Donuts.

Beloved treat for many people, they can also bring people together and create a sense of community. Pumpkin spice is definitely a popular flavor, especially during the fall season.

Plus, donuts can be a fun and creative dessert to make at home, with various toppings and fillings to experiment with.

It's easy to see why donuts hold a special place in many people's hearts (and stomachs!).

But what about those of us with diabetes who need to control our carb intake? Don't worry, my friends. You can eat a doughnut without causing your blood sugar levels to become out of control with a little preparation and awareness.

So, how can you enjoy donuts without sacrificing your health?

There are three main components to consider when making a pumpkin spice donut: the yeast donut base, the frosting, and the cinnamon streusel topping.

The yeast donut base is generally going to be the largest contributor to the carb count. Depending on the size and density of the donut, it could roughly...

We've all heard the saying, "It's better to be safe than sorry," right?

Well, when it comes to traveling with diabetes, this mantra takes on a whole new level of importance. 

Picture this: you're all set for your dream vacation, you've packed your bags, and you're ready to soar through the skies.

But hold on a second! There's one crucial thing you must do before taking off, or else you could be in for a catastrophic experience. It happened to a couple of patients who ignored this advice. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the ultimate travel hack for every diabetic traveler.

Now, I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but let me share a cautionary tale to drive home the importance of this hack. Imagine a poor soul who accidentally checked most of their pump supplies, only to have their bag go missing. Cue the dramatic music! Their anxiety skyrocketed, and the next 12 hours turned into a diabetes rollercoaster they never signed up for. 

Lesson learned, always and I mean...

We're diving into a surprising topic that may pique your interest: massages and their impact on blood sugar levels.

You might be thinking, "Wait, what?" 

Well, let me share a personal experience that shed light on this unexpected phenomenon. So, sit back, relax, and discover the surprising benefits of massages on your blood sugar management. Trust me, it's worth considering as part of your physical therapy, diabetes regimen, or self-care routine. Let's dive in!

It all started when my physical therapist suggested that I incorporate massages into my therapy routine to address mobility issues in my shoulders and hips. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, not knowing what to expect. 

And you know what? Something remarkable happened during that first massage - my blood sugar levels started to drop. It wasn't a mere coincidence; it happened again and again during subsequent sessions. Naturally, I became curious about the underlying reasons behind this unexpected benefit.

As I...

As the temperature rises and the sun graces us with its warm embrace, it's important to recognize that warmer weather can have an impact on our blood sugar levels. If you've noticed a pattern of your blood sugar dropping during hot days, fear not, for you are not alone. 

Today, we'll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss the adjustments you can make to maintain stable blood sugar levels. So, let's embrace the warmth, learn together, and conquer the challenges that come with warmer weather.

The Heat Factor

Have you ever experienced a puzzling situation where hotter weather seems to affect your blood sugar?

Well, you're not imagining things! Warmer temperatures can indeed influence your body's insulin sensitivity. As the mercury rises, your body's metabolism speeds up, causing the insulin you inject to work more potently and efficiently. This effect is particularly noticeable when you're active outdoors, as physical activity further enhances insulin...

Today, we're about to unlock a game-changing secret that would have saved me so much time, effort, energy, and annoyance back in the day. Brace yourselves, for we're delving into the realm of low blood sugar and its impact on your weight loss journey.

So, let's dive in and discover how to sidestep those lows and keep your weight loss progress on track, all while maintaining a cheerful and frustration-free attitude!

Picture this: every time you experience a low blood sugar episode, you find yourself reaching for quick sources of energy, right? 

But here's the catch - every time you consume those calories to treat the low, you're essentially taking away from the calorie deficit necessary for your weight loss goals. It can be a real buzzkill, hindering your progress and slowing you down in the process. And let's be honest, that's not the outcome you desire after putting in all that effort.

To keep your weight loss journey on track and avoid those frustrating lows, it's time to...

Today we embark on a journey of inspiration and empowerment!

