Diabetes Maven

02/15/2026

🫛 This “slimy” vegetable might be one of the best things you can eat for your blood sugar.

I know I know. A lot of people can’t get past the texture. But hear me out.

Okra is not just a southern cooking staple. It’s actually been studied for its effect on type 2 diabetes and the results are pretty impressive.

Research has shown that okra can help lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. But here’s what really got my attention.

The compounds in okra have been shown to help restore beta cell function in your pancreas. Those are the cells responsible for making insulin. The same cells that are struggling when you have type 2 diabetes. Okra actually helps them work better.
That slimy stuff everybody complains about? That’s called mucilage. And it’s one of the reasons okra works so well. It slows down how fast sugar gets absorbed in your gut which means fewer spikes after meals.

Okra is also packed with fiber and antioxidants that help with cholesterol and inflammation. Two things that go hand in hand with diabetes.

Some people even drink okra water. You just slice up a few pods and soak them in water overnight in the fridge. Strain it in the morning and drink it. Simple.

⚠️ One important thing though. If you are taking metformin please talk to your doctor first. There is some research showing okra may interfere with how your body absorbs that medication. So just have that conversation before you go all in.

But if you’re looking for a simple natural food to add to your plate that can actually help your numbers? Don’t sleep on okra.

Have you ever tried okra or okra water? Tell me in the comments 👇
If you want to learn more about insulin resistance check out my insulin resistance guide (link in bio)

02/15/2026

🥤 Can we talk about soda for a minute?

I get it. I really do. Giving up soda feels like breaking up with your best friend. That cold fizzy burn hitting the back of your throat on a hot day? Nothing like it.

But here’s the truth nobody wants to hear.

That one can of soda has about 39 grams of sugar in it. That’s almost 10 teaspoons. Just sitting in that little can waiting to send your blood sugar through the roof.
And if you’re drinking one every day? That’s 70 pounds of extra sugar a year going straight into your body. Your pancreas is over there working double shifts trying to keep up. She’s tired y’all.

Now here’s the thing. I’m not here to shame anybody. I used to drink soda like it was water. Sweet tea too. Juice. All of it. I thought juice was healthy. Turns out that glass of orange juice spikes your blood sugar just as fast as a candy bar. Nobody told me that.

But when I finally let it go? That’s when things started to change.

My energy got better. My numbers started coming down. I stopped feeling that crash in the middle of the afternoon. It wasn’t overnight but it was real.

So what do you drink instead?

Because let’s be honest. Water is great but sometimes you want something with a little more to it. Something that actually feels like you’re drinking something. That fizz. That flavor. You miss it.

That’s why I started drinking Good Idea.
And before you roll your eyes let me explain why this one is different.

Good Idea is a sparkling water made with five essential amino acids and a mineral called chromium picolinate. It’s not just flavored water pretending to be healthy. This drink has actually been clinically shown to reduce blood sugar spikes after a meal by an average of 25 percent. Let that sink in.

25 percent.

Here’s how you use it. You drink about a third of the can about 10 to 15 minutes before you eat. Then you finish the rest with your meal. That’s it. No pills. No powders. No weird taste. Just a clean sparkling drink that actually works with your body.
And here’s the part that really got me. Good Idea has been shown to naturally support your body’s GLP-1 response. That’s the same hormone that those expensive medications like Ozempic target. But this is doing it naturally through amino acids. Not a shot. Not a prescription. A drink you can grab out of your fridge.

It has zero sugar. Zero caffeine. Zero calories. No artificial sweeteners. No junk. Just clean ingredients that help your metabolism do its job.
But here’s what I really love about it.
It gives you that fizzy satisfying feeling that soda used to give you. So you’re not just white knuckling it through the day trying not to grab a Coke. You actually have something in your hand that scratches that itch AND helps your blood sugar at the same time.
That’s a win win.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding swaps that make this journey easier. And Good Idea has been one of those swaps for me.

