Below is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
My fasting glucose number was 127. Does this sound like pre-diabetes or diabetes? What should I do to control by blood sugar?
A fasting blood sugar of 126 or greater is indicative of diabetes. However, be sure to get a second test from your PCP to confirm this diagnosis.
On a more interesting note, it is now accepted to use another lab value, hemoglobin A1c, to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c (also known as glycosolated hemoglobin) is lab value that measures how well blood sugars were managed over a period of 3 months; it is also used by medical professionals to gauge how well diabetic patients have controlled their blood sugars. A hemoglobin A1c reading of 5.7-6.4% is indicative of pre-diabetes and a reading of 6.5% or higher confirms a diabetes diagnosis.
Whether you are in the pre-diabetes or diabetes stage, it is highly recommended that you meet with a certified diabetes educated and/or registered dietitian to help plan lifestyle interventions to keep you on the track to good health!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friuts And Veggies
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have pre-diabetes and am trying to lose weight. How many servings of fruit and veggies should I have each day?
Losing weight is a great strategy to prolong diabetes and also for overall health. Excellent start!
It is recommended that people eat 5 servings for fruit and vegetables daily. To clarify, that is 5 servings total of combination of fruits and vegetables (not 5 of each). Sadly, most Americans do not eat the recommended amounts, so trying to increase fruit and vegetable consumption is an effective and tasty way to help with weight loss.
For diabetes purposes, it is important to try and focus on non-starchy vegetables versus starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, and peas).
Also, remember to eat the rainbow. Fruits and vegetables come in a variety of different colors- the reasoning for that is they all contain different nutrients. For example, tomatoes contain lycopene, which gives it its reddish tint is is also linked to prevent certain types of cancer. The orange tint from sweet potatoes and carrots is beta-caroetene, which helps with eyesight.
Check back soon!
I have pre-diabetes and am trying to lose weight. How many servings of fruit and veggies should I have each day?
Losing weight is a great strategy to prolong diabetes and also for overall health. Excellent start!
It is recommended that people eat 5 servings for fruit and vegetables daily. To clarify, that is 5 servings total of combination of fruits and vegetables (not 5 of each). Sadly, most Americans do not eat the recommended amounts, so trying to increase fruit and vegetable consumption is an effective and tasty way to help with weight loss.
For diabetes purposes, it is important to try and focus on non-starchy vegetables versus starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, and peas).
Also, remember to eat the rainbow. Fruits and vegetables come in a variety of different colors- the reasoning for that is they all contain different nutrients. For example, tomatoes contain lycopene, which gives it its reddish tint is is also linked to prevent certain types of cancer. The orange tint from sweet potatoes and carrots is beta-caroetene, which helps with eyesight.
Check back soon!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Carbohydrates
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org:
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last month. I’m having difficulty understanding how many carbs and sugar I can have each day. I’m finding that nearly everything contains carbs and sugar! Can you help me with this?
Good question! For new diabetics, sources of carbohydrate and carbohydrate counting tend ti be confusing. However, with some rules of thumb, you'll be on your success.
Portion control is the main theme here. A diabetic diet is a carbohydrate controlled diet. In other words, do not eat too many carbohydrates in one sitting. Do not "save" carbohydrates for later in the day; your body will thank you for this!
Carbohydrates are found in starches (breads, cereals, pastas, potatoes, corn), milk and dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), fruit and fruit juices, and, of course, sweets. It is important to read the food label that indicates PORTION SIZE and TOTAL CARBOHYDRATE. Carbohydrate is the main focus and, by examining the food label, you will see that the total amount of sugar is part of the total carbohydrate count.
Now, time for a math lesson: As a woman aim or 3-4 carbohydrate servings per meal and 1-2 carbohydrate servings per snack. (Remember that 15 grams of carbohydrate equals 1 carbohydrate serving.) This means that you should aim for about 45-60 grams of carbohydrate per meal and 15-30 grams of carbohydrate per snack.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last month. I’m having difficulty understanding how many carbs and sugar I can have each day. I’m finding that nearly everything contains carbs and sugar! Can you help me with this?
Good question! For new diabetics, sources of carbohydrate and carbohydrate counting tend ti be confusing. However, with some rules of thumb, you'll be on your success.
