Cooking Tips For Managing Type 1 Diabetes | Diabetes Program | Boston Children’s Hospital [927c9c]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range is crucial for overall well-being. The American Diabetes Association recommends that fasting blood glucose levels be below 100 mg/dL, and postprandial (after meal) levels should not exceed 140 mg/dL after two hours of eating. However, some people may experience higher or lower readings due to various factors such as diet, physical activity, stress level, sleep quality, and medication.
Managing Blood Sugar: Factors Affecting Your Levels
Several factors can impact your blood sugar range. Diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy levels; it is essential to consume whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates while limiting added sugars and saturated fats. For instance, consuming fiber-rich foods such as berries or leafy greens helps slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations: What Causes Them?
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can be caused by various factors including medication non-adherence, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation, inadequate physical activity, and stress. Physical activity has a profound impact on blood sugar regulation; regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity allowing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream more efficiently.
The Link Between Stress and Blood Sugar Range
Stress is another significant factor contributing to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. During times of stress, your body releases hormones like adrenaline that raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. This can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which disrupts insulin function leading to poor glucose regulation. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help mitigate these effects.
Exercise: How Physical Activity Impacts Blood Sugar Levels
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy blood sugar range; it enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces resistance in the body's cells, allowing them to absorb glucose efficiently from the bloodstream. Activities that involve sustained muscle contractions such as cycling or swimming are effective at improving insulin function.
Monitoring Your Progress: The Importance of Tracking Blood Sugar
Regularly tracking your blood sugar levels helps you monitor your progress and understand what contributes to fluctuations in your range. This information can be used to make informed lifestyle choices, ensuring that actions taken have a direct impact on maintaining healthy glucose regulation.
In this special edition holiday cooking class, diabetes nurse educator, Gretchen Waldman, and clinical nutrition specialist, Sharon Weston, share cooking tips and strategies for managing type 1 diabetes. Join in as they blood sugar 500 dangerous prepare Hasselback caprese chicken with tomatoes and broccoli, penne pasta, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Learn more about the Diabetes Program: ▶Share this video with others: ▶Subscribe for more videos from Boston Children’s Hospital: ▶Meet the Experts: Gretchen Waldman, MSN, RN, CDCES Clinical Coordinator; Diabetes Nurse Educator, Division of Endocrinology Sharon Weston, MS, RD, CSP, LDN Senior Clinical Nutrition Specialist; Lead RD Optimal Wellness for Life Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition ▶Program mentioned: Diabetes Program ▶More Resources and Answers for gestational diabetes blood sugar goals Patients & Families: Patient Resources #Diabetes does monk fruit affect blood sugar #cookingwithDiabetes #type1diabetes #T1diabetes #BostonChildrensHospital #Pediatrics _________________________________________________________________________ Boston Children’s Hospital Homepage: Find a Doctor: Get an Online Second Opinion: Request an Appointment: Find a location near you: _________________________________________________________________________ Connect with us! Instagram Pinterest: Facebook: LinkedIn: