
Ep 21 - Cracking Dawn Phenomenon: How Stress, Sleep, and Daily Habits Drive Morning Blood Sugar Spikes with RDN Kitty Finklea
10/02/23 • 40 min
In today’s episode we dive deep into the intricacies of managing your blood sugar and well-being with expert insights from Kitty Finklea, a renowned Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Join us as we explore the fascinating phenomenon known as the Dawn Effect. Kitty, a regular guest here unveils the secrets behind the early morning rise in blood sugar levels and offers actionable tips to conquer it.
Understanding Dawn Phenomenon:
Explore the body's natural rise in blood sugar during sleep and its impact on type one diabetes.
Raising Awareness: Learn why discussing this topic is essential for effective blood sugar management.
Managing Stress and Blood Sugar:
Stress's Impact: Kitty reveals how stress, cortisol, and blood sugar are interconnected.
Mindful Breaks: Discover techniques for reducing stress and maintaining stable blood sugar through mindful breaks.
Morning Power Practices:
Embrace Routines: Kitty's guidance on five-minute morning practices like yoga and deep breathing for well-being.
Dawn Phenomenon Management: Understand how these practices contribute to blood sugar control.
Hydration and Diet:
Fluid's Vital Role: Kitty emphasizes hydration's significance for optimal body function and blood sugar regulation.
Choosing Snacks: Gain insights into selecting balanced evening snacks, including protein bars.
Lifestyle Harmony:
Factors Interplay: Explore expert advice on the connection between sleep, stress, and diet.
Align with Rhythms: Discover strategies like fasting exercise and sunlight exposure for lifestyle balance.
Blood Sugar Management Strategies:
Mitigating Spikes: Kitty shares tips like speaking with your doctor on adjusting basal rates and using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).
Journaling and Self-Compassion: Uncover journaling's power and self-kindness in diabetes journey.
Walk away with some actionable takeaways:
Practical Checklist: Learn a pre-bed checklist for managing stress, sleep, and hydration.
Leave Feedback: Rate, review, and provide feedback at Podcast | Abundant HealthBlood Sugar Specialist (abundanthealthwithmelissa.com)
Top of Form
Reach out to Kitty at [email protected]
Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode.
3 things to do now:
1. Follow me @bloodsugarboss on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.
2. Free Download - How to Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes After 40
3. Contact us about our coaching programs
Disclaimer:
Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.
In today’s episode we dive deep into the intricacies of managing your blood sugar and well-being with expert insights from Kitty Finklea, a renowned Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Join us as we explore the fascinating phenomenon known as the Dawn Effect. Kitty, a regular guest here unveils the secrets behind the early morning rise in blood sugar levels and offers actionable tips to conquer it.
Understanding Dawn Phenomenon:
Explore the body's natural rise in blood sugar during sleep and its impact on type one diabetes.
Raising Awareness: Learn why discussing this topic is essential for effective blood sugar management.
Managing Stress and Blood Sugar:
Stress's Impact: Kitty reveals how stress, cortisol, and blood sugar are interconnected.
Mindful Breaks: Discover techniques for reducing stress and maintaining stable blood sugar through mindful breaks.
Morning Power Practices:
Embrace Routines: Kitty's guidance on five-minute morning practices like yoga and deep breathing for well-being.
Dawn Phenomenon Management: Understand how these practices contribute to blood sugar control.
Hydration and Diet:
Fluid's Vital Role: Kitty emphasizes hydration's significance for optimal body function and blood sugar regulation.
Choosing Snacks: Gain insights into selecting balanced evening snacks, including protein bars.
Lifestyle Harmony:
Factors Interplay: Explore expert advice on the connection between sleep, stress, and diet.
Align with Rhythms: Discover strategies like fasting exercise and sunlight exposure for lifestyle balance.
Blood Sugar Management Strategies:
Mitigating Spikes: Kitty shares tips like speaking with your doctor on adjusting basal rates and using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).
Journaling and Self-Compassion: Uncover journaling's power and self-kindness in diabetes journey.
