Explaining Your Low Snack to Strangers
The episode, word for word
You ever eaten a fruit snack aggressively in front of a stranger?
Like, you're in the middle of a jog, your CGM just beeped, and now you're standing on the side of the path, ripping open an applesauce pouch like it's oxygen and trying to look casual.
And then some sweet jogger jogs by and gives you a thumbs up like... "You got this!"
And yes, if someone asks why you're downing gummies on the running trail, just say: 'It's how I pre-game for fireworks.' Everyone else is lighting sparklers tonight, you're lighting up a juice box like it's your patriotic duty.
Today's episode is all about that moment.
The weird, awkward, slightly hilarious part of exercising with type 1.
When you're low at home, you know what to do.
But when you're low in the middle of a hike? A 5K? Spin class?
That's when the snacks come out fast, and your dignity takes a little walk.
Suddenly, you're chewing like your life depends on it (because... it kind of does), and you're trying not to make eye contact with anyone while you squeeze glucose gel into your mouth like a Go-Gurt goblin.
If you've ever tried to explain this to a non-diabetic friend,
"I'm not bonking... I'm not just hungry... I'm avoiding a medical emergency with a Capri Sun..."
you know the looks.
This is real T1D life. And it's worth laughing at and planning for.
According to research from the American Diabetes Association, 42% of people with T1D report fear of hypoglycemia as the main reason they avoid exercise. Not soreness. Not time. Not motivation. Just plain old fear of going low." (ADA Scientific Sessions, 2022)
Here's the thing:
The best way to avoid that "low in public" panic moment?
Prep like a pro.
And not just with any snack, but a fast-acting one.
Let me give you the cheat code:
15g of fast carbs
In a pocket, pouch, or waistband
That you'll actually use
A few crowd favorites:
Fruit snacks
Glucose tabs (no shame, pure function)
Dex4 gels (weirdly effective)
Gummi bears (yes, the Haribo kind)
Apple juice boxes (vintage and valid)
And always remember the sacred T1D law:
Bring more than you think you'll need.
Pack two snacks. Because one's for your blood sugar, and the other's for emotional support.
Because the second you don't? That's when your BG decides to audition for a thriller film.
Look, eating glucose tabs in the middle of your workout is weird only if you think it is.
But when someone sees you take care of yourself?
That's not embarrassing. That's brave.
And let's be honest, nothing says "I'm a legend" like continuing your workout after battling your blood sugar and surviving a group fitness instructor shouting "only 30 seconds left!"
You're already overcoming more than most people ever see.
So whether it's a run, a walk, or ten minutes of awkwardly lunging in your garage,
Show up. Fuel up.
And know that someone out there (hi ) gets it.
So here's your move for the weekend:
Choose a movement
Pack a low snack
Wear it like a badge of badassery
Laugh at the awkward stuff
Because your stories are legendary.
And if you've got one of those snack-in-public moments?
Send it my way. I'm collecting the best ones for an episode later this month.
And hey, if you want help thinking through movement and blood sugars, I've got you:
[ ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gwITtfF8tD8wtRmkyPtsOFnRRY0g_bit/view?usp=drive_link)
It's free, and full of what to prep for before, during, and after exercise.
Follow along for more:
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New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
And if you haven't yet, go check out my new book:
Type 1 Diabetes, True Stories is on.
Oh, and don't forget:
[ ](https://bluecirclehealth.org) is making T1D care accessible, free, and actually useful.
No one should have to choose between groceries and insulin. Ever.
You've got this.
And if someone sees you snacking on the trail today?
Just wink and say, "medical."
Week 22
62 - July 7
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.