Ginger Vieira, Freelancer
2022-10-24
Ginger diagnosed herself with type 1 diabetes during the 7th-grade health fair when she was 13 years old — and nobody believed her for a week! She also lives with Celiac disease, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. Needless to say, her immune system has made some very questionable choices over the years, but she has spent her entire adult life creating content that helps people juggle the daily challenges of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. (Read everything she’s written at GingerVieira.com.)
She’s authored a variety of books, including “When I Go Low” (for kids), “Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes,” and “Dealing with Diabetes Burnout.” Ginger’s also written for DiabetesMine, Healthline, T1D Exchange, Diabetes Strong, Diathrive, and more! As a former competitive powerlifter, yoga teacher, and health coach, Ginger loves the never-ending experiment of managing type 1 diabetes around exercise.
In her free time, she is usually jumping rope, scootering with her daughters, or walking with her handsome fella and their amazing dog, Petey. (Find more articles by Ginger at Beyond Type 1.)
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Written by Ginger
8 Low-Carb Substitutes for People with Diabetes
Yes, people with diabetes can eat anything—but you might appreciate reducing the carbs when possible…and when they’re delicious!MORE
How to Get Afrezza Inhaled Insulin — From Prescription To Coverage
Afrezza is still relatively new to the market, so doctors and health insurance companies aren’t as familiar with it. Here’s what you need to know to get it.MORE
Double Diagnosis: Type 2 Diabetes + Common Complications
The day of your diabetes diagnosis can be especially overwhelming if it also comes with the discovery of other health concerns.MORE
If You’re Tired of Injections, Try This Insulin Patch
If you have trouble taking your mealtime insulin doses for any reason, this simple insulin patch technology might be a game-changer for you.MORE
If You Take Insulin, You Need a Prescription for Emergency Glucagon
Emergency glucagon is a medication that raise blood sugar levels quickly during severe hypoglycemia.MORE
Using Inhaled Insulin with Type 1 + Type 2 Diabetes
Here are a few reasons why people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes love using Afrezza inhaled insulin.MORE
Can EMTs + Paramedics Administer Emergency Glucagon for Severe Hypoglycemia?
Despite today’s modern 1-step glucagon options, the rules on who can administer glucagon have not been updated. MORE
3 Tips: Getting Off the Blood Sugar Roller Coaster
Stuck on the blood sugar roller coaster for hours? Here are a few tips to get off the ride quickly—or avoid the ride altogether. MORE
Putting Inhaled Insulin to the Test
I'm using Afrezza's inhaled insulin to manage my type 1 diabetes. Here's how it's going...MORE
Inhaled Insulin: Meet a Person with Diabetes Who Uses Afrezza + Keeps Her A1C Below 6.0
Have you ever wondered about the effectiveness of inhaled insulin? This T1D uses it and keeps her A1C below 6.0!MORE
How Inhaled Insulin Helped Me Recover From Diabulimia
Cynthia Celt struggled with diabulimia—a life-threatening eating disorder—for nearly 20 years before she started using inhaled insulin.MORE
What Doctors Want Most From Patients with Diabetes: Blood Sugar Data
Sharing your diabetes data can be scary—or embarrassing—but the best way to help your healthcare team help you is by sharing CGM or BGM data.MORE
Tips: Timing Your Insulin Dose with Meal Digestion
Learning how to match the timing of your mealtime insulin dose with the digestion of what you’re eating is a key part of managing diabetes.MORE
Transgender with Diabetes: Fighting for Gender-Affirming Healthcare
“I'd like my pronouns listed before the little letter indicating what genitals I have. I want person-first language.”MORE
Tips + Tricks: Losing Weight While Taking Insulin
Insulin may be a life-saving medication but there are many misconceptions about its impact on your weight. Let’s get the facts straight.MORE
Restarting Your Diabetes Journey After Burnout
If you’ve stepped back from the daily tasks of managing diabetes, it can be overwhelming to get started again. MORE
Research: Practical Use of Closed-Loop Insulin Pumps
