Discover
Your Diabetes Insider Podcast
Your Diabetes Insider Podcast
Author: Ben Tzeel
Subscribed: 32Played: 283Subscribe
Share
© 2023
Description
Welcome to the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, where we take all the mysteries of blood sugar control, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and any of the other 40+ factors that may impact your blood sugars. I'm Ben Tzeel, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, strength coach, and Type 1 diabetic myself of over 20 years. Join me as I share my personal and professional experiences, helping you have your best blood sugars while living your best life with diabetes!
140 Episodes
Reverse
Ever had a travel disaster? Imagine dealing with it while managing diabetes! In this episode of Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, I share my recent trip from Tampa to L.A. that turned into a full-blown diabetes travel nightmare. From flight delays to site failures, I break down what went wrong, how I handled it, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid the same stress. Whether you love to travel or it makes you anxious, this one's packed with real talk and practical tips. Buckle up! 🚀 Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Join our EXCLUSIVE Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/266766620895432 Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
In this episode of the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, we're talking about something people think about… but don't always say out loud: care team horror stories. I'm not here to bash doctors. I'm not here to call anyone out. But if you've ever left an endocrinologist appointment feeling anxious, rushed, judged, or straight-up defeated… we need to talk. Because your diabetes care team is supposed to support you - not stress you out. We're officially in the thick of 2026. The New Year's motivation wave has worn off. This is the part of the year where real progress happens… or where people fall back into the same cycle. And if your care team isn't actually helping you move forward, that's a problem! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
If you're on an insulin pump and feel like your sites just randomly stop working, this episode is for you. We're talking about one of the most frustrating (and under-discussed) parts of diabetes: pump site issues, scar tissue, inflammation, and failed infusion sets - and why they seem to get worse the longer you've had diabetes! This isn't meant to scare you off pump therapy - it's meant to help you get better results from the technology you're already using. If you've ever changed a site, done everything "right," and still watched your blood sugar skyrocket… you're not alone. Got questions? DM us @yourdiabetesinsider on Instagram or TikTok. If the podcast helps you feel more confident managing diabetes, a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify would mean the world! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
We're answering real diabetes questions straight from social media in this episode of the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast - and yeah… some of them are insightful, some are wildly confusing, and a few left me absolutely speechless! We're talking net carbs vs total carbs, whether caffeine actually spikes blood sugar, what happens if your phone controls your insulin pump (and you lose it 😬), insulin and weight gain myths, workout blood sugar spikes, A1C vs GMI, scary ingredient lists, and even how we know I actually have diabetes (yes… really). If you've ever felt confused by diabetes advice online, frustrated by mixed messages from providers, or just wanted honest, real-life answers from someone who actually lives with this - this episode is for you. Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
Carbs and diabetes. 🥴Probably the most talked-about, misunderstood, and fear-filled topic in the diabetes world. In this episode of the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, I break down carbs at the 30,000-foot level - no scare tactics, no outdated rules of 15, and no "never eat this food" nonsense. I also call out the lazy diabetes fear-mongering online (you know the videos) and explain why carbs aren't the enemy - you just need a game plan! Bottom line: If you can hit your nutrition needs, keep your blood sugars in range, and actually enjoy your life… the exact number of carbs doesn't matter nearly as much as you've been told. And if you want better blood sugars in 2026 and beyond and a plan that actually fits your life, my team and I have your back! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
If you've already blown your New Year's goals… good. This episode is for you. Everyone starts the year talking about weight loss, better blood sugars, keto, fasting, vegan, carnivore, and most of it lasts about five days. Instead of doing another "New Year, new me" reset, I decided to actually test something I've talked about for years but never committed to. I went gluten-free and dairy-free - not for weight loss, not because it's trendy, but to see what would actually happen to my blood sugars, insulin resistance, inflammation, and body as someone living with diabetes. This isn't diet culture. This isn't perfection. And I'm definitely not saying everyone with diabetes should quit gluten and dairy forever. This episode will give you a grounded, real-world way to think about it! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
