Diabetes Care & Education
This section serves as the core hub for diabetes-related content, including clinical care, education, technology, Standards of Care updates, and practical diabetes management strategies. Diabetes care, diabetes education, diabetes management, CGM, insulin management, diabetes technology, DSMES, diabetes nutrition
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Misconceptions About Immune Health
Our immune health is closely linked to our body’s capacity to fend off germs and bacteria. A robust immune system can effectively shield us from foreign invaders. Chronic illnesses, stress, specific medications, and life stage transitions (such as pregnancy) can compromise our immune health, rendering us more susceptible to common viral infections. Diabetes and Immune Health Diabetes can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and impairing wound healing. High blood sugars interfere with immune cell function, leading to a higher susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Chronic inflammation in diabetes further compromises immune health. Proper management,…
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Behavior Change and New Habits
As the new year begins, many people start new diets to improve their health. After a month or so, they often feel frustrated and find it tough to stick to these eating behaviors. This can lead to a sense of wanting to give up, even though they haven’t given themselves enough time to develop these new routines. How Long Does it Take to Form New Habits? The speed at which new habits form hinges on our willingness to embrace change. Initially, we assess how our actions align with our short and long-term health objectives. We weigh the advantages of maintaining…
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At Home A1c Test Kits
An at-home A1c test kit can be a valuable metabolic screening tool for detecting elevated blood sugars due to insulin resistance, a key precursor of type 2 diabetes. These kits provide a convenient way to monitor and assess metabolic health status, especially for those who may be considered higher risk. What is an At Home A1c Test Kit? The A1c test provides a three-month average of blood sugar levels by measuring the amount of glucose molecules attached to hemoglobin proteins on red blood cells. To perform the test, a small blood sample from a finger stick is applied to a…
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Your Guide to Diabetes Supplies: Insulin Syringes
For many people living with diabetes, insulin injections are a part of everyday life. Vials and syringes were once the only way to prescribe insulin for home use. Despite the availability of insulin pens, many people living with diabetes continue to use syringes to administer their insulin. This is due to a combination of personal preference, insurance coverage, and a lack of awareness of alternative options. This article covers the functionality of insulin syringes, instructions for use, and tips for troubleshooting common issues with patients. What is an Insulin Syringe? An insulin syringe is a medical device specifically designed for…
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Your Guide to Diabetes Supplies: Insulin Pens
For many people living with diabetes, insulin injections are a part of everyday life. Traditionally prescribed using the vial and syringe method, insulin pens are becoming increasingly popular for their ease of use and comprehensive insurance coverage. Insulin pens offer a convenient and discreet way to administer insulin while on-the-go. They are easy to use, provide accurate dosing, and reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. This article covers the functionality of insulin pens, instructions for use, and tips for troubleshooting common issues with your patients. What is an Insulin Pen? An insulin pen is a medical device used to inject…
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Your Guide to Diabetes Supplies: Glucometers
Glucometers are one of the most commonly prescribed diabetes supplies. Understanding how to use a glucometer and interpreting the results accurately is essential for effective diabetes management. By using a glucometer, people with diabetes can track their blood sugar levels and adjust their diet and medication regimen accordingly. This article covers the functionality of a glucometer, instructions for use, and tips for troubleshooting common issues with glucometers. What is a Glucometer? A glucometer measures blood glucose levels using a small blood sample obtained by pricking a finger with a lancet. Results are displayed within seconds on the meter’s screen, allowing…
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Three Surprising Changes to the 2023 ADA Standards of Care
Here are three surprising changes to the 2023 ADA standards of care.
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Remission vs Reversal
I’d like to think we are at the cusp of finding a cure for diabetes. Given the immense day-to-day burden, it can’t come fast enough. Until then, it’s important to proactively manage blood sugars, macro- and microvascular changes, and long term complications. With early and aggressive intervention, it’s not impossible to achieve euglycemia in those with endogenous insulin production—usually Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Substantial lifestyle change may even yield near “normal” glucose with little to no pharmacological intervention. While it is tempting to think of this process as a “reversal” of diabetes, a 2021 consensus report recommends the term “remission”…
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Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes in Adults
The UK T1D Immunotherapy Consortium recently updated their guidance on diagnosing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults. This is particularly important as a large portion of new onset T1D in adults are misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes (T2D). An accurate diagnosis matters. It can shape selection and advancement of treatment, understanding of natural disease progression, and expectations around the efficacy of diet and lifestyle. Most importantly, a misdiagnosis can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging for patients. Clinical Features While there is no single feature that distinguishes T1D from T2D in adults, presence of the following parameters suggest the need…
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Dietitian Abroad: Spain Edition
I love to eat – no surprise there! I also love to travel; so an opportunity to eat delicious foods in an exotic locale gets ‘two thumbs up’!
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DSME/T: The Gold Standard in Diabetes Education
Managing diabetes is a lot like caring for a newborn—relentlessly needy, impatient, and often irrational. It requires numerous daily decisions and a general high level of engagement and attention. I remember hearing at a professional conference that “if patients did everything their doctors asked of them it would take over 2.5 hours per day.” That’s a lot of time to be doing anything, let alone managing diabetes. To best equip patients with tools to manage diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (ADCES), and the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) have updated their…
