Buffet Tips for Diabetics

Barbecues, picnics and family reunions are gatherings to enjoy and treasure. If you have diabetes, these events can pose special challenges. How can you stick with your meal plan, yet join in the celebration and have some fun? You can do it. If you choose wisely and watch how much you eat, you can have a delicious meal and feel good too. So, grab your plate and head for the buffet table.

Look for the high fiber, low-fat dishes. Great choices are beans, peas and lentils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach and kale. Go for the green bean, three-bean, black bean and black-eyed pea dishes or pasta salads mixed with summer vegetables. Choose whole grain foods such as brown rice, couscous, whole wheat bread and pasta. Everyone benefits from eating these foods, not just people with diabetes.

Watch out for dishes loaded with mayonnaise, sour cream and butter. Choose veggies that are light on salad dressing, cheese or cream sauce. If you can, make your own dressing with a little olive oil and vinegar.

Vegetables and grains should fill up most of your plate, but leave room for some lean meat, poultry or fish. Be sure to choose grilled chicken and remove the skin—instead of the fried variety. If you’re going to make a sandwich, use whole wheat bread with mustard or salsa, rather than mayonnaise.

 What’s for dessert? Summer means terrific fruits. It’s hard to beat a fresh peach, fruit salad, cantaloupe or watermelon. Fruit is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and has zero fat. Everyone, including people with diabetes, should eat three to four servings of fruit a day. Pies, cakes and cookies are high in fat and cholesterol. If you can’t resist, have a small serving.

It’s best to drink water, unsweetened tea or diet soda. Add a wedge of lemon for flavor. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, limit your intake to no more than one drink a day for women, two for men, and drink only with a meal.

Eating the right foods to control your blood sugar means being prepared and planning ahead. If you need help putting together a meal plan, ask your doctor or nurse to refer you to a dietitian or diabetes educator.

You are not alone in fight against diabetes. We are with you, offering information, diabetic supplies and support for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and caregivers. Lifestyle tips, delicious diabetic recipes, answers for your queries, we deliver them right to your inbox. Together let's begin a journey of diabetes free life. Find all you need to know about diabetes at diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com. Know more amazing tips and recipes on Diabetes at diabetes-supply.us. And here you can get completely free medicare diabetes supplies and diabetic meters by participating in our programs.

Role of Chromium in Stabilizing Blood Sugar

Common people always go behind the easily available natural supplements over prescribed medicines to cure their diseases. Same is the case with diabetes. But choosing one from the various varieties available in market is a bit tricky. Chromium has been proved viable in treatment of diabetes.

Even though chromium is an essential mineral for our body, 9 out of 10 adults have low levels of chromium.

Chromium and Insulin

Chromium assists insulin in processing sugar. With low levels of chromium, more insulin is required to get the job done. How much difference can low levels of chromium make? When this occurs, it takes approximately ten times as much insulin needed to do the job as it would take if chromium was at optimum.

Other benefits

When the amount of chromium is at preferred levels, atherosclerosis is being kept to a minimum, ie there is not as much unnecessary insulin floating through the blood stream to damage the walls of your arteries.

But the most important finding is how beneficial chromium can be in managing blood sugar. There have been numerous studies to show how effective chromium is in managing blood sugar levels. It has helped diabetics lower their blood sugar and also reduce sugar carvings.

What if chromium levels are low?

When chromium levels are low, it can lead to a number of medical complications. First, blood sugar levels will remain elevated. Second, triglyceride and cholesterol levels will also go up. Third, the above conditions combined increases the chances of other medical conditions such as stroke and heart disease.

What is the optimal value? 

The recommended daily allowance of chromium is around 200 micrograms for teenagers and adults who are considered as healthy. Men should up the amount to approximately 400 micrograms per day.

However, for diabetics or those who have elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels they should increase their intake to between 400 and 1000 micrograms per day. Do consult with your doctor or a registered practitioner before you begin taking it.

Being a diabetic never means that all your happiness have come to an end. You are not alone in fight against diabetes. We are with you, offering information, diabetic supplies and support for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and caregivers. Lifestyle tips, delicious diabetic recipes, answers for your queries, we deliver them right to your inbox. Together let's begin a journey of diabetes free life. Find all you need to know about diabetes at diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com.

Know more amazing tips and recipes on Diabetes at diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com. And here you can get completely free diabetic supplies and diabetes supplies by participating in our programs.

Five Things Your Family Should Know About Your Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you know that living with diabetes is not easy. Along with the usual everyday challenges life may bring, you also have to manage your diabetes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry. Talking with your family about your diabetes and some of the struggles you face can help you deal with the stress, emotions, and other challenges in your life. Support from loved ones can make living with diabetes easier. Your loved ones may not be aware of things they can do to best support you.

Knowledge about the following factors can help you and your family to manage diabetes effectively.

1.    Diabetes is serious. Encourage your family to learn about diabetes. Make sure they know that the damage diabetes can cause to your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves can be prevented or delayed if you manage your disease. The more they know about the disease, the better they can help you meet the challenges you face.

