This post is sponsored by Colgate®, but opinions are my own.

Did you know that more than 30 million Americans are currently living with diabetes and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease ^[1]?

So what does this have to do with that smile of yours — and how can you protect it? Regular dental visits are an essential part of good diabetes self-management, but so is using the right oral care products. Colgate Total toothpaste is FDA approved to prevent gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease ‡.

A few weeks ago, I talked with the fabulous Dr. Natalie Strand about her experience with type 1 diabetes over the past 20 years, and how taking charge of her diabetes health makes her feel Totally Ready for life. Thanks to Colgate Total and the American Diabetes Association® for making it happen!

If anyone’s Totally Ready – it’s this busy mom, wife and doctor who has literally managed her type 1 diabetes all over the world in many difficult situations on a reality TV show!

But don’t take my word for it – watch the video! During the interview, I challenged Dr. Natalie Strand in a lightning round of my new ‘Are You Ready?’ diabetes health game featuring different scenarios to test her Diabetes IQ.

How prepared are you for the curveballs that life throws you when you’re living with diabetes?

Of course, Dr. Natalie Strand aced my game, proving that having diabetes doesn’t mean you should be within the confines of your home. By doing some smart planning and thorough preparation, you can go anywhere whether it is skiing, walking the red carpet, or even competing on a reality TV show! Here are just a few of Dr. Strand’s tips:

• Keep in mind, if you’re traveling to exotic locations that time changes may contribute to fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.
• Make sure to talk to your doctor before you grab your passport, and head out the door.
• Remember to take care of your oral health on the go – when you have a healthy smile, you feel Totally Ready for life.

The number one accessory that Dr. Natalie Strand seems to take with her everywhere she goes is a positive attitude about living with diabetes.

Let Dr. Natalie Strand inspire you to ‘GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS’ about living with diabetes.

^[1] Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf

‡Colgate Total® toothpaste is approved through the New Drug Application process to help prevent gingivitis. Not approved for the prevention or treatment of serious gum disease or other diseases.