Grilled Salmon Penne Salad With Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 9 ounce(s) fish, salmon fillet, skinless, boneless
• 1/4 cup(s) vinegar, raspberry
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
• 6 ounce(s) pasta, penne 
• 1 cup(s) asparagus, bias-sliced
• 1 cup(s) raspberries
• lettuce leaves 
• 2 scallion(s) (green onions), sliced 

Chill 2 to 4 hours.

Preparation

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together raspberry vinegar, oil, honey mustard, sugar, garlic, and pepper. Remove 2 teaspoons of the oil mixture for brushing fish; set aside remaining oil mixture to toss with pasta.

2. Preheat broiler. Place fish on the greased unheated rack of a broiler pan; tuck under any thin edges. Measure thickness of the fish. Brush the 2 teaspoons oil mixture over fish. Broil fish 4 inches from the heat until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. (Allow 4 to 6 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness of fish; if fillet is 1-inch thick, turn once halfway through broiling.)

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions, adding the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain well; rinse with cold water and drain again. Return pasta mixture to saucepan. Pour remaining oil mixture over pasta; toss to coat.

4. Flake cooked salmon. Add salmon to pasta; toss gently. Cover and chill for 2 to 4 hours.

5. To serve, add berries to pasta mixture; toss gently to mix. If desired, serve on lettuce-lined plates. Sprinkle with green onions. Makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Rest Time: 2 h
Total Time: 36 mins

Recipe Source - Everyday Health

Race Car Driver Brings Diabetes Community Along For The Ride

An open-wheel race car has room for only one person: the driver. But when Charlie Kimball is in the cockpit, he brings the diabetes community along for the ride.

Three weeks ago, Kimball, the only driver in a major racing series with Type 1 diabetes, brought that community to a special place - the winner's circle of an Izod IndyCar Series race.

At the Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Kimball scored the first victory of his IndyCar career. 

And as big as that triumph was for Kimball, it was equally meaningful for the many people with diabetes whom he inspires.

"I was blown away by the amount of support and outreach," Kimball said. "I know there are many people out there with diabetes, and I have met so many, but it still caught me by surprise how impressive and how significant the response was. It meant so much to me to hear from them."

Kimball is enjoying a breakthrough season. In his third year driving for Novo Nordisk

Read full article

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

With only 5 simple ingredients and 5.5g carbs, who wouldn’t love this luscious lasagna? Just 10 minutes in the oven and it’s on your table piping hot.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 2 lbs browned ground beef (lean)
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 3 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

• Place cooked spaghetti squash strands in casserole dish.
• Layer each remaining ingredient in the dish.
• Sprinkle cheese on top.

Place in oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and lasagna is hot all the way through.

Recipe Source: Diabetic Connect

Turkey Fajitas

Ingredients

2 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. finely chopped jalapeno pepper
3/4 pound turkey breast cutlets, diced
1/2 cup low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt
3/4 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves
6 large (10-inch) flour tortillas, preferably whole-wheat
1 Tbsp. canola oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups Romaine lettuce, cut crosswise into strips
1 cup red, green or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced




Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine lime juice, garlic and jalapeno in a bowl. Add turkey, turn to coat and set aside.
Purée yogurt and cilantro in food processor or blender until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. (Sauce can be made ahead if refrigerated until ready to use. Remove from refrigerator early enough to bring sauce to room temperature before using.)

Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven until warm, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat until very hot. Add oil and tilt pan to coat evenly. Add turkey and stir-fry, stirring constantly, until cooked through and lightly browned. Transfer to a medium bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
On each tortilla, place a layer of shredded Romaine, and one-sixth of the turkey and the peppers.

Add a spoonful of cilantro-yogurt sauce. Fold tortillas around filling and place on a serving platter. Serve with yogurt-cilantro sauce.

Makes 6 fajitas, 6 servings.

