Adsense

Monday, December 30, 2013

Spinach & Brie-Topped Artichoke Hearts

Deconstructed version of hot spinach-artichoke dip - stuff artichoke hearts with lightly seasoned cooked spinach and melt brie on top.


Photographer: Ken Burris

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 9-ounce box frozen artichoke hearts

2/3 cup cooked chopped spinach

1 teaspoon lemon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

18 thin slices brie


Directions

Preheat broiler. Prepare artichoke hearts according to package directions.

Combine spinach, lemon pepper and salt in a small bowl. Top each artichoke heart with the spinach mixture and brie. Broil until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.

18 servings


Source: Diabetic Connect

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Splenda Oatmeal Cookies

Great recipe that makes scrumptious cookies. This recipe makes about 16 large cookies.




Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1 cup of unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
3/4 cup of SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl.
3. In large bowl (or standing mixer) mix butter and splenda until smooth and no lumps remain.
4. Add egg and vanilla and beat until until fully mixed.
5. Add flour mixture and mix until combined
6. Gradually add oat and nut mixture and mix till "just" incorporated
7. Scoop out dough batter in 1/4 cup scoops. Roll gently into balls about 2 inches in diameter and place on cookie sheet about them about 3 inches apart.
8. Using a fork, gently press each dough ball to about a 1 inch thickness.
9. Bake 12 minutes and then rotate the cookie sheet, continue to bake until cookies are medium brown and edges have begun to set (middle will still be unset ... do not over bake.
10. Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes and then transfer cookies to wire rack and cool to room temperature.

My advice is to make two batches because the first one will be gone before the cookies cool!

NOTE: You can substitute toasted walnut pieces instead of pecans

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/splenda-cookies

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Who doesn't love creamy scalloped potatoes? 
This recipe combines easy with tasty to give you scalloped potatoes that are to die for!
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients

  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 1 can (10-3/4 oz.) reduced fat condensed mushroom soup
  • 3/4 cup fat free milk
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 Pkg. (30oz.) frozen shredded potatoes, thawed
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1 scallion, sliced
Directions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 2 qt. casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and pepper; mix well. Add potatoes. toss to coat, place in dish, sprinkle with paprika.
  3. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Uncover and bake for 35-40 minutes more. Sprinkle with scallion and serve.
  5. Seving is 1/2 cup.


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Diabetic Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies

Healthier version of the normally sugar laden cookies!




INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar blend, firmly packed
15 packets Splenda
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Pre-heat oven to 350 F
1. In large bowl, mix the eggs and butter and vanilla together until creamy
2. In smaller bowl, add all the dry ingredients and mix them together
3. Slowly add dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture
4. Scoop tablespoon sized portions of the batter onto your cookie sheet. Leave space around each cookie to allow the batter to spread while baking
5. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until golden

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/splenda-cookies



Monday, December 23, 2013

Splenda Peanut Butter Cookies

Easy to make & diabetic friendly

Cookies have a nice soft texture



You will want to make double batches because they won't last. DON'T be tempted to use more flour. The batter is very soft, which is why you need to refrigerate it before scooping onto the cookie sheet.

INGREDIENTS :

1/4 cup Splenda Sugar Blend
1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1/2 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix Splenda and softened, until smooth and without lumps.
2. Add egg and mix.
3. Add peanut butter and mix.
4. Add remaining ingredients and mix.
5. Cover and refrigerate until the batter is firm (1 to 2 hours)
6. Heat oven to 370 degrees.
7. Scoop out small balls ... about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
8. Using a fork, gently press each dough ball.
9. Bake 10 minutes or until light golden brown ... do not over bake.
10. Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes and then transfer cookies to wire rack and cool to room temperature.

My advice is to make two batches because the first one will be gone before the cookies cool!

NOTE: Use the Splenda BLENDS not the Splenda Granulated Sugar 


Splenda's White Sugar Blend has been especially designed for baking. It provides functional properties for your baked goods - such as browning, volume, texture and moistness.

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/splenda-cookies

Diabetic Friendly Glazed Ham with Apricots

This sweet and savory ham has only 16 grams of carbs per serving!

Photo courtesy of Diabetic Connect

Glazed Ham with Apricots Ingredients

1 (7-pound) fully cooked bone-in smoked half ham

1 package(s) (6-ounce) dried apricot halves

2 tablespoon(s) whole cloves

1/2 cup(s) orange marmalade or apricot jam

2 tablespoon(s) country-style Dijon mustard with seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 

With knife, remove skin and trim all but 1/8 inch fat from ham. Secure apricots with cloves to fat side of ham in rows, leaving some space between apricots. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in large roasting pan (17" by 11 1/2"); add 1 cup water. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake 2 hours.

