Diabetes Q and A

By Janis Roszler, MSFT, RD, CDE, LD/N

Q I heard that people with diabetes must be more careful with waxing?

A Many individuals with diabetes use waxing as way to remove unwanted hair. For most people, waxing shouldn’t be a problem. If you have any loss of sensation and aren’t able to tell if the wax is too hot for your skin, you should probably skip this procedure.

Q How can I tell if the advice I find on the Internet is real or phony?A Here are a few ways you can check out Internet advice:

• Ask your health care team to review it.
• See if the source of the advice is associated with a recognized medical center or is from a well-respected member of the diabetes community. He or she should have recognized credentials, such as MD (medical doctor), RD (registered dietitian), RN (registered nurse), or CDE (certified diabetes educator).
• Visit www.quackwatch.org. This nonprofit group was founded by Dr. Stephen Barrett. It provides information on health-related frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies.
• Visit http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/medical. This site features articles, frequently asked questions and basic information about false health and medical stories that circulate on the web.

Q I have several boxes of test strips that expired. Can I still use them?

A Sorry, but they should be tossed. Once the expiration date has come and gone, strips begin to experience chemical changes that can affect their accuracy. I know that it seems like a waste, but it is important to get the best results possible when checking your blood glucose level. Using something that may not provide those results is not a good choice.

Q I love hiking. How can I hike safely now that I have diabetes?

A Hiking is a terrific way to enjoy the great outdoors! Here are a few suggestions that can help you get off on the right foot:

• Start with small excursions and gradually build up to longer ones. This way, you can figure out your body’s comfort level and how long you should make your hikes.
• Travel with a friend, if possible.
• Let others know where you are headed and when you plan to return.
• Take additional snacks and water in case you get delayed.
• Bring some sort of communication device, such as a whistle, phone or flare in case of emergency.
• Check your blood sugar level frequently.
• Wear comfortable hiking boots.

Q I heard that resistant starch is supposed to be very healthy for people with diabetes. What is it and what can it do for you?

A Resistant starch is a form of carbohydrate found in beans, unprocessed whole grains, legumes, cooked-and-chilled pasta, cold rice (like sushi), and potato salad that offers a number of health benefits. Here are a few of the things that it can do:

• Increase insulin sensitivity
• Increase the body’s ability to burn fat.
• Promote healthy bowel function.
• Help you feel more satisfied after eating.

*This article originally appeared in 2008
**please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diabetes regimen.