In a previous blog, "The Insulin Gravity Phenomenon", I mentioned a bit about what I learned about Insulin Gravity, its 2 loops, and how they affect type 1 diabetes management. Here is a more detailed breakdown of what each loop is and what they represent for type 1 diabetics. INSULIN The upper loop (above 180↑ mgdL / 10↑ mmol) In the upper loop (Hyperglycemia-induced insulin resistance) blood glucose levels

I was led to believe that insulin is the only thing that my T1D body can't create, but that couldn't be further from the truth. On this blog post I will mention the 6 different hormones a type 1 diabetic body doesn't metabolically produce, 5 of which most T1Ds aren't even aware of. The reason these hormones are not produced is because the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas' insulin producing Beta cells and islets required to produce these hormones effectively in

Isaac Newton Does this resonate with you? You are at the gym or asleep at night when suddenly your CGM alarm beeps that your BG is going low, and regardless of how much glucose you consume, your BG doesn't seem to want to come up. Or, in a different scenario, the your BG is really high, and it takes you several hours and bolus corrections to bring it back down. This tendency of BG levels to pull towards the high-end or low-end of the BG spectrum is what I like to call Insul

High-intensity training (HIT), like Cross-fit and Tabata, has gained popularity for its effectiveness in improving fitness and health. For many, it offers a way to build strength, muscle, endurance, and cardiovascular health in shorter workout sessions. However, for individuals with type 1 diabetes, this type of exercise carries hidden risks that are often overlooked. Understanding these risks is essential to safely enjoy the benefits of high-intensity workouts without compr

Having to deal with stubbornly high BG levels that linger on for what seems an eternity, even though I bolus properly according to my insulin-to-carb ratio, is something I still experience on occasion especially after a mixed meal. This frustrating scenario is something I hear T1Ds complain about all the time on social media. And I feel ya, it is a gruesome challenge for all T1Ds. Getting not only the bolus dosage, but also the timing right for a mixed meal is practically a

What are Insulin Action Mimickers ( IAMs )? Insulin Action Mimickers, or IAMs ( I-AMs) are physical exercises that help lower BG levels without the use of insulin . They can be used as an alternative to administering small correctional doses of bolus insulin when the BG levels are not far above the ideal target range. In T1D circles they might popularly be known as "Calf-Pumps", or "Exercise Snacks". Why do they work? When the calf muscles contract, they squeeze the veins

In our bodies, Interleukin-6 (or IL-6), is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in managing inflammation and metabolism. Cytokines are small signaling proteins secreted by the immune system that act as chemical messengers to regulate immunity, inflammation, and blood cell production. The production of IL-6 in short healthy bursts, like during exercise, helps improve insulin sensitivity and promotes T-cell production and tissue repair. Why this matters In type 1 diabeti

Blood glucose levels can fluctuate throughout the day, but sudden spikes can cause discomfort and long-term health concerns. Understanding what causes these increases helps me manage my blood sugar more effectively. Contrary to common myth, many factors beyond just food intake can raise blood glucose levels, sometimes unexpectedly. This post explores common and less obvious reasons blood sugar might rise, helping us stay informed and in control. Glucose meter showing elevated

I spent years struggling with my T1D management when it came to mimicking the pattern of a non-diabetic's BG levels that return to the target range approximately 2 to 3 hours after a meal. I tried everything from pre-bolusing and doing an extra bolus after a meal, to cutting out carbs altogether. Nothing worked on a consistent basis. All I got was a big dose of frustration land cortisol that shot my BG through the roof. I had become tired and unmotivated, and simply wanted t