Indholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2017 i Diabetes Self-Management

Following a nutritious diabetes diet can be both healthy and downright yummy. Dear Readers, WHAT’S NEW? A lot, actually, in the realm of diabetes care and treatment. And this issue of Diabetes Self-Management delves into the advances that have made recent headlines. The past year has seen several significant developments for people with diabetes. In his feature article, Kurt Ullman summarizes nine breakthroughs aimed at improving and easing diabetes management (page 31). From the first artificial pancreas and glucose monitoring without a fingerstick to combination therapies and Medicare benefits, every aspect of living with diabetes has advanced and changed in ways that directly affect people’s day-to-day lives. In addition to traditional treatments, alternative and complementary therapies are a hot topic in diabetes management. JoAnn Stevelos examines the positive effects of…

When you visit your doctor’s office for a checkup or take a prescription to your pharmacist, you are participating in what might be called mainstream medical care—the kind that’s based on controlled studies and extensive research and testing. But some approaches to health care lie outside the boundaries of orthodox medical practice, and many of us have tried them. They include massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, herbal supplements and chiropractic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines these therapies as “complementary health approaches”—non-mainstream methods that are used with conventional medicine, not in place of it. Most people who use non-mainstream practices do so in conjunction with conventional treatments. How popular are these complementary health approaches? A recent survey found that Americans spend billions of dollars on them. The survey,…

Taking care of diabetes can challenge anyone’s budget. Between prescription medicines, supplies, doctor’s visits and much more, keeping costs down is not easy. The average person with diabetes runs up almost $8,000 a year in medical expenses directly related to the disease, according to a 2012 report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). There are some practical ways to save money so you don’t have to choose between paying rent, buying food or getting a prescription filled. Follow these money-saving tips to keep costs down—and your diabetes under control. Prescription assistance programs (PAPs) offered by pharmaceutical companies can provide free or discounted medicines to people who can’t afford them. If you don’t have health insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid, these programs often can provide some assistance with your out-of-pocket…

CHOICES TO TRY • Rotis, parathas and tandoori rotis are breads made with whole wheat flour. • Lentils and beans are great sources of plant-based protein and healthy carbohydrates and generally have a low glycemic load. • Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is high in protein and calcium and low in carbohydrates. Saag paneer is a dish made with spinach and paneer cubes. • Nonstarchy Indian vegetables such as bitter gourd and fenugreek have been found to have a mild hypoglycemic effect. • Cooking with the right spices can transform a dish. CHOICES TO LIMIT • Naan, although a very popular bread, is made with all-purpose refined flour. • Limit your intake of white rice, a popular grain in Indian cuisine. • Indian curries made with lots of cream and…

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus MAKES 6 SERVINGS Nutrients per Serving: Calories 57, Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Protein 3g, Carbohydrates 4g, Cholesterol 3mg, Dietary Fiber 2g, Sodium 53mg Dietary Exchange: 1 Fat, 1 Vegetable 1 pound fresh asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze* 1/4 cup finely shredded or grated Parmesan cheese 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Arrange asparagus in single layer in shallow 11x7-inch baking dish. Drizzle asparagus with oil; gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt, if desired, and pepper. 3. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drizzle balsamic glaze over asparagus; roll again with tongs to coat. Top with cheese. Take note! *Balsamic glaze can be found in the condiment section of the…

Quinoa Burrito Bowls MAKES 4 SERVINGS Nutrients per Serving: Calories 258, Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 1g, Protein 9g, Carbohydrates 42g, Cholesterol 4mg, Dietary Fiber 6g, Sodium 136mg Dietary Exchange: 3 Bread/ Starch, 1 Fat 1 cup uncooked quinoa 2 cups water 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 1/4 cup light sour cream 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 small onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup thawed frozen corn Shredded lettuce Lime wedges (optional) 1. Place quinoa in fine-mesh strainer; rinse well under cold running water. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in small saucepan; stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and…

When you’re busy and need to reach for a healthy snack, consider these protein-packed bars. They’re not only healthy for you, but they also taste really good. Sometimes protein bars or low-carb snack foods will advertise “net carbs” on their labels, but use caution. All carbohydrates increase blood glucose, and you need to factor the total carbohydrates into your snacking. KIND Fruit & Nut Bars are a combination of sweet and chewy all-natural ingredients that contain 5 grams of protein, 20 grams of total carbohydrates and 11 grams of sugar. Nature Valley Chewy Protein Bars contain 10 grams of protein and 14 grams of carbohydrates. The bars come in a variety of flavors, including peanut butter, almond and dark chocolate. Think Thin Bars offer a powerful protein boost with 20…

