The Ultimate Guide to Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and How They Work

The Ultimate Guide to Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and How They Work

In today's episode, we're joined again by Isabel Reckson, a Diabetes Digital Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Together, we explore the benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in diabetes management, discussing their real-time tracking and emerging innovations. We address utilization, potential risks, and staying informed, along with financial considerations and insurance coverage. Join us as we uncover the impact of CGMs and diabetes technology, transforming the way we manage diabetes.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in diabetes management
• Emerging promising and innovative diabetes technologies
• Utilization and potential risks of wearable devices and smartphone apps
• Staying informed about new developments in diabetes technology
• Financial considerations and insurance coverage for diabetes devices
• Approaching discussions about diabetes technology with hesitant or older patients
• Strategies to prevent CGM sensors from detaching during daily activities
• Guidance for newly diagnosed individuals interested in exploring diabetes technology
• Addressing concerns about privacy and data security related to diabetes technology + MUCH MORE!

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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

Why Are My Fasting Blood Sugars So High?

In today's episode, we're troubleshooting what to do if you have high fasting blood sugars. Beyond nutrition, factors like physical activity, stress, and illness can all contribute to elevated levels. Whether it's high-carb meals before bed, the dawn phenomenon releasing hormones in the morning, or the Somogyi effect causing rebound spikes, understanding these factors is crucial. Listen as we share some strategies and tips to help you better manage your blood sugar levels.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Why you might be experiencing high fasting blood sugars
• Factors beyond nutrition that influence blood sugar levels, including physical activity, stress, and illness
• How the dawn phenomenon and Somogyi effect can play a role in high fast blood sugar levels
• Strategies for management, such as regular monitoring, balanced bedtime snacks, and medication adjustments.
• The importance of proactive management and seeking support from healthcare providers + MORE!

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1. Rate on iTunes or Spotify - it literally takes two seconds
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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

How to Navigate Metformin Side Effects

Today, we're diving into how to handle the side effects of metformin for Type 2 diabetes. We'll talk about common issues like upset stomachs and metallic tastes, share practical tips to ease side effect symptoms, and the importance of reaching out to your healthcare team if you're experiencing symptoms.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• How to manage metformin side effects for Type 2 diabetes
• Metformin's role and common prescription for diabetes management
• Overview of how metformin works in the body
• Review of typical side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, and metallic taste in the mouth
• How metformin doesn't usually cause low blood sugar but may in combination with other medications
• The importance of discussing side effects with healthcare providers
• Four practical tips for managing side effects of metformin + MUCH MORE!

Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:

1. Rate on iTunes or Spotify - it literally takes two seconds
2. Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

or

1. Hydration Podcast Episode
2. What To Do When You Have Hypoglycemia Podcast Episode
3. 10 Easy Ways To Drink More Water
4. 5 Ways to Hydrate That Aren’t Water

How Do You Know If You Have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

Today we're tackling a question we hear all the time: How do you tell Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes apart? We'll break it down by discussing their unique causes, symptoms, and treatments. Plus, we share the different diagnostic tests doctors use, ranging from basic blood sugar checks to specialized autoimmune tests for Type 1. Ever heard of Type 1.5 (LADA)? We will discuss the nuances behind Type 1.5 and treatment and more!

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• The differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Causes, symptoms, and treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Diagnostic methods for Type 1 and Type 2
• How autoimmune testing is used to detect specific antibodies targeting the pancreas for Type 1
• What Type 1.5 Diabetes is and its treatment
• The different treatment approaches for Type 1, such as insulin therapy, a balanced diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring
• The different treatment strategies for Type 2, including focusing on lifestyle changes, oral or injectable medications, and potential insulin therapy + MUCH MORE!
• Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:

1. Rate on iTunes or Spotify - it literally takes two seconds
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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

Jenny’s Podcast Episode: How I Navigate Type 1 Diabetes as a Registered Dietitian

How to Know When it’s Time to Start Insulin

• Tests to confirm Type 1:
  These tests confirm the autoimmune basis of Type 1 diabetes by assessing specific antibodies associated with the condition. These include Islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), Insulinoma-associated-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A), and Insulin autoantibodies (IAA). Elevated levels of these antibodies indicate a higher likelihood of Type 1 diabetes.
• Supplementary evaluations, such as a C-peptide test or an insulin assay test, may accompany the diabetes antibody panel to provide a more thorough assessment of the diabetes status. These tests, combined with the diabetes antibody panel, offer a comprehensive overview of the condition.
• Interpretation of test results involves understanding that positive findings suggest the presence of antibodies associated with Type 1 diabetes or an increased risk of developing it. Conversely, negative results may indicate a lower probability of Type 1 diabetes, although some individuals with the condition may not exhibit these antibodies. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to grasp the implications of test outcomes for your specific circumstances.

How to Know When It's Time to Start Insulin

In today's episode, we're joined by Isabel Reckson, a Diabetes Digital Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. With a background in Public Health, Isabel champions health equity while specializing in hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and kidney stones. With diverse experience, Isabel is on the podcast today to share key indicators for when to consider insulin therapy.

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

• Physiological reasons for requiring insulin in diabetes management
• The resistance and stigma associated with insulin therapy
• Insulin needs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Common misconceptions about starting insulin therapy
• Overcoming challenges like fear of injections and inconvenience
• Risks, benefits, and strategies for reducing risks associated with insulin
• The misconceptions behind being on insulin forever
• Consequences of delaying insulin therapy when needed
• Innovations in insulin therapy on the horizon for diabetes management + MUCH MORE!

Our 2 simple asks to help us continue a free weekly show:

1. Rate on iTunes or Spotify - it literally takes two seconds
2. Review - if you love the show, please leave a review on iTunes

For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/