Recipe Source: Diabetic Gourmet

Grilled Vegetable Pitas

Found this tasty recipe online at Diabetic Living, and there's more sandwich recipes at the link below

1 4 ounce  fresh portobello mushroom
1 tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon  olive oil
Dash salt
Dash ground black pepper
1/4 of a medium yellow or red sweet pepper, stem and seeds removed
1/4 cup  chopped tomato
1 large whole wheat pita bread round, halved crosswise
8 fresh spinach leaves
8 small fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup  crumbled feta or goat cheese (chevre)

1. If present, remove and discard mushroom stem. If desired, remove mushroom gills. In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently brush half of the oil mixture over mushroom and sweet pepper.

2. Place mushroom and pepper on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables are lightly charred and tender, turning frequently.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the remaining oil mixture and the tomato; toss gently to coat. Cut grilled mushroom and pepper into bite-size strips. Add mushroom and pepper strips to tomato mixture; toss gently to combine.

4. Open pita halves to create pockets. Line pita pockets with spinach and basil. Fill pita pockets with grilled vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.


Source: Diabetic Living Online

Top 7 Tips for Managing Diabetes

1. Healthy Diet: overall balance of all nutrients. Space meals evenly in order to not consume too much food at one time nor go for long periods without food.

2. Being Active: inactivity leads to insulin resistance. But, being physically active helps utilize food. Do aerobic exercises to help burn calories and anaerobic exercises to build muscle helps skeletal strength, more flexibility and use calories.

3. Monitoring: diabetes is a 24-7 disease. Patients need to make adjustments in what they do during the day depending of their level of blood glucose. If they are not monitoring their blood glucose they have no idea what the effect the meal they just ate may have on their blood glucose or how their medication is working to control blood glucose.

4. Medications: take medications as needed and properly, on time, consistently to keep blood glucose at a proper level.

5. Problem Solving: how to deal with hypoglycemia and ability to recognize signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. To properly treat low blood sugar take 15 grams of a carbohydrate source and check blood sugar before and after.

6. Reducing Risks: greatest risk for people with diabetes is smoking. Stop or reduce smoking as much as possible. Also, having constant and scheduled contact with health care provider: health with appropriate labs and feet checked, vision, and dental.

7. Healthy Coping: greater incidence of depression. Unclear whether precedes or occurs after diabetes diagnosis. Important to recognize that this is normal. Often occurs because of the daily regimen and wears on people. 

The American Association of Diabetes Educators caution that people with diabetes shouldn't feel that they need to do all 7 steps right away or perfectly. Instead choose those steps that you know you can be successful at and build from there.

Article Source: http://www.drdaveanddee.com/diabetestips.html

5 Tips You Should Know to Take Care of Diabetic Skin Problems

Why is skin care so important for diabetics?

When you have diabetes simple things such as skin care can’t be taken for granted. The disease affects every part of your body including your skin and can be very dangerous if you are not aware of and take precautions with your daily routines to avoid complications.

What skin problems do diabetics have?

There are two types of skin disorders common to diabetics.

Generic Skin Conditions/Disorders: These types of skin conditions are not a result of the disease but occur more frequently in people with high blood sugar. These include fungal and bacterial infections. Anyone can get them but if you have diabetes they present more often and with greater risk to your health.

Diabetes Related Skin Diseases: These are the types of skin problems that are directly caused by your diabetes and do not develop in normal, healthy individuals.

Generic Skin Conditions/Disorders Associated With Diabetes

The main reason these types of skin conditions are so much more problematic for diabetics is because the organisms feed off of sugars. With your increased blood sugar levels, your skin is the perfect breeding ground and the bacteria or fungus can flourish and multiply at a more rapid rate than on a non-diabetic subject.

Add to that the fact that most diabetics have decreased nerve sensation and impaired healing and you can see how something as simple as a stubbed toe can quickly become a health risk. Often the individual does not even feel the injury occur or the worsening of the infection until the infection is quite advanced.

