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...

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...