Managing Diabetes: Know Your A1C, Know Your Health

From princewilliamliving.com

Provided by UVA Health

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38 million American adults have diabetes, and nearly 100 million more are classified as prediabetic. Whether you’ve already been diagnosed, are at risk, or simply want to gain a better picture of your overall health, knowing your A1C – the key measure of your average blood sugar control – is one of the most critical things you can do. 

“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. It is typically diagnosed at an early age and requires insulin because the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin,” explains Catherine Wied, FNP, a family nurse practitioner with UVA Health Internal Medicine Manassas. “Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and is driven by a combination of lifestyle factors, genetics, obesity, and sedentary habits.” 

Know Your Numbers 

Wied says the haemoglobin A1C test, which measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, is the “gold standard” for diagnosing and managing diabetes. “An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 indicates prediabetes,” she says. “Once it’s 6.5 or higher, you become a Type 2 diabetic. The goal for people with diabetes is to keep their A1C below 7, which is considered under control.” 

Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly. Common warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing cuts or wounds. 

“Pre-diabetes is very prevalent in the U.S.,” Wied says. “About one out of three people is pre-diabetic, but many don’t know it. That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor annually for a physical check-up – to know your numbers!” 

 Lifestyle Habits, the Holidays, and New Tools 

For those with a family history of diabetes, awareness is especially critical. “You can’t change your genetics, but you can change your habits,” Wied says. “Keep your weight manageable, avoid smoking, and stay physically active.” 

Lifestyle remains the foundation of diabetes prevention and control. “Physical exercise is the most underutilized medication we have,” Wied says. “Even a 10-minute walk after meals can lower blood sugar levels.” 

Her advice for those managing diabetes this holiday season is simple and practical. “Enjoy family and friends, but focus meals on protein, fruits, and vegetables,” she says. “Limit simple carbohydrates like white bread, rice, and pasta, and go for complex carbs instead. Use the 80/20 rule – make healthy choices most of the time, enjoy treats in moderation, keep your exercise routine in place, and check your blood sugars as advised by your doctor.” 

For those needing more help, new medications can make a big difference. “GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have been game changers,” Wied says. “They lower blood sugar, help people move out of the pre-diabetic range, and often lead to weight loss.”

These medications slow down digestion and help patients feel full longer. “They can turn off the ‘food noise’ in your brain, so you’re not constantly thinking about eating,” she says. “That helps you make healthier choices, lose weight, and, in turn, lower your A1C.” 

Wied encourages patients who are interested in learning more about GLP-1 medications to talk to their primary care physician.  

 Live the Life You Want 

“You can live a long, healthy life with well-controlled diabetes,” Wied says. “It’s not a death sentence. Don’t ignore it, and don’t lose hope. You can manage diabetes and live the life you want.”

https://princewilliamliving.com/managing-diabetes-know-your-a1c-know-your-health/ 

Are Vitamins and Herbal Supplements Ever Safe for Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes?

From everydayhealth.com

Vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements are tricky when you have both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). While some people with diabetes find certain supplements may support better blood glucose control and help relieve diabetes-related neuropathy pain, the use of some supplements is linked to kidney disease and may contribute to, or worsen, CKD.

These products pose a variety of risks, including harmful medication interactions, direct damage to the kidneys, and indirect kidney damage due to the toxicity that results when the kidneys aren’t able to clear waste from the body effectively. “I really cannot think of many doctor-supported reasons for supplement use in CKD and type 2 diabetes,” says Mala Sachdeva, MD, a nephrologist and professor at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

In some cases, your doctor may tell you to take a specific supplement to help correct a nutritional deficiency, but most of the time, they’ll probably caution you to stay away from vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements.

The Danger of Herbal Supplements

                                                                                                                       Everyday Health

It’s difficult to speak generally about herbal supplements, because this family of products is so vast and diverse. These pills, powders, teas, tinctures, and other products are made from natural plant ingredients, including the bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, and other parts of many different plants. Herbal supplements are not carefully regulated by the government, and can contain contaminants such as heavy metals or imprecise concentrations of active ingredients.

