guest blog
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Alaska: The Power of Nutrition, Movement, and Adapting
March 16, 2026
Our blog is a space for sharing and learning about various food systems topics across Alaska. We occasionally have Guest Blogs that highlight particular issues and stories of interest. The views in our Guest Blogs are not reflections of APFC positions. If you are interested in writing a Guest Blog, please contact info@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org to discuss your idea!
By Jake Matheson, Nutrition and Dietetics Student at the University of Alaska Anchorage
My name is Jake Matheson. I’m 24 years old and about to graduate with a degree in Nutrition. Nutrition has always fascinated me since a young age, not just academically, but personally. For me, it goes past being just an interesting subject; it’s also a tool that directly affects health, energy, and long-term quality of life.
At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. From that moment forward, I was forced to start learning about nutrition earlier than most people. Very quickly I realized that food choices and exercise were not abstract health concepts but very real concepts that directly determined how stable my blood sugar would be and how good I would feel each day.
One of the first things people with type 1 diabetes learn is carbohydrate counting. Carbohydrates have the most immediate effect on blood glucose levels, so figuring out how many grams were in a meal was critical for dosing insulin properly. Over time I realized that not all carbohydrates behave the same. Foods high in fiber and rich in other nutrients tend to produce slower and more predictable glucose responses compared to something like candy or sugary drinks that lack fiber and tend to be less nutrient dense.
For example, a meal built around whole foods like vegetables, whole-grain carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats usually produces a more stable blood sugar curve than a meal built around refined carbohydrates. The main idea here is that fiber slows digestion while protein and fat help moderate the speed at which glucose enters the bloodstream.
I learned quickly that mastering this balance was essential for managing my diabetes. It’s a simple principle, but it has a larger impact on blood sugar control than any supplement, powder, or superfood.
Balanced meals also provide benefits that extend beyond glucose control. Protein supports lean tissue growth, particularly when combined with resistance training. Healthy fats and micronutrients support cardiovascular health, something I have come to appreciate more as I get older. Consistently eating nutrient-dense foods helps maintain strong insulin sensitivity over time.
Another piece of the diabetes equation is exercise. Physical activity allows muscles to absorb glucose directly from the bloodstream, which can really help improve blood sugar control. After a workout or even a brisk walk, insulin sensitivity often improves for hours.
For me, exercise has truly made a huge difference. Resistance training supports muscle growth, which helps increase the body’s capacity to store and use glucose, and aerobic exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and is one of the best things you can do for your cardiovascular health. So even on days when it feels like a chore, I try to remember that something is better than nothing and just do my best.
Living in Alaska definitely adds another layer to nutrition and exercise. Food access here can look very different compared with many other places. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often more expensive, and they tend to spoil faster. I can’t count how many times I’ve bought supposedly fresh berries only to find mold. Even more recently, I’ve noticed that this can make healthy eating feel less accessible especially if you prefer fresh produce.
Because of this, Alaska has also taught me to view nutrition more broadly. Canned fruits and vegetables, for example, are often overlooked, but they can be just as nutritious and tasty as fresh options. They’re also affordable, shelf-stable, and easy to incorporate into meals. For someone managing diabetes, having reliable, nutrient-dense food available at all times is extremely helpful.
At the same time, Alaska also offers something truly amazing. Wild berries in the summertime. I have fond memories of picking raspberries in Kasilof and blueberries around the trails near Flattop. During our short summer season, picking handfuls of fresh berries straight from the source still makes me smile. For someone interested in nutrition, it’s pretty incredible to have berries that are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants growing naturally in our own backyards.
During the winter months, outdoor exercise becomes a lot more complicated. I’ve tried running outside in Alaska winters, and while it’s possible, it’s not always easy with the icy trails, pitch-black skies and unshoveled sidewalks. That being said, there’s something rewarding and very motivating about staying active outside and getting the most out of the sunny days. Even when conditions are a bit rough, it often feels far more engaging admiring Alaska’s beauty than running on a treadmill inside. Adapting to Alaska rather than avoiding it is something Alaskans learn quickly.
Managing type 1 diabetes ultimately comes down to understanding how food, activity, and lifestyle interact with your body. I will always appreciate the field of Nutrition as it provides super important information on how the body uses nutrients, and its support to diabetes management.
As for living in Alaska, it has reinforced an important lesson: a healthy lifestyle doesn’t require perfect conditions. Sometimes it simply requires learning how to adapt. And with this willingness to adapt, managing diabetes became less about restriction and more about curiosity and problem solving.