Walk away with some actionable takeaways:
Practical Checklist: Learn a pre-bed checklist for managing stress, sleep, and hydration.
Leave Feedback: Rate, review, and provide feedback at Podcast | Abundant HealthBlood Sugar Specialist (abundanthealthwithmelissa.com)
Top of Form
Reach out to Kitty at [email protected]
Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode.
3 things to do now:
1. Follow me @bloodsugarboss on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.
2. Free Download - How to Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes After 40
3. Contact us about our coaching programs
Disclaimer:
Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.
Previous Episode

Ep 20 - The Best Medical ID Bracelet is The One You Want to Wear With Lauren’s Hope EVP, Tara Cohen
Meet Tara Cohen, the Executive Vice President of Lauren's Hope Medical ID Jewelry and a proud resident of Kansas City since 2013. With a background as a Lauren's Hope customer, Tara draws on personal experiences and those of her family and friends to emphasize the importance of custom medical alert jewelry.
In this heartwarming podcast, we explore the story of Lauren Hope, a company that started with an act of kindness for a young girl with type one diabetes. From its humble beginnings as a craft business making bracelets, Lauren Hope has evolved to offer a wide range of medical ID jewelry, from bracelets and necklaces to charms and bag tags.
Tara sheds light on the significance of medical ID jewelry for individuals with medical conditions and how it has transformed from a stigma to a style statement. Discover the convenience of interchangeable medical ID bracelets, which allow wearers to express themselves and adapt their jewelry to different moods, outfits, or activities.
Learn about Lauren Hope's exceptional customer service, including concierge assistance and personalized shopping sessions. The company's commitment to gratitude and integrity shines through, making each interaction a true gift for the customers they serve.
Tara also discusses the crucial role of emergency contacts and the recognizable medical symbol for first responders during emergencies. With custom-sized jewelry available down to a quarter of an inch, Lauren Hope ensures a perfect fit for everyone.
Don't miss this touching episode that inspires compassion and transparency. Stay tuned for a glimpse of Lauren Hope's new line of jewelry, including the charming "Bri" tennis bracelet in silver, gold, and rose. Whether you're looking for medical ID jewelry for yourself or a loved one, this podcast provides invaluable insights into finding the perfect combination of style, functionality, and peace of mind. Join us on this journey into the wonderful world of medical ID jewelry! See link below in show notes to shop and save 20%.
Follow Lauren's Hope at Lauren’s Hope | Medical ID Bracelets and Alert Jewelry (laurenshope.com)
Click Here to Shop Lauren’s Hope and save 20% and get a personal shopping session.
Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode.
Follow me @bloodsugarboss on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming episodes
Send me a DM to introduce yourself, with any feedback, questions or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.
RESOURCES FOR YOU:
Free Download - How to Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes After 40
Contact us about our coaching programs
Disclaimer:
Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.
Next Episode

Ep 22 - Movement as Medicine: Balancing Hormones and Blood Glucose with Brian Schwager
Meet Brian Schwager, the founder of Wellness Movement ServicesTM (WMS) and a prominent figure in the health and fitness industry for nearly 40 years. With a diverse educational background and extensive practical experience, Brian brings a holistic, evidence-based approach to fitness training. He holds certifications in Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology through the CHEK Institute and is a CHEK Trained Professional IMS Level 2 and CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 1.
In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Brian as we explore the significance of movement as medicine, its impact on blood glucose management, and hormone balance. Brian shares 10 different types of exercises and emphasizes the importance of a personalized whole-body approach to fitness.
We'll also delve into the differences between "Working-In" and "Working Out," understanding the role of the nervous and hormonal systems in exercise. Brian's expertise as an author, blog writer, and speaker at healthcare and holistic events shines through as we uncover the keys to using movement as medicine and fostering self-awareness for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Tune in to embrace the power of the feminine and take the next steps towards optimal health with Melissa and Brian's expert advice.
Visit Brian wellnessmovementservices.com
Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode.
3 things to do now:
1. Follow me @bloodsugarboss on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.
2. Free Download - How to Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes After 40
3. Contact us about our coaching programs
Disclaimer:
Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.
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