Herbal components that can especially be risky for people with CKD include substances that:

• Specifically interact with and harm the kidneys
• Interfere with prescription medications
• Require the kidneys to be filtered and removed from the body.

Herbal supplement labels may not make these kidney health risks clear. In fact, some supplement blends may be marketed as kidney cleanses or detoxes, but there’s typically little or no scientific evidence supporting such claims, and they may do more harm than good. Supplement blends may be especially risky because it may be difficult to verify what ingredients are present.

The use of supplements may also distract from the treatments that are scientifically proven to make a difference. Dr. Sachdeva says that prescribed medications, diet changes, regular exercise, and sustainable weight loss are the best approaches for managing diabetes, and that supplements can complicate this evidence-backed treatment journey: “Supplements can delay the proper treatment of type 2 diabetes, contributing to long-term complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy,” she says.

Supplements to Avoid

The following supplements may pose a particularly high risk for people with kidney disease, especially if they have kidney failure, receive dialysis treatment, or have undergone a kidney transplant:

• Aristolochia products, such as birthwort or wild ginger
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• St John’s Wort
• Yohimbe

Meanwhile, supplements that can cause adverse interactions for people with diabetes may include:

• Ginseng, which might interfere with diabetes medications
• Goldenseal, which can affect blood glucose control and lead to a slight drop in blood sugar 
• Nettle, which may interfere with diabetes medications and increase blood sugar

In addition, many herbal supplements naturally contain higher levels of potassium or phosphorus, including alfalfa, dandelion, nettle and stinging nettle, and noni. People with a later stage of kidney disease may need to limit how much of these minerals they consume.

Plenty of other products can present risks for people with type 2 diabetes and CKD as well; the National Kidney Foundation maintains a longer list of potentially hazardous herbal supplements. Always ask your doctor before trying any herbal supplement.

Every individual with type 2 diabetes and CKD has a unique level of risk when taking herbal supplements that in part depends on product quality, dosage, reason for use, duration of use, and other medications you’re taking. Ask your doctor about safe options and reputable brands before trying any herbal supplements.

Vitamin Toxicity

If you have kidney disease, taking vitamin and mineral supplements may create a risk of toxicity, because your kidneys are no longer able to filter and clear substances that are healthy in smaller concentrations.

Vitamin toxicity can occur when levels of a particular vitamin build up in the body and cause health problems. In cases of kidney disease, both water-soluble vitamins like B vitamins and vitamin C and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and E can reach toxic levels.

The kidneys usually filter out water-soluble vitamins your body doesn’t use daily. But if you regularly take a B vitamin or vitamin C supplement, damaged kidneys may struggle to filter the excess. Too much vitamin C in the body can lead to kidney stones, while prolonged high B12 levels are associated with an increased risk of hip fractures and certain cancers.

Fat cells in the body store excess amounts of vitamins A and E for later use. However, most people with CKD can get enough of these vitamins in their diet and don’t need supplements. Taking more than you need could cause toxicity.

Multivitamins and similar nutrient supplements, even if they are healthy (or harmless) for most adults, are not recommended for people with kidney disease.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Sachdeva says nutrient deficiency is one legitimate reason to use supplements: “When a physician prescribes supplements, laboratory results usually guide this [decision], and the recommendation mostly involves topping up levels of certain vitamins. … A physician might prescribe vitamin D for people with low vitamin D levels, or some people might need iron or other essential vitamins if levels are low.”

Some nutrient deficiencies are common in people with CKD. Healthy kidneys maintain a delicate balance of vitamins and minerals in the body, and kidney damage can disturb this balance. Additionally, certain waste products present in CKD can prevent the body from using vitamins correctly, and if you receive dialysis, you lose some vitamins in every session. Some people with CKD also have protein, phosphorus, or potassium restrictions in their diet, which can affect their ability to get enough of the vitamins they need from food.

If you have CKD, you may be deficient in certain B vitamins, including B1, B7, B9, and B12. Other common deficiencies include vitamin C and vitamin D. If you have advanced or late-stage CKD, your body may not absorb and use vitamin D as it should. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe a special pill or an injection of activated vitamin D that you receive alongside dialysis.

