Here is a question I received regarding someone who was recently diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes:
The doctor told me that my blood tests show that if I do not change my ways I will be diabetic no later than next year, 2 years at the very most. I guess the only good news is my cholesterol is low and my LDL and HDL are in the right limits.
I gave up smoking and just started throwing food in mouth instead. But it has been the last few years that I have been fighting depression and weight gain, so I've really got myself into a mess now. So, if you think your plan can help, it's not if I don't know that what I eat is not good for me. A lot of it is I am tired after working all day at the computer and the stress of my job sometimes is overwhelming.
What do you suggest?
Answer: It certainly sounds like you are motivated!
Pre-Diabetes is unique in that weight loss, following a healthy diet to support weight loss, and regular physical exercise can help to delay onset of type 2 diabetes (National Diabetes Prevention Program).
Here's a link for more information about Pre-Diabetes:
Pre-Diabetes Information
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
GlucoMenu Newsletter
Here is a link to the most recent GlucoMenu newsletter. This week's newsletter includes a Turkey Panini recipe, diabetes & sweeteners and much more.
http://www.glucomenu.com/newsletter/09/3809/
http://www.glucomenu.com/newsletter/09/3809/
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Diabetes & Gluten?
Here is a question I received from someone about whether they should avoid gluten products:
Should I be eating gluten free products? How do I know if I am allergic to a food item?
Answer: There is no reason to eliminate gluten unless you have an allergy or intolerance to it. Some research shows that those with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk for Celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged. Gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and a few other grains) triggers this. Symptoms of Celiac disease may include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, and weight loss.
Celiac disease is different from a gluten allergy.
Prior to eliminating gluten in your diet, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask your doctor about being tested for Celiac disease and also ask about whether you should be tested for a gluten allergy.
Should I be eating gluten free products? How do I know if I am allergic to a food item?
Answer: There is no reason to eliminate gluten unless you have an allergy or intolerance to it. Some research shows that those with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk for Celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged. Gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and a few other grains) triggers this. Symptoms of Celiac disease may include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, and weight loss.
Celiac disease is different from a gluten allergy.
Prior to eliminating gluten in your diet, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask your doctor about being tested for Celiac disease and also ask about whether you should be tested for a gluten allergy.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Diabetes & Hunger
Below is a question I received from someone wondering about ravenous hunger and diabetes:
Lately, I have had difficulty controlling my eating and my sugar has been elevated. I find myself, always, hungry and most of the time ravenous. I need some good advice.
Answer: Excessive hunger can be a symptom of hyperglycemia. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Talk with your physician about your elevated blood sugar levels and excessive hunger to evaluate whether adjustments in your treatment should be made.
After speaking with your doctor, you may also want to speak with a dietitian about including foods in your meal plan that keep you satiated (feeling full or satisfied).
Foods with fiber, protein, or fat tend to make you feel full for a longer period of time and may curb hunger. Fibrous foods include vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, and fruits (whole fruits not juice). Lean protein foods include poultry, seafood, lean meats, and low fat cheese. Heart healthy fats include nuts, olive oil or canola oil (use caution with fats especially if you are trying to lose weight).
Lately, I have had difficulty controlling my eating and my sugar has been elevated. I find myself, always, hungry and most of the time ravenous. I need some good advice.
Answer: Excessive hunger can be a symptom of hyperglycemia. Other symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Talk with your physician about your elevated blood sugar levels and excessive hunger to evaluate whether adjustments in your treatment should be made.
After speaking with your doctor, you may also want to speak with a dietitian about including foods in your meal plan that keep you satiated (feeling full or satisfied).
Foods with fiber, protein, or fat tend to make you feel full for a longer period of time and may curb hunger. Fibrous foods include vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, and fruits (whole fruits not juice). Lean protein foods include poultry, seafood, lean meats, and low fat cheese. Heart healthy fats include nuts, olive oil or canola oil (use caution with fats especially if you are trying to lose weight).
Friday, September 18, 2009
Diabetes & Fruit
People with diabetes often wonder about whether fruit is ok to eat. Here is question I received about which fruits are lower in sugar:
I have Type 2 diabetes. I need to know which fruits are lower in sugar. Which ones would be a better choice for me to eat?
Answer: It is important when choosing fruit to pay attention to portion sizes. You might measure out portions at the beginning to get an idea of a portion.
One small apple, 3/4 cup of berries, or 1 cup of melon is a serving of fruit.
Choose whole fruit over fruit juice more often. Whole fruit contains fiber and may not be absorbed into your bloodstream as quickly compared to fruit juices.
As whole fruits become more processed (juiced, pureed, mashed) there is potential for greater impact on blood sugar as a result of less fiber.
I have Type 2 diabetes. I need to know which fruits are lower in sugar. Which ones would be a better choice for me to eat?
Answer: It is important when choosing fruit to pay attention to portion sizes. You might measure out portions at the beginning to get an idea of a portion.
One small apple, 3/4 cup of berries, or 1 cup of melon is a serving of fruit.
Choose whole fruit over fruit juice more often. Whole fruit contains fiber and may not be absorbed into your bloodstream as quickly compared to fruit juices.
As whole fruits become more processed (juiced, pureed, mashed) there is potential for greater impact on blood sugar as a result of less fiber.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
GlucoMenu Newsletter
Here is a link to our most recent newsletter. This week's newsletter includes a lemon muffin recipe, carbohydrate versus sugar, and much more:
GlucoMenu Newsletter September 14-20, 2009
GlucoMenu Newsletter September 14-20, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Diabetes & Glucose Tolerance Test
Below is a question I received about glucose levels.