Closed-loop insulin pump technology is a game-changer for those taking insulin. Here are essential tips to using them in day-to-day life.MORE
Diabetes + Dementia: Using Nasal Insulin to Improve Brain Function
With rising rates of obesity in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, understanding the impact on long-term brain health and function is critical.MOREMounjaro: Its Powerful Potential to Treat Type 2 Diabetes + Obesity
Experts discuss the impressive impact and future potential of using Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.MOREAnother Reminder that Racial/Ethnic Inequality Exists in Diabetes Care
Despite the variety of diabetes medications and technology, race and ethnicity still weigh heavily on a person’s access to these life-saving tools.MORE
Access to Insulin: In the United States
Despite the growing variety of insulin and technology, access to this life-saving drug continues to be a dire problem in the United States.MOREAccess to Insulin: In Low-Income Countries
In many countries, a person with diabetes may walk for four days to get a vial of short-acting insulin and seven to 10 days for long-acting.MORE
What to Expect During Recovery From Diabulimia
In your path to recovery from diabulimia, here are a few things to expect and prepare for. This path isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. MORE
Switching to an Insulin Patch After 50 Years of Injections
A 66-year-old woman who's been living with diabetes for over 50 years shares her experience using the CeQur Simplicity insulin patch.MORE
Not All Sugars Are the Same: Using Glucose to Treat Hypoglycemia
Learn why treating low blood sugars with glucose can raise your blood sugar faster than using other types of sugar.MORE
All About Mounjaro: A New Medication for Type 2 Diabetes
This new drug for type 2 diabetes and obesity is a once-weekly injection that may help you reach your A1c and weight loss goals and decrease insulin resistance.MORE
Menopause + Type 2 Diabetes
The natural transition to menopause can have a big impact on your blood sugar levels and insulin needs. Here's what you need to know:MORE
Using Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes: Benefits Beyond Your A1c
Using insulin to manage type 2 diabetes can positively impact more than just your A1c and blood sugar levels. MORE
Preventing + Treating Hypoglycemia in Older Adults with Diabetes
When it comes to low blood sugars, there are a few additional things to consider if you are over 60 years old. Let’s take a look… MORE
6 Things Doctors Should Say to Patients with Diabetes
Every type of diabetes is demanding. Feeling heard, understood and respected by your health care team is a critical part of reaching diabetes goals!MORE
Promising New Drug Leads to 22.5% Weight Loss in Adults Living with Obesity
The latest study on a new drug is making headlines for its impressive ability to help patients lose weight.MORE
My Experience Getting LASIK Eye Surgery as a Person with Diabetes
Ginger Vieira shares her experience getting LASIK eye surgery as a person with type 1 diabetes. Twelve years later, she's still so glad she did it.MORE
Can People with Diabetes Get LASIK Eye Surgery?
Have you heard rumors that you can’t get LASIK while living with diabetes? SPOILER: They’re not true! Learn more about getting LASIK...MORE
Getting Therapy as a Man with Diabetes: “Our pride gets the best of us.”
Asking for help is never easy—especially for a man in today’s world where mental health is often overlooked. Here, Keith shares why asking for help was worth it.MORE
Hypoglycemia 101: What You Need to Know
Here are the need-to-know basics of managing hypoglycemia—also known as low blood sugar—if you live with diabetes.MORE
Avoiding Lows While Drinking Alcohol
Did you know alcohol can actually lead to low blood sugars in the hours after you drink? Learn how to stay safe.MORE
What to Eat: Fast-Acting Carbs to Treat Low Blood Sugars
Learn what and how much to eat for your next low blood sugar with this easy fast-acting carbs chart.MORE
Diabetes Astrology: Snacks for Hypoglycemia Based on Your Zodiac Sign
What are the stars trying to tell you? Here's a little Astrological guidance on which fast-acting carbs to reach for during your next low.MORE
Can People with Diabetes Donate Blood?
