In today’s episode of The Diabetic Toolbox, Renee opens her heart to talk about a feeling many of us struggle with during the holiday season: loneliness. Whether you're managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, the emotional weight of this season can directly impact your blood sugar, routines, and overall well-being.

Renee shares her own personal journey through empty nest syndrome, divorce, and the loss of cherished family members, and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of connection, comfort, and healing. In this inspiring conversation, you’ll learn three simple steps to acknowledge loneliness without judgment, create meaningful moments of connection, and build rituals that nourish your mind, body, and nervous system.

You’ll walk away with tools to support your emotional and metabolic health, plus a reminder that you are never as alone as you feel.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Why loneliness is more common, and more human, than we realize
• How loneliness during the holidays can elevate stress hormones and blood sugar
• The difference between “I am lonely” and “I feel lonely.”
• Three steps to move through loneliness with compassion
  • Step 1: Acknowledge your emotions without judgment
  • Step 2: Create one small moment of authentic connection
  • Step 3: Build a comfort ritual that supports nervous system regulation
• How simple acts of gratitude can reconnect you to something bigger
• Personal reflections from Renee’s own holiday challenges and healing journey
• Why is connection a vital part of diabetes and prediabetes management

Download the Free Guide: Protect Your Blood Sugar This Holiday Season

The holidays don’t have to send your glucose and your stress into a spiral.
 Grab Renee’s brand-new resource:
 How to Protect Your Blood Sugar During the Holidays.
Packed with practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you stay grounded, nourished, and supported.

Download the free guide here.