Why Your Workouts Might Be Spiking Your Blood Sugar and How to Fix It

If you’ve ever checked your blood sugar after a workout and thought “Wait… why did it go UP?” - you’re not alone. It feels backwards, right? Exercise is supposed to help blood sugar.

Here’s the deal: certain types of workouts can temporarily raise your numbers.

Why it happens:

When you do intense exercise (like sprints, heavy lifting, or a hard spin class), your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Those hormones tell your liver to dump glucose into your bloodstream to give you quick energy.

It’s your body’s “fight or flight” fuel system.

The good news?

This spike is usually temporary - and over time, regular exercise still improves insulin sensitivity and overall blood sugar control.

How to keep spikes in check:

1. Try a warm-up. Easing into exercise can reduce the stress response.
2. Mix it up. Combine strength or HIIT days with steady-state cardio or walking days.
3. Time your meal...

What I Wish I Knew About Snacks and Blood Sugar

When I was first learning how to manage my blood sugar, snacks were… tricky. I thought “healthy” meant granola bars, fruit smoothies, or low-fat crackers. But every time I grabbed one of those, my blood sugar would shoot up, then crash.

Here’s what I wish I knew back then:

1. Snacks aren’t just about calories - they’re about balance. A snack with only carbs (like crackers or fruit) will usually spike you. Pairing it with protein or fat slows things down. Example: Apple slices with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with berries.
2. Timing matters. If you’re snacking right after a meal because you’re still hungry, that might be a sign your last meal didn’t have enough protein, fiber, or healthy fat.
3. Your “safe” snacks might not be safe for you. What works for your friend or that influencer on Instagram might not work for your body. A CGM or regular checks can help you see what’s really happening.
4. It’s not about never eating carbs. It’s a
...

When it comes to managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, diet plays a huge role.

Finding meals and snacks that are not only blood-sugar-friendly but also taste amazing can feel like a challenge. But according to an experienced diabetes dietitian, it doesn’t have to be that way.

This high-protein tuna crack dip is a perfect example of how easy, delicious, and diabetes-conscious eating can be. Packed with protein, low in carbs, and made with simple ingredients, it’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to keep blood sugar stable without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re working with a T1D dietitian, a T2D dietitian, or a certified Diabetes Educator, recipes like this one are often recommended as part of a balanced eating plan.

Why This Dip Works for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Before diving into the recipe, it's helpful to understand why this dip is a great option for those living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

• High in Protein: Each serving offers over 30 grams...

5 Morning Habits That Can Steady Your Blood Sugar All Day

If your mornings feel rushed, it is easy for your blood sugars to start off on the wrong foot. The good news is that a few small habits can set you up for steadier numbers all day long. You do not need a complicated routine. Just a few intentional choices can make a big difference.

Here are five simple things you can try tomorrow morning.

1. Drink water before coffee - Many of us grab coffee first thing, but your body needs hydration after hours of sleep. Starting with a glass of water can help your digestion, energy, and blood sugar. You can still have your coffee afterward, but give your body that first drink of water.
2. Eat a balanced breakfast - Skip the all-carb breakfast like plain toast or cereal. Instead, aim for a mix of protein, healthy fats, and some carbs. This might look like eggs with avocado and whole grain toast or Greek yogurt with berries and nuts. This balance can help prevent that mid-morning crash.
3. Get ...

Ever feel like health information is a giant puzzle with missing pieces?

When it comes to something as important as diabetes, getting clear, actionable advice is key. You might know someone living with diabetes, or perhaps you've heard the terms diabetes vs prediabetes and wondered what they really mean. The good news is that understanding diabetes and how to live a full, healthy life with it is completely within reach.

Diabetes affects a huge number of people – with 1 in 9 Americans impacted, it's a condition that touches many lives. But here's the crucial takeaway: a diagnosis isn't a limitation. With the right support and knowledge, you can indeed live a vibrant, unrestricted life. This is where a specialized diabetes dietitian and Diabetes Educator become your most valuable allies.

Pre-Diabetes: Understanding the Landscape

First, let's clear up some confusion. Think of prediabetes as a warning sign. It means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high en...

When managing diabetes, many people focus on what they eat, how much they move, and the medications they take.

But there’s one key area that often gets overlooked — overnight blood sugar levels. A diabetes dietitian or Diabetes Educator will tell you that this one shift can make a huge impact, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Why Overnight Blood Sugars Matter So Much

Consider how much time you spend sleeping, typically around 7 to 8 hours per night. That’s about a third of your day. If your blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range during that time, you’ve already nailed a huge portion of your 24-hour cycle without much effort.

That’s why many Type 1 diabetes dietitians and Type 2 diabetes dietitians emphasize the importance of overnight control. It helps lower your average blood sugar levels, which leads to better A1C numbers over time.

Some experts say that if your overnight numbers are between 90 and 110 mg/dL, you’re already setting...

For many young people, hearing the word "diabetes" can bring up a lot of questions, especially about the future.

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "Can diabetes be reversed?" It's a hopeful question, and the answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of diabetes we're talking about. Understanding the differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is key to grasping what "reversal" truly means for each. And no matter the type, the support of a diabetes dietitian and a dedicated Diabetes Educator can make all the difference in living a healthy, full life.

Let's break down what science and healthcare professionals say about the possibility of reversing diabetes and how you can take control of your health journey.

Type 1 Diabetes: Understanding the Autoimmune Angle

When people ask if Type 1 diabetes can be reversed, it's important to understand what's happening in the body. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. This means your body's immune s...

Navigating the vast aisles of Costco when managing diabetes can be an exciting treasure hunt!

For individuals with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, finding bulk-sized, blood-sugar-friendly options is a fantastic way to save time and ensure healthy staples are always on hand. A knowledgeable diabetes dietitian understands that smart shopping means identifying products that offer convenience, great taste, and optimal nutritional benefits.

Here are four more standout items that an experienced Diabetes Educator, who lives with diabetes themselves, often recommends adding to your Costco cart. These picks prove that eating well with diabetes can be both easy and delicious.

1. Vitamin D Supplementation: While not a food item, Vitamin D is a crucial supplement that often gets overlooked, especially for individuals managing diabetes. Research indicates that many individuals living with both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes often exhibit a deficiency in Vitamin D. This deficiency can...

For anyone living with Type 1 diabetes, or for their families and friends, one of the most common and hopeful questions is often, "Will diabetes ever be cured?"

It's a powerful question, brimming with a desire for relief and a life free from daily management. While scientists are making incredible progress, the straightforward answer today is: not yet. However, understanding cutting-edge research and, crucially, how effective management enables a full, unrestricted life now is incredibly important. That's where the expertise of a diabetes dietitian becomes invaluable.

Let's dive into what Type 1 diabetes truly is, the exciting work happening to find a cure, and how living a vibrant life with the condition is absolutely possible today, thanks to advanced care and dedicated support.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: Not "Born With It"

First, let's clear up a common myth: neither Type 1 diabetes nor Type 2 diabetes are conditions individuals are literally present with from birth. Type...

When someone is curious about how Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed, they might first wonder, "Which diabetes are you born with?"

It's essential to recognize that neither Type 1 diabetes nor Type 2 diabetes is a condition that individuals are born with. Instead, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that typically develops in children, teenagers, or young adults. Learning how this diagnosis happens is a crucial first step for anyone on this health journey, and a dedicated diabetes dietitian can provide vital support in understanding this process.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Unlike some conditions that might develop silently, Type 1 diabetes often announces itself with clear symptoms. These signs appear because the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin. Without insulin, glucose from food cannot enter the cells for energy, and it instead builds up in the bloodstream. This leads to a kind of ener...