The Diabetic Toolbox

Renee Reid

Welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox; our mission is to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, are prediabetic, or have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you, my friend, are in the right place. This show will give you tools and tips to help you lose weight naturally, heal your mindset, and strengthen your body through yoga and walking. Hosted by award-winning podcaster, Emotional Eating and Diabetes Lifestyle Coach, and yoga teacher Renee Reid

  1. 6d ago

    Walking for Blood Sugar Control: 3 Lessons I Learned After Prediabetes That Changed Everything

    In This Episode:  We'll discuss why many people overlook walking because it seems too simple, how hydration and sleep can influence cravings and blood sugar levels, and why walking remains one of the most sustainable forms of exercise for adults living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.If you've been wondering where to start, this episode is for you. After my prediabetes diagnosis in 2017, I left my doctor's office feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. What I eventually discovered was that one of the most powerful tools for improving blood sugar was also one of the simplest: walking. In this episode of The Diabetic Toolbox, I'm sharing three important lessons I've learned from my own journey and from helping others use walking to support blood sugar management, weight loss, and overall health. My story of being diagnosed with prediabetes in 2017 How walking became the foundation of my health journey Why simple habits often produce powerful results The connection between hydration, sleep, cravings, and blood sugar Why walking supports weight loss and mobility How to get started even if you've been inactive Why starting again matters more than never missing a day Resources Download your free copy of The Diabetic Toolbox: 7-Day Walking & Blood Sugar Kickstart Inside you'll receive:A beginner-friendly 7-day walking plan Blood sugar-friendly menuA complete shopping listTracking pages for walking and blood sugarEncouragement to help you build healthier habits Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we're honored to walk this journey with you.

    12 min
  2. Jun 9

    Happy Hour and Diabetes: How to Enjoy the Fun Without the Blood Sugar Drama

    In this episode of The Diabetic Toolbox, Renee shares three practical strategies to help you enjoy social gatherings, happy hours, and nights out while supporting healthy blood sugar levels. You'll learn why eating before you go can make a big difference, how hydration affects blood sugar management, and which beverages may be better choices when you're trying to avoid a sugar overload. Whether you're meeting coworkers after work, catching up with friends, or celebrating a special occasion, these simple tips can help you feel your best before, during, and after your night out.  In This Episode: • Why arriving hungry can lead to blood sugar challenges • The best foods to eat before happy hour • How hydration supports blood sugar management • Why alcohol and dehydration can leave you feeling drained • Sugary drinks that may cause blood sugar spikes • Better beverage options for people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes • A simple strategy for planning before social events To read the full Happy Hour and Diabetes: How to Enjoy the Fun Without the Blood Sugar Drama blog post, visit www.thediabetictoolbox.com  Key Takeaway Managing diabetes does not mean missing out on life's celebrations. A little preparation can help you enjoy happy hour, stay connected with friends and family, and support your health at the same time. And before I go, I want to tell you about something special.  If you're overwhelmed and unsure where to start with your blood sugar, you're not alone, and that's exactly why I created my 4 Week Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Reset. Knowing what to do is one thing, but doing it consistently while managing cravings, stress, and a busy life is where most people struggle.  If you're over 40 and tired of guessing what to eat or watching your blood sugar go higher and higher, I'll help you follow a simple, realistic step-by-step plan to lower your numbers, lose weight, and feel back in control, without extreme diets or starting over every week.Click this link for more information and to grab your spot.  Please share this post with someone you love. Send it to someone who's struggling with their blood sugar, too. I promise they'll thank you for it.Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.With Peace & Love,Renee DisclaimerThe Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we're honored to walk this journey with you.