Similarly, the American Diabetes Association doesn’t recommend taking any kind of supplement with type 2 diabetes unless you have a medically confirmed nutrient deficiency. Even so, it’s crucial you consult a doctor to find a safe supplement that addresses your specific deficiency. Nutrient deficiencies in people with type 2 diabetes often include iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure you’re getting the amount of essential nutrients you need is through diet, and discussing these needs with a registered dietitian-nutritionist can help you enjoy a renal-safe diet that best supports your kidney health. “However, diet alone might not be enough to restore levels of certain vitamins in some people with deficiencies,” says Sachdeva. 

Some kidney-safe pill and liquid supplements are available, though even these should only be used if specifically recommended by your doctor, and they may require a prescription.

A healthcare professional can check your levels of various vitamins and minerals and tailor treatment to the way CKD presents for you. Only use the vitamins and at doses your doctor recommends, and don’t stop taking any vitamin without first consulting a medical professional.

The Takeaway

• The safe consumption of vitamin and herbal supplements is challenging for people with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), as supplements can worsen CKD, interfere with medications, or lead to a dangerous build-up of nutrients.
• Herbal supplements carry a high risk for people with CKD due to lack of FDA regulation, potential contaminants, and certain substances known to provoke or aggravate kidney damage.
• While many people with type 2 diabetes and CKD have nutrient deficiencies, supplements should only be used if prescribed by a doctor following laboratory tests to address a medically confirmed deficiency.
• Nutritional supplements are not likely to be an important part of your diabetes and kidney disease treatment. Ultimately, the best approach is through your prescribed medications, a kidney-safe diet, exercise, and sustainable weight loss.
• 
  
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/vitamins-herbal-supplements-risks/ 

US obesity rate falls for the first time in years, but diabetes hits an all-time high, data says

From scrippsnews.com

The U.S. obesity rate remains historically high compared with other Western nations, Gallup said

The obesity rate in the U.S. dropped to 37% this year, representing a notable decrease after reaching a record high of 39.9% in 2022, according to data from Gallup.

The decline may be in part due to the explosion in the use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound.

The share of adults reporting use of these medications for weight control has more than doubled in the past 18 months — from 5.8% in early 2024 to 12.4% in Gallup’s latest survey.

Women use the treatments at higher rates (15.2%) than men (9.7%), and both groups saw usage more than double over the past year.

The question is, will the downward trend in obesity rates last? The answer will come down to whether people using pharmaceutical intervention also implement the lifestyle changes needed to sustain their weight loss.

Gallup’s data shows that Americans’ diet and exercise habits have actually worsened since 2019.

Data from Gallup also found that diagnoses of diabetes have climbed to an all-time high of 13.8%, underscoring that weight loss alone doesn’t necessarily reduce the number of Americans living with the chronic disease.

The U.S. obesity rate remains historically high compared with other Western nations, Gallup said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

https://www.scrippsnews.com/health/us-obesity-rate-falls-for-the-first-time-in-years-but-diabetes-hits-an-all-time-high-data-says

Chicago: Prevent Blindness Launches New Resources to Educate Public on the Effects Diabetes has on Vision

From prnewswire.com

CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is offering new resources to the public as part of its Diabetes-related Eye Disease Month in November.

According to the study, "Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021," approximately one in four Americans ages 40 and older with diabetes have Diabetic Retinopathy. A higher percentage of Black (8.7 percent) and Hispanic (7.1 percent) individuals with diabetes are at risk for vision loss compared to their White (3.6 percent) counterparts. There are significant variations by state and county which reflect related factors such as access to eye care and resources.

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to other serious vision problems including diabetes-related macular edema, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. And, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

Fortunately, the risk of vision loss and blindness from diabetes-related eye disease can be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated early. That's why Prevent Blindness is offering free educational resources that include webpages, fact sheets and social media graphics in English and Spanish, and a variety of educational videos.

New this year, Prevent Blindness is launching the Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library offering free, 24/7 access to critical diabetes eye health information, accessible via voice commands in both English and Spanish. Patients or care partners are invited to call 1-833-998-5850 for medically vetted information on diabetes-related eye disease, eye exam preparation and scheduling, condition management strategies, and specialized guidance for pregnant patients and the newly diagnosed. Co-created with patients and providers, and supported by funding from Regeneron and Genentech, this resource is designed to provide prevention information accessible to diverse audiences.

