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Blood Sugar Trends: Defining What’s Truly “Normal”
With the rise of direct-to-consumer continuous glucose monitoring, there has been growing interest in understanding blood sugar trends. Reasons for CGM use include to improve metabolic health, prevent diabetes, enhance sports performance and recovery, or simply out of curiosity. Users can access real-time data, averages, trends, and insights at any time, day or night. With all this data, you might find yourself wondering: What do my numbers mean? Should I be concerned? Is this normal? All valid questions. Let’s explore the evidence behind defining “normal” blood sugar trends. Diagnosing Diabetes To define what is considered normal, it’s best to start…
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Fatty Liver on the Rise: What You Need to Know
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that over 40% of the U.S. population will develop metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver, by 2050—equating to approximately 122 million adults. This number is both astounding and concerning, especially as fatty liver disease is rapidly becoming one of the leading causes of liver transplants—and a new liver isn’t easy to come by. In fact, the study predicts that liver cancer cases will double, while the need for liver transplants will quadruple. This raises an urgent question: What is being done to…
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Do Food Warning Labels Really Work?
On a recent trip abroad, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of food warning labels on items at the local mini-mart. Bold, bright labels reading “Danger: High Fat” or “Excess Sugar” were stamped across the front of snack packaging. I wasn’t surprised—I knew full well that the bag of chips I grabbed wasn’t the healthiest choice, but I really wanted to try them. When in Rome! Still, it made me wonder—do food warning labels actually deter consumers? Do they influence purchasing behavior, or do people, like me, simply ignore them when cravings strike? Let’s explore when and why food…
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2025 ADA Standards of Care: 4 Key Changes You Shouldn’t Miss
The start of a new year means one thing in diabetes care and education—new Standards of Care! While the guidelines continue to grow in size and detail, much like a thick phone book, their annual updates are incredibly important for shaping high-quality care for people living with diabetes. Here are four key updates I’m particularly excited to see this year. What are the Standards of Care? The ADA Standards of Care are widely recognized as the gold standard for evidence-based guidelines in diagnosing and managing diabetes and prediabetes. Grounded in the latest scientific research and clinical trials, these guidelines provide…
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Blood Sugar Supplements: Backed by Science or Driven by Hype?
The start of a new year often brings an influx of private practice clients eager to tackle their health goals, and one of the most common topics of conversation is the potential benefits of supplements for glucose control. Many people hope that supplements might provide the extra boost they need to achieve success, especially when the prospect of overhauling their entire diet and lifestyle feels overwhelming. I frequently find myself addressing questions about which supplements, if any, are truly effective for managing blood sugar. Adding to the confusion is the sheer size of the global wellness industry, valued at an…
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New Year, New Services: Elevate Your Diabetes Care in 2025
Over the past year, I’ve been dedicated to expanding and refining the services I offer to provide exceptional support in diabetes care and education. As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reintroduce these offerings to ensure both new and existing clients can fully benefit from everything available. Whether you’re just discovering my practice or have been with me for a while, here’s an overview of how these services can elevate your diabetes care and education. Contractual Services & Training In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, delivering comprehensive and effective diabetes care is more essential than ever. At…
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Embracing JOMO: Finding Peace in Professional Life
The article discusses the contrast between FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). It emphasizes the benefits of adopting a JOMO mindset, such as reduced stress, improved focus, and fulfillment, encouraging reflection on personal values and prioritizing intentional choices.
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The Value of Clinical Mentorship
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have a clinical mentor? Someone you could message for support in a pinch, whether you’re feeling stuck or just need a second opinion? I know in my own professional journey, there were countless moments where I wished for that kind of guidance. As the sole dietitian—and later, the only diabetes care and education specialist—on staff, I often found myself full of questions with no one to turn to for immediate answers. Those experiences taught me just how valuable it is to have someone in your corner who’s been there before,…
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Seed Oils Uncovered: Are the Risks Greater Than the Benefits?
In recent years, seed oils—such as canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oils—have become central to discussions on healthy eating. While widely used in home kitchens and food manufacturing, questions have emerged about whether their potential risks may outweigh their benefits. To better inform our choices, let’s take a closer look at the facts about seed oils, including their nutritional profiles, processing methods, and potential impact on health. What are Seed Oils? Seed oils are extracted from various seeds, including canola, sunflower, soybean, and safflower. They’re commonly used in cooking, baking, and food production due to their mild flavor, affordability, and…
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A Closer Dive into the “Food is Medicine” Debate
What we eat has profound effects on our health and well-being. Research shows that dietary habits can influence the risk of developing various diseases; while some foods may contribute to chronic health conditions, others offer therapeutic and protective benefits. This has led many to advocate for the concept of “Food is Medicine,” emphasizing nutrition’s potential to prevent and manage disease. But what about when conventional medicine is necessary? Are we asking patients to choose between food and pharmacology? Let’s take a closer look at the “Food is Medicine” debate to explore how nutrition and traditional medicine can complement each other…
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What’s the Deal with Protein Powders?