Does your diabetes diagnosis mean you cannot donate blood? Here's what you need to know...MORE
Why You Should Try a CGM Even if You’re Reluctant
Even if you’ve gotten used to pricking your finger, you’ll probably love using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage type 2 diabetes.MORE
Why Your CGM “Glucose” Level is Not the Same as Your “Blood Sugar” Level
Frustrated when the number on your CGM doesn’t precisely match the number on your meter? There’s a really good explanation for this.MORE
5 Tips to Stop Over-Treating Low Blood Sugars
Low blood sugars are the worst—but what makes them even more miserable is the desperate urge to eat everything in sight. Here are a few tips to help you break this habit.MORE
Guide: Asking Your Doctor About Using an Insulin Patch
The CeQur Simplicity insulin patch is so new that your doctor may not even know about it! Learn how to get the conversation started…MORE
Protecting Your Eyes as a Person of Color with Diabetes
Dr. Kristen Nwanyanwu is working to improve eye care and diabetes education provided to people of color with diabetes.MORE
All About Time-in-Range
Time-in-range (TIR) is a measurement that tells you what percentage of the day your blood sugars are in your goal range.MORE
This Program Lets You Try the Freestyle Libre CGM for Free
You can try the Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitor for two weeks at no cost with the My Freestyle program.MORE
Diabetes Care for U.S. Immigrants: Why Housing Stability and Food Access Must Come First
“If a patient is worried about having enough money for food or being evicted, telling them to count their carbs isn’t usually effective.”MORE
5 Things Diabetes Technology Can Do for You
When it comes to managing diabetes, many of the advances in technology have actually made life simpler and safer.MORE
Weight + Diabetes Complications: What’s the Connection?
Does your weight play a role in your risk of developing diabetes complications? Learn more about the potential link and what you can do.MORE
Frustrated with Your Diabetes Goals? Try This Approach Instead
If you’re frustrated with traditional diabetes goals like “lower my A1c” and “lose 15 pounds,” here’s a different way to approach goal-setting.MORE
All About the CeQur Simplicity Insulin Patch
This ultra-thin wearable insulin patch is a simple and convenient way to deliver your mealtime and correction dose insulin!MORE
Losing Weight with Type 2 Diabetes: “You cannot hate yourself to wellness.”
Mary Van Doorn shares her weight loss journey over 20+ years with type 2 diabetes while facing the biggest obstacle—her emotional wellness.MORE
If You Take Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes, Your Doctor Should Also Prescribe This…
If you take insulin as a person with type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider should prescribe emergency glucagon, too. Here’s why…MORE
The Most Recommended Tool for a Healthy Weight + A1c with Type 2 Diabetes
To help you get the ball rolling on your weight loss and A1c goals, experts recommend starting on this medication. Here’s what and why...MORE
Emergency Glucagon for Type 2 Diabetes: “My blood sugar was 37 mg/dL…”
If you take insulin as a person with type 2 diabetes, emergency glucagon could save your life during a severe low blood sugar. Learn more…MORE
Women with Diabetes Need Accessible Women’s Health Care
For a woman with diabetes, regular and affordable access to women’s health care is critical. In this guide, we explore information most women with diabetes are never told and dig into what’s being...MORE
Insulin Pens vs. Insulin Pumps for Type 2 Diabetes
Using insulin to manage type 2 diabetes comes with options! Here are the pros and cons of insulin pens vs. pumps.MORE
Managing Diabetes with a High-Deductible Insurance Plan
An increasingly common type of health insurance plan, HDHPs are marketed as lower-cost healthcare — but are often prohibitively expensive for anyone with chronic health conditions. Here’s what you...MORE
11 Nutrition Tips to Help You Lose Weight with Diabetes
When it comes to losing weight, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Little decisions we make each day. Little habits. Little changes.MORE
Losing Weight with Type 2 Diabetes: Things to Consider
Losing weight with type 2 diabetes isn’t as simple as many might think. Here are a few important details to keep in mind while working on your weight-loss goals as a person with T2D.MORE
Guide: Talking to Your Doctor About Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes
Starting insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming—there’s a lot to learn! Here are some questions to ask your doctor to help you get started with using insulin.MORE
Medication Options for Type 2 Diabetes
There are so many treatment options for type 2 diabetes today—it can be a little overwhelming. But it’s really important to find what works for you!MORE
What’s Coming in 2022 for Type 2 Diabetes Medications + Technology?
