Diabetes management is changing constantly, and for the better. New diabetes medications and technologies are on the market, and more are expected. Practice guidelines, which help your healthcare providers take better care of you, are evolving as well. One of the best ways to keep up with the [...]
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. Most of us give very little thought to our thyroid until it no longer works as it should. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t make enough of the vital hormones T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism is [...]
November is National Diabetes awareness month. If you have diabetes, now is a great time to focus on taking care of yourself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million American have diabetes; 1 out of 4 people with diabetes don’t even know they have [...]
Another summer has ended and fall is here! Cool nights, falling leaves, football games and Jack-o'-lanterns announce the arrival of autumn. Fall also brings seasonal foods that can be a healthy and tasty addition to your diabetes eating plan. Here are three fall foods that can help you manage your blood sugars, lower your risk of heart disease, and reach your weight goal, as well. [...]
Summer is here, along with all those sweet and juicy summer fruits at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. But what about the sugar in fruit? Won’t that cause your blood sugars to go too high? It doesn’t have to, if you choose lower glycemic index fruits. [...]
Every January, the American Diabetes Associations issues its Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. These are guidelines that help your healthcare team provide you with the best diabetes care, and help you better manage your own diabetes. What’s new or different for 2017? Let’s take a look. [...]
Your health care provider has probably recommended that you stay active to keep your blood glucose levels stable. This is because daily exercise helps your insulin work more effectively. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA),staying active most days of the week means better [...]
One of the hardest things about living with diabetes is thinking about the possibility of long-term complications: eye, kidney and nerve damage, as well as heart attacks and strokes. You may already know that keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as is safe for you is the best way to lower [...]
If you are a senior and have diabetes, there is no reason you can’t travel the world and fully enjoy your golden years. The key to traveling well is to go while you are healthy and to stay in good health during your entire trip. Plan a trip that fits your personal needs and abilities. If you wish [...]
Taking care of diabetes means you need to take certain steps each day throughout the years to keep the parts of your body which can be affected by diabetes healthy. These include your heart, eyes, kidneys and feet. As a podiatrist (a doctor who specializes in feet and foot care), I work with many people who have diabetes. What I often share with these people is this: Your feet can last you for the rest of your life if you make the daily effort to treat them well. [...]
Physical activity has many benefits for your health if you have diabetes and/or heart disease. Being active can help prevent both of these diseases. Check your activity IQ with the following quiz. Answer true or false to the questions below, then read on to see the answers. [...]
There are several kinds of medicines that help to lower blood pressure. One category of medicine that some people with diabetes take to lower blood pressure is called diuretics. These are commonly called “water pills” because they help the body eliminate extra salt and water through the urine. [...]
Both diabetes and arthritis are chronic diseases. As you age, your chances for having chronic diseases increases. As we get older, most of us also tend to get heavier. This extra weight can put a lot of stress on your joints. [...]
If you have diabetes and arthritis, you may wonder if these two are related. Both diabetes and arthritis are chronic diseases. As you age, your chances of having chronic diseases increases. Also, as we get older, many of us tend to gain more weight. This extra weight adds stress on your joints, which can lead to inflammation and can lead to arthritis. [...]
People with diabetes are prone to complications over time. Healthcare providers all agree that strict control of blood sugar puts you at less risk for complications. This was shown clearly by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Control of blood sugar is the best way to lessen your risk of complications. [...]