Diabetes & Travel

Here is a question I recently received from someone with Diabetes visiting GlucoMenu:

Q:  I have type 2 diabetes and travel quite a bit.  My eating & exercise are unpredictable at best when I travel and I’m having a difficult time managing my diabetes.  What do you suggest? 

A:  Travel can be easier and more enjoyable with some planning.

Research hotels in the area.  You might look for a room that has a small kitchen so that you can have fresh produce, low-fat dairy products, and other foods on hand that you normally include in your diet to manage diabetes.

When eating out... (click here to read my entire answer).

BBQ & Diabetes

Here is a question I recently answered from someone visiting GlucoMenu:

Q:  Every summer our friends & family has a large BBQ.  Since I’m watching my weight and blood sugar, what types of foods should I eat more of and what foods should I avoid at my BBQ? 

A:  BBQs can be a great opportunity to take advantage of enjoying the outdoors and socializing with family & friends.  There are many BBQ options that can be healthy and tasty!  Consider these options for your upcoming BBQ... (click here to read my entire answer).

Cholesterol & Diabetes

Here is a question I recently answered from someone with Diabetes visiting GlucoMenu:

Q:  In addition to having diabetes, I have high cholesterol.  What can I order? 

A:  "If it has eyes, it has cholesterol."  Cholesterol is only found in animal products. 

Plant foods will not contain cholesterol and may contain fiber which can be helpful in lowering cholesterol as well as making you feel full.  Here are a few tips to help guide you when ordering... (click here to read my entire response).

Diabetes Glucose Test

Here is a question we answered from someone visiting GlucoMenu:

Q. My glucose tolerance test was at 105 - how high/low is that compared to acceptable levels?

A. It depends on what type of test you had (was it a fasting glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test?).  If it was a Fasting Plasma Glucose test, a glucose level of 100-125 indicates pre-diabetes.  Your doctor will have the test results and be able to answer questions specific to you.

The American Diabetes Association states the following:

"In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).  Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes.  The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster, and less expensive to perform.

With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between... (click here to read our entire response Diabetes Glucose Test).

Sugar vs Sugar Alcohol for Diabetes

Here is a question we received from someone with diabetes visiting GlucoMenu

Q:  "How many grams of sugar is the limit for one day, and what is the difference between sugar and sugar alcohol?"

A:   Sugar alcohols are reduced calorie sugar substitutes that can be found in sugar-free candies, desserts, chewing gum, and other products.  Sugar alcohols do not have as much effect on blood sugar in comparison to regular table sugar.  If a food contains more than 5 grams sugar alcohol, the American Diabetes Association recommends... (click here for our entire response).

Diabetes Beverage Choices

We are often asked what they should drink by those with diabetes visiting GlucoMenu

Here is a question we recently answered:

Q:  I am not a great water drinker and tend to go for the juices.  Frozen orange juice and canned apple juice are two of my choices.  Is frozen orange juice considered sugar free? 

A:    Fruit juices are definitely NOT sugar free.  Juice tends to be one of the quickest ways to increase blood sugar.  Instead of juices... (click here to read our entire response).

A1c and Diabetes

Here is a question we recently answered from someone visiting GlucoMenu:

Q:  "What should my A1c level be?"

A:  An A1c test (Hemoglobin A1c test) is a blood test that reveals how your blood sugar has been over the past 2-3 months. This test can show high blood sugar you are not aware of as a result of blood sugar testing times. Strive for an A1c close to that of a healthy person (4-6%).


The American Diabetes Association recommends... Click here to read the entire answer:  A1c and Diabetes