Articles by Amy Campbell MS, RD, LDN, CDE

Whether you’re going on vacation or embarking on a business trip, traveling when you have diabetes requires careful planning. The tips below can help ensure that you stay safe and healthy while you’re away from home. [...]

If you inject insulin several times a day, you might be interested in using an insulin pump. Using an insulin pump might be a lot easier than having to inject yourself, and it can also mean more freedom and flexibility with your lifestyle. However, if you’re thinking about using a pump, you should know that wearing a pump entails work and responsibility. Here are the pros and cons of using an insulin pump for diabetes management. [...]

Have you ever had a glass of milk and then felt bloated or gassy? Does eating a slice of pizza upset your stomach? If so, you might have lactose intolerance, a condition that commonly affects a significant percentage of certain ethnic groups. [...]

The fountain of youth has yet to be discovered, but a longer life is within your grasp. Following a healthy lifestyle can add years to your life. Getting plenty of physical activity and making good food choices, including fatty fish and plenty of vegetables, is just what the doctor ordered to live a long, healthy life. [...]

Eating fish is a treat all year round, but summertime is when people seem to enjoy their seafood the most. There’s something special about enjoying a lobster roll, steamed clams or salmon on the grill after a day at the beach or being outside in the fresh air. However, choosing fish can be confusing for many people. You might also have concerns over possible health issues, such as the mercury content of fish or bacteria found in some seafood. The good news is that seafood can be part of a healthy eating plan – read on to learn how. [...]

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. [...]

With the warm weather here, it’s especially important to drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated. The human body is made up of about 70 percent water; water is needed for many bodily functions, including digestion, regulating body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. The kidneys also require water to remove waste products from the body. [...]

There’s nothing quite like a juicy burger or steak sizzling on the grill. But beef, along with other types of red meat (pork, lamb, veal), has gotten a bad rap over the past few decades. Red meat is blamed for raising blood cholesterol and increasing the risk of heart disease. It’s also been blamed for causing cancer. On the other hand, beef contains important nutrients, like protein and iron, that are necessary for good health. Is beef healthy…or not? [...]

One of the best things about summer is all of the wonderful fruit that’s available. Berries, like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, are sweet, juicy and, best of all, good for you! Make berries a delicious part of your healthful summer meals and snacks. [...]

May is a month of celebrations. In addition to proms and graduations, we observe Mother’s Day and Memorial Day – the unofficial start of summer! But did you know that May is also National Egg Month? Eggs are versatile, delicious and easy to prepare. They are also one of the healthiest foods available. Are you still concerned about eating eggs? Well, here are eight reasons why eggs can and should be part of a healthy eating plan. [...]

In a world where it seems like everyone is trying to lose weight, it can be frustrating if you’re one of the few who is trying to gain it. If you have diabetes, feel that you are too thin, and would like to gain a few pounds, try the steps laid out in this article. [...]