In 2022, we expect to see a variety of new medication and technology options to help people manage life with Type 2 diabetes. Here’s a glimpse at what’s coming…MORE
Checking Your Blood Sugar During Pregnancy with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Managing your blood sugars during pregnancy is not a simple task — especially if you’re taking insulin. Here’s what you need to know to keep your BG levels in a safe range.MORE
Inhaled Insulin: Myths Vs. Facts
Inhaled insulin has been around for several years, but there are many myths about this zero-poke method of taking insulin.MORE
Diabetes Denial: How can I face my diabetes diagnosis?
Struggling with denial that you've been diagnosed with diabetes? Here are a few ideas to help you move forward.MORE
If type 2 diabetes runs in my family, can I prevent it?
Learn about the genetics of type 2 diabetes and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing it—even if it runs in your family.MORE
What are 2 changes I can make in my diet for a big impact on my diabetes?
Here are two simple changes you can make in your diet for a big impact on your blood sugars and your overall diabetes health.MORE
How 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help you manage diabetes
Learn how even just 30 minutes of daily physical activity can have a big impact on your blood sugars and overall diabetes health.MORE
How are these medications helping my diabetes?
Learn exactly how each diabetes medication works to improve blood sugar levels and your overall health.MORE
I need to take insulin but I’m scared of needles…
Are you struggling to take your insulin as prescribed because of a fear of needles? Learn more about needle phobia here.MORE
How can I protect my toes, feet, and legs from amputation?
Learn how to protect your toes, feet, and legs from amputation as a person with Type 2 diabetes.MORE
Using a CGM for My Type 2 Diabetes
Three people with Type 2 diabetes share how using a CGM has changed the way they manage their blood sugars—and how much safer they feel, too.MORE
Getting a CGM for Type 2 Diabetes with Private Insurance
For people with Type 2 diabetes, getting a prescription and insurance coverage for a CGM can be a challenge. MORE
Getting a CGM for Type 2 Diabetes on Medicare
For people with Type 2 diabetes, getting a prescription and insurance coverage for a CGM can be a challenge. Here's how to qualify on Medicare.MORE
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is the root cause of type 2 diabetes. Learn what you can do to prevent or slow the progression of insulin resistance in your body.MORE
What is diabetes remission?
What is the official definition of diabetes remission? We finally have a clear definition of "diabetes remission" and how it differs from "cure" and "reversal". MORE
What are diabetes complications and what causes them?
For many people, diabetes complications develop as a result of persistently high blood glucose, high blood sugar.MORE
Why do I need to check my blood sugar if my A1C is fine?
Your A1c result only offers you a glimpse into where your blood sugars have been over the past 3 months, but daily blood sugar checks can tell you much more...MORE
Why does my body need insulin?
Without enough insulin the body feels as if it's starving, even though the sugar levels in your blood could be extremely high.MORE
After Years of Denial, This Man Manages His Diabetes with Insulin
When Arvind Ramaswamy was diagnosed with MODY 1 diabetes at 25 years old in 1995, he was convinced the doctors had made a mistake.MORE
“My doctor refused to put me on insulin for Type 2 diabetes, so I got a new doctor.”