If you’re trying to break free from soda. If you’re tired of watching your numbers spike after every meal. If you just want something that tastes good and actually helps instead of hurts. Give this a try.

Your pancreas will thank you. Your blood sugar will thank you. Your future self will thank you.

Drop a 🥤 in the comments if you’re ready to swap the soda.

And tag someone who needs to see this today.

02/14/2026

Save this one for your next lunch or dinner!

Add a protein of your choice to make it more robust

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

🚨 If THIS is in your pantry, throw it away immediately.

Go check. I’ll wait.

If you see the words “bleached flour” on that bag… it’s time for it to go.

Here’s what most people don’t know:
Not all flour is created equal — and if you’re living with type 2 diabetes, this matters more for you than almost anyone else.

When flour is bleached, it’s treated with chemical agents like azodicarbonamide, chlorine gas, and benzoyl peroxide. These aren’t just “processing aids.” They leave behind residues, including a byproduct called alloxan.

Why should you care about alloxan?
Because in research settings, alloxan has actually been used to induce diabetes in lab animals. It works by damaging the beta cells of the pancreas — the very cells responsible for producing insulin.

Let that sink in for a moment.

The same organ you’re already trying to protect… could be taking a hit every time you eat something made with bleached flour. Your pancreas is already under stress.

Why add fuel to the fire?

And it gets worse. Bleached flour is also stripped of nearly all its fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which means it spikes your blood sugar faster than almost anything else in your kitchen. It’s essentially sugar in disguise.
So what should you use instead?
Look for these swaps:
→ Almond flour – low carb, high in healthy fats, gentle on blood sugar
→ Coconut flour – high in fiber, keeps you full longer
→ Unbleached whole wheat flour – if you’re going to use wheat, at least make sure it’s unbleached and whole grain
→ Chickpea flour – packed with protein and fiber
→ Cassava flour – a grain-free option that works well for baking
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness.

Small swaps like this can make a real difference over time for your blood sugar, your pancreas, and your overall health.

Your pancreas has been working overtime. Start protecting it.

Share this with someone who needs to check their pantry today. 👇

02/13/2026

🌿 5 Kitchen Herbs That Can Help Manage Blood Sugar

1. Rosemary
More than just a flavor booster — rosemary contains compounds that may lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It also fights inflammation, which is a key driver of insulin resistance.

2. Parsley
This garnish is a hidden gem — parsley is rich in antioxidants and has been shown in studies to support lower blood sugar levels. It also supports kidney health, which is important for diabetics.

3. Oregano
A Mediterranean powerhouse — oregano contains compounds that may help your body use insulin more efficiently. Just a sprinkle on your meals can add both flavor and function.

4. Ginger
Fresh or ground, ginger has solid research showing it can lower fasting blood sugar and improve HbA1c levels. It also aids digestion and reduces inflammation.

5. Turmeric
The golden spice — curcumin in turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may improve insulin resistance and protect against diabetes-related complications.

⚠️ Remember: These herbs support a healthy lifestyle — they don’t replace your medication.

02/12/2026

New episode on Ditching Diabetes
:)https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ASanUZ28EhyDZdXkd4lsq?si=VxNVqQjpQtOGkpReH0Awrw

02/12/2026

Did you know that your daily average corresponds to your 3 month A1C average?

Save this as a guide so that you can keep a better handle on your daily blood sugar and decrease your A1C

02/12/2026

Breaking free from
Sugar is paramount for those of us who have type 2 diabetes.

It doesn’t mean you can never have it but you don’t want it to have an unhealthy hold on you.

Listen and save this for later

02/11/2026

Are you on Substack with me?
Read more (link in comments)

02/11/2026

Blood sugar targets don’t need to be extreme to be protective.

Staying under 180 mg/dL after meals helps reduce long-term nerve and vascular damage.

What matters most is how quickly glucose comes back down.

Save this for reference.

Share with someone managing diabetes.