Hiking while managing diabetes can seem daunting, but with the right planning and preparation, it becomes much easier.

A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator can help guide individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to achieve balance during physical activities like hiking. Explore the steps the T1D dietitian took to hike while keeping blood sugars in check.

1. Start with a Balanced Breakfast

According to Ben, ensuring the right breakfast is the first step in preparing for a hike. A good combination of protein and carbohydrates is essential for quick energy while sustaining blood sugars throughout the hike. This balance helps keep the body fueled while preventing spikes or crashes in glucose levels during physical activity.

2. Monitor Insulin Levels

Before embarking on the hike, the diabetes educator ensures that insulin on board is kept on the lower side. This step is crucial in preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during the hike. Proper insulin management i...

Living with diabetes, whether it’s type 1 or type 2, doesn’t mean giving up on favorite treats.

A certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) for over 25 years offers guidance on how to enjoy a milkshake without blood sugar levels spiking. Many individuals with diabetes are told to avoid desserts like cakes, cookies, and milkshakes, but it’s time to rethink that advice.

Myths Around Sweets and Diabetes

For years, individuals with diabetes have been warned to avoid sugary foods. Milkshakes, in particular, are often seen as a no-go because of their high sugar content. However, it’s important to break it down: while milkshakes are high in sugar and fat, causing an immediate spike in blood sugar, this doesn’t mean they must be entirely off-limits. A T1D dietitian emphasizes the importance of understanding how the body responds to such foods and making the right adjustments.

The issue with sugary foods is their potential to cause a sharp rise i...

Managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right foods.

Many people with diabetes are drawn to low-carb or keto diets to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, not all “low-carb” snacks are created equal, and some can cause unexpected spikes in blood sugar. Here’s a story that illustrates this important point.

The Snack That Wasn't What It Seemed

A patient with Type 1 diabetes decided to try a new snack marketed as low-carb and keto-friendly. The snack seemed like the perfect choice, as it was labeled with fiber and low in carbs. At first, the individual’s blood sugar started at a reasonable level, but not long after eating the snack, the blood sugar suddenly spiked significantly, causing concern. This rapid increase in blood sugar was unexpected, especially given the snack's “low-carb” claims.

Why This Happens

This is a common issue for people with diabetes who rely on processed foods labeled as "low-carb." ...

Managing blood sugar levels is one of the most important parts of living with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Every person living with diabetes has unique challenges, and finding effective ways to manage blood sugar can make a big difference in overall health. One tool that is becoming increasingly popular for managing high blood sugar is Afrezza, an inhalable insulin that may offer a faster and more convenient option than traditional insulin methods.

What is Afrezza?

Afrezza is a fast-acting, inhalable insulin used by some people living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It is designed to be an alternative to the more traditional methods of insulin delivery, such as injections or insulin pumps. Instead of injecting insulin or using a pump, the user inhales the insulin directly into their lungs through a small device. Once inhaled, the insulin is absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to lower blood sugar levels quickly.

Many individuals...

Eating delicious food while managing blood sugar levels is possible with the right guidance.

A diabetes dietitian with expertise in managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) can help individuals make informed food choices that maintain stable blood sugar levels. Whether living with T1D or T2D, a type 1 diabetes dietitian or type 2 diabetes dietitian can offer practical tips to help individuals enjoy flavorful meals without worry.

Managing Blood Sugar with a Greek Feast

A traditional Greek feast offers a variety of delicious and nutritious foods, but it’s important to manage the carbs, fats, and proteins in the meal to keep blood sugar levels in range. Here’s a breakdown of how to manage insulin and count carbs during a Greek meal.

The Greek Salad

A Greek salad is an excellent start to a healthy meal. It contains ingredients like dried tomatoes, bread, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. While dried tomatoes and bread add carbs, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes are mos...

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you love.

In fact, with the right guidance from a diabetes dietitian, managing blood sugar while still enjoying delicious meals is not only possible but can become a key part of living a healthy and fulfilling life. Whether you're dealing with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), working with a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian can make all the difference when it comes to navigating your meals.

One common challenge for people with diabetes is managing their blood sugar while enjoying foods that may seem off-limits like a plate of nachos loaded with kettle-cooked chips, sour cream, cheese, ground beef, pulled pork, and beans. At first glance, this meal might seem like a recipe for disaster, especially for those concerned about their blood sugar levels. However, with the expertise of a diabetes educator, people with diabetes can learn how to enjoy these meals while still keeping their blood sugars in check.

Import...

Managing blood sugar levels can be especially tricky when food and celebrations are abundant during the holidays.

For people with diabetes, the stress of managing meals and insulin can turn what should be a joyful time into a challenging experience. However, one simple strategy can make a big difference: exercise. Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), regular physical activity can help keep blood sugar levels in check, even after indulging in holiday meals.

The Power of Exercise for Blood Sugar Control

For those with diabetes, exercise has a powerful effect on insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity refers to how effectively the body uses insulin to process blood sugar. The more sensitive the body is to insulin, the easier it is to stabilize blood sugar levels. When someone with diabetes exercises, their muscles become better at absorbing glucose, which can help lower blood sugar levels naturally.

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian ...

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up the activities you love, including hiking.

Whether dealing with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), maintaining stable blood sugar levels during physical exertion is essential. A diabetes dietitian, or specifically a T1D or T2D dietitian, can help guide individuals on how to manage their diet and insulin needs to stay healthy and energized during long hikes or other physical activities.

For anyone planning to take on a long hike, blood sugar levels need to be carefully monitored. A skilled Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian can provide the right strategies for balancing insulin, hydration, and snacks to keep blood sugars stable.

Hydration and Electrolytes: Key to Stability

When engaging in physical activities, hydration is crucial. For individuals with diabetes, proper hydration goes beyond just drinking water. A diabetes educator, whether focused on Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, would recommend adding electro...

For those living with diabetes, indulging in a delicious dessert like baklava may seem like a challenge.

As a diabetes dietitian with over 25 years of experience managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), this guide breaks down how to count carbs and dose insulin for this beloved Greek treat so you can enjoy it without worrying about blood sugar spikes.

Understanding Baklava's Nutritional Breakdown

Baklava is a classic Greek dessert made from layers of phyllo dough, nuts (typically walnuts or pistachios), and sweet syrup or honey. While it’s a rich and satisfying treat, it’s crucial to understand the nutritional content, especially for those managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The main components of baklava are:

• Phyllo Dough: This provides a significant amount of carbs.

• Nuts (Walnuts or Pistachios): These contribute healthy fats and a bit of protein.

• Honey or Syrup: This adds sweetness and contributes to the sugar content.

The key to managing blood sugar levels while...

Eating delicious food while managing blood sugar levels is possible, especially with guidance from a skilled diabetes dietitian.

Whether someone has Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), it’s crucial to understand how different foods impact blood sugar. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or a Type 2 diabetes dietitian can help individuals make sense of meal planning, carb counting, and insulin management—allowing them to enjoy great meals without compromising their health.

Let’s take a look at a traditional Greek feast and how a diabetes educator would approach it to maintain balanced blood sugar.

A Greek meal typically includes a variety of dishes with a mix of vegetables, protein, and fats. One popular starter is a Greek salad, which may contain ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and a generous serving of feta cheese. While these ingredients are low in carbs, there are still some things to consider, like the small pieces of bread and the dried tomatoes. A dia...