For eye care providers, Prevent Blindness will also soon be releasing a modular education program focused on patient-centred, bias-free diabetes and vision care. Working with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology's ophthalmic allied health professionals Continuing Education (CE) program as well as the American Optometric Association's paraoptometric CE program, this new effort works to identify gaps in care and patient experiences. This program is also made possible through funding support from Regeneron and Genentech.

As part of theJuvenile Diabetes and Vision Health resource, new "Diabetes + Your Eyes: Vision Health in Youth" fact sheets (available in English and Spanish) are available including "Diabetes: Be Your Teen's Vision Hero!" and "Diabetes: Your Vision, Your Life." These resources are supported by funding from UnitedHealthcare.

The Prevent Blindness Diabetes-related Eye Disease video series includes a variety of educational videos designed for the public.

• The Patient Perspective: Diabetes-related Eye Disease
• Diabetes and Your Eyes ABCs
• Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes: What you need to know about your eyes
• Introduction to the Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit

An upcoming new Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health podcast will host a special roundtable discussion about diabetes and eye health. Guests include Rajeev S. Ramchandran, MD, MBA, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute; Talana Townsend, president of Visually Impaired Advocates - Houston; and Nita Sinha, senior director, Public Health at Prevent Blindness.

Finally, Prevent Blindness recently assembled its new Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee. The all-volunteer committee brings together leaders from eyecare and public health, patient advocates, diabetes-education professionals, and more. Among many of the group's charges are improving diabetes and eye health programs and education, increasing access to quality eye care and treatment, drafting and advancing federal and state policy, and promoting research and surveillance.

"By educating patients on how to prevent vision loss from diabetes and implementing systems and programs that increase access to eye care across the United States, we will empower millions of patients with diabetes to avoid unnecessary vision loss and blindness," said Dr. Ramchandran, member of the Prevent Blindness Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee.

For general diabetes-related eye disease information, please visit http://preventblindness.org/diabetes. For more information on Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library, visit https://preventblindness.org/audio-library

For a free listing of organizations and services that provide financial assistance for vision care in English or Spanish, please visit https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/. 

About Prevent Blindness 

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-part-of-novembers-diabetes-related-eye-disease-month-prevent-blindness-launches-new-resources-to-educate-public-on-the-effects-diabetes-has-on-vision-302596874.html 

How Artificial Sweeteners Really Affect Metabolism

From healthcentral.com

Zero sugar doesn’t mean zero impact on your body. Artificial sweeteners can affect your gut microbiome, glucose tolerance, and more 

If you’ve ever thought to yourself that diet soda seems almost too good to be true—sadly, you might be right. These bubbly drinks may have zero calories and zero sugar, but a growing body of research is demonstrating that the artificial sweeteners in them do affect the metabolism and your ability to lose or maintain weight.

“It’s fascinating how many people view diet sodas and other zero-calorie sweetened drinks as comparable to water,” says Whitney Stuart, R.D.N., a dietitian in Dallas, TX, and the founder of Witness Nutrition consulting. “Artificial sweeteners can have distinct impacts on our bodies that extend well beyond just the calorie count. Research shows they can influence gut microbiota, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, though these effects can vary from person to person,” she adds.

The effects of artificial sweeteners (sometimes called non-nutritive sweeteners, or NNS) on metabolism are complex and still not fully understood by experts. Different types of sweeteners (such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, or stevia) may have different outcomes, and how often you ingest them also makes a difference. “In the short and immediate term, there doesn’t seem to be an impact on metabolism [from NNS]. But paradoxically, long-term use is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,” says Sarah Fishman, M.D., Ph.D., a diabetes and weight loss specialist with Premier Endocrinology in New York City.

