Let’s Talk Pre-Bolusing (Without the Shame)
Let’s Talk Pre-Bolusing (Without the Shame) Tired of feeling like you’re defusing a bomb every time you try to pre-bolus? You’re not alone, and this episode sets the tone for the entire month. Today, We’re Covering: Why pre-bolusing feels...
The episode, word for word
Have you ever tried to time your insulin just right before a meal, and it felt like you were trying to defuse a bomb in a movie, while someone's yelling "Dinner's ready!" from the other room?
Yeah. I've been there.
I've had type 1 diabetes since I was diagnosed during Air Force flight training, decades of figuring this stuff out. And honestly? I'm still learning.
I'm Neil, and this is Your Best T1D Year podcast.
And this month? We're taking on something that could genuinely change the way your blood sugar behaves all day... if it didn't feel so tricky to pull off: the pre-bolus.
Let's be real, pre-bolusing sounds simple, right? You just take insulin a little before you eat. Easy. But if you've ever actually tried to do that, you know it's not simple at all.
You have to know when the food's actually going to be ready. You have to know what's in it. You have to guess whether your blood sugar's steady, trending down, trending up. And if you live with other people, good luck. Pre-bolusing can turn into the world's most stressful trust fall.
It's like trying to rescue the princess at the end of Super Mario Bros. It's doable. Totally. But you've got to dodge fireballs, jump over pits, and hope nobody changes the level on you mid-jump.
And it's not just you. This is a challenge for a lot of us. In fact, one of the biggest reasons people skip pre-bolusing is because of how unpredictable meals can be. And the fear of going low? Totally real. We'll talk about that too.
So here's what we're doing: June is all about the pre-bolus. But we're not doing this to prove anything to anyone. We're doing this to learn how it works in your real life.
Because when you get it right, or even just close, you start to see the difference. Less post-meal chaos. Fewer "how did I hit 280?" moments. More stable afternoons.
Each episode this month, we'll tackle a different piece of the puzzle. Timing, fears, AID tech, how to adjust when you get it wrong, and tools to make it easier.
We'll look at the science. The stats. The mental side. And most of all, what it looks like to try this without pressure.
And just so you know, I'm doing this with you. This isn't some lesson from a perfect record. This is me learning and testing and screwing it up sometimes... right alongside you.
Most people won't even try this. They'll stick to what feels safer, even if it's not actually working.
But you? You're listening. You're in the room. That matters.
You're already doing something most people won't. And I think that deserves some respect.
So let's kick it off: this week, just pay attention to your post-meal numbers. That's it. No pressure. Just observe.
Because seeing the pattern is the first step to changing it.
[Integrated Ad // This Might Be the First Time You've Heard of Them]
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They offer free clinical care, education, and emotional support for adults living with type 1 diabetes. Not free like, 'we'll try to get it covered.' Actually free.
They can help with carb counting, insulin adjustments, diabetes tech, peer support, and even prescription or insurance navigation.
They've already helped hundreds of people lower their A1C and reduce diabetes distress.
I've sat in meetings with their team. They care, they show up, and they're building the kind of care system most of us wish existed when we were diagnosed.
They're in 10 states right now, and more are opening soon. You can learn more or sign up for free at [ ](https://bluecirclehealth.org).
New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
You're not behind. You're building something.
And I'm proud to be in it with you.
48 - June 4
Wednesday, June 4
This is the script as read on the mic, lightly tidied for reading. Education, not medical advice. Talk to your care team before you change anything about your insulin.