If you have diabetes, managing your health can feel overwhelming at times.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a diabetes dietitian can provide the guidance you need to live your life to the fullest. As a certified diabetes educator and someone who has lived with T1D for over 20 years, I want to share three practical tips to help you lower your A1C levels and feel more confident in your diabetes management.

1. Increase Your Protein Intake

One of the simplest ways to improve blood sugar control is to increase the protein you eat at each meal. Think of it this way: protein helps stabilize your blood sugar. When you eat a balanced meal with adequate protein, you’re less likely to experience drastic swings in your blood sugar levels.

You don’t need to transform your diet overnight. Start by adding just 5 to 10 grams of protein to your meals. This could be as easy as including a handful of nuts, an extra egg, or some Greek yogurt. Gradually...

If you or someone you know is managing diabetes, you might be overwhelmed by all the information out there.

As a diabetes dietitian, We are here to simplify things. Whether you're dealing with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding how to manage your condition can lead to a healthier, more enjoyable life. Here are six commandments that can help you take control of your diabetes.

1. Measure Your Food Accurately

One of the simplest yet most crucial steps is to measure your food. Many people underestimate how much they eat, leading to spikes in blood sugar. Working with a T1D dietitian and accurately measuring your food can help you better predict your blood sugar levels. Use a food scale or measuring cups to keep track of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This practice can significantly improve your A1C levels over time.

2. Take Your Insulin on Time

Timing your insulin injections is vital for effective diabetes management. If you take your insulin just as you...

If you’re living with diabetes, navigating dining out can be a challenge, especially when it comes to delicious cuisines like Indian food.

But fear not! A diabetes dietitian is here to help you enjoy a mouthwatering meal without compromising your blood sugar levels. Today, we’ll break down the carb content of a classic Indian feast focusing on favorites like Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, and Naan.

Understanding the Menu

When indulging in Indian cuisine, it’s essential to understand where the carbohydrates are hiding. Let's take a look at some popular dishes:

1. Tandoori Chicken

This dish is a fantastic choice for those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The chicken itself has minimal carbs. However, if you add any sauces, the carb content can increase. Overall, you’re looking at around 5 grams of carbs for a serving.

2. Chicken Tikka Masala
   This is a crowd favorite, but the sauce can be deceptive. The chicken contains...

For those living with diabetes, exercise can often feel intimidating.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), managing blood sugar levels during workouts is crucial. This is where a diabetes dietitian can help you navigate the complexities of exercise, insulin, and nutrition.

Understanding Blood Sugar and Exercise

When you exercise, your body uses glucose for energy. This can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, particularly for those with diabetes. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur if you have too much insulin or if you exercise too intensely without proper preparation. This is why consulting a T1D or T2D dietitian is so important. They can help tailor your diet and exercise plan to fit your needs.

Avoiding Low Blood Sugar During Workouts

1. Check Insulin Levels: Before you hit the gym, check how much insulin you have on board. If you’ve recently taken insulin, it may be wise to adjust your workout plan. A diabetes educator can guide...

Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to meals.

Whether you’re managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding how to approach your diet is crucial. That’s where a diabetes dietitian, or more specifically, a Type 1 diabetes dietitian (T1D dietitian) can be your best ally.

Importance of Routine

Imagine a basketball player preparing to shoot a free throw. They have a specific routine: dribbling several times, spinning the ball, and positioning themselves right. This repetition helps them focus and succeed. The same principle applies to managing your meals with diabetes. Once you establish a routine for calculating your food intake, you’ll find that meals—pizza, sushi, or Chinese food—become much less daunting.

Breaking Down Your Meal

Here’s a simple approach recommended by diabetes educators that can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels:

1. Assess What You’re Eating: Look at the carbs,...

Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming at times, but having the right support can make a significant difference.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), working with a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can help you navigate your journey more effectively. Let’s explore how understanding your blood sugar reports and the role of a dietitian can empower you to take control of your health.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Matters

 For those with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial. If you have a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you can track your blood sugar trends in real time. One key metric to pay attention to is the standard deviation of your blood sugar readings. Understanding standard deviation can reveal more about your blood sugar stability.

Standard Deviation Explained

Think of standard deviation as a way to measure how much your blood sugar levels fluctuate. A lower standard deviation means your blood sugar is more...

Natural disasters can strike at any moment, and for those living with diabetes, preparation is key.

Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), having a solid plan in place can help keep you safe and healthy. Here’s what you need to know to manage your diabetes during emergencies.

Understand Your Insulin Needs

First and foremost, ensure you have enough insulin on hand. As a Type 1 diabetes dietitian often emphasizes, insulin management is crucial. If you rely on an insulin pump, remember it requires a power source. In a disaster, power outages may occur, making it vital to have backup insulin available, either in vials or pens.

It’s also wise to keep your insulin stored properly. When preparing your emergency kit, consider insulated bags or ice packs to help maintain the right temperature.

Stock Up on Snacks

During a disaster, you may need extra snacks, especially if you’re evacuating or physically active. It is recommended by a registered...

Managing diabetes requires preparation, whether it’s Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Many people wonder what essentials should always be carried out for effective management. A diabetes dietitian can provide valuable insights on this topic. Here are four crucial items that everyone with diabetes should consider keeping handy at all times.

1. Blood Sugar Meter

A reliable blood sugar meter is essential for anyone with diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are fantastic tools but can sometimes malfunction or expire. Without a way to measure blood sugar levels, managing diabetes becomes challenging. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian recommends carrying a meter and test strips whenever leaving home. This allows individuals to check their levels anytime and ensure they remain within the target range, making it a vital part of diabetes care.

2. Backup Insulin Pens

For those using insulin pumps, having backup insulin pens is critical. Unexpected issues can arise,...

High blood sugar can be frustrating, especially when it happens suddenly.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can show a reading of 227, leaving one feeling tired and overwhelmed. Instead of letting that moment ruin the day, adopting a simple ARM strategy can help manage those spikes effectively.

Acknowledge

The first step is to acknowledge the high blood sugar. Seeing a number like 227 can be alarming, but panicking won’t help. Take a deep breath and recognize what is happening. Acknowledgment is crucial because it sets the stage for effective action. Stressing about the number can lead to more anxiety, which may worsen the situation.

Respond

Once the blood sugar has been acknowledged, it’s time to respond. There are practical steps that can be taken depending on whether blood sugar is high or low.

For high blood sugar, drinking water is essential. Staying hydrated helps the body process glucose more effectively. Taking a corrected dose of insulin may also be necessary,...

If you live with diabetes, weighing your food might not be at the top of your to-do list.

However, it should be! Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding portion sizes can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. Let's explore why weighing your food is so crucial, using a real-life example to illustrate the point.

Importance of Accurate Measurements

Imagine you want to enjoy a tasty snack of crackers. You grab a box and think, "I’ll just have a few." But do you know how many grams you’re consuming? For instance, let’s say that 28 grams equals about five crackers. You might consume more than you think if you don't weigh them.

When you put these crackers on a scale, you might start with one and see it’s 12 grams. Add another, and you’re at 23 grams. Now, when you add that fifth cracker without weighing, you might be shocked to find out you’ve exceeded your portion size. If you were aiming for those 28...