Let’s talk about diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of individuals every day. Did you know that in the United States, one out of every ten people has diabetes? That’s over 37 million people who are living with this chronic illness, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). If you don’t have it, you probably know someone who does. There are two types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2—and while they’re different in how they work, the treatment can be very similar and they both affect the way your body, specifically your pancreas, handles (or doesn’t handle) blood sugar.
What causes diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells called beta cells. Whereas Type 2 diabetes is chronic insulin resistance. Insulin resistance increases from a poor diet, lack of physical activity, and family history. When your pancreas can no longer make enough insulin and your body isn’t utilizing the insulin as efficiently, blood sugar stays high and remains stuck, within our blood vessels. While patients with Type 1 diabetes are insulin dependent from a lack of beta cell function, patients with Type 2 diabetes are able to severely limit their need for medication through specific changes to diet, lifestyle and environment. Although there’s no known cure for diabetes right now, the good news is, with the right tools, you can manage it effectively and live your best life.
What to Expect from this Post:
As a dietitian and board certified diabetes educator, I’ll go over the top diabetes management techniques in this post, including how to measure blood sugar, choose foods wisely, and keep easy blood sugar control. Whether you’re a tech junkie who loves gadgets or you prefer practical, everyday tools, I’ve got something for everyone. Stick with me, and by the end, you’ll be armed with the best tips for managing your diabetes like a pro.
Who Should Be Tested for Diabetes?
Spoiler alert: Everyone should be tested for diabetes at some point! It’s not just something to reserve until you’re older or have a family history. You might be surprised to know that the incidence of type 2 diabetes among children doubled, from 2002-03 to 2017-18. With the rates of Type 2 diabetes skyrocketing, even younger people and those without obvious risk factors can develop it. In fact, it is so widespread that the American Diabetes Association suggests routine testing for all persons over 45, and even younger if you are overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle, or have other risk factors such as high blood pressure. Early detection can make a significant difference in averting future issues and taking quick action.
Is Diabetes Manageable?
Absolutely. Diabetes medical management has become easier than ever thanks to technological breakthroughs. Gone are the days of relying solely on bulky blood sugar meters or painful six times daily finger pricks. We now have continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), at-home testing with the Q-Pad A1C test, and much more. Investing in the correct tools makes treating diabetes less of a burden and more of a proactive approach to remaining healthy. These tools allow you to monitor your blood glucose levels and alter your diet, exercise, or medication as needed, making diabetes easier to manage.
Top 5 Must-have Diabetes Tools
Without further ado, here are the top five diabetes management gadgets to have in your life:
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
First, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is going to become your new best friend. This tiny device continuously checks your blood glucose levels (really, your interstitual fluid) using a tiny microfilament that is stuck to your skin. This does not leave a needle in your arm! The CGM provides real-time data to your phone, with updates as often as every 5 minutes, so you can see exactly how your body is reacting to stress, exercise, and food.
Say goodbye to incessant painful finger pricks. With day-and-night access to your trends, it’s like having a personal assistant for your blood sugar. You can detect highs and lows in this way before they become problems and adjust medication or lifestyle as needed. Choose a CGM that is easy to use, provides real-time data, and integrates with other medical apps for diabetes care. A few options include: Dexcom G7 and Libre for those with a diabetes diagnosis, and Nutrisense, Signos, and Levels for those who are trying to prevent it.
Blood Sugar Meter
Next is the standard blood sugar meter, or blood sugar monitor, which is still a vital tool even if you use a CGM. Oftentimes, calibration of a CGM can provide better values, which is done with a meter. With only a little finger prick, this handy little device provides you with a rapid readout in seconds, allowing you to spot-check your blood sugar throughout the day or confirm a low blood sugar for hypoglycemia treatment. Keeping track of your blood sugar levels is critical for managing diabetes and deciding if you need food, insulin, or a quick walk to balance things out. When choosing a blood sugar meter, focus on accuracy, ease of use, and whether it’s compatible with generic and affordable diabetic test strips.
Did you know: You don’t have to sacrifice your favorite snacks when you have diabetes, you just need healthy versions of them! Check out my blog posts on the best snacks for diabetics and the best protein bars for diabetics. here!
Q-Pad A1C test
Food Scale
Let’s face it: portion accuracy is crucial for effective diabetic management. Using a food scale helps to prevent inadvertently overeating or, worse, underestimating carbohydrates. If you’re dosing medication by your carbohydrate intake (which is a best practice to master!), you’ll want to ensure you know how much carbohydrate you’re eating to avoid hypoglycemia. You may more precisely monitor your carbohydrate consumption and avoid those annoying blood sugar rises after meals by weighing your food. This compact device is invaluable if you’re committed to controlling your diabetes.
Select a food scale that is precise, easy to use, and has an easy to read display.
Healthy Cookbooks
Let’s now discuss eating, since making wise food choices is essential. Nutritious cookbooks can help with that! Meal planning may become a tasty experience instead of a chore with the help of a carefully selected cookbook. Whether you follow a low-glycemic, keto, or paleo diet, you can still enjoy meals and manage your blood sugar levels by using a cookbook. A few of my favorites and really, patient favorites, include:
- Defined Dish – all cookbooks!
- Whole Food for 7’s Whole Food for your Family
- The Whole Smith
- Slow Cooked Paleo
- Primal Gourmet
are just a few of my personal favorites. These cookbooks feature complete, nutrient-dense meals with low glycemic options that are ideal for people with diabetes, along with easy-to-follow directions that make eating healthfully appear simple. Don’t worry, all the recipes are delicious for the whole family, too!
Whitness Nutrition Diabetes Mastery Course
For those who want to learn more about managing their diabetes, Whitness Nutrition Diabetes Mastery Course is a great start for you. As a dietitian and board-certified Diabetes Educator, I’ve helped thousands of individuals improve their diabetes, A1C and overall health.
In order to help you live the healthiest, easiest life possible, this comprehensive course walks you through all things from controlling your blood sugar levels, working with your healthcare team, to simplifying your lifestyle. Whether you are seeking to brush up on diabetes management tools or have recently gotten a diabetes diagnosis, this course will provide you the knowledge and skills you need to effectively manage your diabetes for the rest of your life. Check out my Diabetes Mastery Course here.
With these five must-have tools in your diabetes toolkit, you’ll be ready to take on the world while keeping your blood sugar levels in check!