Before Kate Cornell was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2005 at 50 years old, she had no idea anything was wrong. Today, she uses both metformin and insulin to manage her blood sugars.MORE
“I stopped taking insulin in January 2021,” says Prince Blue
With an A1c of 17.6 percent at his diagnosis, Prince looks back and realizes he should’ve started insulin right away. But today, he’s no longer taking insulin and thriving.MORE
Medication Options for Type 2 Diabetes with Dr. Diana Isaacs
Which medication for Type 2 diabetes is right for you? There's so many options, it can be confusing! Watch this interview to learn how they each work and why your doctor started with metformin.MORE
Guide: Talking to Your Doctor About Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
With so many options available today, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what diabetes medications might be right for you and your goals.MORE
How a New Treatment for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Changed This Man’s Life
Earl Arnold endured the pain of diabetic neuropathy for years before finding a treatment option that truly changed his life.MORE
Learn How to Recognize Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Learn about the signs and symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy — and how it’s different from other types of neuropathy.MORE
Treatment Options for People with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Struggling with painful diabetic neuropathy? Learn about treatment options to help reduce your pain and improve your day-to-day life.MORE
Tips to Avoid Post-Meal Spikes in Your Blood Sugar
We've gotta eat! But managing those post-meal spikes can be tricky. Here are 3 tips that could help...MORE
Deep Dive: All of the Non-Drug Pain Treatment Options for Diabetic Neuropathy
Painful neuropathy can be disruptive, life-altering, and overwhelming. Don’t deal with it alone; learn about non-drug pain relief options.MORE
Diabetic Neuropathy: A Common Complication with a New Solution
Scary: talking about diabetes complications. Scarier: Keeping your pain to yourself when there are life-changing solutions available.MORE
Best Times of Day to Check Your Blood Sugar
Here, we’ll look at the best times to check your blood sugar for the most information about your diabetes management!MORE
All About Gvoke HypoPen®
Anyone who takes insulin and other medications that cause low blood sugar should know about the premixed insulin Gvoke HypoPen.MORE
Low Blood Sugars + Anxiety While Returning to Your Busy Routine
Easing back into "regular" life can increase your anxiety about low blood sugars and diabetes management. Here are a few tips to help:MORE
Save a Life: It’s Time to Learn About Glucagon
Easy as an EpiPen, learn how to save a life with glucagon — because someone you know can have severe hypoglycemia, even if you don't know it!MORE
Research on Pancreas Transplants in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Pancreas transplants are not an easy solution to type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but for some, they may be life-saving.MORE
Anxiety in People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Anxiety in people with diabetes may not be discussed very often, but research finds that it's very common.MORE
The Impact of Blood Sugar Levels + DKA on Your Brain
Recent research suggests that DKA and prolonged high blood sugar levels cause the most injury to your brain.MORE
Depression in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence + Treatment Strategies
Research on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and depression highlighting the true burden of daily management.MORE
How to Ask Your Primary Care Provider for Glucagon
Your doctor may not know about emergency glucagon, why you need it, and the newest types available. Here's how to ask for it...MORE
How to Get Emergency Glucagon: CoPay Cards + Insurance Denials
What to do if your health insurance denies your request for newer emergency glucagon treatment productsMORE
Overcoming Denial: This Chef Lowered Her A1c from 9.5 to 5.9 Percent
Within 95 days, Genny lowered her A1c from 9.5 to 5.9 percent while still enjoying a diet full of real food and flavor.MORE
COVID Pandemic Leads to a Sharp Drop in A1c Testing
"We started getting a lot of referrals with really high A1cs in the double-digits,” says Jennifer Okemah, MS, RD, BCADM, CDCES, CSSDMORE
How to Get Labs + Tests Done for Telehealth Visits
Here are 3 ways to get those routine yet important lab tests done so you can discuss the results at your next telehealth appointment.MORE
The Continued Importance of A1C Tests for Diabetes Care
Regular A1c tests are one of the best ways to determine if your blood sugars have been in a safe and healthy range during the previous three months.MORE
Preparing for a Telehealth Appointment: What to Know
Telehealth appointments aren't quite as simple as showing up at your doctor's office. Make sure you're prepared for your next telehealth appointment...MORE
Which Sunglasses are Best for People with Diabetes?
