Living with Diabetes

The assumptions made about diabetes are endless and can be frustrating for those living with diabetes. But, we have a great opportunity to educate others when we come upon ignorant assumptions! I have been living with diabetes for 19 years, and here are my recommendations for educating others about diabetes:   1. Diabetes Is a Learning Process Most of us are not taught the details of diabetes. I didn’t know anything when I was diagnosed, and neither did my family. Having diabetes is a learning process for both you and others around you. This includes strangers! Arm yourself with facts...

Your doctor has likely told you to maintain a healthy diet to ensure better diabetes management. But you’re probably thinking, what does a “healthy” diet mean for me? Well after living with diabetes 19 years, I’m here to explain my best practices. Keep in mind, I am not a doctor, but these are my recommendations for maintaining a healthy diet with diabetes:   1. Make a Plan Start by making a list of the healthy foods you already love, and then plan meals around those. I suggest that you plan meals and monitor how your blood sugar responds after consuming...

Let’s be real, to say living with diabetes is a challenge would be an understatement. I have been living with diabetes for 19 years and have had a few cases of diabetes burnout. Here are my suggestions for taking care of your mental health while living with diabetes: 1. There Is No Such Thing as Perfect     Do you get excited when your blood sugar in range? Are you upset when you’re out of range? I have learned there is no such thing as perfectly managing your diabetes. I recommend when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the neediness of diabetes,...

You want to drink alcohol, but you’re probably thinking to yourself, how will drinking affect my blood sugar? I have been drinking with diabetes for 5 years, and I’ve learned how to have fun while keeping my blood sugar in range. Here are my 3 tips for drinking with diabetes:   1. Learn the Differences in Alcohol   Get to know the differences in alcohol content, carbs, and sugar as these are all things that can affect your blood sugar. I have learned distilled spirits (gin, tequila, vodka, etc.), beers, and wines affect my blood sugar the least. This is...

Staying healthy is important to you. But exercising with diabetes can be a real challenge. I’ve been there! I have been living an active lifestyle with diabetes for 19 years, and I’ve learned how to better avoid the highs and lows. Here are my best practices for exercising with diabetes:   1. Get to Know Your Body Always make sure to have a starting BG (blood glucose) that makes sense for YOU! For example, I like to keep my starting BG around 150 if I am planning to go for a run, since I know this type of exercise will...