                                                                                       GettyImages/bymuratdeniz

How Artificial Sweeteners Affect the Metabolism

Experts have several theories as to why NNS have the potential to derail your weight management plans. One of the most well-supported is that artificial sweeteners appear to change the gut microbiome in ways that have downstream effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Artificial sweeteners may lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which occurs when the balance between the good and bad bacteria in your GI tract tips in the wrong direction, favouring the “bad,” according to recent research in the journal Frontiers In Nutrition. When this happens, levels of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (a by-product of gut bacteria’s digestion of fibre) drop, which can affect the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and fat. Researchers believe these changes may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart conditions like high blood pressure.

In one study in the journal Nature, mice given saccharin and sucralose for just two weeks experienced a disruption in their normal gut microbiota and impaired glucose tolerance. And 2023 research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that people who ingested NNS had significantly different gut bacteria and higher levels of inflammatory markers in the duodenum, the first part of their small intestines, than those who didn’t.

Potential to Rouse the Sweet Tooth

Another hypothesis about why artificial sweeteners affect the metabolism focuses on the sweet taste receptors in the mouth and GI tract. Some experts believe that when sweet taste receptors in the mouth are activated, it tells the brain to expect calories; since NNS activate these receptors but don’t deliver calories, it leads us to crave high-calorie foods, which could lead to overeating, Dr. Fishman explains.

There’s also a theory that artificial sweeteners activate sweet taste receptors in the gut, but since there’s no accompanying rise in glucose (as there would be if you ate real sugar), the body releases less GLP-1, a.k.a. glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone released from the intestines when you eat that has an impact on blood sugar levels, appetite, digestion, and weight. This in turn leads to faster gastric emptying and less satiety—also ultimately leading to overeating, per a 2024 review in the journal Nutrients.

“Sweet-tasting drinks, even with no calories, can increase cravings for actual sugar or carbs, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain,” Dr. Fishman adds.

That said, the human research into these outcomes are mixed, and it’s unclear whether artificial sweeteners really affect sweet taste preferences or overall energy intake. It also may be true in some cases, but heavily dependent on other factors, such as which NNS you’re eating, what you’re ingesting it with, whether you have any pre-existing conditions (including obesity) and more. “A popular belief is that artificial sweeteners universally heighten sugar cravings, but research shows that this isn't always the case,” Stuart says. “The effects are deeply influenced by individual habits and circumstances.”

Can Artificial Sweeteners Help You Lose Weight?

“Artificial sweeteners can be a smart and helpful tool in reducing sugar intake, but they aren’t a metabolic ‘free pass,’” Stuart says.

For someone who’s just starting a weight loss journey or trying to get past a plateau, artificial sweeteners could have a place, Dr. Fishman says. “In the short term, replacing added sugar with sweeteners can lead to weight loss,” she says. But because long-term use has been associated with obesity, she says her advice is to try to use less sugar, rather than replace sugar with a faux sweetener. “For example, if you usually use four sugars in your coffee, try slowly going down to three, then two, then one, rather than replacing [the sugar] with artificial sweetener,” she says.

If you do eat or drink artificially sweetened foods and beverages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize their metabolic impact.

For one, be thoughtful about the types of NNS you’re ingesting. In particular, consider trying to limit your intake of aspartame and saccharin; they’re some of the most-researched sweeteners, and best-existing evidence indicates that all three sweeteners can influence gut bacteria and the body’s response to glucose, Stuart says. Sucralose is another NNS to limit, as it’s also been shown to impact gut bacteria, Dr. Fishman adds. Meanwhile, stevia and monkfruit seem to have less of an impact on gut bacteria and glucose tolerance.

Most artificial sweeteners, like sucralose and saccharin, end up in your gut microbiome largely unchanged, where they can directly interact with gut bacteria, notes Dr. Fishman. “In some cases, these sweeteners even act a bit like antibiotics, suppressing certain strains. They can also change the way gut microbes function, including how they produce metabolites that affect our metabolism,” she explains. “Stevia seems different because its sweet compounds are broken down by gut bacteria into steviol, which the body absorbs and clears, so there’s much less direct exposure for the microbiome.” It also doesn’t have strong antimicrobial effects and doesn’t act as a food source for specific bacteria. Stevia isn’t protective, but because it doesn’t linger in the gut the way other sweeteners do, it isn’t as damaging, she adds.

