The Sexy Diabetic

Chrystal Leary is extremely active online spreading education and awareness among the African American population.

Chrystal lives in the Los Angeles, CA, area and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes just over five years ago. 

Since then, she’s quickly stepped up to her new role as an advocate, busting myths, countering stereotypes and working to educate folks at her blog, The Sexy Diabetic. In her day job, Chrystal is a chemist (!), working in the personal care/cosmetic industry. 




Today, Chrystal shares her own story via Diabetes Mine as a guest blogger sharing some of the important race-related issues that diabetes brings to the table.

#HealthTalk - National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Did you know it's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?

Join Everyday Health and the National Eating Disorders Association for a live Twitter chat today, Wednesday, February 27 at 2 pm EST to learn the facts about the types of eating disorders, signs you or a loved one may have one, and treatment and prevention options. 

Bring your questions and follow the hashtag #HealthTalk to participate.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the leading non-profit organization in the United States advocating on behalf of and supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. 

Reaching millions every year, NEDA campaigns for prevention, improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders. NEDA works with partners and volunteers to develop programs and tools to help everyone who seeks assistance.

Birth Order May Raise Rise of Diabetes or High Blood Pressure

Study finds reduced insulin effectiveness, high blood pressure in first-born children

Long a source of sibling rivalry, birth order may raise the risk of first-born children developing diabetes or high blood pressure

According to this recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) - First-born children have greater difficulty absorbing sugars into the body and have higher daytime blood pressure than children who have older siblings.

The study was conducted at the University of Auckland's Liggins Institute in New Zealand, and is the first to  document a 21% drop in insulin sensitivity among first-born children.

Read more

Power Foods for Diabetes

Including these extra-healthy power foods in your diet will help you meet your nutritional needs as well as lower your risk of diabetes complications such as heart disease. 

Source: diabeticlivingonline.com via CE on Pinterest

Of course, the foods on this list shouldn't be the only foods you eat, but incorporating some or all into your diabetes meal plan will help improve your overall health.

If you already follow a healthful meal plan filled with whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lean protein, congratulations! You're on your way to a long, healthy life and are taking a major step in controlling your weight and blood glucose levels. Plus, you're probably already eating a bunch of the foods on this list.

For those who are taking the baby-steps approach to eating better, this list is even more helpful. Not only are these power foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals, they're also familiar and easy to find. That means you don't have to hunt down any exotic ingredients or shop at specialty grocery stores to find foods that will help you get on track with a healthful meal plan.


Find Out If These Power Foods in Your Diet?

Diabetic Gift Basket

Here's a great gift for diabetics

Source: store.wellbaskets.com via CE on Pinterest

Deluxe Diabetic Gift Basket Contains:

Broccoli Soup--rich source of vitamin C, chromium, fiber, and potassium Sprouted Sunflower Seeds--great for snacking or in salads Whole Wheat Pasta--excellent source of unrefined carbohydrates and fiber Ariston Vinegar Tea with Cinnamon--cinnamon benefits GoRaw Flax Snacks--flaxseeds have a beneficial impact on diabetes Steel-Cut Oatmeal for unrefined carbohydrates, fiber, and magnesium Pistachios--vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats Smoked Salmon--magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids Bean Soup Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recommended Food Guide for Diabetes Prevention/Management Handmade Basket

Control Your Cravings

Know what your body really needs . . .

Source: thefitspiration.tumblr.com via CE on Pinterest