Bacterial Infections. Diabetics are more prone to having conditions such as styes (infection in the glands of the eyes), boils, carbuncles (similar to boils but in the deeper tissues), folliculitis (infection in the hair follicles) and staph infections in minor cuts and scrapes.

Fungal infections. Jock itch, athlete’s foot, nail fungus on hands and feet, vaginal yeast infections and ring worm are all very common in people with diabetes. Many of the infections occur in the folds of the skin where it is typically warm and moist and this condition is referred to as intertrigo.

Continue reading more about tips for Diabetes Related Skin Diseases here

Diabetic Chocolate Lovers Dream

It's Sugar Free, Gluten Free, and No cholesterol, Trans Fat  or Preservatives!

Sweetened with maltitol, a wheat extract, Amber Lyn’s “Belgian dark chocolate” products are not only safe for diabetics since they are sugar free - the gourmet chocolates are also gluten free, contain no trans fats, no cholesterol, no milk products, no preservatives or fillers. 

Several people who are NOT diabetic highly recommend Amber Lyn's chocolates as some of the best they have tasted. Seems they ran into the chocolate at Costco - and are now hooked.  http://www.amberlynchocolates.com/

Interactive Learning Tool for Diabetic Children

"Jerry the Bear" is an interactive learning tool for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes that enables them to master their medical procedures through play



Jerry the Bear was designed by Hannah Chung and Aaron Horowitz and is the first product of their company Sproutel. 

Learn more at: www.sproutel.com

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Recipe

A chocolate wafer crust forms the base for this peanut butter filled chocolate cheesecake cup.

Ingredients

Crust
36 Reduced-Fat Chocolate Wafers
1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
5 tablespoons light butter, melted

Peanut Butter Center
1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
3 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter
3 tablespoons reduced fat cream cheese

Chocolate Filling
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1 3/4 cups Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ounces sugar-free chocolate, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Make CRUST. Crush cookies into fine crumbs. Blend all crust ingredients together in a small bowl. Stir until well blended. Set aside.

Make PEANUT BUTTER CENTER. Place all center ingredients in a small bowl. Mix until well blended. Set aside.

Make CHOCOLATE FILLING. Melt chocolate in small saucepan over low heat. Set aside. Place cream cheese and Splenda Granulated Sweetener in a small mixing bowl. Beat until soft. Slowly add skim milk. Mix, using a wire whisk, until smooth. Add melted chocolate. Stir well. Add egg substitute and vanilla. Mix until well blended. Set aside.

Assemble CUPS. Place 24 mini size foil baking cups on a sheet pan. Evenly divide crust between the 24 baking cups. Firmly press crusts into the bottom of the cups. Place approx. 1/2 tsp of the peanut butter center in the center of each crust-lined baking cup. Spoon chocolate filling into each baking cup. Firmly tap sheet pan on countertop to remove any air bubbles.

Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven 10-15 minutes, or until slightly firm to the touch. Chill for approx. 2 hours before serving. Drizzle optional melted chocolate over the top for a garnish.


Recipe Source: Diabetic Gourmet
http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1081.shtml

Diabetic Friendly Basic Meatloaf

While meatloaf purists focus on the meat, look at meatloaf as a way to pack extra veggies and whole grains into a meal, as we do in this healthy, classic meatloaf recipe.

photographer: Peter Ardito

Ingredients
Total Time: 1 1/2 hours

• 1 large onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 large stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or canola oil
• 5 tablespoons ketchup, divided
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs, (see Tip)
• 2 pounds lean (90% or leaner) ground beef

Directions
Prepare through Step 3, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Let stand at room temperature while oven preheats; bake until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray (or see Loaf Pan Variation).

Pulse onion, bell pepper and celery in a food processor until finely chopped. (Or finely chop them with a knife.)

