Diabetes's Twists and Turns with T1D and T2D dietitians of YDI.

When your blood sugars drop during ANYTHING

Life with diabetes can be unpredictable. Learn to adapt and conquer the highs and lows with Your Diabetes Insider (YDI). Join our community for expert guidance and tips.

Do you ever wake up with high hopes for a perfect day? The sun is shining, your plans are set, and your blood sugar seems to be right on track. It's a beautiful feeling, isn't it? But life with diabetes can throw unexpected curves at any moment, even when you least expect it.

Imagine this: You're all set to explore a small, quaint town, enjoying the picturesque weather and everything seems just right. Diabetes isn't even on your mind; you're simply relishing the present moment. It's a beautiful sensation.

And then, suddenly, without warning, your CGM alarms. Your blood sugar is plummeting, and your day takes an unexpected turn. You've only taken a few steps, and you're baffled by this drastic drop. You can't...

Tackle common CGM challenges with T1D and T2D dietitians. Learn about sensor timing, early quirks, placement, and handling trend arrows effectively with experts.

In the dynamic realm of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as invaluable tools. A seasoned Diabetes Dietitian, shares professional guidance to enhance your CGM experience. Delve into prevalent CGM pitfalls with T1D and T2D Dietitians near you.

Perfect Timing: Avoid Changing Your Sensor Right Before Bed

Your Diabetes Insider emphasizes the importance of timing when dealing with CGMs. Changing your CGM sensor right before bedtime can be risky.

These devices have a warm-up period, and heading to bed immediately after insertion can leave you 'flying blind,' making it challenging to manage blood sugar, especially for users of automated pump systems like Control IQ.

Navigating Early Quirks: Give Your Sensor Time to Settle

New sensor jitters are common, as explained by Your...

Discover the best travel snacks for happy blood glucose levels. Protein bars, low-carb options, and other smart choices keep you energized throughout the trip.

Traveling with diabetes doesn't mean you have to compromise on satisfying snacks. In fact, having a selection of smart, portable snacks can help you maintain happy blood sugars during your journeys. Whether you're on a road trip, flying across the country, or simply out and about, these snack options can be your trusty companions. Here are four snacks that I always have on hand for my adventures, and they might just become your favorites too.

1. Protein Bars: The Ultimate Travel Buddy

Protein bars are a go-to choice for many, and for good reason. They offer a quick energy boost, and their compact size makes them super travel-friendly.

Look for bars with a balanced macronutrient profile, like the ones I prefer with 20 grams of protein per bar. With a good dose of fiber and essential nutrients, they can...

Learn about packing your own food, TSA regulations, staying hydrated, and using continuous glucose monitoring to enhance your diabetes management while traveling.

Long flights can be challenging for individuals managing their blood sugar, especially considering factors like extended sitting, high elevation, and the uncertainty of in-flight meals. In this blog, we'll explore effective strategies for maintaining blood sugar levels during air travel. If you missed "Part One" of this series, you can [click here](insert link) to catch up on more valuable tips.

1. Bring Your Own Food

One of the most reliable ways to control your blood sugar during a long flight is to pack your own meals and snacks. While it's true that there's a limited window of time for food safety without refrigeration, this approach offers significant advantages.

By bringing your own food, you have complete control over your meal choices, making it easier to calculate insulin doses accurately. This beats the...

Know the science behind the Dawn Phenomenon and learn effective ways to manage early morning blood sugar spikes. Consult your care team for better diabetes control.  

You may have experienced this frustrating scenario: You head to bed with your blood sugar at a comfortable 126, only to wake up at 3 AM and find it inexplicably soaring to 190. It's a perplexing situation, but there's actually a scientific reason behind it.

This phenomenon is known as "Dawn Phenomenon." At first glance, it may appear as though your blood sugar spikes for no apparent reason, but trust us, there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.

What Is Dawn Phenomenon?

Dawn Phenomenon is a natural occurrence within the body's circadian rhythm. Around 2 to 3 AM, your body initiates a process involving the release of certain hormones. Two key classes of hormones involved in this process are growth hormone and catecholamines. These hormones trigger your liver to release glucose into the bloodstream,...