    6 min
  3. Jun 8

    Diabetes Foot Care: Why Your Feet Deserve More Attention Than You Think

    Today, we're talking about diabetes foot care and why your feet deserve a lot more attention than they usually get. Now, I know foot care is not exactly the most exciting topic. Most of us spend far more time thinking about our blood sugar numbers, our medications, or what we're going to eat for dinner. But here's something I've learned over the years. Your feet are carrying the weight of your entire life. They carry you through grocery store trips, family vacations, walks with friends, long workdays, and all those ordinary moments that make up a meaningful life. When you're living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, your feet can become more vulnerable because elevated blood sugar may affect circulation and nerve health. That means cuts, blisters, swelling, or skin changes can sometimes go unnoticed. That's why daily foot care is about much more than appearance. It's about protecting your mobility, your independence, and your quality of life. One of my favorite ways to support foot health is through gentle standing yoga. Simple poses like Mountain Pose, Tree Pose, Chair Pose, and High Lunge can help improve circulation, strengthen the lower body, and support balance. And the best part? You don't need to spend an hour exercising. Just a few minutes of intentional movement can help you reconnect with your body and support healthy movement. Now, this is just the beginning of the conversation. In the full blog post, I walk you through the complete foot care routine, explain why circulation matters, share beginner-friendly standing yoga poses, and show you how to make foot health part of your diabetes self-care routine. So if you've been overlooking your feet, this is your reminder to start paying attention. Your feet have carried you this far. They deserve a little care in return. And before I go, I want to tell you about something special. The July group for my Four-Week Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Reset is now open. This program is designed for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are tired of feeling stuck in the cycle of cravings, emotional eating, blood sugar frustration, and starting over every Monday. Inside the program, you'll learn how to identify emotional eating triggers, understand your relationship with food, create blood sugar-friendly habits, manage cravings with confidence, and build a healthier lifestyle that feels realistic and sustainable. You'll also receive guidance, support, and practical tools that help you take what you're learning and apply it to everyday life. If you've been looking for support and a community of people walking a similar path, this may be exactly what you've been searching for. Click this link or visit the blog for all the details and to learn more. With Peace & Love, ReneeDisclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

    6 min
  4. Jun 2

    Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: How Your Thoughts Influence Your Health

    Discover how mindset plays a powerful role in managing and preventing Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. In this episode, we explore the connection between thoughts, habits, motivation, and long-term health outcomes. Learn practical mindset strategies to overcome self-doubt, build healthy routines, improve blood sugar control, and stay consistent with nutrition, exercise, and diabetes management goals. Whether you're newly diagnosed with prediabetes, living with Type 2 Diabetes, or looking to improve your overall wellness, this episode provides actionable insights to help you create lasting lifestyle changes and take charge of your health journey. Free Weight Training Guide   https://payhip.com/b/CxVbBDownload your free copy of The Diabetic Toolbox Weight Training Guide and learn how simple strength training can support better blood sugar, more energy, stronger muscles, and greater confidence at any age.  Perfect for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are ready to get stronger one step at a time.   https://payhip.com/b/CxVbB Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

    22 min
  5. May 31

    Gentle Yoga for Type 2 Diabetes: Beginner Breath Flow for Stress Relief, Mobility, and Blood Sugar Support

    In today’s Sunday Gentle Yoga Breath Flow, Renee from The Diabetic Toolbox guides you through a calming seated yoga practice designed for adults over 40 living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. This beginner-friendly yoga sequence focuses on mindful breathing, stress relief, gentle mobility, and nervous system support using seated stretches, grounding breaths, shoulder rolls, neck turns, and seated twists. If you have been feeling stiff, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or disconnected from your body, this calming yoga flow offers a supportive way to reconnect through movement and breath. Perfect for beginners, limited mobility, stress management, emotional eating support, and blood sugar wellness. Resources: Free Weight Training Guide Download your free copy of The Diabetic Toolbox Weight Training Guide and learn how simple strength training can support better blood sugar, more energy, stronger muscles, and greater confidence at any age. This beginner-friendly guide includes: Easy home workoutsExercise demonstrationsLow-cost home gym tipsNutrition support for blood sugar healthPerfect for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are ready to get stronger one step at a time. 4-Week Reset Program The Emotional Eating & Blood Sugar Reset Coaching Program:  If you’re overwhelmed by blood sugar, emotional eating, or constantly wondering what to eat, you are not alone.  My 4-Week Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Reset is designed for adults over 40 who want a simple, realistic plan to improve blood sugar, lose weight, reduce cravings, and feel back in control without extreme diets or starting over every Monday.   Click the link to learn more and reserve your spot.  Renee & Ruby’s Shop for a Cause Your purchases allow us to continue blogging, podcasting, and providing free education and resources to women and families working to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. AfterPay is available.  Browse & shop here:Follow The Diabetic Toolbox Blog for more resources and support: www.thediabetictoolbox.com Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

