Insulin, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, is a lifeline that must be handled with care. Understanding how to properly store and manage insulin can make a significant difference in diabetes care, as an insulin mishap can lead to unwanted complications. Here’s what you need to know to keep your insulin safe, based on insights from a seasoned diabetes dietitian.
Insulin is a protein, and like all proteins, it can denature when exposed to improper temperatures. When insulin gets too warm, its effectiveness can be compromised, meaning it might not work as intended or could become ineffective altogether. This issue is especially pertinent when traveling or during warmer weather. For individuals managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), this could mean unexpected blood sugar spikes or dips, adding unnecessary stress to an already complex condition.
A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator has selected four outstanding Costco finds that help support optimal blood sugar management while satisfying cravings. Here are the top choices recommended by a diabetes dietitian for maintaining your dietary goals.
These organic fruit and vegetable pouches are ideal for adding essential servings of fruits and veggies to the diet with minimal fuss. Each bag contains just 13 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing blood sugar levels. The fiber helps slow sugar absorption, reducing the risk of spikes. Their portability also makes them perfect for quick snacks, whether on the go or at home.
Mush Overnight Oats offers a quick and nutritious breakfast option. Each serving is packed with 5 grams of fiber...
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.
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.
Alt text: Your Diabetes Insider T1D and T2D Dietitians: Altitude and dehydration raise...
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.
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,...
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.
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...
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.
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,...
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.
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:
With a bit of preparation and smart planning, guided by a diabetes dietitian, your global adventure can be a sweet success!
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.
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:
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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