while keeping your glucose levels stable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the Five Guys menu with diabetes in mind, including insights that can be particularly helpful from a certified diabetes educator

Start with the Burger

Five Guys is famous for its burgers, which can be a suitable option for those managing diabetes. Each burger provides around 18 grams of protein, which is beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance. To reduce carbohydrate intake, consider removing half of the bun. This simple change can help decrease the carbs that might otherwise lead to a blood sugar spike. For a lower-carb alternative, you might even skip the bun entirely. Opt for one or two patties, and add cheese and bacon. T...

Managing diabetes effectively often requires the strategic placement of both insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

For many people with diabetes, the traditional approach is to place insulin pump infusion sites in subcutaneous tissue, or body fat. However, an alternative strategy—using leaner areas of the body for CGM placement—can offer several benefits and might be worth considering.

Understanding the Differences

To appreciate why different placement strategies might be effective, it’s crucial to understand the roles of insulin pumps and CGMs. Insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously into the body through subcutaneous tissue. This tissue type is necessary because it helps to absorb the insulin gradually and reduces the risk of issues such as scar tissue formation. On the other hand, CGMs measure glucose levels by analyzing interstitial fluid, which is the fluid found between cells. Unlike insulin pumps, CGMs do not deliver any substance into the body; they merely...

When it comes to managing diabetes, whether it’s type 1 or type 2, not all advice is created equal.

Imagine this scenario: you’ve broken your ankle, and you have to choose between two options for treatment. One is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with years of experience, and the other is someone who learned to fix broken ankles over a weekend seminar. Who would you trust to repair your ankle? The choice seems obvious, right?

This analogy perfectly illustrates why consulting a professional diabetes dietitian is crucial. Just because someone has personal experience with diabetes doesn’t automatically make them an expert in diabetes management for others. Sharing your personal success with blood sugar management is great, but it doesn’t replace the need for professional guidance.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Managing diabetes involves more than just following a generic diet plan or using tips you find online. Each person’s experience with diabetes is unique, and so are ...

Living with diabetes often involves navigating the challenges of managing your blood sugar levels effectively.

One common concern is experiencing significant spikes in blood sugar after meals. If you find that your blood sugar always seems to rise dramatically whenever you eat, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do about it.

Why Do Blood Sugar Spikes Occur?

When you have diabetes, your body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. This struggle means that any food you eat can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels. However, not all spikes are created equal, and understanding the factors at play can help you manage them better.

1. Type of Food: The glycemic index (GI) of the foods you eat plays a significant role in how your blood sugar levels respond. Foods high on the glycemic index, such as sugary treats and white bread, cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. In contrast, foods with...

Navigating a diabetes-friendly diet, whether managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, can be a bit challenging.

The key to success often lies in making smart, informed food choices. Here are four fantastic grocery finds recommended by a registered dietitian that can help stabilize blood sugar levels and add variety to your meals.

1. Moon Cheese: A Low-Carb, Protein-Packed Snack

For those living with diabetes, finding a snack that aligns with dietary needs and satisfies cravings can be a real game changer. Moon Cheese is a top-notch choice. Each serving packs 11 grams of protein and contains just 2 grams of carbs. This protein-rich snack not only helps keep hunger at bay but also supports muscle health, which is crucial for overall well-being. Additionally, Moon Cheese is a good source of calcium, promoting strong bones. Its portability and long shelf life make it an excellent on-the-go snack. Whether dealing with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, Moon Cheese provides a tasty and conv...

Traveling with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, can pose unique challenges.

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure that blood sugar levels remain stable and diabetes management is effective throughout the journey. Here are three essential items that anyone with diabetes should always pack when heading out on a trip. These recommendations aim to provide practical solutions for maintaining optimal health while traveling.

1. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Tape

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a critical tool for tracking blood sugar levels continuously. For those living with diabetes, especially during travel, it’s essential to have extra CGM tape on hand. The adhesive that holds the CGM sensor in place can sometimes fail, particularly in humid or active environments where sweating is common. Extra CGM tape ensures that the sensor remains securely attached, providing accurate readings and uninterrupted monitoring. This precaution can prevent potential issues with blood sug...

Are At-Home A1C Kits Worth It for People with Diabetes?

Living with diabetes means regularly monitoring A1C levels, a crucial indicator of blood sugar control. For many, this involves routine visits to healthcare providers or labs. But what if you live in a rural area or face challenges accessing these services? Enter at-home A1C kits, like the ones you might find at your local pharmacy.

These kits promise convenience and quick results, but are they reliable?

Accuracy of At-Home A1C Kits

Studies have shown promising results regarding the accuracy of these kits. One study compared several at-home A1C testing kits against lab-drawn A1C samples. Remarkably, the results were within 5% of the actual value and typically within 0.3 points of the lab-drawn A1C. This means if the device shows an A1C of 7.3, the actual value might range from 7.0 to 7.6—a reasonably close estimate.

Another study, using an Abbot device, reported a strong correlation coefficient of 0.99 when compared to lab ...

Imagine a small change in how you store insulin that could make a huge difference in your daily routine. You might already know that refrigeration is a common method, but here's an eye-opening fact: insulin can be safely stored at room temperature for extended periods. This little-known tip isn't just a minor convenience—it's a game changer that can simplify your life and make insulin management easier. While keeping insulin in the fridge is still a valid option, discovering the flexibility of room temperature storage opens up new possibilities for how you handle your medication.

Understanding Insulin Storage

Insulin, a protein molecule, is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. It’s generally recommended to store insulin below 86°F (30°C). As long as it remains within this temperature range, insulin can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 28 days after opening without losing its effectiveness.

However, extremes should be avoided. Insulin can freeze if exposed to temper...