    19 min
  6. May 27

    Diabetes and Stress

    Hello everyone. It's Renee here from the Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time through education, support, and empowerment. Welcome to the Diabetes Minute, our moment to pause, learn something new, and take one small step towards better health and balance.  Today, we're talking about why your stress spikes your blood sugar, even if you ate a healthy meal or snack. Have you ever eaten healthy all day and still had high blood sugar numbers?   Well, you're not imagining it. When stress levels rise, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Those hormones tell your body to release more glucose into the bloodstream, even if your meals were balanced. That means emotional stress, overwhelm, anxiety, lack of sleep, and even frustration can impact your blood sugar numbers.  One small shift that you can make today is this: before each meal, pause and take three slow, deep breaths. This helps calm your nervous system and may support healthier blood sugar responses. Remember, diabetes management is not only about food; your emotions, stress levels, sleep, and mindset matter too.  And if you're ready to stop the emotional eating cycle and stabilize your blood sugar, join my four-week emotional eating and blood sugar reset. Click the link below this video for more information and to grab your spot.  I'll talk to you soon. Have a great day.Resources: Free Weight Training Guide Download your free copy of The Diabetic Toolbox Weight Training Guide and learn how simple strength training can support better blood sugar, more energy, stronger muscles, and greater confidence at any age. This beginner-friendly guide includes:  Easy home workoutsExercise demonstrationsLow-cost home gym tipsNutrition support for blood sugar healthPerfect for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are ready to get stronger one step at a time. 4-Week Reset Program The Emotional Eating & Blood Sugar Reset Coaching Program:  If you’re overwhelmed by blood sugar, emotional eating, or constantly wondering what to eat, you are not alone.  My 4-Week Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Reset is designed for adults over 40 who want a simple, realistic plan to improve blood sugar, lose weight, reduce cravings, and feel back in control without extreme diets or starting over every Monday.   Click the link to learn more and reserve your spot.  Renee & Ruby’s Shop for a Cause Your purchases allow us to continue blogging, podcasting, and providing free education and resources to women and families working to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. AfterPay is available.  Browse & shop here Follow The Diabetic Toolbox Blog for more resources and support: www.thediabetictoolbox.com Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