Living with diabetes may seem daunting at times, but we’re here to remind you that diabetes does not have to run your world. You are the one in control, the captain of your own ship. If you choose to let diabetes take a backseat, coexisting with your vibrant life, incredible things await you.

So, let's explore the boundless possibilities of living with fulfillment, happiness, and the unstoppable spirit of diabetes warriors.

Diabetes is a part of our lives, but it doesn't define who we are. It's essential to recognize that we have the power to shape our own destiny. When we view diabetes as a passenger in the back of the plane, not even in first class, simply coexisting with us, we regain our agency. With this mindset, we can take charge, keeping diabetes on the back burner, doing its thing while we soar to new heights.

Diabetes should never hold us back from experiencing all the wonders life has to offer. 

...

Today, we're diving into the thrilling world of kayaking and the joys it brings for keeping our blood sugars in check.

But here's the catch: while kayaking can be an amazing experience, it can also present challenges for our blood sugar management.  

Let's embark on an exciting journey to ensure our blood sugars stay steady during our outdoor escapades!

The Power of Active Insulin

Picture this: you're all geared up, ready to hit the water and embark on your kayaking adventure. But hold on a moment! Before you set off, there's one crucial thing to keep in mind: your active insulin. If you neglect to consider your active insulin prior to any outdoor activity, especially in adults, you're setting yourself up for a potential blood sugar rollercoaster.

The Intensified Effect

Let's unravel the mystery behind the intensified effect of active insulin during physical activity. Imagine you have one active unit of insulin. Once you become active, that single unit may...

Today, we're diving into a topic that's often misunderstood and can cause unnecessary worry: the relationship between insulin and weight gain. 

So, before anything else, repeat after me: "Insulin does not cause weight gain!"

Let's embark on this enlightening journey together and discover the truth behind the weight gain phenomenon.

Before we dig into the details, let's take a step back and reflect on life pre-insulin. Picture this: your body, devoid of the insulin it desperately needs, leads to a state where you're essentially excreting all the energy you consume. You're peeing out the nutrients because your body can't utilize them without insulin. This results in significant weight loss, leaving you feeling withered away. Many of us experienced this before starting insulin therapy.

Then, along comes your doctor with a vial of insulin and says, "Take some of this, it will help you feel better." Suddenly, your body has the missing piece it craved. No longer are you wasting away,...

Hey there! Today, we're diving into a topic that might catch you off guard: the unexpected impact of protein on blood sugar levels.

We all know that our bodies are incredibly smart, but did you know that even if you're just munching on protein, your body still craves glucose? Buckle up, because we're about to take a thrilling ride through gluconeogenesis and the blood sugar rollercoaster!

The Body's Clever Tricks

Our bodies are like master magicians, always finding a way to get what they need. So, if you decide to go all-in on protein and completely ditch the carbs, your body won't let that slide. It will whip out its trusty wand and perform a spectacular trick called gluconeogenesis. Through this marvelous process, your body converts some of that protein into glucose, providing the energy it craves.

Protein and Blood Sugar

Now, you might be thinking, "Well, if I'm not eating carbs, won't my blood sugar stay stable?" Oh, how I wish it were that simple! Let me share my...

Picture this: you're in the middle of an intense upper body workout, feeling the burn and pushing your limits. But suddenly, your blood sugar starts to drop, threatening to derail your momentum. It's a situation many of us with diabetes can relate to.

So,let me share with you one thing you should avoid and one thing you should do to ensure your diabetes doesn't interrupt your workout. Let's dive in!

Do not rely solely on your pump to save the day. Trust me, it won't respond quickly enough to prevent a rapid blood sugar drop. Remember, the number on your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is delayed by 15 minutes, so counting on the pump algorithm to fix the situation is a recipe for disappointment.

Instead of putting your faith in a delayed CGM reading or waiting for your pump to catch up, here's a nifty trick to keep your workout on track:

Grab a small amount of glucose to give your body a quick boost. 

A few pieces of candy corn can do the trick. Others might opt for a...