June 2015

If you love nuts, you’ll be glad to know that nuts are chock-full of health benefits. It’s hard to believe that so much good comes in such a tiny package! Nuts, by definition, are a combination of a seed and a fruit inside a hard shell. Examples of nuts include almonds, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts. Peanuts, while technically a legume, are also usually grouped with nuts. Nuts are bursting with nutrition, providing healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamin E, plant sterols (substances that can lower cholesterol) and l-arginine, an amino acid that improves the health of your artery walls. Besides all of these nutrients, nuts are full of important minerals, including magnesium, selenium, potassium and zinc. [...]

You probably know that diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes. But did you know that diabetes can also affect your skin? Having diabetes can raise the risk of certain skin problems, including dry skin, bacterial and yeast infections, itching, and acanthosis nigricans (darkened, thickened skin). You can help avoid these and other skin problems by following the steps below. [...]

No one wants to get sick from their food. Foodborne illness, commonly known as “food poisoning,” is caused by foods or beverages that are contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Although it is unpleasant, for most people foodborne illness is more of a nuisance than anything else. However, for people with diabetes, foodborne illness can be very serious. And while food poisoning is not something anyone wants to think or worry about, being aware of the causes and the symptoms can help ensure that you seek treatment as soon as possible. [...]

There are many different things that you can do to try and improve your health. For example, you could exercise more or quit smoking. And, one of the most important changes you can make is to start eating a healthy diet. Not everyone agrees on what, exactly, a “healthy diet” is. In fact, even health experts can’t say for sure what the “best” diet is for good health – if there is one. Many people follow a vegetarian (meat-free) meal plan, which has been shown in some small studies to be good for your heart. However, the results of a recent study suggest that vegetarians might actually be less healthy than people who eat meat. How true is this claim? Read on to find out. [...]

When you have a leaky hose or loose window screen, do you pull out your handy role of silver duct tape and give it a quick fix? That may work for problems around the house, but a duct tape-style repair is no good for your diabetes control. If you often "duct tape" your blood glucose highs with more insulin and your lows with sugary treats, you are doing quick fixes for problems that need better care before they occur. [...]