When you go to the endo and know your blood sugars aren’t great.

Navigate your endocrinology appointment with ease and embrace your inner rebel for better health. Learn how to conquer diabetes like a boss.

Not up for going to your endo appointment this time? We all know that feeling - the mix of reluctance and the urge to cancel. But, let's face it, you're too cool to cancel. So, here's how to make it a breeze.

The Waiting Room Warm-Up: Game On!

As you walk into the clinic, put on your game face. You're not just here for medical check-ups; you're here to win the waiting room game.

Strike up a conversation with your doctor about last night's game. Those Twins look strong, right? Distract them with your sports expertise – that's your secret weapon.

Blood Sugar Talk: Keep it Casual

Now, let's get down to business – your blood sugar levels. You know they're not exactly where they should be, but hey, a rebel's gotta live, right?

Share the numbers,...

As registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators, we are here to provide valuable insights into four foods that individuals living with diabetes should approach with caution. It's important to note that these insights are meant as warnings and not as specific instructions.

1. Morning Summit Cereal: It is not what it appears to be.

You pick a cereal with almonds as ingredient #1. Sounds like a good start, right?

However, the next ingredients include organic maple syrup, sugar, and two other carb sources, and it ends up having the same number of carbs as Lucky Charms (not great), which, if you're not careful, will send your blood sugar for a rollercoaster ride…

This cereal, while marketed as ‘healthy,’ can do the same. You can do better.

2. Siete Chips: The Cassava Conundrum

Imagine picking up a bag of Siete chips with cassava flour as the star ingredient – it may appear as a healthier alternative at first glance. However, don't let...

Raise your hand if you've ever felt like a diabetes pro one moment, and then the next, you're on a flight, grappling with rising blood sugar levels that seem to have a mind of their own. It's like your body and diabetes decided to form an alliance just to test your patience.

If this sounds all too familiar, buckle up (pun intended), because we're diving into the world of high blood sugars at high altitudes.

Picture this: you're all set to embark on an exciting journey, but your blood sugar readings decide to play their own game. Traveling with diabetes can be a rollercoaster, especially when you're soaring through the skies. It's not just the turbulence that can shake things up – it's the altitude-triggered blood sugar spikes that can turn your travel plans into a bumpy ride.

The struggle is real when it comes to flying with diabetes. Disconnecting your insulin pump, dealing with TSA procedures, declaring your insulin stash – it's enough to make anyone want to throw in...

Picture this: You're out at your favorite restaurant, relishing every bite of that mouthwatering meal. It's an experience that's pure joy… until the aftermath hits you like a ton of bricks. High blood sugars skyrocket, and you're left wondering if it was all worth it. We've all been there, right? 

But what if there's a way to enjoy your dining-out adventures without feeling like a glucose rollercoaster?

Welcome to the world of dining out with finesse, where you can savor the delights of restaurant cuisine without sacrificing your blood sugar stability. Say goodbye to the days of unpredictable spikes and hello to a world where your average blood sugars can gracefully dance around 129. Intrigued?

Let's dive in!

Eating out is a treat, a way to break the monotony of home-cooked meals. But there are two major challenges when it comes to dining out: deciphering what's in the food and accurately counting carbs. However, the real game-changer is challenge number two. Let's take...

Living with diabetes can feel like a delicate dance, especially when it comes to managing insulin and physical activity.

Picture this - you've just had a massive meal and are about to head out to Mall of America. But wait, there's one crucial thing you need to do before stepping out that could save you from an unexpected blood sugar rollercoaster. 

Today, we're unraveling the mystery of insulin and activity, and why it's vital to find the right balance to enjoy a worry-free day out.

Diabetes management is not one-size-fits-all;

It's a personalized puzzle that requires constant adjustments and fine-tuning. The interaction between insulin and physical activity can be both a friend and a foe. 

Understanding this relationship is key to navigating the potential blood sugar challenges that lie ahead.

Before you embark on any activity, whether it's shopping at a mall or a simple stroll across the street, take a moment to assess your active insulin. Active insulin refers to the...