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the vegetables; stir to combine. Stir in egg and breadcrumbs. Add ground beef and with clean hands gently knead the vegetable mixture into the meat; do not overmix. Pat the meat mixture into a loaf shape (about 12 by 5 inches) on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons ketchup on top.

Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, about 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 10 servings

Recipe Source: Diabetic Connect

7 Continents 7 Adventures, with Diabetes

Chris Southwell, a professional snowboarder, is not only able to navigate snowy mountainsides, but also maneuvers around his condition, type 1 diabetes.

Diagnosed in his early 20s, Southwell was working in France when he started experiencing unquenchable thirst, drinking liters of water a day. He describes his first brush with diabetes as “a bit scary” and was hospitalized for ten days to bring his glucose levels back to normal.

Read full article

No-Cook Diabetic Meals

What do you do when your stomach is rumbling but you just don't feel like cooking? 

Turn to these yummy no-cook meals! These easy recipes will satisfy and require only a little chopping, stirring, or mixing. Here's 22 easy no cook recipes 

1st no cook recipe is Glass Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

• 1 3 3/4ounce package bean threads (cellophane noodles)
• 2 cups  frozen sweet soybeans (edamame), thawed
• 2 cups  broccoli florets, cut up or sliced
• 3/4 cup  chopped red sweet pepper (1 medium)
• 1/4 cup  finely chopped shallots
• 2 tablespoons  peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon  reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon  rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons  grated fresh ginger
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon  crushed red pepper
• 1/4 cup  lightly salted peanuts, chopped
• Lime wedges (optional)

1. In a large glass bowl combine bean threads and thawed edamame; pour enough boiling water over to cover completely. Cover and let stand 15 to 20 minutes or until edamame is tender. Drain well; rinse with cold water and drain again. Snip noodles five or six times. Return noodles and edamame to the bowl. Add broccoli, sweet pepper, and shallot to the noodles; toss together.

2. For dressing, place peanut butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 100% power (high) about 40 seconds or until melted. Whisk in soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger, and crushed red pepper. Pour dressing over noodle mixture; toss to combine.

3. Divide among four serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle with peanuts. If desired, squeeze lime wedges over all.

Recipe Source: Diabetic Living Online

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. 

It occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. 

Having good vision is predicated on a healthy retina. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.

There are four stages of Diabetic Retinopathy: Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Advanced.

The early stage of Diabetic Retinopathy may not have any noticeable side affects, such as partial vision loss, but micro-aneurysms cause swelling in the retina's tiny blood vessels. 

As the stages progress and worsen, the retina becomes increasingly affected, which leads to vision degradation and ultimately vision loss. Read more  

How Sleep Apnea is Related to Diabetes

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be an indicator of Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases and it can increase the risk of diabetes by over two and a half times. 

Photo Credit Ensodentistry 

According to a recommendation issued by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for the first time, it could have a notable impact in the diagnosis of diabetes patients all over the world. 

The relationships of OSA to diabetes, hyper tension and cardiac diseases are rather complex as all these conditions share many risk factors like obesity. The presence of OSA is a common symptom of diabetes and if left untreated, it can lead to many other complications.

Continue Reading Sleep and Type 2 Diabetes

Children and Type 2 Diabetes

The number of teens living with type 2 diabetes has increased in recent years. 

Managing diabetes as a teen or adolescent can come with different challenges than an adult may face. The materials below were developed specifically for teens with diabetes. 

Be Healthy Today; Be Healthy For Life

Information for Youth and Their Families Living With Type 2 Diabetes




You can read, download or print the entire PDF document (32 pages) or access it by section:
Entire 32-page booklet (984 KB PDF)











What's Included - By Section

• Table of Contents
• What Is Diabetes?
• Manage Your Diabetes with STAR
• Checking Blood Sugar
• Staying Healthy
• Taking Care of Diabetes with Medicines
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) and  High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
• Healthy Food Choices
• Choosing Lower-Fat Foods
• How to Read Food Labels
• Physical Activity
• Setting Goals, Problem Solving, and Managing Stress
• Being a Teen with Diabetes

Glossary
The Be Healthy Today; Be Healthy For Life materials were adapted from the TODAY (Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) Study. This study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease of the National Institutes of Health.

