For those living with diabetes, understanding the role of insulin is crucial in managing blood sugar levels.

One important aspect of insulin therapy is basal insulin, a type of insulin that helps keep blood sugar steady throughout the day and night. Whether you're a Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patient, a diabetes dietitian or a Diabetes Educator can help explain why basal insulin is so important and how it works.

What is Basal Insulin and Why Is It Necessary?

Basal insulin is a type of long-acting insulin that provides a steady level of insulin to counteract the glucose released by the liver. The liver continuously releases glucose into the bloodstream to supply energy to the body. However, for people with diabetes, this process can be problematic. Without enough insulin to manage this release, blood sugar levels can rise uncontrollably, leading to potentially dangerous situations, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian (T1D dietitian) or...

Living with diabetes, whether it's Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), can often feel overwhelming.

However, there’s a powerful ally that can help you take control of your blood sugars—a diabetes dietitian. These experts specialize in guiding individuals through nutrition choices that can directly impact blood sugar control, making life with diabetes more manageable. Let’s take a look at three simple tips that can help you achieve the best blood sugars of your life in 2025, all while emphasizing the importance of working with a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian. 1. Measure Your Food

One of the best ways to improve blood sugar management is by carefully measuring your food. As a Type 1 diabetes dietitian often recommends, knowing the exact portion sizes you’re eating can make a huge difference in your blood sugar levels. Food accounts for around 80% of your blood sugar, so it’s crucial to be mindful of what and how much you consume.

A diabetes dietitian...

If you have diabetes, you may have heard that biotin, a B vitamin, could help control blood sugar.

Biotin is naturally found in a variety of foods, especially leafy greens and protein-rich sources like eggs and nuts. It's popular for supporting hair, skin, and nails, but some people even believe it can help manage blood sugar levels. So, is there any truth to this? Let’s dive into the science and see what the research really shows.

Biotin and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

A meta-analysis—a study that combines data from several smaller studies—looked at how biotin affects blood sugar levels in people living with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The results were promising. It showed that biotin supplementation may help lower fasting blood sugar levels, and it could even reduce cholesterol. This is great news for individuals working with a T2D dietitian to manage their condition. If you have Type 2 diabetes, adding biotin to your regimen might help improve your blood sugar control, but...

Managing diabetes, whether it's Type 1 or Type 2, can feel overwhelming at times.

However, one powerful strategy to make living with diabetes easier is to treat every meal the same way. Whether eating pizza, Chinese food, or a salad, managing your blood sugars can become simpler and more predictable by following a consistent routine. If you're working with a diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator, they can help guide you in this approach to make meal planning and blood sugar control smoother.

Treat Every Meal Like the Same

A common mistake many people with diabetes make is treating different meals with varying levels of significance. For example, when faced with a meal like pizza or sushi, many feel stressed or worried about how it will affect their blood sugar. But the truth is, it doesn't need to be this way. Think of it like a basketball player shooting free throws. Before each shot, they follow a specific, repeatable routine that helps them focus and stay in the zone. The same...

Managing Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes requires making informed, health-conscious food choices.

As a diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator, it’s important to focus on foods that support stable blood sugar levels while still providing essential nutrients. Below are four must-have foods recommended by a T1D dietitian and someone who understands the unique needs of those with diabetes. These picks are delicious easy to prepare and perfect for individuals managing diabetes.

1. Safe Catch Tuna Pouches

For those living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Safe Catch tuna pouches are a fantastic choice as they offer 26g of protein with zero carbs, meaning they have minimal impact on blood sugar. These pouches are a top pick because Safe Catch tests each fish for mercury levels, ensuring that there are no harmful metals in the seafood. This makes it a safer option compared to other brands. In...

If you're living with diabetes, you may have heard about the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for blood sugar control.

From gut health to cholesterol management, apple cider vinegar has gained a lot of attention. But what about its effects on diabetes? Specifically, does apple cider vinegar help manage blood sugar levels for those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes? Let's break down the science to find out.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples, yeast, and sugar. It’s commonly used in cooking, salad dressings, and even cleaning products. You can find it with or without the "mother," which is a byproduct of the fermentation process. If you're planning to use it for health benefits, it’s recommended to choose the kind that contains the mother, as it’s thought to have additional nutrients.

Research on Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Sugar Control

Let’s explore the research on apple cider vinegar and its impact on...

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) may not tell the full truth.

A patient asked a common question highlighting the confusion many face when comparing their CGM’s estimated A1c (GMI) with the result from a blood test. He mentioned that their CGM estimated their A1c at 7.2, but their actual A1c from blood work came back at 8.3—a significant difference. So, what went wrong?

The Key Difference: CGM vs Blood A1c

The first thing to understand is that the estimated A1c, known as GMI (Glucose Management Indicator), from a CGM, is different from the blood test A1c that a doctor orders. The GMI estimates what the A1c could be based on the blood sugars that the CGM picks up. However, it’s important to note that the CGM measures glucose in interstitial fluid, not directly from blood. This is a key difference because interstitial fluid can sometimes provide readings that are slightly higher or lower than actual blood sugar levels.

Why the Difference?

Because the CGM measures...

When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes are often on the lookout for new remedies.

One fruit that has gained attention is bitter melon, a tropical fruit found in regions like Asia and Central America. This fruit has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis to psoriasis. Recently, it has been suggested that bitter melon might help manage blood sugar for those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. But what does the science say about this claim? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon is known for its distinct, bitter taste and unique properties. It is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving benefits. Some people think it may help lower blood sugar levels by improving how the body uses glucose—acting like insulin. But does research support these claims?

Research on Bitter Melon for Type 2 Diabetes

Several studies have been...

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 is...

Living with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), means paying close attention to how and where you manage your insulin.

For people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, using insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), or injecting insulin is a part of daily life. However, one essential tip that many diabetes dietitians recommend is rotating your insulin sites. Here’s why it’s important and where you can place your devices for optimal results.

Why Rotate Your Insulin Pump Sites?

One of the key pieces of advice from a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian is to avoid injecting or placing your insulin pump in the same spot repeatedly. Doing so can lead to the development of scar tissue, which can impact insulin absorption. Over time, scar tissue can make it harder for insulin to be absorbed properly, leading to fluctuating blood sugar levels and less effective treatment.

Rotating your insulin sites allows the tissue to heal, ensuring better...