Sep 24, 2026Educational orientation for life with diabetes · Not medical advice

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Maren Alcott

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Maren Alcott

Maren Alcott is the lead presenter at DiabetesCompass. She is an AI-presented digital character. Every article Maren presents is researched and fact-checked by the DiabetesCompass editorial team against the ADA Standards of Care, peer-reviewed journals, and named clinical sources. Maren does not give medical advice — for questions about your specific situation, talk to your care team.

Articles by Maren Alcott

30 articles

Comparison of Stevia and Splenda packaging

Stevia vs Splenda: Is Stevia Better for Diabetes Management?

Compare stevia vs splenda for blood sugar control, taste, and safety. Evidence-based analysis of both sweeteners for people with diabetes.

A variety of sugar substitutes displayed on a table

Sugar Substitute Options: Which Sweeteners Spike Blood Glucose

Explore how different sugar substitute options affect blood glucose levels, from artificial sweeteners to natural alternatives, and make informed dietary choices.

Healthcare professional consulting a patient about metformin.

Stopping Metformin Cold Turkey: Can You Do It Safely?

Stopping metformin cold turkey carries risks. Learn what happens when you discontinue metformin abruptly and how to work with your care team safely.

Vitamins and Diabetes Overview

Vitamins Diabetics Should Avoid: Risks and Safe Alternatives

Learn which vitamins diabetics should avoid, understand potential risks to blood sugar control, and discover safe alternatives for diabetes management.

GLP-1 gummies on a pharmacy shelf

Is Over-the-Counter GLP-1 Real? GLP-1 Gummies Explained

Explore the truth behind over-the-counter GLP-1 gummies and understand their actual benefits and limitations compared to prescription medications.

A balanced meal representing natural ways to lower A1C levels.

Lower Your A1C Naturally: Effective Tips

Learn how to lower your A1C naturally with dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Evidence-based strategies for blood sugar management.

Comparison of CGMs and finger-prick meters for glucose monitoring.

CGM vs Finger-Prick Meter: Which Should You Use?

Explore CGM vs Finger-Prick Meter options for glucose monitoring. Learn about their pros, cons, and which might be right for you.

Comparison of Equal and Splenda sweeteners

Equal vs Splenda: Ingredients, Safety, and Which to Choose

Equal vs Splenda differ in ingredients and sweetness. Compare aspartame-based Equal with sucralose-based Splenda to choose the right sweetener for you.

Assortment of different types of sugar

Types of Sugar Explained: Impact on Blood Sugar Levels

Explore the types of sugar and learn which can spike blood sugar levels for better health choices with evidence-based information.

Comparison of fructose and glucose with their structures and sources

Fructose vs Glucose: How Your Body Handles Each

Explore how your body handles fructose vs glucose differently, their food sources, metabolic pathways, and health implications for blood sugar.

Comparison of Stevia and Aspartame with their chemical structures

Stevia vs Aspartame: Which Is Safer for Blood Sugar?

Stevia vs Aspartame: compare safety profiles, blood sugar impact, and side effects of these two popular sugar substitutes for diabetes management.

Comparison of Splenda and Stevia with glucose meter

Splenda vs Stevia: Effects on Glucose Compared

Explore the differences between Splenda vs Stevia and their effects on glucose levels for people managing diabetes and blood sugar.

A display of supplements and a glucose meter for A1C levels

Supplements to Lower A1C: Best Evidence-Based Review

Evidence-based review of supplements to lower A1C levels, including berberine, chromium, and alpha-lipoic acid, with research and safety guidance.

Comparison of allulose and stevia for blood sugar levels

Allulose vs Stevia: Which Is Better for Blood Sugar

Compare allulose vs stevia for blood sugar management. Learn how each sweetener affects glucose levels and which may work better for diabetes.

A healthcare professional discussing metformin with a patient.

How Long Does Metformin Stay in Your System?

Learn how long metformin stays in your system, from absorption through elimination. Understand how long does metformin stay in your system, half-life, clearance timing, and what it means for your diabetes care.

A diverse group of people discussing health and nutrition with supplements.

Supplements for Prediabetes: What Actually Works

Explore effective supplements for prediabetes and their role in managing blood sugar levels. Evidence-based guidance on what works and what doesn't.

Natural alternatives to Metformin for diabetes management

Natural Alternatives to Metformin: What the Evidence Says

Exploring natural alternatives to Metformin and the peer-reviewed evidence supporting their effectiveness in type 2 diabetes management.

A healthcare professional discussing GLP-1 medications with a patient.

GLP-1 Fatigue: Does GLP-1 Make You Tired? Fatigue Causes & Management

Does GLP-1 cause fatigue? Learn why GLP-1 fatigue happens, how common it is, and evidence-based strategies to manage tiredness on semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Comparison of Brenzavvy and Jardiance diabetes medications.

Brenzavvy vs Jardiance: Comparing Diabetes Medications

Brenzavvy vs Jardiance comparison: efficacy, side effects, and costs for type 2 diabetes. Evidence-based analysis to inform your care team discussion.

Healthcare professional consulting a patient about A1C management.

How to Lower Your A1C Fast: Realistic Strategies

Learn how to lower your A1C fast with evidence-based strategies including medication adherence, meal timing, and activity—plus realistic timelines.

Healthcare professional advising a patient on managing constipation with Mounjaro.

Mounjaro and Constipation: Effective Solutions to Manage It

Learn effective strategies to manage Mounjaro and Constipation, including dietary changes, hydration tips, and when to contact your healthcare team.

Person experiencing relief from nausea with dietary options

Zepbound Nausea Relief: Practical Strategies That Help

Explore effective Zepbound Nausea Relief strategies, including dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms.

A person holding their stomach, indicating nausea with GLP-1 medication in the background.

GLP-1 Nausea: Why It Happens and How to Ease It

Learn why GLP-1 nausea happens and discover evidence-based strategies to manage this common side effect of GLP-1 medications for diabetes.

A healthcare provider explaining blood sugar levels to a patient.

Average Blood Sugar by A1C: Conversion Explained

Learn how Average Blood Sugar by A1C readings relate and convert for effective diabetes management. Understand the connection between daily glucose and A1C.

A1C to blood glucose conversion chart with healthcare elements.

A1C to Blood Glucose Conversion Chart for Diabetes

Use this A1C to blood glucose conversion chart to understand how your A1C percentage translates to average daily blood sugar levels for diabetes management.

Various at-home A1C test kits displayed together.

7 Best At-Home A1C Test Kits, Compared (2024)

Compare the best at-home A1C test kits for accuracy, ease of use, and value. Find which kit fits your diabetes monitoring needs and budget.

A healthcare professional discussing blood sugar levels with a patient.

What's a Normal Blood Sugar Level? Ranges and Targets

Learn what's a normal blood sugar level for fasting, after meals, and A1C targets. Understand ranges for people with and without diabetes.

Person removing a Dexcom G7 sensor.

How to Remove a Dexcom G7 Sensor Safely and Painlessly

Learn how to remove a Dexcom G7 sensor safely with step-by-step instructions, skin care tips, and troubleshooting advice for a smooth removal process. Removing a Dexcom G7 sensor is easy with the right techniques.

Healthcare professional discussing A1C levels with a patient.

A1C of 5.4: What Does It Mean? (And Is It Normal?)

Explore what an A1C of 5.4 means, its health implications, and whether it is a normal level for blood sugar management.

A person checking blood glucose levels with a diabetes app

A1C Conversion Chart: What Your Number Means and How to Lower It

Use our a1c conversion chart to understand your A1C levels, what they mean for blood sugar control, and evidence-based strategies to lower them safely.