Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?

Here is a question I recently received from someone with Type 2 Diabetes:

Q. Can you reverse diabetes? My husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few months ago.

A. No, type 2 diabetes cannot be reversed, but complications can be minimized with good blood sugar control. There are many things you can do to control blood sugar.

• Eating right to support blood sugar control and a healthy body weight. This includes reading food labels, spreading carbohydrates evenly throughout the day, and reducing fat.
• Exercise for overall health and improved insulin sensitivity. Set aside time to exercise everyday.
• Weight loss if overweight. Current research indicates a 5-10% weight loss can help with tighter blood sugar control.
• Testing blood sugar and taking medications as needed.

The good news is that people can take control of their diabetes by eating right, exercising on a regular basis, and testing blood sugar. Good blood sugar control starts with you!

You can read more by visiting: GlucoMenu

Diabetes and Fruit Juice?

Here is a question I received from someone with diabetes:

Q: I am not a great water drinker and tend to go for the juices. Frozen orange juice and canned apple juice are two of my choices. Is frozen orange juice considered sugar free?

A: Fruit juices are definitely NOT sugar free. Juice tends to be one of the quickest ways to increase blood sugar.

• Instead of juices, you might look at sugar free drink mixes containing little or no calorie (Crystal Light, Sugar Free Kool-Aid, Diet Soda, etc.)
• Add a lemon, lime, or orange wedge to cold water to add flavor.
• Limit beverages with caffeine as these actually deplete the body of water.

You can also visit Food Picker on GlucoMenu for an analysis of several popular beverages (as well as thousands of foods).

You can read more by visiting GlucoMenu.com

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Here is a question I recently received from someone with diabetes:

Q. What should I order when eating out to limit sodium? In addition to having type 2 diabetes, I have high blood pressure.

A. Limiting sodium when dining out can be challenging. It is important to ask questions about how items are prepared. Here are some tips to help guide you when ordering:

• choose baked or grilled lean meats (such as skinless chicken or turkey breast) over smoked, cured, or processed meats (such as ham or bacon),
• ask that foods are not salted when being prepared,
• request sauces on the side to help limit sodium,
• ask that foods are seasoned only with herbs or spices that are salt free,
• order fresh vegetables when possible since canned or frozen items may contain added sodium.

You can read more by visiting GlucoMenu.com