2. After ham has baked 1 hour and 45 minutes, prepare glaze: In 1-quart saucepan, heat marmalade and mustard to boiling on medium-high. Remove foil from ham and carefully brush with some glaze. Continue to bake ham 30 to 40 minutes longer or until meat thermometer reaches 135 degrees F, brushing with glaze every 15 minutes. Internal temperature of ham will rise 5 to 10 degrees F upon standing. (Some apricots may fall off into pan as you glaze.)

3. Transfer ham to cutting board; cover and let stand 20 minutes for easier slicing. Slice ham and serve with apricots from pan.


For more recipes and nutritional facts for this recipe, go to Diabetic Connect


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Diabetic Recipes via Mobile App

Mobile App Recipes for Diabetes from the University of Illinois



View over 140 recipes that are easily used to prepare meals for people with diabetes. Each recipe contains an approximate nutritional analysis for calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, sodium, and cholesterol. 

For those using the carbohydrate counting method of meal planning, carbohydrate units are provided.

Get the app on iTunes 

Also on Google Play 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Danger of Hypoglycemia Unawareness

Most people with diabetes can sense when their blood sugar is dropping long before it becomes dangerous. But some can't, and the consequences can be fatal. 

More than 25 million Americans are living with diabetes and most can tell when their blood sugar is too low. But a small percentage live with a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness. For them, the first warning of trouble may be that they collapse to the floor, unable to even call for help. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar occurs when the body is unable to process glucose properly

During digestion, food is broken down into various sugar molecules, including glucose, the body’s main source of energy. The pancreas is then designed to kick in and release insulin which keeps the glucose in the blood at safe levels. But, in people with diabetes, the system isn’t working and if glucose levels drop dangerously low, hypoglycemia results.

 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Fabulous Diabetic Friendly International Holiday Dishes

Collection of International Diabetic-Friendly Holiday Recipes from Diabetic Connect that will be sure to wow your guests at all of your holiday parties this year.

Chicken Waldorf Salad from Argentina

Apricot and Sherry Glazed Ham from United Kingdom and Ireland

Chocolate Yule Log 

Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Mexico

Jerk Chicken from Jamaica





Thursday, December 19, 2013

Diet Soda Sales Fizzle Due to Diabetes & Obesity Concerns

Americans are losing their taste for diet sodas – and that’s a good thing.


A recent report by Wells Fargo, citing Nielsen scanner data, shows sales of zero- and low-calorie soft drinks fell nearly 7% through November 23rd - and regular soda sales dipped by just a little more than 2%.

Effects of Diet Sodas

The diet drink craze in the U.S. surged between 1990 and 2010 as the American public became more concerned about obesity. Sales of diet drinks rose from 26 percent to 31 percent during that period, despite consumer complaints about the taste of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a 2005 report considered these artificial sweeteners safe, and the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics claimed them as safe weight-loss tools, there are studies that show frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners is linked to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

After news broke of diet soda sales dropping amid health concerns, the American Beverage Association, the trade group representing soda companies, stood behind the artificial sweeteners. The group also reaffirmed the European Food Safety Authority’s backing of aspartame.

Additionally, the trade group defended diet drinks stating, “low- and no-calorie sweeteners offer consumers yet another way to enjoy their favorite beverages, while maintaining and managing their weight.”

Read full article at Drug Watch
http://www.drugwatch.com/2013/12/18/diet-soda-sales-drop/

Monday, December 16, 2013

Tips for Managing Diabetes in the Winter



It's that time of year again . . . Snow, Snow and more Snow on the way!

Season's Greetings from Northwest Indiana

If you live in a colder climate, managing diabetes can be an added challenge. Colds and flu, changes in diet and exercise and the stress of the holidays can make managing your blood sugar even more challenging. But you can take certain precautions to stay healthy and safe during the holidays and winter season.

COLD AND FLU  
To help avoid getting a cold or the flu:

  • Make sure you get plenty of rest.
  • Wash your hands more often — I've also noticed that more department stores offer hand sanitizers at the entrances and exits.
  • Get the flu vaccine.
  • When ill, drink plenty of fluids, and test your blood sugar more frequently.