My glucose tolerance test was at 105 - how high/low is that compared to acceptable levels?
Answer: It depends on what type of test you had (was it a fasting glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test?). If it was a Fasting Plasma Glucose test, a glucose level of 100-125 indicates pre-diabetes. Your doctor will have the test results and be able to answer questions specific to you.
The American Diabetes Association states the following:
"In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster, and less expensive to perform.
With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes.
In the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200 mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes."
My glucose tolerance test was at 105 - how high/low is that compared to acceptable levels?
Answer: It depends on what type of test you had (was it a fasting glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test?). If it was a Fasting Plasma Glucose test, a glucose level of 100-125 indicates pre-diabetes. Your doctor will have the test results and be able to answer questions specific to you.
The American Diabetes Association states the following:
"In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster, and less expensive to perform.
With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes.
In the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200 mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes."
Friday, September 11, 2009
People Using GlucoMenu
Here is some feedback I received this week from a customer using GlucoMenu.
"Your program is great! No more wondering what to have for dinner! I am eating so healthy and enjoying it!
My family has joined me to be supportive and like the menus too. We are all losing weight!
My grocery bill has also been reduced. I am a new diabetic and really depend on your menus. I was tested at the clinic lab a week after starting your program and my blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure had all been reduced markedly.
I know I need to stay with this program! Thank you so much for the great work you are doing, Christine!"
"Your program is great! No more wondering what to have for dinner! I am eating so healthy and enjoying it!
My family has joined me to be supportive and like the menus too. We are all losing weight!
My grocery bill has also been reduced. I am a new diabetic and really depend on your menus. I was tested at the clinic lab a week after starting your program and my blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure had all been reduced markedly.
I know I need to stay with this program! Thank you so much for the great work you are doing, Christine!"
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Diabetes & Fiber
Here is a question I received about choosing foods that are good sources of fiber.
I am in the military and currently stationed in Kuwait. Although the meals are great, I have a hard time putting items together for a 1200 cal diet and I'm not sure of which items are the best for fiber. Please help.
Answer: Choosing whole grains instead of refined flour (wheat bread and brown rice instead of white bread and white rice for example), whole vegetables and whole fruits instead of juice can help increase fiber.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Not only do fibrous foods contain many vitamins and minerals, fiber also packs health benefits including:
I am in the military and currently stationed in Kuwait. Although the meals are great, I have a hard time putting items together for a 1200 cal diet and I'm not sure of which items are the best for fiber. Please help.
Answer: Choosing whole grains instead of refined flour (wheat bread and brown rice instead of white bread and white rice for example), whole vegetables and whole fruits instead of juice can help increase fiber.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Not only do fibrous foods contain many vitamins and minerals, fiber also packs health benefits including:
- Delaying sugar into the blood stream – slows how quickly sugar goes into your bloodstream and therefore may reduce peaks of blood sugar levels,
- Reducing body weight – helps to make you feel full longer and may displace “empty calorie” foods,
- Reducing blood cholesterol – if you have heart problems or high cholesterol, eating high fiber foods may help to reduce your blood cholesterol levels,
- Alleviating constipation – helps to improve regularity.
Paying attention to nutrition facts on food labels and nutrition analysis when available for meals served can be helpful in counting calories and determining fiber content.
According to the American Diabetes Association, if a food contains 5 or more grams of fiber, you can subtract 1/2 of the grams of fiber from the total carbohydrate amount.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Diabetes & A1c test
Below is a question I received from someone with diabetes asking about their A1c level.
What should my A1c level be?
Answer: An A1c test is a blood test that reveals how your blood sugar has been over the past 2-3 months. This test can show high blood sugar you are not aware of as a result of blood sugar testing times. Strive for an A1c close to that of a healthy person (4-6%).
The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1c goal for those with diabetes of less than 7%. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends an A1c goal for those with diabetes of less than 6.5%.
It is important to discuss blood sugar control goals with your doctor or diabetes educator so you know what to personally try to achieve. While you already have a primary care physician, you may want to see a specialist in diabetes (Endocrinologist). An Endocrinologist is medical doctor who specializes in diseases including diabetes.
What should my A1c level be?
Answer: An A1c test is a blood test that reveals how your blood sugar has been over the past 2-3 months. This test can show high blood sugar you are not aware of as a result of blood sugar testing times. Strive for an A1c close to that of a healthy person (4-6%).
The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1c goal for those with diabetes of less than 7%. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends an A1c goal for those with diabetes of less than 6.5%.
It is important to discuss blood sugar control goals with your doctor or diabetes educator so you know what to personally try to achieve. While you already have a primary care physician, you may want to see a specialist in diabetes (Endocrinologist). An Endocrinologist is medical doctor who specializes in diseases including diabetes.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Welcome!
My name is Christine and I am a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator.
I have always been interested in nutrition. When my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I became interested in diabetes care as well. My grandfather also had type 2 diabetes. Research indicates family history of diabetes increases risk. Because of my family history with diabetes, I have a vested interest in the treatment and prevention of the disorder.
I started this blog for diabetes and nutrition related discussions. My hope is to discuss many diabetes topics to help with daily management. Please feel free to add your diabetes experiences, comments and questions.
I have always been interested in nutrition. When my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I became interested in diabetes care as well. My grandfather also had type 2 diabetes. Research indicates family history of diabetes increases risk. Because of my family history with diabetes, I have a vested interest in the treatment and prevention of the disorder.
I started this blog for diabetes and nutrition related discussions. My hope is to discuss many diabetes topics to help with daily management. Please feel free to add your diabetes experiences, comments and questions.
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