Source: Diabetes.org

See also: Preventing Type 2 in Children

Chocolate-Banana Grahams

A graham cracker smeared with Nutella and topped with 

Banana and Coconut is a light way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photo Credits - Ken Burris 

• 1 square graham cracker, broken into 2 rectangles
• 1/2 teaspoon Nutella, or other chocolate-hazelnut spread, divided
• 2 slices banana, about 2 inches long
• 1/2 teaspoon sweetened shredded coconut, toasted if desired, divided

Directions

Spread each graham cracker piece with 1/4 teaspoon Nutella and top with a slice of banana and a sprinkling of coconut. Makes 1 serving.

Recipe Credit - Diabetic Connect

10 Surprising Causes of Blood Sugar Swings

A rough night's sleep, hormonal changes, and even artificial sweeteners could be to blame for unpredictable blood sugar highs and lows.

Maintaining a tight rein on blood sugar is a constant balancing act if you're living with diabetes, and unfortunately, some things are out of your control. 

Even if you keep careful tabs on what you eat and take your medication religiously, you will inevitably see fluctuations in your day-to-day readings. 

Many people with diabetes recognize that stress and illness can wreak havoc on their blood sugar, but other causes are more difficult to identify. A restless night of sleep, a new medication, an extra cup of coffee, even a hot weather spell can bring on an unexpected high or low. Knowing everyday culprits can help you interpret your testing results and gain better control over your numbers. 

Read on to learn some of the less-obvious factors that impact blood sugar levels.

DX Diabetes Dish with Tamika Catchings

On and off the basketball court, WNBA player Tamika Catchings is truly an all-star. 

The Indiana Fever forward was named the 2012 WNBA Finals MVP and is a seven-time WNBA All-Star.

In 2011, she was voted one of the top fifteen players in WNBA history. But all Catchings’ successes have come through hard work and dedication, overcoming childhood hearing and speech problems, and working hard to triumph at the highest levels of the game. 

As a way to give back to the community and inspire children to pursue their own dreams, Catchings, is involved in several organizations, including her role as national ambassador for the Dribble to Stop Diabetes campaign. Catchings’ own family has been touched by diabetes, and she is passionate about speaking out to help educate and inform a wide audience on the importance of staying healthy and active. 

Catchings took time out from the middle of her busy season to dish with The DX. 
Continue with article

Easy Recipe - Three Bean Salad

You can always buy at the Deli, however it's easy and cheaper to make at home

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (one 16-ounce can) cut green beans, rinsed and drained 
• 2 cups (one 16-ounce can) cut wax beans, rinsed and drained 
• 10 ounces (one 16-ounce can ) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 
• 1/2 cup Kraft Fat Free Italian Dressing Sugar substitute to equal 1 tablespoon sugar 

Directions 

In a large bowl, combine green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, onion, and green pepper. Add Italian dressing and sugar substitute.

Mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Gently stir again just before serving. Serves 8

Recipe Source: Diabetic Connect

Roche Cuts Jobs After Diabetes Sales Plunge

In the United States, blood-glucose monitoring has been a declining business since sales peaked in 2007 at nearly $3 billion, according to data from San Francisco-based market research firm Close Concerns Inc.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced earlier this year it was cutting the reimbursement for diabetes test supplies by up to 72%.

Plunging revenue from its blood-glucose monitors has forced Roche Diagnostics Corp. to cut its staff, the company informed its workers last week.

Roche, which operates its North American headquarters in Indianapolis, suffered a 14-percent decline in revenue in its diabetes care unit during the first six months of the year. Roche has reportedly put that unit up for sale, according to a May report by the Reuters news agency.