Managing Weight and Well-being If you have read the previous two columns in this series, you have discovered the importance of weight management for diabetes control, as well as how you can prepare to manage your weight. Now let’s look at how weight management can impact your overall well-being—the way you feel, think and interact with others—and how to deal with any pitfalls that may threaten your motivation. YOUR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING As you embark on your weight-management goals, disappointing or disturbing life events are likely to shake your resolve. However, keeping a mood diary can help you learn how to deal with your emotions without falling back into destructive eating behaviors. By tracking how your mood changes throughout the day and after different events, you can identify patterns in how…

Mike Golic might be best known as half of ESPN’s popular morning radio and TV team Mike & Mike (Mike Greenberg being the other half) for the past 17 years. That followed a successful nine-season NFL career as a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Miami Dolphins and the Houston Oilers. But Golic also has had a third career—12 years of successfully managing Type 2 diabetes. After joining the American Diabetes Association’s Team Tackle last year, Golic signed on with Janssen Pharmaceuticals in January as part of Invokana’s Imagine: Loving Your Numbers campaign. With Team Tackle, a team of 45 current, former and upcoming professional football players raising awareness of diabetes and prediabetes, he has lobbied Congress for increased funding for diabetes research is participating in ADA events around…

According to estimates, approximately 60 to 70 percent of people living with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. While cooking at home is a more nutritious alternative to eating out or buying processed foods, trying to prepare meals with numb hands is not only uncomfortable, but can be nearly impossible depending on the severity. Ellis Regini, creator of the Saucepan Chef, became so fed up with the design and quality of current kitchen utensils that he was inspired to conceive a line of his own that are easy to grip and as effective as possible for those with a limited range of motion. According to Saucepan Chef, Regini created “one-of-a-kind, high-quality kitchen utensils that are easier to use. Wide handles make them easy to grip. Redesigned angles allow cooks…

ALDOSTERONE ANTAGONIST A type of antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) drug that may also help treat heart failure and diabetic nephropathy (diabetes-related kidney disease). Aldosterone is a corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. It promotes the retention of sodium, which increases blood volume and thus raises blood pressure. High levels of aldosterone in the blood may also cause cardiac fibrosis (scarring of the heart muscle) and damage to the blood vessels and glomeruli (tiny filters) of the kidney. Aldosterone antagonists (“aldosterone blockers”) block the effects of aldosterone. They are used in the treatment of heart failure (when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs) and diabetic nephropathy. Studies have shown that adding aldosterone antagonists to standard treatment can decrease mortality from heart failure and lower albumin…

Have you found yourself needing to destress, chill out, get mellow or calm yourself? For people with Type 2 diabetes, learning how to manage stress and relax not only benefits their overall health, but it also helps manage diabetes. Some complementary and alternative therapies can help people with Type 2 diabetes relax while also easing their pain. Techniques including meditation, massage, yoga, acupuncture and Reiki may help you learn more about how your body works as well as how to deal with stress. Adopting effective ways to manage stress will help you feel more relaxed and healthier. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, describes complementary and alternative medicine as a “group of diverse medical and health-care systems, practices and products that…

Grilled Fish Tacos MAKES 4 SERVINGS (2 TACOS [ 1/3 CUP FILLING EACH] PER SERVING) Nutrients per Serving: Calories 243, Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 1g, Protein 25g, Carbohydrates 28g, Cholesterol 87mg, Dietary Fiber 5g, Sodium 334mg Dietary Exchange: 2 Bread/ Starch, 3 Meat 3/4 teaspoon chili powder 1 pound skinless mahimahi, halibut or tilapia fillets 1/2 cup salsa, divided 2 cups packaged coleslaw mix or cabbage 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed 1. Prepare grill for direct cooking. Sprinkle chili powder evenly over fish. Spoon 1/4 cup salsa over fish; let stand 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, combine coleslaw mix, remaining 1/4 cup salsa, sour cream and 2 tablespoons cilantro in large bowl; mix well. 3. Grill fish, salsa side…

