Living with diabetes can sometimes feel like a never-ending game of guessing.

Whether it's figuring out how much insulin to take, how to handle high blood sugar, or just getting through a meal without the frustration of unpredictable blood sugar spikes, it can be tough. For those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), blood sugar management is a constant balancing act. But the good news is that there are strategies to help manage high blood sugars quickly and effectively, and a diabetes dietitian can be a crucial part of that process.

1. Take an Insulin Injection

For those living with Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, the first and most obvious solution to high blood sugar is to take insulin. However, many people don't realize that sometimes, injecting insulin manually—rather than relying solely on a pump—can be more effective. If a blood sugar level is stubbornly high, it may be due to a malfunctioning insulin pump site or poor absorption. In thes...

Living with diabetes, whether it's Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing blood sugar levels.

One of the most helpful tools for many individuals is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). These devices help track blood sugar in real time, better understanding people's daily fluctuations. However, people may face common mistakes and frustrations when using CGMs, and knowing what to avoid can make all the difference.

Here are some tips on using CGMs effectively, avoiding common errors, and ensuring better management of blood sugar levels.

1. Avoid Changing Your Sensor Right Before Bed

For those using CGMs, one major mistake is changing the sensor right before going to sleep. While it may seem like a convenient time, doing so can cause trouble because CGMs, like the Dexcom, require a "warm-up" period of 30 minutes to two hours. This means that if a sensor is changed just before bedtime, it will not provide accurate readings, leaving users "f...

It’s a common myth that eating carbs at night or food after a certain hour automatically leads to weight gain.

This belief has been ingrained in many, but it’s time to challenge that idea and shed some light on the truth, especially when managing diabetes.

The idea that eating food at night leads to weight gain is based on a simple premise: when the body is not active, food just sits there and turns into fat. This assumption, however, isn’t accurate. Whether food is consumed at night or during the day, it’s the calories consumed versus calories burned that determines weight gain.

For example, let’s say someone eats a 130-calorie snack, like a small pouch of rice crispy treats, at noon or 2 a.m. The amount of calories doesn’t change based on the time of day. If the individual is eating in a calorie deficit—meaning they are burning more calories than they consume—they won’t gain weight, even if they eat late at night.

The Real Key to Weight Gain

The real factor behind weight gain i...

Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing blood sugar levels.

One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How many carbs should be consumed each day to keep blood sugar in check?” Whether managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding carb intake is essential for effective blood sugar control. Here’s a breakdown of the carb debate, and expert advice from a diabetes dietitian on how to find the right balance.

Understanding Carbs and Blood Sugar Control

Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose (sugar) in the blood, and they play a significant role in blood sugar levels. For people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, carbs can cause blood sugar spikes, making it crucial to know how much to eat and when.

A T1D dietitian and a T2D dietitian will typically provide individualized guidance based on the person’s health status, activity level, and overall goals. While some people manage their diabetes with very low-carb...

Living with Type 1 diabetes can sometimes feel like a constant balancing act, especially when using an insulin pump.

One common question is: When should the insulin pump site be changed? It’s easy to stick to the usual 3-day period, but there are times when changing the site early can help avoid frustrating blood sugar spikes. As a diabetes dietitian who works with people managing both Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), here’s a breakdown of when it might be time to replace the insulin pump site and how to get better control over blood sugar.

Insulin Pump Site Might Need Changing

For individuals managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump, blood sugar might start creeping up, even after everything is done right. For example, someone might find themselves sitting at 245 mg/dL, and despite correcting, the numbers don’t budge. Questions like, Why is blood sugar still high? or I followed my carb count, adjusted my insulin correctly, and everything else was on track.

Thi...

Managing diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to insulin management.

Whether living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, choosing the best sites for insulin injections, insulin pumps, and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can significantly impact blood sugar control. A diabetes dietitian with years of experience in managing diabetes can offer helpful tips to optimize diabetes care, allowing individuals to live healthier, more flexible lives.

Does Site Rotation Matter?

A common question in diabetes management is: "Where should insulin pumps or CGMs be placed?" The answer depends on individual preferences and needs, but a few common sites are generally recommended for insulin injections and CGM placement. One key factor is site rotation. Whether using an insulin pump or taking injections, rotating sites where insulin is administered can help improve insulin absorption and reduce the risk of scar tissue buildup. Consistently using the same site can lead to less effectiv...

Meal planning is key to managing blood sugar levels with diabetes.

Whether living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), making thoughtful food choices is essential for keeping blood sugars stable. A registered dietitian certified diabetes educator can offer personalized guidance to ensure that meals are nutritious and manageable for your blood sugar needs.

Today, let’s explore how a T1D Dietitian might approach a typical Mexican meal—specifically, fajitas with beef, chicken, rice, tortillas, and veggies. With a little understanding of how to break down a meal, anyone can confidently enjoy their favorite foods.

Step 1: Understand the Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main nutrient that impacts blood sugar levels, so a Type 1 Diabetes Dietitian starts by identifying where the carbs are in the meal. In the case of fajitas, carbs are most likely to come from the rice and tortillas.

Let’s break it down:

• Rice: About half a cup of rice contains around 20 grams of carb...

For those managing diabetes, exercise can be both exciting and challenging.

Whether you're living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding how blood sugar levels can fluctuate during exercise is essential to achieving the best results without setbacks. A diabetes dietitian can help guide individuals in managing blood sugars effectively during physical activity, preventing those dreaded lows that can sideline a workout.

If you're someone living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you're probably no stranger to the feeling of a blood sugar drop in the middle of a workout. It’s frustrating when everything is going great, and then suddenly, shaky hands and a lack of concentration stop you in your tracks. In these moments, getting back on track can take precious time and affect motivation. The good news is, a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian can help you prevent these lows and keep your workout momentum going strong.

Here are three important strategies that can help y...

Managing diabetes can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding how different foods affect blood sugar levels.

Whether diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), knowing how dietary fat influences blood sugar is crucial. This knowledge empowers individuals to take control of their health.

Fat in Your Diet

Many favorite snacks and meals—like jalapeño chips or peanut butter—contain fat. While fat is an essential part of the diet, it can also significantly impact blood sugar levels. Unlike carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar quickly, fats slow down digestion. If a meal is high in carbohydrates and fats, blood sugar might not rise immediately but can creep up hours later, often without warning.

Fat Affects Blood Sugar

For those living with diabetes, understanding the interaction between fats and carbohydrates is vital. Consuming a meal rich in both can lead to delayed spikes in blood sugar levels several hours after eating. This phenomenon is...

Managing diabetes involves understanding how insulin functions,

yet a common misconception persists: that insulin causes weight gain, particularly among individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. A diabetes dietitian aims to clarify this misconception and explain the relationship between insulin, calories, and weight.

Insulin: The Key to Energy Management

Insulin is often misunderstood as a hormone that solely leads to weight gain. In reality, it acts as a key that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to enter and be used for energy. For individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), the body does not produce insulin, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Conversely, individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) may produce insulin, but their bodies often do not respond to it effectively.

When someone with diabetes starts using insulin, they may notice weight changes. This can be attributed to the body beginning to utilize the nutrients it was previously unable to access—not because insuli...