How I Manage Type 1 Diabetes with a 5.5 A1C—No Magic, It's My Method
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

How I Manage Type 1 Diabetes with a 5.5 A1C—No Magic, It's My Method

What if your A1C said you didn’t have diabetes—even though you’ve had type 1 for over 40 years? That’s exactly what happened to me. But this isn’t a story about miracles or magic. It’s about my method. In this post, I share the four pillars that helped me achieve an A1C of 5.5%: smart tech, slow movement, mindful calm, and Mediterranean meals. If you’re ready to rethink what thriving with diabetes looks like, this one’s for you.

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Émile Coué’s Method: A Mindful Approach to Blood Sugar Control
Diabetes, Mindfulness Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Mindfulness Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

Émile Coué’s Method: A Mindful Approach to Blood Sugar Control

What if managing diabetes wasn’t just about carbs, CGMs, and insulin pumps—but also about the quiet power of your own thoughts? Long before wearable tech and low-carb recipes, a French pharmacist named Émile Coué discovered that the mind could influence the body in profound ways. His method of autosuggestion—repeating simple, positive phrases—might sound old-school, but it pairs surprisingly well with modern diabetes tools and mindful living. In this post, we’ll explore how Coué’s century-old wisdom can help you feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of your blood sugar—one gentle affirmation at a time.

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The Great Paella Rebellion: How I Ditched the Rice and Kept the Soul
Diabetes, Healthy Diet Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Healthy Diet Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The Great Paella Rebellion: How I Ditched the Rice and Kept the Soul

What happens when you commit "culinary treason" against one of Spain's most beloved dishes? I ditched the rice in paella and discovered something amazing: the soul of this iconic dish was never about the carbs anyway. Join me on a deliciously rebellious journey where saffron-scented dreams meet blood sugar reality, and discover how three simple swaps transformed my kitchen into a low-carb Spanish paradise. Spoiler alert: even my Spanish friend asked for seconds. Read on to learn the art of the perfect paella fake-out.

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The Great Diabetes Juggling Act: How to Keep All the Balls in the Air (Without Losing Your Mind)
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The Great Diabetes Juggling Act: How to Keep All the Balls in the Air (Without Losing Your Mind)

Managing diabetes sometimes feels like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. But what if I told you that you don't have to do it alone anymore? Discover how modern tech, smart eating, and gentle movement can turn the overwhelming daily grind into a manageable rhythm—without losing your sanity in the process.

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My Tandem t:slim X2 Game Plan
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

My Tandem t:slim X2 Game Plan

Think your insulin pump's standard mode is the only way to go? Think again. After decades of diabetes management – from single-use syringes and urine tests to today's cutting-edge technology – I share my approach to the Tandem t:slim X2. Find out why tighter targets, strategic thinking, and understanding your CGM's quirks could revolutionize your diabetes control. Sometimes the best path forward isn't the one in the manual.

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The End of Finger Pricks: How CGMs Revolutionized Diabetes Management
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The End of Finger Pricks: How CGMs Revolutionized Diabetes Management

Injections or pump? After decades with insulin pens, I switched to pump therapy six years ago. Here's the honest breakdown of both options – from smart pens that sync with your phone to pumps that auto-adjust with your CGM. Because choosing your diabetes management style shouldn't feel like rocket science (even when the technology kind of is).

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The Great Diabetes Therapy Face-Off: Pumps vs. Pens (And Why Your Pancreas Doesn't Get a Vote)
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The Great Diabetes Therapy Face-Off: Pumps vs. Pens (And Why Your Pancreas Doesn't Get a Vote)

Injections or pump? After decades with insulin pens, I switched to pump therapy six years ago. Here's the honest breakdown of both options – from smart pens that sync with your phone to pumps that auto-adjust with your CGM. Because choosing your diabetes management style shouldn't feel like rocket science (even when the technology kind of is).

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Time for a Reset: Reclaim Your Energy, Health, and Confidence After a Tough Time
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

Time for a Reset: Reclaim Your Energy, Health, and Confidence After a Tough Time

Stuck in a cycle of high blood sugars, stress eating, and skipped workouts? You're not broken—you're human. This gentle 7-day reset will help you reconnect with your body and diabetes goals without the guilt trip. No dramatic overhauls, no starting from 'square one'—just compassionate, practical steps to get back to feeling like yourself again.

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When Pumps Have Personalities: How Tandem, Omnipod, and Medtronic Step In
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

When Pumps Have Personalities: How Tandem, Omnipod, and Medtronic Step In

Your insulin pump has a personality—and it's probably not what you think. Some are zen masters who whisper gentle corrections. Others are helicopter parents staging full interventions when you hit 141 mg/dL. One acts like an overeager intern, and another? Well, it's basically that substitute teacher who follows the rules to the letter. Which personality type is living on your body 24/7, and more importantly—is it the right match for yours?

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From Walking to Wandering: Why I'm Evolving My Exercise Approach (And You Should Too!)
Diabetes, Workouts Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Workouts Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

From Walking to Wandering: Why I'm Evolving My Exercise Approach (And You Should Too!)