2.    Managing your diabetes means making a few lifestyle changes. To live well, you need to be physically active as much as possible; make healthy food choices; and keep your blood glucose (sugar), cholesterol, and blood pressure under control. Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor even when you feel well. Sometimes it can be easier to make changes if you involve your family. Here are some tips on how to make lifestyle changes that are good for everyone in your family:

·         Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, small servings of lean meats and poultry, dried peas or beans, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese. Select high fiber foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals.

·         Be active for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. Physical activity, such as playing basketball, tag, or walking can be fun if you involve your loved ones.

3.    Your loved ones can help you make a plan and reach your goals. Work with your loved ones to make a plan to help you reach your goals and manage your diabetes and its complications. Your loved ones can provide support along the way and celebrate your hard work! Here are some tips to help you get started on making a plan that works for you:

·         Think about what is important to your health. What are you willing and able to do?

·         Decide what your goals are. What changes do you want to make? Choose one goal to work on first.

·         What can your loved ones do to help you reach your goals?

4.    Routine care is important to help you manage your disease and stay healthy. See your health care team and get your A1C test at least twice a year.  The A1C test shows what your blood glucose has been over the last three months.  Every year, make sure to have a dilated eye exam, comprehensive foot exam, dental exam, urine and blood test for kidney problems, a blood test for cholesterol, and your flu shot.

You are not alone in fight against diabetes. We are with you, offering information, diabetic supplies and support for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and caregivers. Lifestyle tips, delicious diabetic recipes, answers for your queries, we deliver them right to your inbox. Together let's begin a journey of diabetes free life. Find all you need to know about diabetes at diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com.

Know more amazing tips and recipes on Diabetes at www.diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com. And here you can get completely free diabetes supply and free diabetic supplies by participating in our programs.

Are you depressed? Is diabetes a reason for that?

Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won't go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious depression. Depression and diabetes are two conditions that can sometimes go hand-in-hand. First, diabetes can increase the risk of depression. In fact, having diabetes doubles the risk of depression. Conversely, depression also can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

  Does diabetes cause depression?

All people with diabetes may not have depression. But studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression. The stress of daily diabetes management can build. You may experience loneliness or set apart from your family because of all this extra work. If you face diabetic complications such as nerve damage, or if you are having trouble keeping your blood sugar levels at prescribed levels, you may feel like you're losing control of your diabetes. Even tension between you and your doctor may make you feel frustrated and sad. It's often a vicious cycle. Depression can get worse as the complications of diabetes get worse, and being depressed can stop people from managing their diabetes as effectively as they need to, which can lead to increased chances of long-term complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy or nephropathy. Unfortunately, a large number of people suffering from depression and diabetes never receive help for the depression. It's not even recognized by healthcare professionals as people who are depressed don't communicate to their doctors about their thoughts and feelings or don't realize that they are depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

Knowing the symptoms of depression is important for getting the help that's needed.

• Loss of pleasure.

• Change in sleep patterns.

• Feeling restless or anxious for no apparent reason.

• Change in appetite.

• Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless.

• Not being able to concentrate.

• Nervousness.

• Fatigue or loss of energy, feeling "dragged out" and tired.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• No interest in the things that used to bring pleasure.

If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it's time to get help.

When to get help?

If you have any of these symptoms of depression, then you should seek help. First, talk about it to your doctor. Some physical conditions can also be the reason of depression. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can also cause symptoms that look like depression. High or low blood sugar during day may make you feel tired or anxious. Low blood sugar levels can also lead to hunger and eating too much. If you have low blood sugar at night, it could disturb your sleep. If you have high blood sugar at night, you may get up often to urinate and then feel tired during the day. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you discover if it is a physical problem that is the root of your sad feelings.

Treating Depression

Getting help for depression not only improves a person's quality of life, it also can help people manage their diabetes better by giving them more energy and a more hopeful outlook towards life. Talking to a counselor or therapist can be helpful. Most prescription anti-depressant drugs are appropriate for people with diabetes and do not affect glycemic control. Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), however, can affect blood glucose levels, so it should be used with caution to treat depression that is complicated by a co-existing diagnosis of diabetes.

Know more amazing tips and recipes on Diabetes at diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com. And here you can get completely free diabetes supply and diabetic supplies by participating in our programs.


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Are You Diabetic? Then Its High Time to Take Care of Your Feet!

