Why Are Morning Blood Sugar Levels So Difficult to Manage?

The primary culprit behind morning blood sugar spikes is something called the dawn phenomenon. This phenomenon occurs in the early morning hours when your body releases a surge of hormones such as growth hormone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These hormones help your body prepare for the day ahead by increasing glucose production. However, they can also cause your blood sugar to rise unexpectedly sometimes by 50 to 100 points without you eating anything at all.

In addition to the dawn phenomenon, insulin resistance plays a role in morning blood sugar fluctuations. Insulin resistance occurs when your body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, making it harder for the hormone to do its job of moving glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. This means your body requires more insulin to achieve the same effect. Since insulin resistance tends to be more pronounced in the morning, your blood sugar may rise more signi...

Before leaving, it’s crucial to pack extra diabetes supplies—two to three times more than needed. Backup supplies can be a lifesaver. For instance, you traveled and thought everything was packed with enough diabetes supplies but after a few complications with infusion sets, you found yourself down to your last one and with half the trip still ahead. You quickly realized that having more than needed would have prevented unnecessary stress. Along with extra infusion sets, individuals should bring backup insulin whether they use an insulin pump or injections. If the pump fails, it’s essential to have a way to take insulin. Similarly, for those using continuous glucose monitors (CGM), a backup blood sugar meter with fingersticks is necessary to monitor levels and stay in range.

Once packed and on the way to a destination, it’s important to stay active. Travel tends to be more sedentary especially when in cars, boats or airplanes which can lead to increased insulin resistance. To prevent...

The Insulin and Weight Gain Myth

One main reason many believe insulin causes weight gain is the noticeable weight change that often occurs after starting insulin therapy. It’s common for people with diabetes to lose weight before insulin is introduced and then gain weight once they start using it. However, insulin isn’t responsible for the weight gain. Instead, insulin is necessary for the body to process carbohydrates into usable energy which prevents malnutrition.

Before starting insulin therapy people with diabetes often experience symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination and unintended weight loss. This happens because the body is unable to properly process food into energy due to insufficient insulin production. Once insulin is introduced the body can use the energy from food properly leading to a healthier weight. The key takeaway here is that insulin isn’t causing weight gain—it’s helping the body function more effectively.

The Real Cause of Weight Gain

The Right Approach: Treat All Meals the Same

One of the first things a T1D or T2D dietitian recommends is treating meals away from home like any other meal. Whether dining at a fancy restaurant or having a casual meal at home, the approach should remain the same. The key is to stay calm, count the carbs, and plan.

Step 1: Count the Carbs

Carb counting is one of the most crucial skills for anyone with diabetes. A common mistake is estimating carb content without accuracy. For instance, when dining out, it's vital to know the exact carbohydrate content of the food. It is often advised to use food databases or apps to estimate carb content before the meal arrives. This proactive approach makes it easier to plan insulin doses accordingly.

For example, if ordering a dish like risotto, it’s easy to estimate its carb content. A typical serving may contain around 40-45 grams of carbs, and if it’s more than expected, it’s crucial to adjust the insulin dosage accordingly.

Step 2: Don’t F...

What Is Basal Insulin?

Basal insulin is a background insulin that helps control your blood sugar throughout the day and night, even when you aren’t eating. Whether you’re using an insulin pump or taking injections, basal insulin plays a key role in diabetes management. For those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), basal insulin keeps blood glucose levels steady and helps prevent dangerous blood sugar spikes.

Why Do You Need Basal Insulin?

Your liver, a vital organ in your body, constantly releases glucose (a type of sugar) into your bloodstream. This glucose provides energy to your body, especially when you're not eating. However, in people living with diabetes, this process can cause blood sugar levels to rise uncontrollably.

This is where basal insulin comes in. If you don’t have enough basal insulin in your system, the liver's glucose release goes unchecked, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can be dangerous and even lead to diabetic ...

For those managing diabetes, one of the biggest decisions is whether to use an insulin pump or multiple daily injections (MDI) to control blood sugar levels.

The choice can seem daunting, as both options have their own set of benefits and challenges. For anyone living with diabetes, especially those working with a diabetes dietitian or Diabetes Educator, understanding the pros and cons of each method is crucial to making the right decision for their lifestyle.

The Insulin Pump: A Convenient Tool for Blood Sugar Control

Insulin pumps are often seen as a game-changer when it comes to diabetes management. The ability to continuously administer insulin and make quick adjustments based on blood sugar levels has proven to be effective for many people with both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. For those living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), an insulin pump can help mimic the natural insulin release of the pancreas, making it easier to maintain stable blood sugar levels. With advanced...

When managing diabetes, it’s important to make choices that help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

While not the most nutritious option, Graham crackers can be a helpful snack in certain situations, particularly when paired with protein or fat. They are best used as a low blood sugar snack or a supplement to a more balanced snack, but they shouldn’t be relied upon as your primary go-to food.

Low-Blood-Sugar Snack Option

Graham crackers are a carbohydrate-based snack, which means they can raise blood sugar levels. However, they do so more gradually compared to sugary drinks or snacks, which is why they can be useful in helping to raise blood sugar when it's low. If you experience a dip in blood sugar, a small serving of Graham crackers can provide a gentle and controlled rise in glucose levels, especially when paired with something that slows down digestion, such as a protein or fat.

Pairing with Protein or Fat

To make Graham crackers a more balanced snack, it’s important to...

When managing diabetes, having the right foods on hand can make a big difference.

Whether you’re living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), making smart food choices helps keep blood sugar levels steady and overall health on track. A diabetes dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and someone living with Type 1 diabetes herself, shares four whole food finds that can be both delicious and beneficial for people with diabetes.

1. Fitness Bread: High Fiber, Low Impact on Blood Sugar

Fitness bread is a must-try for anyone with diabetes, especially for those working with a T1D or T2D dietitian to manage their diet. This bread offers 11 grams of fiber per slice and 4 grams of protein, which helps to slow down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream. The result? A minimal impact on blood sugar levels. With the bonus of great taste, fitness bread is an excellent choice for sandwiches or toast, providing a filling option without spiking blood sugar.

2. Parmesan ...

Traveling with diabetes can be a challenge, especially when flying.

For those managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), unexpected blood sugar dips can be a real concern. You know it can be unsettling if you’ve ever been blindsided by low blood sugar while cruising at 35,000 feet. But with the right preparation, you can avoid this diabetes travel nightmare and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. A diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can provide tips to make traveling with diabetes much easier.

Here are three essential tips to prevent low blood sugar while flying:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Stay Calm

When low blood sugar hits, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath. Staying calm will help clear your mind and allow you to make better decisions. Panicking can lead to poor choices, and that’s the last thing you want when managing your blood sugar levels. A diabetes dietitian or a Type 1 diabetes dietitian often emphasizes the importance of staying...

 Pizza can be tricky for anyone living with diabetes.

Whether managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), finding a pizza option that won’t spike blood sugar can be challenging. However, with the right choices, a meal at Pizza Hut can fit into a balanced diet, even for those managing diabetes.

As a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, it’s important to understand the role of carbs, fats, and proteins in blood sugar control. Below is a breakdown of some pizza options that work well for individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes when ordering from Pizza Hut.

1. Hawaiian Chicken Pizza

The Hawaiian Chicken pizza is a solid option for those looking for a balanced meal. A large slice of this pizza contains around 33 grams of net carbs, 15 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. With a moderate carb load and decent protein content, this choice helps avoid a rapid blood sugar spike, making it a great option for individuals managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.