STAY WARM

  • Wear layers. Also, cover your head, and wear mittens or gloves.
  • Keep your feet warm and protected. Wear comfortable shoes and socks, which is especially important if you have circulation problems.
  • Protect devices. Keep your blood glucose monitor - and insulin pump if you wear one - close to your body to keep them warm.


EAT WELL

  • The holiday season makes it more tempting to stray from your diet plan. A healthy diet is important for everyone, not just those with diabetes. So, in general, be mindful of how much candy and fatty food you eat. Eat more of the grains, fruits and vegetables that are in season
  • Drink alcohol in moderation
  • And if you take insulin, it's best to have an alcoholic drink with food.


EXERCISE  

The days are short and the nights are long in northern climates, making it difficult to go for a walk when you get home from work. To stay on track:

  • Look for ways to work in your daily exercise, such as by walking at your local mall or shopping center.
  • Join an exercise gym.
  • Explore community fitness classes, such as swimming classes, that may be offered for a small fee.
  • Try activities that you can do at home, such as stretching or doing leg or arm lifts while watching TV or listening to music. If you're able to, you could also walk up and down the stairs in your home.


TRAVEL  

Winter weather can disrupt your travel plans and potentially affect your diabetes management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping the following in a winter travel emergency kit:

  • Cell phone and charger
  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper
  • Battery powered radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Water and snack food
  • Extra hats, clothes and mittens
  • Blankets
  • Chains or rope and tire chains

Also recommended are:

  • Road salt and sand
  • Jumper cables
  • Emergency flares, a bright colored flag and help signs
  • First aid kit
  • Road map and compass
  • Waterproof matches (to melt snow for water)
  • And, no matter what time of year, if you have diabetes, it's always good to have glucose tablets or other hypoglycemia treatment readily available in the car.


WINTER BLUES  

The holiday season is stressful, and the shorter days and winter weather can affect your mood and emotions. Getting exercise, eating healthy and doing things with others can help keep your spirits up. If you're having trouble with depression, seek help. Talk to someone such as a close friend or your health care provider. Check your blood sugar regularly. 

Source: Mayo Clinic Blog



Monday, December 2, 2013

Diet Chef's Christmas Calorie Swap Shop

Christmas Day is a difficult time of year for dieters. 

As well as Christmas dinner, you will no doubt be attending plenty of parties and family events, all of which will have – you’ve guessed it – unhealthy food. 

That’s why Diet Chef assessed the calories contained in many of your favorite treats ...

Diet Chef
Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Coping With Negative Moods - The Diabetes Experience

Have you ever taken a ride on a diabetes rollercoaster?

 No, I’m not talking about a ride at Disney World! It’s the emotional up-and-down ride that many people living with diabetes, and their loved ones, may experience. 

The rollercoaster can be triggered by a variety of factors, including blood sugar levels, stress, and emotional challenges

Here are a few of these issues along with tips that may help - Read more - Coping with negative moods | The DX: The Diabetes Experience

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Colgate Total® Launches "Watch Your Mouth!"

The "Watch Your Mouth!" Campaign in Collaboration with the American Diabetes Association®

In support of October's National Dental Hygiene Month and American Diabetes Month in November, Colgate Total® has launched  "Watch Your Mouth!", a new campaign to help raise awareness about the often overlooked link between oral health and diabetes. 


Monday, November 11, 2013

Life With Type 1 Diabetic Teens

Articles written just for teens who are living every day with the challenges of T1D

This guide offers practical advice to help address the questions most common to teens with T1D - mood swings, academic performance, friendships, driving with T1D, and many others - so that parents and teens know what to expect and can enjoy this unique time in their lives.

Download the Teen Diabetic Toolkit here 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

African Americans Less Likely to Adhere to Medication for Type 2 Diabetes

We already know that African Americans have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and the accompanying complications, and researchers at Ohio State University reveal that this group is less likely to adhere to their medication schedule. 




They looked at almost 2,700 individuals with type 2 diabetes and learned that medication adherence was 12% down among African Americans.

Data was gathered from people on one of three medications for type 2 diabetes – thiazolidinedione, sulfonylurea or metformin

They looked at whether a person had refilled their prescription as a guide to medication adherence. The African American participants took their medication as prescribed 54% of the time, compared to the white participants who took it 59% of the time. Of the drugs, metformin was the one with the poorest medication adherence. 

Clearly more needs to be done to explain the importance of taking medication to all people who have type 2 diabetes, so they can avoid complications of the disease.