Diabetes has many complications that are linked with eyes, heart, kidneys etc. But the most common and threatening complication is a diabetic foot.
If you have diabetes, then you are more likely to develop foot problems. Diabetes damages your nerves that make you feel no pain or pressure on the skin of your feet. You may not notice a foot injury until severe damage or infection develops. The affected limb may need to be amputated if the skin ulcers do not improve, get larger or go deeper into the skin.
Causes of diabetic foot
· Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels are a good medium for the growth of bacteria. This accelerates the rate of infections. Hence keep your sugar levels under control.
· Vasculopathy
Diabetes affects blood vessels and thereby decreases the lumen. This decreases the blood flow to wounds, ulcers etc and delay the process of healing.
· Neuropathy
Diabetes affects the nerves, resulting in loss of sensation. As a result, the patient do not feel pain of minor wounds and tend to ignore minor infections, ulcers and pus formations which adds to problems and leads to limb amputations.
If you have diabetes, you should
· Improve control of your blood glucose levels.
· Quit smoking.
· Get a foot exam at least once in a year and see if you have any nerve damage.
· Check and care your feet daily
Daily Foot Care Routine

• Check your feet and toes every day. Look carefully at the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes.


• Wash your feet and toes every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Strong soaps may damage the skin.


• Test the temperature of the water with your fingers or elbows before putting your feet in warm or hot water. Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to sense if the water is too hot. Burns can easily occur.


• Gently and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between your toes. Infections can develop in moist areas.


• Your feet may become very dry and may crack, possibly causing an infection. After bathing your feet, soften dry skin with lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil. Do not put lotion between your toes if you have sores there.


• Ask your podiatrist if it is okay for you to trim your nails. If it is, ask him to show you the safest way. If your toenails are not trimmed correctly, you may get a foot sore or ulcer.


• Soak your feet in lukewarm water to soften your nails before trimming.


• Cut the nail straight across, because curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.


• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed or standing in one position for long periods of time.


• If you smoke, stop. It decreases blood flow to the feet.

MORE HELPFUL TIPS

• Do NOT use antiseptic solutions on your feet because these can burn and injure skin.
• Do NOT apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your feet. Avoid hot pavement or hot sandy beaches.
• Do NOT treat corns or calluses yourself using over-the-counter remedies. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to treat foot problems.
• If obesity prevents you from being physically able to inspect your feet, ask a family member, neighbour, or visiting nurse to perform this important check.

· Report sores or other changes to your doctor immediately. Report all blisters, bruises, cuts, sores, or areas of redness.
You are not alone in fight against diabetes. We are with you, offering information, diabetic supplies and support for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and caregivers. Lifestyle tips, delicious diabetic recipes, answers for your queries, we deliver them right to your inbox. Together let's begin a journey of diabetes free life.Find all you need to know about diabetes at diabeticsuppliesandhelp.com.

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Diabetes and Diet Tip: Be Smart About Sweets

Eating for diabetes doesn't mean eliminating sugar. If you have diabetes, you can still enjoy a small serving of your favorite dessert now and then. The key is moderation.
But maybe you have a sweet tooth and the thought of cutting back on sweets sounds almost as bad as cutting them out altogether. The good news is that cravings do go away and preferences change. As your eating habits become healthier, foods that you used to love may seem too rich or too sweet, and you may find yourself craving healthier options.

How to include sweets in a diabetes-friendly diet
 Hold the bread (or rice or pasta) if you want dessert. Eating sweets at a meal adds extra carbohydrates. Because of this it is best to cut back on the other carb-containing foods at the same meal.
 Add some healthy fat to your dessert. It may seem counterintuitive to pass over the low-fat or fat-free desserts in favor of their higher-fat counterparts. But fat slows down the digestive process, meaning blood sugar levels don't spike as quickly. That doesn't mean, however, that you should reach for the donuts. Think healthy fats, such as peanut butter, ricotta cheese, yogurt, or some nuts. Eat sweets with a meal, rather than as a stand-alone snack. When eaten on their own, sweets and desserts cause your blood sugar to spike. But if you eat them along with other healthy foods as part of your meal, your blood sugar won't rise as rapidly. When you eat dessert, truly savor each bite. How many times have you mindlessly eaten your way through a bag of cookies or a huge piece of cake. Can you really say that you enjoyed each bite? Make your indulgence count by eating slowly and paying attention to the flavors and textures. You'll enjoy it more, plus you're less likely to overeat.

Healthful eating helps keep your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, in your target range. Physical activity and, if needed, diabetes medicines also help. The diabetes target range is the blood glucose level suggested by diabetes experts for good health. You can help prevent health problems by keeping your blood glucose levels on target.

Reduce Weight

If you are overweight a gradual reduction of 5-10% of your initial weight can improve blood glucose control. Suggestions include:
• Eat smaller portions of foods and remember the balance of foods on your plate: 1/4 protein, 1/4 starch (including potatoes), 1/2 vegetables for lunch and supper 
• Eat 3 meals per day, no more than 6 hours apart. Don't skip meals. Snack with fruit between meals. Choose foods lower in fat and sugar. Eating strategies including low glycemic index choices can be helpful. Learn more from a registered dietitian.
• Aim for a maximum weight loss of 1- 2 lbs (0.5 -1 kg) per week.

Know more amazing tips and recipes on Diabetes at www.diabetes-supply.us .And here you can get completely freediabetes supply and diabetic supplies by participating in our programs.

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