Diabetes doesn't care about your routine because honestly, there is no routine. In this episode of the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, I break down exactly how I manage my blood sugars when life throws curveballs. I'm talking long days of competitive sports, messed-up eating schedules, adrenaline spikes, a jammed and bruised thumb, and even a surprise pump site failure… all in the same week! This isn't about being perfect - it's about adapting, using past data, and making intentional decisions so diabetes doesn't run the show. If you travel, play sports, work unpredictable hours, or feel like your "routine" constantly falls apart… this episode is for you. Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
Trying to lose weight with diabetes in 2026 and hoping this is finally the year it works? You're not alone. Every January, weight loss goals come roaring back - new diets, gym memberships, fresh motivation and then… by mid-January, it all falls apart. If you're living with diabetes, it can feel even harder. In this episode of the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, we talk honestly about why weight loss with diabetes keeps failing for so many people and what actually needs to change if you want real, sustainable results this year! This isn't about crash diets, extreme deficits, or white-knuckling your way through another failed January. It's about building a strategy that actually works for people living with diabetes WITHOUT burnout, shame, or giving up (again). If 2026 is the year you want to stop starting over and finally see progress, this episode is for you! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @yourdiabetesinsider
Wow, 2025 has felt like a decade, right? In this final episode of the year on Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, we're recapping all the highs, lows, and lessons from the past 12 months. I share my personal struggles with stress, sleep, and tech (Dexcom mishaps anyone?), and why self-care isn't just a buzzword - it's a blood sugar lifesaver! If this year tested you, you made it - and there's a lot to be grateful for. And don't worry, there's hope: new tech, studies, and breakthroughs in diabetes are coming in 2026 that you'll want to know about. Let's close out 2025 with reflection, gratitude, and a plan for a stronger, calmer, healthier year ahead! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @manoftzeel
Christmas is right around the corner, and if you live with diabetes, this holiday comes with a few extra curveballs! Different foods, weird schedules, closed gyms, late nights, and a lot of temptation. In this episode, I walk you through how to actually prepare for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day without stressing or wrecking your blood sugars. We talk workouts when the gym is closed, why movement matters even more than Thanksgiving, how fat and protein sneak up hours later, medication timing, portion control, sleep, and how to enjoy the holiday without feeling out of control. This isn't about being perfect or skipping your favorite foods. It's about having a simple game plan so you can enjoy the holidays, stay mostly in range, and feel good doing it! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @yourdiabetesinsider Tiktok: @manoftzeel
In this episode of Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, we're diving into a super important question: Can you actually trust your CGM right now? With recent headlines about the Freestyle Libre 3 recall - including reports of inaccurate readings, injuries, and even deaths PLUS ongoing Dexcom G7 issues like failed alerts, sensor errors, and big accuracy swings, it's no wonder people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are feeling unsure about their devices. I'm breaking down what's really going on with CGMs, why your readings might be 25–100 points off, how that impacts dosing decisions (especially with pumps and automated systems), and what you can do to protect yourself. From calibrating new sensors, to "soaking" them before activation, to keeping a backup meter (non-negotiable!), this episode gives you practical, real-life tips to stay safe and confident using your Dexcom, Libre, or any CGM. If you've ever looked at your number and thought, "There's no way that's right," this one's definitely for you! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
If you've ever wished someone would just answer your diabetes questions in a real, straightforward way, this episode is for you. Today I'm going through a bunch of questions I got from social media - everything from low blood sugar panic moments to how to pick the right bread when you have type 2 diabetes! We talk about what number is actually considered a low, why you might feel shaky at 78, and how many carbs you really need to treat a low without rebounding into the 180s. I also break down how to read food labels so you're not guessing, plus why glucose tabs are honestly kind of gross and what you can use instead. We also get into how to bring down a high blood sugar quickly in a safe way, how hydration and movement play a huge role, and which breads tend to be more blood-sugar-friendly for people with type 2 diabetes. If you want better blood sugars, more confidence with carbs, and simple steps you can actually use in real life, you're going to love this one! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