Portion control is the main theme here. A diabetic diet is a carbohydrate controlled diet. In other words, do not eat too many carbohydrates in one sitting. Do not "save" carbohydrates for later in the day; your body will thank you for this!
Carbohydrates are found in starches (breads, cereals, pastas, potatoes, corn), milk and dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), fruit and fruit juices, and, of course, sweets. It is important to read the food label that indicates PORTION SIZE and TOTAL CARBOHYDRATE. Carbohydrate is the main focus and, by examining the food label, you will see that the total amount of sugar is part of the total carbohydrate count.
Now, time for a math lesson: As a woman aim or 3-4 carbohydrate servings per meal and 1-2 carbohydrate servings per snack. (Remember that 15 grams of carbohydrate equals 1 carbohydrate serving.) This means that you should aim for about 45-60 grams of carbohydrate per meal and 15-30 grams of carbohydrate per snack.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Diabetic Classes
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org:
I am trying to find a class for our grandson. He is 19 and has a part-time job but no insurance. He just found out last week that he is a type 1 diabetes after losing a lot of weight and his blood sugar was 523. He is on insulin but needs to go to a class to manage is diabetes without going hungry. Where do we start? Any suggestions would help us a lot.
The answer to this question depends on what is available in your area and/or how far you are willing to travel.
Your best bet would be to contact his physician's office, or your local hospital or health clinic. They will be able to refer you to resources in your area. Some hospitals offer diabetes education classes and/or have specialized diabetes clinics.
Also, some communities have local diabetic support groups. This may be beneficial to help him cope and manage diabetes with the help of fellow diabetics.
Another option is to meet with a certified diabetes educator. These are certified health care professionals who have completed extensive training to assist patients with diabetes. To locate one in your areas, visit http://www.diabeteseducator.org/DiabetesEducation/Find.html
Be sure to refer to the American Diabetes Association website for additional information on diabetes.
And, of course, be sure to check back with Foodpicker.org!
Best of luck!
I am trying to find a class for our grandson. He is 19 and has a part-time job but no insurance. He just found out last week that he is a type 1 diabetes after losing a lot of weight and his blood sugar was 523. He is on insulin but needs to go to a class to manage is diabetes without going hungry. Where do we start? Any suggestions would help us a lot.
The answer to this question depends on what is available in your area and/or how far you are willing to travel.
Your best bet would be to contact his physician's office, or your local hospital or health clinic. They will be able to refer you to resources in your area. Some hospitals offer diabetes education classes and/or have specialized diabetes clinics.
Also, some communities have local diabetic support groups. This may be beneficial to help him cope and manage diabetes with the help of fellow diabetics.
Another option is to meet with a certified diabetes educator. These are certified health care professionals who have completed extensive training to assist patients with diabetes. To locate one in your areas, visit http://www.diabeteseducator.org/DiabetesEducation/Find.html
Be sure to refer to the American Diabetes Association website for additional information on diabetes.
And, of course, be sure to check back with Foodpicker.org!
Best of luck!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Late Night Snacking
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During the day at work I eat very little, but in the evenings and weekends, I can’t seem to stay out of the kitchen. Do you have any suggestions to control my snacking in the evenings and weekends?
Increased appetite during later parts of the day can be a direct cause of skipping meals or not eating sufficient breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks. As a diabetic, it is EXTREMELY important not to skip meals.
Think of your body as a car. Your car needs fuel (gas) in order to function. If you deprive your car of gas, it won't run. Your body works in the same way.
Carbohydrate, specifically, is needed as fuel for the body. While carbohydrate intake needs to be monitored with diabetes, the body needs it in order to function. Carbohydrates break down in your body into glucose (or blood sugar). A chemical in your body known as insulin normally joins with glucose, and regulates your blood sugar by entering your cells to be used as energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or insulin doesn't work correctly. Therefore, as a diabetic, you no longer have the liberty to skip meals.
Besides ensuring you eat at least 3 meals daily, here are some other tips to help suppress late-night hunger:
-Drink something! Often, we confuse hunger for thirst. Choosing water or low calorie drinks such as diet sodas, coffee, tea, and Crystal Light may help.
-Distract yourself! People often eat out of boredom. Mindless eating in front of the television is a surefire way to overindulge. Try to do something active or find a new hobby.
