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Published Aug 17, 2023

#978 Diabetes Myths: Dos and Don'ts

Scott Benner and Jenny Smith delve into common diabetes myths, offering practical advice on managing Type 1 diabetes through personalized strategies and flexible modern tools, while exploring topics like low A1C targets, carbohydrate roles, and ketogenic diets for effective management.
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Episode Highlights

  • Do's and Don'ts

    and Jenny Smith tackle the myth of strict do's and don'ts in diabetes management. They emphasize that while traditional advice suggested waiting three hours between insulin doses, modern tools like CGMs and pumps allow for more flexibility. Jenny points out that the old rule was more relevant before these technologies, especially for those using multiple daily injections. Scott adds that misconceptions about eating intervals also persist, with some believing they can't eat again soon after a meal, which isn't necessarily true.

    You have to wait 3 hours after giving yourself insulin to give yourself more insulin, no matter what your blood sugar is or what your hour is on your CGM shell.

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    Understanding these nuances can lead to better diabetes management without unnecessary restrictions 1.

       

    Time and Range

    The discussion shifts to misconceptions about time-in-range values for diabetes. Scott clarifies that while the standard range is often set between 70 and 180, individuals should adjust this based on personal health goals. Jenny Smith agrees, noting that personalizing these ranges can lead to more effective management. They also discuss the importance of pre-bolusing and how it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, as factors like protein and fat can affect blood sugar levels.

    It's not a rule that if you just inject insulin 15 minutes before you eat, everything's going to be perfect.

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    This highlights the need for personalized strategies rather than relying on generic guidelines 2.

       

    One Size Fits All

    Scott and Jenny debunk the myth that diabetes management is universally applicable. They discuss the common advice that one can eat anything as long as they dose for it, which can lead to frustration and high blood sugars if not properly understood. Scott explains that while the intention is to offer hope, it can be misleading without proper education on insulin use. Jenny adds that managing diabetes requires understanding one's body and the effects of different foods.

    You can eat whatever you want, but you're going to have to learn how to use insulin for it.

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    This underscores the importance of personalized management plans and realistic expectations 3.

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