Protein is an essential macronutrient for everyone, but for people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels while maintaining a healthy diet is especially important. Supplemental protein can be a convenient way to boost protein intake, particularly for those with active lifestyles or who struggle to meet their daily protein needs through food alone. But what’s the deal with protein powders? Are they really necessary, and how do you choose the right one? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know. What are Protein Powders? Protein powders are concentrated forms of protein derived from various sources, such as: Whey (a byproduct…
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It’s Game Time! Healthy Snacks for Football Season
It’s that time of year again—game time! As an avid Broncos fan, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to watch the game with friends and family. However, it’s tempting to reach for snacks that aren’t the healthiest, especially for those managing diabetes. Here are three of my favorite diabetes-friendly options to keep your blood sugar in check while you enjoy the action. #1 Veggies and Hummus Veggies and hummus make an excellent snack for people with diabetes because they offer a perfect combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, all of which help regulate blood sugar. Non-starchy vegetables like…
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Product Review: Lingo by Abbott
It must be my lucky week — another over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring system, this time from Abbott. It’s crazy to think that these products were once available only by prescription, and now we have two direct-to-consumer biowearable products we can purchase. It’s almost like we’re catching up with the rest of the world (insert sarcasm). Lingo, by Abbott, is a biosensor and app designed to work together to translate glucose patterns and provide a deeper, more insightful view of habits affecting your metabolism. Data interpretation and health coaching are major components of this product. Read on to learn more about…
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Destigmatizing Diabetes
Diabetes stigma refers to the negative attitudes, judgment, discrimination, or prejudice directed at individuals simply because they have diabetes. This stigma can manifest both internally and externally. Internal stigma arises when individuals with diabetes internalize negative beliefs, often leading to feelings of self-blame, shame, and guilt. This can result in a sense of personal responsibility for their condition, undermining their self-esteem. In contrast, external stigma is imposed by others through judgmental attitudes, discriminatory behaviors, or insensitive comments. This external stigma can reinforce harmful internal beliefs, further exacerbating the emotional burden on those living with diabetes. The most damaging aspect of…
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Mitigating Therapeutic Inertia of GLP-1 Use in T2D
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, commonly known as GLP-1 RAs, have recently garnered significant media attention. Initially developed to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, these medications have also proven to be highly effective for weight loss and enhancing cardiovascular health. However, without proper initiation, titration, and support from the care team, they can often be ineffective and unsustainable. Patients can become stuck in therapeutic inertia. I had the pleasure of presenting on this topic with a pharmacy colleague at this year’s ADCES Annual Conference for diabetes care and education specialists. Here’s how we identified and provided solutions…
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Is the “Diabetic Diet” a Thing of the Past?
If I had a dollar for every time I received a referral to provide education on the so-called “diabetic diet,” I’d be a very wealthy lady! While I understand the good intentions behind these referrals—helping patients develop sustainable eating patterns that support effective glycemic management—I can’t help but wonder what referring providers believe this magical “diabetic diet” really is. The term “diabetic diet” often implies a one-size-fits-all approach, but the reality is far more nuanced. Join me as I explore some of the most common dietary patterns for managing glycemia. Common Diabetes Eating Patterns Before the discovery of insulin, people…
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ADCES24: Let the Good Times Role!
It was another great year at the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists annual conference, this time in vibrant New Orleans. Packed full of engaging educational sessions, networking events, and a lively exhibitor hall, all set against the backdrop of a city with endless activities, this weekend was nothing short of the professional highlight of my year (so far). It was also my first time presenting at a national conference! Standing in front of my peers, sharing insights in diabetes care, was an exhilarating experience. The positive feedback that followed not only validated my hard work but also fueled…
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Over-the-Counter CGM Coming to a Pharmacy Shelf Near You
This has been the summer of over-the-counter CGM announcements. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), once only accessible through prescriptions, are now becoming readily available over the counter. This shift marks a significant step forward in the management of diabetes and other conditions that affect blood sugar levels. With several major brands introducing or expanding their OTC offerings, individuals now have more options and greater accessibility. The move towards OTC availability promises to empower more people to take control of their health with real-time glucose monitoring, providing a new level of convenience and insight into their glucose management. OTC CGM Options Dexcom…
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4 Clinical Pearls from the 2024 ATDC Conference
I was very fortunate to attend the 2024 ATDC Conference this year in beautiful Keystone, Colorado. The ATDC Conference has been an integral part of education and case-based studies of pipeline diabetes technology for over 30 years. This year’s focus included keynotes and plenaries on topics such as cardiovascular disease outcomes in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, early detection strategies, updates in AID and Rx/OTC sensors, updates in macro- and microvascular complications, and even a possible cure for type 1 diabetes. Despite being an intimate event, hosted at almost 10,000 feet, there was no shortage of big names…
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Protein and Healthy Aging
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights the significance of protein intake in preserving the health of older adults. This is particularly important for middle-aged and older females, who are more prone to experiencing muscle decline after menopause. Keep reading to discover the crucial role of protein as we age. How Does Protein Support Healthy Aging? Protein plays a crucial role in both the cognitive and physiological functions of the brain. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, important for regulating mood, focus, memory, and cognition, are synthesized from amino acids. Proteins serve as essential building…
