For anyone living with diabetes—whether type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes—the usual advice is no surprise: food, exercise, and medication are the main players when it comes to managing blood sugar

However, according to experienced diabetes dietitians, a few highly effective but often overlooked strategies can dramatically improve A1C levels in as little as two weeks.

These strategies are simple, backed by science, and require very little extra effort. Whether someone is working with a T1D dietitian, a T2D dietitian, or navigating diabetes independently, these underrated habits can lead to meaningful progress.

1. Better Sleep = Better Blood Sugar

A growing body of research and real-world clinical experience shows that sleep plays a major role in blood sugar regulation. Individuals with type 1 diabetes often get less sleep than those without the condition, due to overnight lows or frequent nighttime wake-ups. The same is true for those with type 2 diabetes, especially when insulin r...

“Must eat food. Must turn back or perish.”

If you live with diabetes, that sentence probably hits way too close to home. Whether you have Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, you've likely had one of those moments where your blood sugar suddenly dictates your entire life, like when you're out hiking. Your body feels like it's moving in slow motion, your tongue is dry, and your brain is screaming, “I need sugar. Now.”

Welcome to life in diabetes land. It’s not always glamorous, but with the right tools and the right support, you don’t have to feel like every hike (or workout, or grocery run) is a battle.

The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster

Let’s say you head out for a hike. You’ve packed your snacks, checked your levels, and feel ready to crush it. But within the first hour:

🩸 You drop low. Suddenly, all you want to do is sit down and inhale snacks like a human vacuum.

🩸 Then you spike high. Now it feels like you’re walking through quicksand with a mouth drier than the Sahara.

🩸 Even...

Catching a cold, flu, or stomach bug is never fun. But for people living with diabetes, getting sick can be a lot more serious than just dealing with tissues and tea

That’s why a seasoned diabetes dietitian recently broke down what really happens to your blood sugars when you're under the weather—and what you can do about it.

Whether you live with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding how the illness affects your body is essential. And having a game plan can help you stay safe and feel better faster.

Why Do Blood Sugars Go Crazy When You're Sick?

When someone gets sick, the body responds by producing more stress hormones—especially one called cortisol. Cortisol helps the body handle stress but it also raises blood sugar levels and makes cells less sensitive to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance.

According to the T1D dietitian, this is one big reason why your blood sugar can go way up during illness—even if you're not eating much. This happens i...

Grocery shopping for someone with diabetes can be overwhelming

The whole process can feel stressful between managing blood sugar levels and figuring out what to buy. However, a diabetes dietitian knows exactly what to focus on to create a balanced and diabetes-friendly meal plan. Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding how to approach grocery shopping can make your experience much smoother.

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian, or T1D dietitian, often emphasizes the importance of foods that help manage blood sugar levels while ensuring balanced nutrition. When shopping, the first stop is always the produce section. While fruits and vegetables are well-known for their health benefits, they’re especially valuable for people managing diabetes. These foods are rich in fiber, which slows blood sugar spikes after meals, and they contain potassium, a vital electrolyte that supports hydration and overall health.

A T2D dietitian will also prioritize non-st...

Let’s be honest—traveling with diabetes can feel like carrying a mini pharmacy in a backpack.

Whether someone is living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, air travel adds an extra layer of stress. There's packing insulin, organizing test strips, navigating TSA security, and that’s all before the plane leaves. Add in altitude, travel anxiety, and unpredictable flight schedules and it becomes a perfect storm for unstable blood sugar. Fortunately, with the right strategy people with diabetes can travel confidently. According to a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of the curve while flying is simple: pack the right snack.

What Makes a Great Airplane Snack for People with Diabetes?

When choosing an in-flight snack, this Type 1 diabetes dietitian and T2D dietitian looks for three key components:

• Moderate carbohydrates – Enough to provide energy, but not so much that it causes a spike.
• Fiber – Slows digestion and helps...

As a diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator, it’s essential to help individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) find food options that can aid in managing blood sugar levels effectively.

 Meal planning can be a challenge for many, but selecting the right foods can make a significant impact on blood glucose control.

Costco is often a go-to destination for healthy, diabetes-friendly food options, and several products stand out. From type 1 diabetes to type 2 diabetes, these four Costco finds offer convenience and nutritional value, helping individuals manage their diabetes while still enjoying delicious meals.

Let’s take a look at these four food options.

1. Avocados: A Diabetes Dietitian’s Favorite Fat Source

Avocados are one of the best foods to include in a diabetes-friendly diet. Packed with heart-healthy fats and fiber, they play a crucial role in maintaining steady blood sugar levels. As a T1D dietitian and T2D dietitian, recommending avocad...

Fast food often gets a bad reputation, especially for people managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D)

But with the right knowledge, it’s possible to enjoy a quick meal on the go without sending blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster. A registered diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator recently broke down smart menu choices at Jack in the Box that support better blood glucose control and offer solid nutrition.

Whether someone is newly diagnosed or has been managing diabetes for years, these tips from a T1D dietitian can help anyone make confident, balanced choices when dining out.

1. Grilled Chicken Strips with Teriyaki Sauce

These grilled chicken strips are among the best picks on the Jack in the Box menu for people with diabetes. Each serving offers 44 grams of protein and just 8 grams of fat, making it a lean and satisfying option.

The one thing to watch out for is the teriyaki sauce. It contains added sugar, which can lead to a sharp blood sugar s...

When managing blood sugars, what you eat matters—a lot.

That’s why it’s so valuable to learn directly from someone who works in the field and lives with diabetes every day. In this case, we're talking about a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and person living with type 1 diabetes. This Type 1 diabetes dietitian shares a glimpse into their daily routine and food choices, emphasizing balance, flexibility, and smart nutrition.

Whether you're living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes or just looking to eat in a way that better supports your health, the approach here focuses on three key principles: protein, fiber, and fruits and veggies. And with the help of a knowledgeable diabetes dietitian, it’s totally possible to enjoy what you eat and keep blood sugars steady.

Breakfast: A Strong Start with Protein and Veggies

Begin the day with a breakfast full of nutrition and intention. The meal includes whole eggs and egg whites, providing a solid protein base. On t...

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you probably spend a lot of time managing your blood sugar levels.

From counting carbs to adjusting insulin doses, keeping track of what’s going on inside your body can sometimes feel like a full-time job. But what happens when your blood sugar drops or spikes unexpectedly, even though you're following the same routine? You might not realize that external factors—especially the weather—can affect your blood sugar in ways you might not expect. Let’s explore how temperature changes can impact your insulin sensitivity and why talking to a diabetes dietitian could help you avoid surprises.

Alt text: Your Diabetes Insider T1D and T2D Dietitians: Weather can impact your blood sugar levels. Learn how temperature changes affect diabetes and how to adjust your care accordingly

Weather Affects Insulin Sensitivity

While many people with diabetes are aware of how food and exercise affect blood sugar levels, they might not know that the weather can al...

Traveling with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), can come with a unique set of challenges

Especially when it comes to managing blood sugar levels while eating outside of your usual environment. A diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can help provide strategies for controlling your blood sugar, even while navigating unfamiliar airline meals. In this post, we’ll break down how to manage meals during flights and ensure that your blood sugar remains stable while traveling.

1. Understand the Meal: Be Prepared

When choosing between meal options, it’s important to consider how each will impact your blood sugar. For example, a pasta meal can cause a prolonged spike in blood sugar due to its high carbohydrate content. A T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian will recommend meals rich in protein, such as chicken, to maintain better blood sugar control. Without clear carb counts or nutrition information, opting for lean proteins and avoiding high-carb meals can help prevent blood...