Your Pre-Bolus Toolkit
Pre-bolusing is like flossing. Everyone says they do it. Most people… don’t. This episode unpacks the real-life tools, from timers to cheese sticks, that make pre-bolusing possible, even on the busiest days. Today, We’re Covering: Physical...
The episode, word for word
Pre-bolusing is like flossing. Everyone says they do it. Most people... don't.
And the ones who do? Usually found a weird little system that actually works.
Hey, I'm Neil, and this is Your Best T1D Year podcast. My new book, Type 1 Diabetes: True Stories just came out last week and you can get it on Amazon or Kindle right now.
I was diagnosed with type 1 during Air Force flight training. And it took me way longer than I care to admit to figure out how to make pre-bolusing part of my day instead of just... an idea I liked in theory.
Today, I want to give you a few of the actual tools that have made it easier for me, and for people I've coached, so that maybe pre-bolusing doesn't have to feel like you're solving a riddle under pressure.
Let's start with what you can actually see or touch:
Timers, Phone alarms, smartwatches, even a cheap kitchen timer. Set one for 10 minutes and name it something dumb like "Go eat, legend."
Low-carb first bites, Cheese stick, meat stick, fiber cracker, whatever helps you wait a few minutes for your insulin to kick in.
Visible insulin reminders, Put your pen or pump controller near your water bottle or phone, where you'll actually see it.
Pre-bolus pouch, Glucose tab, infusion site check, your pre-bolus toolbelt. Everything in one spot = less decision fatigue.
These might sound weird, but they work:
Announce it: Tell your partner, roommate, or kid: "Hey, I just dosed. We got 10 minutes." Let them help you stay on track.
Meal rhythm stacking: Pair pre-bolusing with another habit, brushing your teeth, walking the dog, setting the table. Stack the cue.
Visual cues: Sticky note on the fridge, "Wait for insulin to clock in." Passive-aggressive? Maybe. Helpful? Yes.
Permission to snack: If the meal's delayed, don't spiral. Have a known low-carb or partial-carb mini-bite you trust.
Because life's wild and T1D doesn't care about your plan:
Emergency carbs nearby, Always. This is not a drill. Be ready to flex.
Pre-bolus when food is real, not theoretical, Like when it's in the oven, not when someone starts thinking about it.
Use your CGM, Watch the trend arrow. If it's already dropping, maybe you wait. If it's rising, maybe you send it. (And yes, I just said "send it." We're rolling with that.)
You don't need all of these. But one or two? Could change the game.
This isn't about being perfect, it's about building your rhythm.
New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Here's something I've learned, people with T1D know who's really showing up to help, and who's not. Blue Circle Health is out there at events, in homes, and in real care plans that work. That includes everything from insulin coaching and tech setup to mental health support and peer mentorship. If you're looking for care that actually shows up for you, sign up for free at bluecirclehealth.org.
Nobody's got it all figured out. But you? You're out here building your own playbook.
And I'm here for it. No cap.
Week 20
56 - June 23
Monday, June 23
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.