How you’re taking them in matters, too, Stuart says. For instance, pairing artificial sweeteners and carbs together (such as having a diet soda and a side of French fries) may impair insulin sensitivity more than eating the sweeteners alone (sipping a diet cola for a midday caffeine boost), per recent research in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Carbs have many of the same effects as NNS: They alter the gut microbiome in ways that interfere with how the body handles glucose and activate sweet taste receptors in the gut, leading to high post-meal blood sugar levels, Dr. Fishman says. “Overall, while NNS alone are generally considered safe for blood sugar, consuming them alongside carbs can amplify their impact on the gut and metabolism,” she notes.

With Fake Sweeteners, Be Strategic

Although science has recently shown real benefits to going cold turkey with non-nutritive sweeteners in terms of helping to reverse type 2 diabetes, there are ways to be smarter about including them in your diet so that they don’t trip up your health goals.

But if NNS are part of your diet, “taking probiotics regularly… can help protect your microbiome,” Dr. Fishman suggests as a potential gut-health booster in general. Just be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement.

Stuart adds that eating fibre, protein, or healthy fats alongside an artificially (or actually) sweetened drink or food can boost satiety and reduce the likelihood of overeating later on.

Stuart suggests a balanced approach. “Incorporate plenty of water, minimally processed foods, and ensure meals include protein and fibre. Use artificial sweeteners thoughtfully to enhance your meals on occasion, rather than defaulting to them,” she says.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/type-1-diabetes/how-artificial-sweeteners-affect-metabolism?ap=nl2052&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGdxQeReCCpw4PZrx7VoggvXsrvkFxnfpeARNHiwfxg7Db5fxur4qUkaP_55guIUZ6ehGnmmxjLYm5wqAtmU-_WyMijtjr48nTAoyWUIQJdWnHkhRM

T1D Influencers Pick Their Favourite Protein Bars

From healthcentral.com

Watching your net carbs? Discover which of these snacks passed the bar exam with type 1 diabetes advocates 

If you stroll down the grocery aisle or scroll on social media, it can feel like a new protein bar is born every minute. They are no longer simply fuel for exercise but have become popular for everyday energy—including among T1D warriors looking for balanced snacks that will hit the spot and also thread the needle for steadying blood sugar levels.

How to choose? The American Diabetes Association has some tips on healthy snacking such as opting for whole grains, healthy fats, high fibre, and protein while aiming for lower levels of carbohydrates, added sugars, and sodium.

We also asked influencers living with type 1 diabetes who have been there, ate that to name their favourites—and then ran their picks by a dietitian: Ben Tzeel, R.D., a certified diabetes care and education specialist in Tampa, FL, and the founder of Your Diabetes Insider nutrition consulting, who has been living with T1D for more than 20 years himself.

Take a peek into their shopping carts to see which protein bars might suit your needs—and taste buds.

A Trainer's Treat

Courtesy of Christel Oerum

Christel Oerum, 47, a certified personal trainer in Miami—better known as Diabetes Strong to her more than 30,000 followers—first picked up a Quest bar some 10 years ago while prepping for a fitness competition. “I was looking for a blood-sugar-friendly treat to help support my protein needs,” says Oerum. “I became hooked.” You’ll find the Cookie Dough and Cookies and Cream flavours in her gym bag. Oerum, who doses her insulin based on net carbohydrates (calculated by subtracting fibre and sugar alcohols on the label from total carbs listed), finds the bars to be a relatively low-carb snack due to their 10 grams (g) of fibre. Tzeel calls Quest bars “a great snack option” for T1D warriors.

For This Mom on the Go

Courtesy Brookelyn Filbrun

Brookelyn Filbrun, 30, a mom in the Pacific Northwest and the blogger behind Carb.Filled.Diabetics, calls Pure Protein the best-tasting bar. Plus, “I’m able to eat it without any spikes!” she says. “I dose [insulin] as needed for the bar and have never had any issues with them which is one huge reason why I love having these on hand.” Filbrun is a fan of several of the bars numerous flavours including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Deluxe, and Lemon Cake. Tzeel is also a long-time fan. “This was my favourite protein bar while in graduate school, especially the Cookie Dough flavour,” he says. “They’re affordable, have quality protein sources, and, ideally, low enough sugar alcohol content to not upset one’s stomach.”