After the cuts, the company will have about 3,000 employees in Central Indiana, the home of its U.S. diagnostics operations

Article Source: IBJ

Google for Carb Counting

Trying to figure how many grams of carbohydrate are in that food you’re about to eat? 

Manny Hernandez - known to many in the diabetes online community as President of the Diabetes Hands Foundation (the group behind TuDiabetes) - discovered a quick and easy way: 

Just enter the food and the word “carbohydrate” into Google, and the search engine will display the carbohydrate count per serving. 


Here’s the example Manny gave. Try it our yourself 

Blog entry was written by Web Editor Diane Fennell at Diabetic Self Management Blog

Ray Allen Takes His Shots Against Diabetes

Ray Allen had a rare opportunity this summer. He appeared before Congress as a powerful ally for his son. See last month's blog posting  

"I go in there as an NBA player that has a voice," Allen said, "a little power where I can help mobilize people. But more importantly, I'm a father that wants a cure for my son and his diabetes. The senators got a chance to see the face of diabetes, these little kids who have nothing to do with why they have the disease."




In 2008, as Allen was on the verge of winning an NBA championship with the Celtics, his son Walker was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Walker is now 6, managing the disease every day of his life.

"My son handles it in stride," Allen said, "but over the summer, he's kind of bucking taking his medicine. He takes it, but I can tell he's starting to grow and he wants to be over it. He's angry. He sees other kids running off into the distance and not worrying about anything."

Continue Reading 

Medicinal Herbs Show Ability to Replace Diabetes Medication without Side Effects

Researchers from University of Mississippi's School of Pharmacy have conducted an extensive analysis of medicinal plants and proved once again that herbs can replace medications - now diabetes medications. 

They found that a number of herbs safely modulate cellular PPAR receptors – which means they help regulate glucose, insulin and fat metabolism.

Find out more

The Thing That Can Save Black Men’s Lives

What is The Urban Housecall?

Drs. Karla and Rob Robinson are the hosts of the popular radio show “The Urban Housecall.” They’re also a happily married couple!

One of the many topics that this dynamic health duo is promoting is men’s health, ranging from high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes to nutrition, fitness, weight control, and emotional health.


So, what is their prescription for getting black men healthier?

Men’s Health: Today’s Statistics 

• Statistically speaking, almost half of all men under the age of 50 don’t have a primary care physician and therefore
• Don’t take part in screening tests and preventive health measures.
• Are 2-3 times more likely to die from highly preventable and/or treatable chronic diseases and illnesses.
• Early detection and intervention can improve this health disparity in the urban community. 

Below is the top thing black men can do to get and stay healthy.

Get Tested
In addition to other tests that your doctor may recommend based on your health status, here are the screening tests that men over the age of 30 should be getting:

• Waist Circumference: Central obesity is best measured by waist circumference and is an indicator of the possible risk of diabetes, high cholesterol. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

• Blood Pressure Screening: Heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure are the most common complications of untreated high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also lead to erectile dysfunction. 40% of African-American adults have high blood pressure and less than 30% of them have treatment for it.

• Cholesterol: Many African-Americans have an increased risk of heart disease and cholesterol screening should begin at age 20. Assuming cholesterol levels are normal, they should be checked every 5 years thereafter.

• EKG: An EKG is a test used to check for changes in the electrical activity of the heart. Issues pertaining to the heart such as damage to the heart muscle, enlargement of the heart, heart murmurs/rhythm problems can all be detected by using an EKG.

• Vitamin D: Statistic on the rates of vitamin D deficiency in African-Americans varies widely from 60% to over 90%. Vitamin D levels are helpful in protecting against high blood pressure, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

What if your loved one is avoiding going to the doctor?