-Portion control! If you feel like you must eat something, portion out a sensible size and leave the kitchen. Do not take the bag with you! Or, choose one snack pack.
-Choose foods wisely! Many junk foods are tasty, but not filling. Picking a starch (preferably whole grain!) with a protein, such as a half of a sandwich or peanut butter and graham crackers, will not only satisfy your tastebuds, but fill you up on much less calories!
Best of luck!
Check back soon for my next post!
I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During the day at work I eat very little, but in the evenings and weekends, I can’t seem to stay out of the kitchen. Do you have any suggestions to control my snacking in the evenings and weekends?
Increased appetite during later parts of the day can be a direct cause of skipping meals or not eating sufficient breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks. As a diabetic, it is EXTREMELY important not to skip meals.
Think of your body as a car. Your car needs fuel (gas) in order to function. If you deprive your car of gas, it won't run. Your body works in the same way.
Carbohydrate, specifically, is needed as fuel for the body. While carbohydrate intake needs to be monitored with diabetes, the body needs it in order to function. Carbohydrates break down in your body into glucose (or blood sugar). A chemical in your body known as insulin normally joins with glucose, and regulates your blood sugar by entering your cells to be used as energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or insulin doesn't work correctly. Therefore, as a diabetic, you no longer have the liberty to skip meals.
Besides ensuring you eat at least 3 meals daily, here are some other tips to help suppress late-night hunger:
-Drink something! Often, we confuse hunger for thirst. Choosing water or low calorie drinks such as diet sodas, coffee, tea, and Crystal Light may help.
-Distract yourself! People often eat out of boredom. Mindless eating in front of the television is a surefire way to overindulge. Try to do something active or find a new hobby.
-Portion control! If you feel like you must eat something, portion out a sensible size and leave the kitchen. Do not take the bag with you! Or, choose one snack pack.
-Choose foods wisely! Many junk foods are tasty, but not filling. Picking a starch (preferably whole grain!) with a protein, such as a half of a sandwich or peanut butter and graham crackers, will not only satisfy your tastebuds, but fill you up on much less calories!
Best of luck!
Check back soon for my next post!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sugar Substitutes
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org:
What is the best sugar substitute to use for baking and daily use for diabetics?
Sugar substitutes come in different varieties and go by many a name- Sucralose (Splenda), Saccharin (Sweet and Low), Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), and Acesulfame K (Sunett). Each of these sweeteners are FDA-approved and are considered safe to consume. While much debate exists between which are better choices, the bottom line is to choose the one that best agrees with your tastebuds!
Note that many "diet" and "sugar-free" foods to allow diabetics to be able to enjoy their favorite foods more often, while following diet guidelines.
A word of caution on baking- since artificial sweeteners do not share the same properties of sugar, be wary when making recipe modifications. An improper substitution may affect the quality of the product. Official websites of brand name artificial sweeteners contain a variety of recipes in which sweeteners can be used in baked goods- be sure to check them out.
Also, remember sugar is not the only source of carbohydrate in baked goods- fruits, starch (flour, grains), and dairy must also be taken into carbohydrate count.
Happy baking!
What is the best sugar substitute to use for baking and daily use for diabetics?
Sugar substitutes come in different varieties and go by many a name- Sucralose (Splenda), Saccharin (Sweet and Low), Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), and Acesulfame K (Sunett). Each of these sweeteners are FDA-approved and are considered safe to consume. While much debate exists between which are better choices, the bottom line is to choose the one that best agrees with your tastebuds!
Note that many "diet" and "sugar-free" foods to allow diabetics to be able to enjoy their favorite foods more often, while following diet guidelines.
A word of caution on baking- since artificial sweeteners do not share the same properties of sugar, be wary when making recipe modifications. An improper substitution may affect the quality of the product. Official websites of brand name artificial sweeteners contain a variety of recipes in which sweeteners can be used in baked goods- be sure to check them out.
Also, remember sugar is not the only source of carbohydrate in baked goods- fruits, starch (flour, grains), and dairy must also be taken into carbohydrate count.
Happy baking!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Welcome!
I am a Registered Dietitian and a Nutrition Editor at http://FOODPICKER.org - a website designed to help people with diabetes.
Please check back soon for updates and credible nutrition information.
Please check back soon for updates and credible nutrition information.
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