Ever find yourself going through the motions with a workout routine that once excited you? I was religiously hitting 10,000 steps and 30 gym minutes daily—the same plan that helped me slash my medication by 75% and achieve optimal health markers. But somewhere between step 2,847,291 and my 847th encounter with the same treadmill, I realized something: success can become its own prison. Here's why I'm breaking free...

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Unlocking Somatic Intelligence: Your Body's Secret Diabetes Coach
Diabetes, Mindfulness Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Mindfulness Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

Unlocking Somatic Intelligence: Your Body's Secret Diabetes Coach

What if your body has been trying to help you manage your diabetes all along—and you just haven't been listening?

Your glucose meter gives you the numbers, but your body gives you the context. That slight tremor, the 3 PM yawn, the way your vision feels "off"—these aren't random sensations. They're your internal diabetes coach trying to communicate.

Somatic intelligence isn't about replacing your medical care with mystical body wisdom. It's about partnering with the sophisticated early warning system you've had all along. Ready to start the conversation with your most important health ally?

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LISS and Diabetes: Why Our Ancestors Had It Right All Along
Diabetes, Workouts Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Workouts Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

LISS and Diabetes: Why Our Ancestors Had It Right All Along

What if I told you that chasing your toddlers around the living room could be more effective for managing diabetes than those brutal HIIT workouts that leave you questioning your will to live? After years of trying every fitness trend from CrossFit to hot yoga, I discovered that the answer wasn't in pushing harder—it was in moving like humans were meant to move. Here's why the tortoise really does beat the hare, especially when your blood sugar is along for the ride...

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The Hidden Breath-Stealer: How Screen Apnea is Secretly Sabotaging Your Blood Sugar
Diabetes, Mindfulness Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Mindfulness Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The Hidden Breath-Stealer: How Screen Apnea is Secretly Sabotaging Your Blood Sugar

You're doing it right now – and it might be spiking your blood sugar.

While you're reading this, there's an 80% chance you've unconsciously shifted into shallow, restricted breathing. It's called "screen apnea," and this hidden habit isn't just stealing your breath – it's potentially sabotaging your glucose levels and increasing your diabetes risk.

Every notification, every urgent email, every heated online debate triggers the same ancient stress response that once helped us outrun predators. Except now the "tiger" lives in your pocket, follows you to bed, and never stops hunting.

Discover why your body thinks your laptop is a saber-toothed cat, and learn the surprisingly simple way to break the cycle that's been hiding in plain sight all along...

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Trust Your Gut: The Surprising Link Between Digestion, Immunity, and Diabetes
Diabetes, Healthy Diet Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Healthy Diet Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

Trust Your Gut: The Surprising Link Between Digestion, Immunity, and Diabetes

Think your gut is just a food processor with an attitude problem? Think again! Your digestive system is running a 24/7 metropolis of trillions of tiny residents who have very strong opinions about your blood sugar and immunity. For anyone managing diabetes, these microscopic citizens might just be the game-changers you never knew you needed. Ready to discover why your digestive drama could be the key to better health?

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The Inflammaging Wake-Up Call - When Chronic Inflammation Meets Aging
Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The Inflammaging Wake-Up Call - When Chronic Inflammation Meets Aging

I'm sitting in my car after work, scrolling through podcast episodes, when I spot a new Zoe podcast titled "Inflammaging: The Hidden Driver of How We Age." Despite years of researching diabetes and metabolic health, I'd never heard this term before. Thirty minutes later, as I sat in my driveway completely absorbed in what I was hearing, I realized I'd stumbled upon something that could fundamentally change how I thought about aging.

What I discovered about how chronic inflammation literally accelerates aging—and what we can do about it—was both sobering and incredibly hopeful.

Read the full post to discover how the same strategies that optimize metabolic health can slow cellular aging and extend your healthspan.

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The Yanomami Effect: Modern Blood Pressure Management
Diabetes, Healthy Diet Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Healthy Diet Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

The Yanomami Effect: Modern Blood Pressure Management

The Yanomami tribe has virtually no cases of high blood pressure, even in old age. Their secret? A natural, low-sodium, unprocessed diet. For those with diabetes, it’s a powerful reminder: high blood pressure isn’t inevitable. It’s a lifestyle choice. Join me as I delve deeper into their secrets and discover how I became a Yanomami without realizing it.

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Thriving with Diabetes: A Transformative Approach to Health and Happiness
Diabetes, Mindfulness, Healthy Diet, Workouts, Cholesterol Michael Hofer, Ph.D. Diabetes, Mindfulness, Healthy Diet, Workouts, Cholesterol Michael Hofer, Ph.D.

Thriving with Diabetes: A Transformative Approach to Health and Happiness

What if diabetes isn’t just something you survive—but something that helps you thrive? After living with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years, I’ve discovered a powerful approach that blends modern technology, mindful living, nourishing food, and joyful movement. In this blog post, I’ll share how these four pillars, along with a natural strategy to improve cholesterol and blood pressure, can help you transform your health—and your life. Ready to take the first step toward thriving with diabetes? Let’s begin.

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