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Nutrition and Type 1 Diabetes: Do Carbohydrates Matter?
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to an upcoming text from the American Diabetes Association on nutrition therapy in diabetes care. Specifically, I was tasked with reviewing and rewriting a chapter on nutrition recommendations for adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-requiring type 2. In my excitement for its upcoming publication, I’d like to share a preview of some key findings on carbohydrates. Is carbohydrate counting still relevant today? Does the type of carbohydrate make a difference? And how do approaches like low-carb or keto eating fit in? My hope is that this sneak peek sparks curiosity and inspires…
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Obesity Care vs. Weight Loss: What’s the Difference?
The International Obesity Collaborative, a global alliance of professional organizations focused on improving obesity care, recently released a powerful consensus statement: obesity care and weight loss are not the same. You might be wondering: What’s the difference? Isn’t all obesity care centered around weight loss? And wouldn’t weight loss be appropriate for someone with obesity? The answer may surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at the International Obesity Collaborative’s new consensus statement, what it means for healthcare professionals, and how it could reshape the way we approach obesity treatment in clinical practice.
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Product Review: Dexcom G7
After what felt like an eternity, I finally got my hands on the long-awaited Dexcom G7. FDA approved in December and available in retail pharmacies mid-February, Dexcom G7 promised to be a major upgrade from its predecessor. So is it worth the hype? Read on to get my take on the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring system. Dexcom G6 vs G7 I should disclaimer this product review by saying that I do not live with diabetes. I write from the perspective of someone that has relatively unremarkable glycemic activity. I don’t depend on CGM to manage my health. However, I…
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Product Review: Freestyle Libre 3
I finally got my hands on the long-awaited Freestyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring system. FDA-approved in May, sensor kits are finally making their way through the pharmacy and DME supply chain. While there are certainly some kinks yet to be smoothed, the system is an overall improvement from Libre 2. Libre 2 vs Libre 3 Wearers of Freestyle Libre 3 will notice four key differences from the Libre 2, including sensor size, smartphone connectivity, sensory applicator, and over accuracy. Size The Libre 3 sensor is notably smaller, lighter and much more flexible when positioned on the back of the…
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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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The Value of the Diabetes Educator
Certified diabetes care and education specialists–or “diabetes educators”–bring unique skills to the care team. Beyond education, they support a holistic approach through individualized management, factoring in background, culture, environment, and access to resources.
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Debunk the Junk: The “Keto” Diet
If you’ve stood in the grocery checkout line sometime in the last year, then I am sure you’ve noticed the ketogenic diet on the cover of almost every health and wellness magazine. Promising weight loss, improved acne, neurological repair, and the reversal of type 2 diabetes, the keto diet has many reported health claims. But what is the keto diet? Does it really work? Should I try it?