Snacking for Steady Energy

Courtesy Justin Eastzer

Justin Eastzer, 34, in Los Angeles, also known as Diabetech Justin, reaches for Kind Protein Max Bar, especially the Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter flavour, when he’s looking to sustain his blood sugar levels. “I like these because they have a fair amount of carbs [23 grams] if I need to bring up my glucose levels, and 20 grams of protein to help sustain my levels and not drop.” Tzeel agrees: “These can be helpful for steadying blood sugars after a low,” he notes, with the caveat that “those who are sensitive to soy protein will need to be careful with this one, as that is the main protein source.”

On Active Days

Courtesy Alex Tolwinksi

To satisfy his sweet tooth, Alex Tolwinksi, 24, in Elkhorn, WI, says the NuGo Slim bar has what he’s looking for in terms of glycaemic index and full flavour. “They are very delicious and bring a little bit of sweetness back into my life,” the TikTok star says. Tolwinksi rotates between Crunchy Peanut Butter and Brownie Crunch before a workout or a waterskiing session and says the snack bar (with 17 grams of carbs) keeps his glucose levels in check without his needing an insulin dose. “It saves me an additional shot and keeps my belly full,” he says. Tzeel feels these bars are good for when blood sugar is a little low thanks to a fast-acting carb source (tapioca syrup) and some protein to help stabilize. “Not my go-to, but for good-tasting low snacks, this would help,” says Tzeel.

Her Workout Buddy

Courtesy of Addy Tayler

Arizona-based TikTok star Addy Tayler, 26, who is training for a marathon to raise funds for T1D research, opts for a protein bar before working out and finds that the G2G bar is just her speed. Tayler gives high marks for the taste of her Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavour pick (“very sweet and doesn’t have that bitter protein taste”) and its texture (“chewy but not rubbery”). Plus, she feels its nutritional mix (18 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of fiber) works for her. This bar drew particularly rave reviews from our R.D. “These are quite possibly the most underrated bar on this list,” says Tzeel. “Phenomenal ingredient profile, great for stabilizing blood sugars in a long duration activity, and quality protein source. I’m a big fan.”

A Nutrition Pro's Plant-Based Option

Courtesy of Lindsay Cohen, R.D.

A registered dietitian and the creator of Mama-Betes blog, Lindsay Cohen, R.D., 37, in St. Louis, MO, favours TRUBAR for their “simple, clean ingredients” and amazing taste—her all-time favourite flavour is the Get in My Belly, PB and Jelly. The food pro and mom of two gives the bar high marks for managing type 1 diabetes due to “relatively low carb content and minimal impact on blood sugar,” she says. “I also appreciate that they contain a good balance of fibre and protein, which helps keep me feeling full longer.” Tzeel says TRUBAR is a great option for the plant-based crowd. “You’ve got quality ingredients and flavour choices alongside some fibre,” he notes. Still, notes Tzeel, some people may find that the fibre source (tapioca) for these bars does have an impact on blood sugar, so best to try part of one and see before devouring the full bar.

Our R.D. Is Also a Fan

Courtesy of Ben Tzeel, R.D.

You may be wondering which bar our expert nutrition reviewer prefers and no surprise it’s another one with simple ingredients: Rise Bar, which is also available in vegan plant-based options. Tzeel points to the Honey Cinnamon flavour as his favourite. “It tastes like a snickerdoodle cookie and is made with just five ingredients,” he says: Almonds, whey protein, vanilla extract, honey, cinnamon. For people with diabetes like himself, Tzeel says they have a good blend of protein (18 grams), fat (15 grams), and carbs (23 grams) to maintain steady blood sugars. His inside tip: “If you warm them up for 10 seconds in the microwave and cut them up, it’s like having small protein cookies.”

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/type-1-diabetes/favorite-protein-bars?ap=nl2052&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGdxQeReLKRAiisSNPPgYd6mi8dTTzOdYcER4FiR23KUBenmXhp9w11oT5udgGtiVrNu0Z46AblIb-w1rsZ6xMG5UPAKydc9MXnGboNmkbxB2o8Uh4