#323: Why 'Doing Everything Right’ Still Feels So Hard - Coach Ken

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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)

1. Mental Health
2. Strategic Dosing
3. Consistency & Routine
4. Nutrition Quality
5. 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
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💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
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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.

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