Welcome back to the Your Diabetes Insider Podcast. Somehow, it's already December - one of the toughest months of the year for anyone trying to keep their blood sugars, routines, and goals on track. In this episode, I break down why December is the real difference-maker for what your blood sugars, A1C, and overall health will look like in 2026! Most people wait for January to "start fresh," but the truth is simple: the habits you carry through December either give you a running start or put you weeks behind before the new year even begins. We dig into why resolutions fall apart so fast, how to keep your workouts consistent when schedules get messy, ways to manage stress and sleep, how to handle holiday snacking without blowing up your numbers, and the small daily decisions that prevent the usual holiday weight gain and spikes. December can set you up or set you back. This episode is all about helping you survive the season, protect your numbers, and walk into January feeling steady, confident, and already moving in the right direction. Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
If Thanksgiving day feels manageable but the rest of the week totally throws you off - this episode is for you! We're talking travel stress, being out of routine, random snacking, sleep getting wrecked, family drama (yep…), and how all of that can push your blood sugars into full-on Rocky Mountain mode. In this episode of Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, Ben breaks down how to stay in range while traveling, what to do when you're completely out of routine, and why holiday grazing can send your blood sugars skyrocketing. You'll also learn simple ways to keep your activity on point (even without your usual gym), how sleep and stress affect your numbers, and what to do with all the leftovers after Thanksgiving. Whether you're heading home, hosting the whole crew, or navigating a chaotic holiday week, you'll walk away with a plan that actually works without feeling restricted. This guide is perfect for Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, or any holiday stretch where routines disappear! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
In this episode, Ben breaks down a simple Thanksgiving strategy so your blood sugar doesn't get wrecked before dessert even hits the table. We talk real prep, activity, hydration, what to eat before the big meal, how to build your plate, and how to decide what's actually worth the insulin. If past holidays have thrown you off, this year doesn't have to. Here's the clear plan to feel good, stay present, and still enjoy the food you love! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel
In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Ben shares the top 8 things he wishes he knew earlier about managing diabetes. From understanding how fat really affects your blood sugar to why daily movement matters more than you think, he breaks down the practical lessons that make diabetes management easier. Whether you've had diabetes for years or just got diagnosed, this episode of Your Diabetes Insider Podcast is packed with real-world tips to help you stay in range, feel your best, and live fully without feeling limited! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
In this episode, Ben sits down to answer your most common diabetes questions from social and email - from what to grab during a low, to what really happens when insulin overheats in the sun, to how some people have lived with diabetes for decades without complications. He also shares a wild personal story about a low that left his tongue numb, plus tips on managing blood sugars during workouts, college testing, and pump vs. MDI. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?"- this one's for you. Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
Halloween doesn't have to be stressful when you're living with diabetes. In this episode, Ben shares his personal Halloween game plan-from handling trick-or-treating with your kids to managing blood sugars while still enjoying your favorite candy. You'll learn how to prep, dose smart, and even turn your candy stash into a low snack supply for later. This one's all about making Halloween fun again, without the guilt or the chaos! Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
Hey, I'm Ben Tzeel. In this quick episode, I explain why blood sugars often creep up in fall and it's not just pumpkin treats! We talk about the under the radar role of temperature and season changes, how less daylight and fewer steps can sneakily raise your numbers, and what to check in your data. I share a personal story about steps saving my day and give practical tips: look at your CGM or logs, message your care team about medication adjustments, and plan for holiday foods so you can enjoy them without getting derailed. Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel
In this episode of Your Diabetes Insider Podcast, Ben breaks down everything you need to know about insulin pumps - what's out there, how they work, and whether switching from injections is worth it. He covers the pros and cons of top options like Omnipod, Tandem, and Medtronic, shares real talk on convenience vs. reliability, and gives tips for figuring out which system fits your lifestyle best. If you've ever wondered, "Should I get a pump—or stick with shots?" this episode will help you decide. Want the best blood sugars you've ever had while enjoying great food? Peep this: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/coaching RESOURCES: Download these FREE guides that will help you on your diabetes, nutrition, and exercise journey! https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com/free-stuff Watch my food breakdowns here → https://www.youtube.com/@yourdiabetesinsider LET'S TALK! Instagram: @manoftzeel Tiktok: @manoftzeel