Source: Tele-Management - Ethnic origin is a factor in medication adherence for type 2 diabetes


Saturday, November 9, 2013

Reducing Sodium in a Salty World

There’s been a lot of talk lately about limiting salt intake to improve your health, but the conversation is not new



Photo Credit: American Heart Association


Experts have known since the first studies were published in the 1940s that significantly reducing sodium in the diet could lower blood pressure. The dangers of excessive salt have been known for so long that thousands of years ago Chinese noblemen would use large amounts to commit suicide.

Today, sodium excess remains a deadly threat. The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, more than double the 1,500 milligrams recommended by the American Heart Association.

Too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure and other major health problems. More than 76.4 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure — one-third of the population. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because its symptoms are not always obvious.


Continue Reading at American Heart Association site



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Women Under 60 With Diabetes at Much Greater Risk for Heart Disease

Generally, women under 60 are at far less risk for coronary artery disease than men of the same age. 


But among women of that age who have diabetes, their risk of heart disease increases by up to four times, making it roughly equal to men’s risk of this same form of heart disease.

Read more


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Support World Diabetes Day With Thunderclap!

Take a positive step to fight the diabetes epidemic. 


Join the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) on World Diabetes Day to show your support for improved access to essential care and medicines for all people with diabetes. 

I support World #Diabetes Day because millions don’t have access to the care they need #WDD  thndr.it/16jyRfB

Thanks for your support,
Charles

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Presidential Proclamation — National Diabetes Month, 2013



NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

With more than 25 million Americans living with a diabetes diagnosis, and many more going undiagnosed, diabetes affects people across our country and remains a pressing national health concern. 

During National Diabetes Month, we renew our dedication to combating this chronic, life-threatening illness by standing with those living with diabetes, honoring the professionals and advocates engaged in fighting diabetes, and working to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.

Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children, limits insulin production and its causes are not well defined. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90% of diabetes cases, has been linked to older age and family history, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger Americans and is associated with obesity and inactivity. 

The risk is particularly high among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I encourage all Americans to talk to their health care provider about steps they can take to prevent or manage this disease.

With diabetes ranking among the leading causes of death in the United States, my Administration is committed to supporting Americans living with diabetes, investing in promising scientific research, advancing work toward improved treatment and care, and bolstering prevention efforts. 

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, beginning in 2014, no American with diabetes can be denied health insurance based on their diagnosis, and in most plans, Americans at increased risk can access diabetes screenings at no cost to them. 

The National Diabetes Prevention Program engages private and public partners to help people with prediabetes adopt lifestyles that can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes, and the National Diabetes Education Program focuses on delaying and preventing disease onset while also working to improve outcomes for those living with the disease.

With our next generation in mind, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative has taken on the staggering rise in childhood obesity our Nation has seen over the past three decades, and Let's Move! is empowering families and communities to put children on a path to healthier futures. 

Obese children face an increased risk of adult obesity and all the health risks that come with it, including Type 2 diabetes. By connecting children with healthy, affordable food options and the opportunity to be active in their communities, Let's Move! is helping our sons and daughters reach a healthier, more promising tomorrow.

This month, as we remember those we have lost to diabetes and support those living with the illness, let us look to a day with fewer cases of diabetes, a firmer understanding of the disease, and better outcomes for all those affected. By continuing the important research, outreach, and care delivery we have already begun, we know we can get there.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2013 as National Diabetes Month. 

I call upon all Americans, school systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, research institutions, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise diabetes awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage the disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

Washington, D.C. (United States) (OFFICIAL WIRE) October 31, 2013
http://www.officialwire.com/pr/presidential-proclamation-national-diabetes-month-2013/

World Diabetes Day

Did You Know November is Diabetes Awareness Month? . . . 



In many parts of the world November marks the start of a month-long series of activities to put diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. 

On November 14th, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will be releasing the 6th Edition of its Diabetes Atlas, the authoritative source of evidence on the global burden of diabetes. 

New estimates will be provided for 2013 and 2035 with the goal of strengthening the evidence base for coordinated efforts to stem the diabetes epidemic.

Here is  a reminder of why urgent action is required to protect our future:

  • Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of disability, resulting in life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputations and blindness
  • 1 in 2 people with diabetes are undiagnosed
  • 80% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.

View all our campaign messages to help inform your awareness activities in the days and weeks to come. Together we can make a difference!

http://www.idf.org/

Monday, November 4, 2013

What You Need to Know About This Year's Medicare Open Enrollment Period


If you have Medicare, you don't need to participate in the new health insurance marketplace



If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, here’s something for your autumn to-do list: Go Medicare shopping.

