The Healthy Diabetic
Welcome to The healthy Diabetic Podcast, each week I talk about how to navigate the complexities of diabetes. I interview doctors, Endo's, dietitians, CDE's, technology leaders, caregivers, and of course anybody who is affected by diabetes. This show is for you if you're looking for safe, educational, and engaging conversations. I promise to brighten your day, and you'll be sure to leave educated, supported, and guided on your way to a healthier and happier life with diabetes.
Remember, your only job as a diabetic is to figure out what works for you!
See you inside!
Coach Ken.
The Healthy Diabetic
#323: Why 'Doing Everything Right’ Still Feels So Hard - Coach Ken
In this solo episode I dive into one of the most important — and most misunderstood — concepts in diabetes management: SUSTAINABILITY.
After reflecting on my own recent challenges with blood sugar fluctuations, stress, sleep, nutrition, and routine, I break down why even people who “know what they’re doing” can fall out of alignment — and why that’s not failure, it’s reality.
This episode challenges the obsession with A1C and Time in Range as the main metrics of success and instead how reframing the conversation around blood sugar stability, mental health, flexibility, leads to longer diabetes stability.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Sustainability matters more than perfection in diabetes management.
- A “good” A1C or Time in Range doesn’t automatically mean your diabetes is going well.
- Blood sugar stability is a better long-term goal than chasing numbers.
- You need a specific target blood sugar, not just a target range.
- Most blood sugar issues start with basal insulin, not food.
- Restrictive eating and over-exercising may work short-term but often fail long-term.
- Mental health, nutrition quality, sleep, movement, and dosing strategy all work together.
- Burnout often comes from rigidity, fear, and unrealistic expectations.
- The Five Pillars provide a simple framework to troubleshoot any diabetes issue.
- You’re allowed to experiment, adjust, and change your approach over time.
🧩 The Five Pillars of Diabetes Success (Referenced Throughout)
- Mental Health
- Strategic Dosing
- Consistency & Routine
- Nutrition Quality
- Physical Well-Being (Sleep, Hydration, Movement)
Every diabetes challenge fits into one (or more) of these pillars.
About the Host
I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.
🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
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Ways to Support the Show
- Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Share this episode with a diabuddy
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Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.