    2 min
  7. May 27

    Diabetes and Happy Hour

    Hello, my friend, Renee here from The Diabetic Toolbox, where our mission is to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time through education, support, and empowerment. This is The Daily Dose, your moment to pause, learn something new, and take one small step toward balance and better health. If social events or happy hour make you feel anxious, you’re not alone. These moments can feel tricky when you’re managing your blood sugar. Alcohol can spike your blood sugar, and then cause it to drop later, sometimes dangerously low, especially if you’re drinking without food. But you don’t have to avoid these gatherings. You just need a strategy. Choose lower-sugar options like dry wine or spirits with soda water. Eat before you go, and hydrate between drinks. Action Step: Plan your next social event ahead of time, what you’ll eat, what you’ll drink, and how you’ll pace yourself. That is all for today, my friend. I will talk to you soon.  Until then, take care of yourself and each other. Bye for now. Resources: Free Weight Training Guide Download your free copy of The Diabetic Toolbox Weight Training Guide and learn how simple strength training can support better blood sugar, more energy, stronger muscles, and greater confidence at any age. This beginner-friendly guide includes: Easy home workoutsExercise demonstrationsLow-cost home gym tipsNutrition support for blood sugar healthPerfect for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are ready to get stronger one step at a time. 4-Week Reset Program The Emotional Eating & Blood Sugar Reset Coaching Program:  If you’re overwhelmed by blood sugar, emotional eating, or constantly wondering what to eat, you are not alone.  My 4-Week Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Reset is designed for adults over 40 who want a simple, realistic plan to improve blood sugar, lose weight, reduce cravings, and feel back in control without extreme diets or starting over every Monday.   Click the link to learn more and reserve your spot.  Renee & Ruby’s Shop for a Cause Your purchases allow us to continue blogging, podcasting, and providing free education and resources to women and families working to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. AfterPay is available.  Browse & shop here: Follow The Diabetic Toolbox Blog for more resources and support: www.thediabetictoolbox.com Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re

    2 min
  8. May 22

    Brain Fog, Memory Problems, and Mood Swings: Are Blood Sugar Levels to Blame?

    Brain fog, forgetfulness, mood swings, anxiety-like feelings, afternoon crashes, and poor sleep may all be connected to blood sugar levels. In part two of our Beyond Blood Sugar: Diabetes and Brain Health series, Renee explores the powerful connection between blood sugar, cognitive health, mood, memory, and mental clarity. If you are over 40 and living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, this episode will help you recognize some of the real-life symptoms that are often overlooked when blood sugar is unstable. In this episode, you’ll learn: How blood sugar highs and lows affect the brain The connection between diabetes and brain fog Why cortisol and stress hormones impact memory and mood How poor sleep affects blood sugar and cognitive function The gut-brain-blood sugar relationship Five daily habits that support brain health and metabolic wellness  Simple ways to improve focus, energy, and emotional well-being naturally Renee also shares practical lifestyle habits that can help support both mental clarity and blood sugar balance, including prioritizing protein and fiber, walking after meals, improving sleep quality, staying hydrated, and reducing ultra-processed foods. This episode is filled with encouragement, realistic wellness strategies, and support for adults navigating prediabetes, insulin resistance, emotional eating, and type 2 diabetes. Resources: Free Weight Training Guide Download your free copy of The Diabetic Toolbox Weight Training Guide and learn how simple strength training can support better blood sugar, more energy, stronger muscles, and greater confidence at any age. This beginner-friendly guide includes: Easy home workoutsPrintable workout sheetsExercise demonstrationsLow-cost home gym tipsNutrition support for blood sugar healthPerfect for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are ready to get stronger one step at a time. 4-Week Reset Program The Emotional Eating & Blood Sugar Reset Coaching Program:  If you’re overwhelmed by blood sugar, emotional eating, or constantly wondering what to eat, you are not alone.  My 4-Week Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar Reset is designed for adults over 40 who want a simple, realistic plan to improve blood sugar, lose weight, reduce cravings, and feel back in control without extreme diets or starting over every Monday. You’ll receive meal plans, worksheets, walking support, coaching, and guidance every step of the way.  Click the link to learn more and reserve your spot.  Renee & Ruby’s Shop for a Cause Every purchase from our shop helps support The Diabetic Toolbox's mission. Your purchases allow us to continue blogging, podcasting, and providing free education and resources to women and families working to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. AfterPay is available.  Browse & shop here:Follow The Diabetic Toolbox Blog for more resources and support: www.thediabetictoolbox.com Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox; our mission is to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, are prediabetic, or have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you, my friend, are in the right place. This show will give you tools and tips to help you lose weight naturally, heal your mindset, and strengthen your body through yoga and walking. Hosted by award-winning podcaster, Emotional Eating and Diabetes Lifestyle Coach, and yoga teacher Renee Reid