Frozen pizza is the ultimate convenience dinner, even faster than pizza delivery. And who can resist a steamy, hot, cheesy pie—especially when it claims to contain the basic four food groups? The crust is the grain serving, the tomato sauce or vegetable toppings comprise the vegetable serving, the cheese is the dairy group and the meat topping is the meat serving. Right? Well, it might be if a tablespoon of sauce was considered a vegetable. While frozen pizza may contain several food groups, that does not mean it is a healthy food. Frozen pizza can be high in both saturated fat and sodium. Frozen pizza comes in various sizes and number of servings per pizza. The serving size is indicated on the Nutrition Facts panel and may be stated…

1. Which of the following is a potential sign of diabetes in cats or dogs but not typically for humans? A. Excessive urination B. Increased thirst C. Chronic or recurring infections D. Cloudy eyes 2. Why do some experts recommend female dogs be spayed? A. It reverses diabetes. B. It reduces sexual hormones and makes the animal less frisky. C. It reduces the risk of diabetes. D. It makes diabetes easier to manage. 3. True or False: Some pets who have diabetes may lose weight even as their appetite increases. 4. Which healthy lifestyle habit should owners adopt for pets who have diabetes? A. Make sure your pet exercises daily. B. Implement a high-fiber, low-protein diet. C. Reduce your pet’s fiber intake. D. Limit water intake. 5. Which of the…

One of the most encouraging advances in diabetes research in the past few years has been the development of ways to harvest pancreatic islet cells from donors and transplant them into diabetes patients. Islets are cells in the pancreas that make insulin, but these cells are destroyed in people with Type 1 diabetes. In transplantation, cells are removed from the pancreas of a donor and implanted into the pancreas of a patient with Type 1 diabetes, where they begin to manufacture insulin. The goal of diabetes researchers is to enable people with Type 1 diabetes to live without daily insulin injections. Clinical trials have already demonstrated that islet transplantation can restore cell function in the pancreas for 10 years or more. The problem with these trials, however, is that they…

SUMMER STYLE LENTIL SOUP MAKES 6 SERVINGS The brothiness of this lentil soup gives it a lighter texture so you can enjoy it in the warmer months. It is quick and easy to make, so don’t relegate lentils to just the fall and winter. Note: Scallions can be used in place of leeks, and the celery can be increased to 2 cups if celeriac or salsify is not available. Nutritional information per serving: Calories 237, Protein 14.5g, Carbohydrates 38g, Fiber 9g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Sodium 388mg 1 ounce bacon, minced ½ cup diced onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup diced leek, white and light green parts 1 cup carrots, sliced 1 cup celeriac or salsify, sliced 1 cup celery, sliced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 bay leaf 1 parsley…

According to the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “there is not enough scientific evidence to show that any dietary supplement can help manage or prevent Type 2 diabetes.” It reports that you should be very careful when using dietary supplements because they may be linked to kidney disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to remove from the market illegal dietary supplements that claim to manage, cure or prevent diabetes. Fifteen companies have received warnings that their products violate federal law. The FDA is advising people to seek proper care for diabetes and to consult with their doctors before taking any dietary supplements. On the organization’s website, FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, says, “Consumers who buy violative products that claim…

Vegetable-Topped Hummus MAKES 8 SERVINGS SERVING SIZE: 6 TABLESPOONS HUMMUS Nutrients per Serving: Calories 75, Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g, Protein 4g, Carbohydrates 9g, Cholesterol 0mg, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sodium 369mg Dietary Exchange: 1/2 Bread/ Starch, 1/2 Fat 1 can (about 15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 clove garlic 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 tomato, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Pita bread or assorted crackers (optional) 1. Combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt in food processor or blender; process until smooth. 2. Combine tomato, green onions and parsley in small bowl; gently toss to combine. 3. Spoon hummus into serving bowl; top with tomato mixture. Serve with pita bread or assorted crackers, if…

HAVE YOU CAUGHT YOURSELF SLOUCHING OVER at work or experiencing chronic lower back pain while sitting or standing? Poor posture and lower back pain are two side effects of a weak core. Fortunately there are steps you can take at work to combat the troubles of a weak core. Strengthening your core supports your lower back, protects fragile vertebrae in the lumbar spine and helps you maintain a more upright posture. Although it may seem challenging to work your core in the workplace, several simple practices can be performed seated or standing at your desk to help turn on those abdominal muscles, increase blood flow and ramp up your energy level! TRY IT! 1 Seated Suitcase Sit toward the front edge of your chair with your back straight. Pull your…