You probably know that UVA and UVB light can both damage your skin -- increasing your risk of skin cancer -- but it’s important to protect your eyes from UV light, too.MORE
What does 20/20 vision mean?
The vision test you’ve probably been doing since you were 3 years old is called “visual acuity testing” and it determines whether your vision is 20/20 or something else.MORE
We Asked an Ophthalmologist: Who REALLY Needs Eye Exams?
Regardless of your A1c, Kevin Blinder, MD, ophthalmologist explains why everyone with diabetes needs an annual eye exam.MORE
Floaters in Your Vision: When Should You Be Concerned?
Floaters are very common in people with diabetes who have developed diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema.MORE
All About Glaucoma in People with Diabetes
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to the non-diabetic population, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.MORE
All About Cataracts in People with Diabetes
For people with diabetes, chronically high blood sugar levels can affect the wellbeing of your lenses and lead to cataracts.MORE
All About Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is extremely common in people with diabetic retinopathy. These two eye conditions are the leading cause of blindness in developed countries across the globe.MORE
All About Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinopathy is one of the most common and most serious diabetes-related eye complications. It’s actually the leading cause of preventable blindness.MORE
All About “Dry Eye” with Diabetes
One of the most common yet rarely talked about eye conditions in people with diabetes is “dry eye,” it affects approximately 54 percent of people with diabetes.MORE
Patients Share: Treatments for Diabetes Eye Complications
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes share their experience receiving treatments for diabetes eye complications like retinopathy and macular edema, and how it’s helped save their vision. MORE
Computer Screens + Blue Light: What Screen Time Can Do to Your Eyes
65% of Americans report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, also referred to as “computer vision syndrome”.MORE
What’s the Difference: Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist vs. Optician
Regular appointments with eye specialists are the best way to protect your eyes and your vision from diabetes complications.MORE
What to Expect at Your Annual Diabetes Eye Exam
Painless and non-invasive, your annual diabetes eye exam will be looking for signs of these five eye conditions...MORE
Why You Should Schedule Your Annual Diabetes Eye Exam
Your annual diabetes eye exam is the best way to protect your vision from diabetes-related eye complications.MORE
How Diabetes Impacts Your Mood
Blood sugar fluctuations and constant stress means diabetes can easily impact your mood...MORE
At-Home Workout: 15-Minute Dumbbell Routine for Beginners
Getting started with strength-training can be overwhelming and confusing. Keep it simple with this daily 15-minute beginner's dumbbell workout!MORE
Moving Past Denial With Type 2 Diabetes
Denial is all too common for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and for good reason. Let's take a closer look...MORE
Insulin + Temperature: Why It’s Really Important
Insulin is very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Even an hour in a hot car can spoil your insulin. Learn how to keep it safe...MORE
If a Strict Low-Carb Diet Doesn’t Work For You…
Instead of an extremely strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, try adding these low-carb tips to a more flexible way of eating.MORE
Making the Switch from Pens to a Pump: What to Know
Switching from multiple daily injections (MDI) with an insulin pen to an insulin pump is a very exciting decision! Here's what you need to know...MORE
Doctors Agree: They Need More Time with Type 2 Diabetes Patients
90% of doctors want more time with Type 2 diabetes patients and better communication between specialists regarding each patient.MORE
Three Cardio Exercises That Are More Fun Than Jogging
If you hate jogging, it's okay! Here are 3 types of cardio exercise that'll get your heart pumping without the heavy (and boring) impact on your joints.MORE
Yeast Infections + Diabetes: What You Need to Know
High blood sugar levels can feed the growth of yeast, leading to yeast infections. Here's what you need to know...MORE
