Holiday Planning & Diabetes

Plan ahead for holiday gatherings!  Holiday celebrations can mean a lot of food and temptation.  Planning ahead for such events can make a big difference with blood sugar control.  Consider these tips before your next gathering.

• If eating a little too much is inevitable, balance with increasing exercise for the day. 
• Visit with friends and family away from the food spread to avoid continuous nibbling. 
• Plan for one food trip, using a plate, so you have control over the amount eaten. 
• Contribute to the food spread with a few safe bet, healthier options.  For example, bring along a vegetable tray, diet soda, or other low carbohydrate beverages to enjoy. 
• If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware that alcohol and drink mixes add extra calories.

Plan ahead and enjoy the holidays!

You can learn more about Diabetes care buy visiting the following website:

http://www.GlucoMenu.com

Diet & Exercise for Diabetes

How does diet and exercise affect diabetes?

Diet makes a difference whether you are at risk for diabetes or have diabetes.  Following a healthy diet and exercise plan are key to treating or preventing diabetes.   Research proves it!

What research shows that diet and exercise are key in preventing diabetes?

The US Department of Health and Human Services recently released results of a Diabetes Prevention Study.  The study indicated risk for diabetes is reduced by 58% when the following lifestyle changes occur:

• calorie and dietary fat reduction in diet,
• physical activity – 30 minutes per day on 5 days of the week, and
• weight loss – 5% body weight reduction as a result of diet and exercise.

I already have diabetes, what about treating it?

These lifestyle changes are successful in treating Type 2 diabetes as well!  The American Diabetes Association states that weight loss can help those with diabetes in two ways.  First, weight loss reduces insulin resistance allowing the insulin you produce to work more effectively.   Second, weight loss improves blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.  This helps with reducing risk for heart disease.

Research indicates those with diabetes have difficulty adhering to their recommended meal plan.  One study found 2/3 of patients agree that following doctor’s recommendations of diabetes care is not easy.   Researchers found patients were doing a good job at taking diabetes medications but struggled with other aspects including following dietary advice.  

You can learn more about Diabetes Treatment by visiting the following link:

http://www.glucomenu.com/new_research/default.asp

Pre-Diabetes and Blood Sugar

The Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes has lowered the fasting blood sugar level to diagnose Pre-Diabetes.  Pre-Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes.  Pre-Diabetes increases risk for type 2 diabetes in the future.

Here is what has changed:

Updated Diagnosis Criteria

• A fasting blood sugar of 100 – 125 mg/dlnow indicates Pre-Diabetes. 
• A normal fasting blood sugar is now less than 100 mg/dl.

Previous Diagnosis Criteria

• A fasting blood sugar of 110-125 mg/dl indicated Pre-Diabetes.
• A normal fasting blood sugar was less than 110 mg/dl.

A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dl or more still indicates diabetes.  In addition to increased risk for diabetes, those with Pre-Diabetes are also at increased risk for heart disease.  Pre-Diabetes is also associated a condition known as metabolic syndrome.  Metabolic syndrome is characterized by high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (disordered blood fats including decreased HDL (good) cholesterol levels and/or elevated triglycerides), elevated fasting blood sugar, and centralized obesity (or abdominal obesity, apple body shape).

The good news…

A reduction of body weight, following a healthy meal plan, exercise, and some medications can help to delay or prevent the development of diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your diabetes and heart disease risks.

You can learn more about Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes by visiting the following link:

http://www.glucomenu.com/new_research/default.asp