Review your benefits and costs for 2014, compare alternatives and decide whether to keep or change plans during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2013.

This year, Medicare’s open enrollment overlaps with open enrollment for the new insurance marketplaces or exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act, also commonly referred to as Obamacare — but don’t let that throw you. 

Medicare’s 50 million-plus beneficiaries, most of them seniors, will steer clear of the marketplaces.

Got questions? Click here to find out what you need to know about Medicare’s open enrollment in the marketplace era.



Friday, October 25, 2013

Headaches - What is Migraine?


Migraine headaches produce an acute, throbbing pain on one side of the head, and are usually localized near the temple on either side of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, along with sensitivity to light and noise. Attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to days, and some suffer for longer periods.

It's been reported that over 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, which account for approximately  10% of the population. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from these severe headaches, however children and adolescents can experience them as well. What's interesting is that half of the people never see a physician about the condition.

What Causes Migraines?

The exact cause is not known. For many years it was believed they were the result of dilation of blood vessels, but today medical research has brought about other explanations. Many researchers in the field now believe the condition is a genetic disorder which affects how certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) interact with nerve cells.

The typical migraine is associated with something doctors term as an "aura" - and relates to the symptoms migraine sufferers experience before the onset. The term "aura" is not the same term associated with mystical fields around the body. Instead the symptoms are described as visual hallucinations - such as seeing bright spots, flashing lights - and some have been known to suffer a loss of vision. Once these symptoms occur, the migraine headaches usually occur shortly thereafter.

There is a second class of migraines - people who suffer from this type usually do not have advance warning of the symptoms listed above.

What Brings on Migraines? 

Although there is no concrete answer to this question, researchers have found there a combination of factors that can increase the frequency. In the area of sleep the research is conflicting because a lack of sleep - as well as getting too much sleep can be a risk. Migraines are often associated with eating certain foods, such as cheese, and also skipping meals increases the risk. Trying to find the right balance for your body type is definitely frustrating, and a continual challenge.

Certain hormonal factors are also believed to influence the onset and severity of attacks. Researchers believe this is why there is a much higher incidence among women than men - one study shows approximately 17% as opposed to 6%. In addition, some studies have shown a connection between contraceptive pills and migraines. Estrogen is a component of birth control pills and affects blood vessels.

Stress is also a trigger - and even simple everyday activities, such as walking up stairs or other activities involving more physical exertion, can trigger an attack. Other triggers can involve extreme heat or cold, loud noises or flickering lights. Often, migraines occur more frequently when there is a combination of these triggers.

Fortunately, there are a variety of medical treatments available, though none has been shown to be overwhelmingly effective in all cases. Sometimes simple acetaminophen is a useful aid. In more extreme cases, triptans and other prescription medications are called for.

Since the triggers differ for each person, it is useful to keep a diary on each attack. Try to note all the external and internal factors going on at the time the attack occurs. Hopefully in keeping a running diary, it may be possible to find the exact combination of triggers that cause the migraine headaches.

Charles Thompkins
Diabetic, Senior and Blackhttp://diabeticseniorandblack.blogspot.com/

Feel free to republish this article -however byline and links to this blog should be included

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Diabetes Treatment with Various Teas

Tea is a rejuvenating drink at any time. However, most people are uninformed there’s a number of various teas and lots of have particular qualities which help improve several aspects of your well being, particularly if you have Type 2 diabetes. 


Image Credit - Diabetes Portal

Black tea is probably the most commonly used teas for a lot of reasons. It’s enjoyable to consume and it is easy to find in the stores. Diabetes treatment with various teas it includes antioxidants called thearubigins and theaflavins which could:


  • Shield against the common cold
  • Relieve congestion, and has
  • Glucose-inhibiting properties to help control Diabetes type 2


Some studies additionally say it is able to reduce the potential risk of having a stroke and could guard against lung cancer for smokers, so it is great diabetes treatment. 

Green tea extract is very popular as well as contains antioxidants. It includes flavonols to safeguard your retinas from the harm caused by high blood sugar. It’s believed to also prevent damage caused to your bloodstream because of high-cholesterol. Some flavonols are resistant against insulin that is helpful for diabetics.

Read full article at Diabetes News Portal

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Plant Based Diet For Type 2 Diabetes May Prevent Kidney Disease

Can plant based diets help prevent kidney disease for people with Type 2 Diabetes?



