Savvy Sugar Strategies

Hey there, sweet souls! Today, I'm serving up a dish of my personal diabetes hacks that have stood the test of time. Whether you're riding the glucose rollercoaster or just want to stay ahead of the game, these tricks are like the Swiss Army knife for your sugar levels. Remember, I'm not a doc, just a fellow traveller on this glycaemic journey. Hope these tips can help you navigate the highs and lows of this life. So let's dive in!

• Fibre-first philosophy

Ever considered food order at mealtime? It's like a dance, and fibre leads. By kicking off your meal with fibre-rich foods like salads or soups, you're not just being fancy; you're actually setting a slow pace for glucose absorption into your bloodstream. It's like telling sugar, “No rush, come in at your own pace,” and your body says, “Thank you!”

• The pre-buffet booster

Heading out to a mystery buffet? Don't let the unknowns spike your stress or sugar! A glass of isabgol (or psyllium husk) is my go- to armour. It's like a pre-game pep talk for your intestines, getting them ready for whatever curveballs are thrown their way.

• Beyond HbA1c - embrace the range

While hba1c is like that one grade in school everyone obsesses over, it's really your Time in Range (TIR) that's the valedictorian. Make technology your best pal. If Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMS) are your thing, great! If not, get artsy with your Self- Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) by charting your levels. Take 1 or 2 days where you plot your values in a graph DIY your TIR!

• The split bolus brigade

For those meals that are more 'marathon' than 'sprint' (I'm looking at you, pizza with extra cheese), a split bolus is like having your insulin do intervals instead of a sprint. It can be a total game-changer for those fat-and-protein-laden feasts. Even without a pump - do a manual split!

• Hydration nation

Dehydration is a sugar spiker's sneaky accomplice. So drink up! Your blood sugar levels will thank you for keeping them dilute and chill.

• The post-dinner promenade

A 15-minute stroll after your meal isn't just a romantic cliché; it's your secret weapon against glucose spikes. Think of it as a gentle nudge to your metabolism saying, “Let's get moving!”

• Meditation mixtape

Stress is sugary kryptonite, so defuse it with a five-minute meditation. My zen zone is a set of earphones, a sublime track, and a do-not-disturb sign to the world. It's not just peace of mind; it's peace of glucose.

• Nightstand necessities

My nightstand isn't just a furniture piece; it's a survival kit. Stock yours with hypo treats, some crunchy nuts, a high-protein nibble, and your glucometer. Think of it as your midnight command centre.

• The pre-meal correction cool down

If my sugars are high before a meal, I go for a smaller correction dose of insulin and then play the waiting game for about 30 minutes. It's like sending your sugars a “calm down” memo before the main event.

• Community cheerleaders

Never underestimate the power of community. Whether it's a local support group or an online forum, there's magic in shared experiences and tips.

• The warm-up routine

Taking insulin? Don't let it sting with the chill of the fridge. I give my vials a ten- minute benchwarmer session before injecting. It's a small act of kindness to my skin.

So, these are my trusty companions on the diabetes path. Light-hearted, perhaps, but lifesavers for sure. Remember, while these hacks are friends to my glucose, consult with your healthcare provider before shaking up your routine. Let's keep our sugars and spirits sweetly balanced. Until next time, keep thriving and jiving, my diabetes warriors!

Disclaimer: I'm not a healthcare professional. These tips are from personal experience, so always seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management. Stay sweet and safe!

Jazz Geet Sethi is the Founder / Director of the

Diabesties Foundation (www.diabesties.foundation)