You know the cartoon image -- an angel on one shoulder trying to convince you to be responsible, and a devil on the other tempting you to give in to desire. That classic battle is a fairly good illustration of the struggle many people with diabetes experience making eating choices every day. The imaginary angel and devil represent two parts of your brain, and food can stir up quite a debate inside your head. [...]
Phytonutrients (literally “plant nutrients”) are good-for-you compounds found in fruits and vegetables. They are also called phytochemicals. There are several categories and thousands of types of phytonutrients. Although only a small percentage of phytonutrients have been studied, many of them have been found to contain anti-cancer activity and other health benefits. A number of them can even help to reduce your risk of developing complications that are common in people with diabetes. [...]
Confused about cholesterol? Unsure which fats are good and which are bad? Wondering if you can eat eggs? Well, wonder no more. We’ll set the record straight on some of the “facts” and “fictions” about cholesterol and eating for a healthy heart. [...]
All I have to do is sit in my doctor’s office and I know my blood pressure will be high,” a friend of mine says. “I’m a nervous wreck waiting for more bad news!” And it’s true—blood pressure can go up just because you are in your health care provider’s office. This condition is so common, it has a name—“white coat” high blood pressure. This is named after the white coats that some health care providers wear. [...]
If you think your blood pressure is okay because you’ve never before heard the words, “You have high blood pressure,” think again. Take some time to learn about the newest blood pressure guidelines from the government’s National High Blood Pressure Education Program. These guidelines define a new category for blood pressure that is higher than normal. It’s called "pre-hypertension." [...]
Everywhere you turn, it seems, you hear or read about some aspect of “going green.” If you want to go green with your diabetes care, think about getting back to the basics while cutting down on things you don’t need. It also helps to recycling what you can. [...]
Untreated diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, can lead to a health problem, called a "complication". Such health problems include heart disease, eye problems, and nerve damage. Making sure your blood glucose level is in check can help you avoid complications. [...]
About half of all people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. Both high blood pressure and blood glucose play a role in the complications of diabetes, including heart disease and stroke. So, you and your healthcare provider need to take high blood pressure seriously in order to treat and control it. [...]
As you know, your healthcare team can do a lot to help you manage your diabetes. But research shows working with others who have diabetes, or your peers, can also help with your self-care efforts. [...]
Do you enjoy television reality shows? Many people tune in week after week to watch excited players complete challenges and win prizes. Part of the fun is when you see how they still win despite the efforts of other players to stop them. Your efforts to lose weight may have a lot in common with these popular programs. You also have a test and hope to win a great prize. This prize is to lose weight and become healthier. This is hard to do if those around you try to get in the way of your success. Here are a few examples of how friends and family make it harder for you to win and some good ways to respond... [...]
Viagra and watermelon in the same sentence? Could it be that this lovely fruit, a staple of barbeques and picnics, has suddenly taken center stage in the world of romance?
According to researchers at the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, College Station, the amino acid citrulline, which is found in both the rind and the fruit of watermelon, can relax and dilate blood vessels in a way that is similar to Viagra. [...]
When you check your blood glucose, your home meter gives you a snapshot of your blood glucose level at that time. But it only tells you little about your control in general. There are other things your meter does not tell you. [...]
I just came back from an amazing, four-day trip to China. I was invited there by Diabetes New World, a Chinese diabetes magazine. They asked me to speak to educators and doctors about some of the methods American educators use to teach about diabetes. [...]
There is nothing more fulfilling then having a partner who understands you and helps you reach your life goals. This is especially true if your goals are diabetes-related, since having a partner can help keep you on track. However, sometimes life can get stressful and communication can break down. It is important to recognize that this is normal for any relationship. Here is a strategy that make help you and your partner discuss your diabetes-related issues, as well as any other issues you may be having. [...]