Choosing soy protein (such as tofu and soy beans) and other vegetable protein sources instead of meats may mean a lower risk of kidney disease for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

Learn why there are so many benefits to a vegetarian diet

Monday, September 30, 2013

Jerry the Diabetic Teddy Bear

For young children with type I diabetes, days are filled with constant monitoring, finger pricking and insulin injections.

But one inventor is aiming to bring these children a bit of comfort during these activities, as well as to teach them the importance of staying healthy, he created a teddy called Jerry the Bear, who also has diabetes.

Aaron Horowitz, CEO of tech startup Sproutel, grew up with a condition called human growth hormone deficiency, which also required frequent injections to treat.

After visiting children with type I diabetes in hospitals, Horowitz said he realized that their feelings of loneliness mirrored his own.

Many of the children had stuffed animals, and projected their medical condition onto their inanimate friends, Horowitz said. In people with Type I diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce the hormone insulin. The children would prick their companions' fingers to test their blood sugar, and cut syringes out of paper to give them insulin injections. 

Children can feed Jerry, regulate his insulin with injections and prick his fingers to monitor his blood sugar. A large, colorful screen in the center of Jerry's chest provides not only a medical readout, but a space for children to play games.

Horowitz made Jerry's condition into a game. Children must monitor Jerry's health very closely, because - as they will learn through storybook sequences and touch pad games - the bear is training for the Olympics, and won't let his disease stand in the way.

Read the full article at LiveScience




Sunday, September 29, 2013

Kobe Bryant Supports Diabetes in Dubai

Kobe Bryant has first hand knowledge of diabetes as both of his grandfathers had the disease. 


Today Kobe follows a healthy diet and way of life. “When I was younger it was very easy for me to eat what I wanted. 

The hardest part of getting old is being able to change your diet. It’s a struggle with yourself, but it needs to be done. Some three-and-a-half years back I made a change in eating with my focus now on eating for performance and recovery. I now eat with a purpose.” 

Bryant is in Dubai for a celebrity match, as well as a youth clinic . . . 

The two-day event, which will see an exclusive clinic for youth in Abu Dhabi on Thursday followed by a celebrity match at the American University in Dubai (AUD) on Friday, is being supported by GEMS Education in association with the Dubai Diabetes Association, Boston Diabetes Centre, Imperial College of London Diabetes Centre’s public awareness campaign, Expo 2020, GAYSW, Dubai Calendar, Duplays and Dubai Sports Council. 

See full story



Saturday, September 28, 2013

Fruit Juice Increases Diabetes Risk

Eating more whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes and apples, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, with greater fruit juice consumption having an adverse effect. 


 Increasing fruit consumption has been recommended for the prevention of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. However, studies have generated some mixed results. Read more

Friday, September 13, 2013

MyFoodAdvisor Diabetic Friendly Recipes

Need more "Diabetic Friendly Recipes" - Look no further than recipes from the American Diabetes Association - MyFoodAdvisor Recipes for Healthy Living 



The site offers a monthly meal plan with a variety of recipes. Subscribers get monthly e-mails on cooking tips including how to adjust carbohydrates and calories. 

You can search the large recipe database by food type, ingredients and the calorie or carbohydrate content.  A new set of diabetes-friendly recipes, some of which have been incorporated into the meal plan A one day sample meal plan with a grocery list and tips to adjust carbohydrates and calories to better fit your needs 

Videos showing you how to prepare our recipes and other healthy foods in the kitchen A feature article on nutrition or a seasonal health topic Quick tips for eating healthy and living well when time is scarce 

There is no cost to sign up for the Recipes for Healthy Living E-Newsletter and the site promises there will be no subscription fees down the road.  


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Top 25 Diabetic Snacks

Stomach grumbling or blood glucose a bit low? Reach for one of the top 25 consumer-tasted and dietitian-approved snacks.

Diabetic Living's dietitians scoured the supermarkets to find the most nutritious packaged snacks, and a panel of taste-testers (including people with diabetes) ranked the treats. From chips and dip to cookies and popcorn, see which snacks were awarded the Diabetic Living What to Eat Seal of Approval.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

My Net Diary Diabetes Tracking App

Over 2 million people are using the Diabetes Tracker app by MyNetDiary


The app is not free, and the cost is $9.99. So what do you get for this paid app? 

Well for one you can scan bar codes on food containers, along with tracking your glucose levels throughout the day, and get daily and weekly reports. You can also track your medications, exercise, water intake and A1C, LDL, HDL, BP tracking.

So for the cost, there are a lot of interactive features to this app. Available at iTunes store