Diabetes Self-Management

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season—one filled with family, friendship and good health. Like many, I am guilty of indulging in holiday goodness. Food was plentiful, and exercise was sporadic. However, I am ready to jumpstart my

Dry eye, or what doctors call keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a fairly widespread problem, affecting about one out of 10 people. But it’s even more common in people with diabetes. One study found that about half of all diabetes patients have dry eye s

So often we hear about how diabetes affects our eyes, heart, and kidneys, but did you know that diabetes can also affect your lungs? Take this quiz to find out more. 1. The condition in which diabetes decreases blood flow to the lungs is called: ◯A.

A medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might also be useful in lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, according to a new report from researchers in China. The drug is leflunomide, which has been used to treat RA for nearly

The term “microbiota” has been turning up a lot in science news these days. In humans, “microbiota” refers to the vast population of microorganisms that live in the human gastrointestinal tract, or gut, and researchers have been paying special attent

Hormones that work against the action of insulin, raising blood glucose levels in response to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The main counter-regulatory hormones are glucagon, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), cortisol and growth hormone. Peop

Q: My husband and I are very frustrated about his Type 1 diabetes. He uses a pump and CGM and is diligent about keeping track of everything. We live up in the Rockies and get lots of exercise. Still, his blood sugar is mostly high and spikes all the

Cold weather can throw off your diabetes management. Here are eight ways winter can present a challenge and what you can do to maintain your blood sugar control. A1C levels (a measure of average glucose over the previous two to three months) often in

Wintertime is no reason to put your physical fitness plan on hold. With some creativity and a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, strength training and aerobic exercise, you’ll be able to reach your exercise goals. Think of exercise as a se

Diabetes—both Type 1 and Type 2 —is a disorder of how the body uses glucose, the main form of sugar used as fuel. While many people without diabetes don’t know a lot about the disease processes involved, they probably know it has something to do with

Type 2 diabetes in youth is on the rise, largely influenced by the obesity epidemic. While the majority of children and adolescents with diabetes (less than 20 years old) have Type 1 diabetes—a condition in which the body makes very little to no insu

It may seem counterintuitive or even impossible to feel grateful while managing diabetes, especially when it is such a huge part of your life. However, practicing gratitude can help you cope with and manage your diabetes better. According to Christin

As 2019 begins, why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions to diversify your palate and bring new flavors into your daily diet? If you need inspiration, try the Latino flavors of Le Cordon Bleu-trained and Certified Nutritionist Laura Diaz, bett

Clean eating (or eating clean) isn’t a “diet” or a food trend, like juicing or detoxing. And it’s not about washing your food really well. Instead, it’s a way of eating and living. Essentially, clean eating involves avoiding or limiting processed and

MAKES 6 SERVINGS SERVING SIZE: ABOUT 1 CUP SOUP Nutrients per Serving: Calories 98, Total Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 1g, Protein 10g, Carbohydrates 12g, Cholesterol 18mg, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sodium 73mg Dietary Exchange: ½ Bread/Starch, ½ Vegetable, 1 Meat

MAKES 6 SIDE-DISH SERVINGS SERVING SIZE: ½ CUP Nutrients per Serving: Calories 70, Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Protein 3g, Carbohydrates 7g, Cholesterol 5mg, Dietary Fiber 2g, Sodium 340mg Exchanges per serving: ½ Fat, 1 Vegetable 4½ cups fat-fr

MAKES 4 SERVINGS Nutrients per Serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 3g, Protein 11g, Carbohydrates 29g, Cholesterol 15mg, Dietary Fiber 2g, Sodium 200mg Dietary Exchange: 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Fat, 1 Fruit, 1 Meat 1½ cups vanilla nonfat Gre

292 CALORIES PER SERVING MAKES 4 SERVINGS Nutrients per Serving: Calories 292, Total Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 3g, Protein 15g, Carbohydrates 42g, Cholesterol 13mg, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sodium 399mg, Dietary Exchange: 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Fat, 2 Vegetable, 1 M

REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY is an important part of diabetes self-management. But let’s face it—it’s not always easy to get and stay active. What if you could reap the benefits of physical activity while a) enjoying what you’re doing and b) not having

Cold breakfast cereal made with whole grains provides essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other natural plant compounds called phytochemicals. These health-promoting nutrients can reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

SOMETIMES what we need is not always what we want. Take, for instance, when you feel tired, lethargic, foggy-headed, unmotivated or like you have hit a brick wall—the last thing you may want to do is get up and move your body. In reality, that simple

While you know that maintaining a healthy weight will help manage your diabetes, getting started can be difficult. Having a set of clear goals and a plan of action can help, and the New Year is a great time to get your plan in motion. Identifying how

New Year, new format! In 2018, the Food for Thought column provided the latest information on culinary tools, food products, and seasonal produce and answered a few readers’ questions. In 2019, this column will highlight the same topics but will be d

YOU KNOW THAT YOU SHOULD probably eat more beets. After all, beets provide many health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Eating beets can also help you lower your blood pressure. And did you know that beets