Below are two tips that can help men take the leap:

• Let him know that their life matters. Express to your loved ones how important it is to you for them to be around for family and friends and more importantly for you. Often times, men feel as though they are too busy providing for their families and can’t take the time to make their health a priority.  Let them know they can’t afford NOT to. If we encourage our men to increase their expectations for longevity, they can have a greater appreciation for living a longer and healthier life.

• Use analogies they can relate to. Remind him that his health is very much like a car.  It’s important to do regularly scheduled maintenance to keep it running, as it should.  Just as he is willing to get oil changes and tune-ups regularly, make sure he visits his doctor to tune up his body, and check under his hood.

Article Source: Chicago Defender 

6 of 10 Americans Will Develop Kidney Disease

Nearly six of ten Americans will develop kidney disease in their lifetime, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease. 

In comparison, lifetime risk of diabetes, heart attack and invasive cancer is approximately four in ten.

Photo (Courtesy of kidney.org)

As a result of this and previous studies, the National Kidney Foundation is calling on healthcare professionals to screen patients in specific high–risk groups for kidney disease – those age 60 or older and those with high blood pressure or diabetes – by adding a simple urine albumin test for kidney damage to annual physical examinations.

African Americans had a greater risk of developing more advanced disease and developing kidney disease earlier. In contrast, the overall risk was highest in women due to their higher life expectancy and the dramatic rise of kidney disease risk with older age. 

The authors also noted that kidney disease risk appears to be increasing over the past decades, suggesting their results based on the average risk may be conservative. The rise in obesity and diabetes over the past decades may further increase the lifetime risk of kidney disease. Read Full article  


Related Articles:

Lifetime risk for kidney disease trumps diabetes, heart attack 

Age 60 or Older? You Need Yearly Kidney Disease Test

62 Million Glucose Test Strips Recalled

Nova Max Glucose Test Strips and Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter kits were voluntarily recalled due to inaccurate readings. 

The recall included approximately 62 million strips.  

The strips are reportedly producing results that are falsely elevated.  False readings can result in improper care leading to extreme reactions.  The strips were sold in retail locations and delivered directly to consumers via online purchases.

The strips covered by the recall are marketed under the brand names Nova Max Blood Glucose Test Strips and Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter Kits. 

The recall affects certain lots of the strips distributed in the U.S., Canada, Chile, Peru, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and a half-dozen other countries. Nova Diabetes Care sells them through retail stores and websites.

The FDA said Wednesday that the strips are contaminated with a chemical used in the manufacturing process, which interferes with readings. FDA regulators are working with the company to investigate the problem and make sure it is corrected.

You can find specific information about affected lot numbers by calling Nova Diabetes Care at 1-800-681-7390.  Or you can visit their website at: www.novacares.com/news/nova-max-recall.php

Updating the Sloppy Joe

Diabetic Connect's updated Sloppy Joe takes lean ground beef and adds chopped cremini mushrooms and diced fresh plum tomatoes, all in a zesty sauce. 

Photographer: Ken Burris

Served on a whole-wheat bun, it’s a hearty dinner sandwich that will please adults and kids alike.


Ingredients
Total Time: 45 minutes

• 12 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cups finely chopped cremini mushrooms, (about 4 ounces)
• 5 plum tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chili sauce, such as Heinz
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 8 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted if desired

Directions
The filling will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

8 servings, generous 1/2 cup filling each

Crumble beef into a large nonstick skillet; cook over medium heat until it starts to sizzle, about 1 minute. Add onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables are soft and the moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes and flour; stir to combine. Stir in water, vinegar, chili sauce and ketchup and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the onion is very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve warm on buns.

Recipe source: Diabetic Connect

Diabetes Facts in African-American Population

Research suggests there may be genetic risk factors. The risk is based on personal linage. 

Recent African immigrant to America may have inherited what researches refer to as the "thrifty gene" from their ancestors. 

Years ago most African populations experienced feast and famine cycles their bodies adapted to become more efficient with food. This gene may make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult as the body is always trying to store resources.

Read full article here