*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your health care provider before making any adjustments to your exercise routine or diabetes management.

When I was first diagnosed with type one diabetes, I was immediately told to limit my carb intake in order to keep my blood sugars in range. As a former gymnast who grew up leaning on high-carb meals for energy before my competitions, this new diet recommendation made me feel restricted and resent my diagnosis even further. 

Now, almost nine years into my diagnosis I’ve learned that there can be a balance between choosing the foods you love while making it work for your blood sugars. From avoiding carbs completely, I can now confidently integrate foods like bagels, sushi, pasta and pizza without fear of how it will impact my blood sugars.

Carbs play an important role in our diet:

Carbs are given a bad rep because they’re known for spiking our blood sugar easier and faster than any other macronutrient. However, we know that every macronutrient plays an important role in our overall diet. Not only do carbs support our hormones and energy levels, but integrating carbs can actually decrease insulin resistance. This is a big reason why diets like keto only work temporarily for blood sugars. 

Removing limitations around food:

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that there are no “off limits foods”, just meals that take more intention in bolusing for. I’ve learned that each macronutrient makes a different impact on blood sugars, making insulin dosing strategy unique for each meal. Rather than avoiding foods that may be more difficult to dose for, it’s become an experiment to see how I can make the foods I love work best for my blood sugars. Utilizing different tools like pre-boluses, extended boluses, activity and hydration have allowed me to enjoy foods that I love again.

Give yourself time and space..

Inside our podcast, Keeping it 100 Radio, Ben Tzeel reminds us that diabetes isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every person will need their own unique approach to the foods they eat and how they make them work for their body. The key piece is to take it one step at a time. Navigating one food at a time makes the process more effective in the long run, so you can enjoy the foods and moments that matter the most to you.

Carbs can be complex. Check out Episode 32: Getting Bold with Food While Living with Type 1 Diabetes with Ben Tzeel, RD, CSCS for a raw discussion and actionable steps to continue to get bold with food. Available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.