Loving Life with Diabetes

Getting through today

2007-11-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

Well today is my first real test of the holiday season. I have to try not to go too crazy, although I am allowed to eat alot and more then what I normally would, but I'm going to try not to go too out of control.

I love thanksgiving food, I do remember though that I don't like the I'm going to explode feeling you get after eating too much. So I think I will be okay. My biggest thing is trying to keep my sugar down, so I have to watch the carb. Of course everything including the veggies will have carbs because my mom still has not figured out what a carb is. I've pretty much given up on her.

I'll try to remember to write more later today and let you know how I did.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A old grain good for diabetics?

2007-11-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

I just watched this video about a grain called Salvia Columbariae, an ancient plant used by the ancient Aztecs for medicinal purposes. New research has suggested that this grain can be added to foods to help diabetics. It helps reduce blood pressure, has a large amount of fiber, omega 3's and helps to regulate blood sugar.

I think I may have to look into this as it also reduces hunger so you don't eat as much, always a good thing when you are trying to lose weight. I love bread with alot of stuff in it so I'm excited about it. I know it's sold in health food stores, but I'm kinda hoping walmart has it so I don't have to drive 2 hours for it.

A good visit

2007-11-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

I had my doctors visit today and it went really well, I have had my insulin reduced to 40 units and he thinks I may be able to come off of it by February. I'm happy! I don't mind the shots, but they can get annoying. I hope that I can keep losing weight so that I won't have to do any of this anymore.

So now I start over, I think it will be good though, I've keep my sugar under control, but I need to keep losing weight in order to keep it that way.

I tried!

2007-11-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

I was trying to post on this blog every day this month, but since homework and Internet problems got in the way I haven't been able to. It's sad, but I will keep trying to post when I can.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow, so I'll know how good I'm actually doing. Probably not that great since I've been having to eat out alot and buy cheep food. I really wish there was some way to help diabetics who need to eat. But theres not, my friend went through this recently, he was in school and hoping that he could get some help with food, they told him he made too much at his job and to quit school so he could get another job.

I'm so tired of people who do nothing getting everything, and people who work hard getting nothing.

Comfort food.

2007-11-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's getting cold out and I decided today that I wanted some good comfort food. I wanted soup, but not brothy soup. I wanted creamy yummy goodness!

So I thought I would share with you this recipe I found. I got it from the food network but it's still good. I've been doing well with my weight loss and I thought is was time for a treat. I figured this was better then going crazy with some brownies or something. It's just the whole winter thing, I want soup and lots of it. I also like broccoli and cheese soup, but I know how to make that already!

Clam Chowder

3 ounces salt pork, finely diced
1 1/2 cups small diced yellow onion
6 cups small diced baking potatoes, like russets
2 cups milk
1 (6.5 ounce) can clams, drained, juice reserved
12 Little Neck clams
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish

In a heavy-bottomed saucepot, render the salt pork until just crisp. Remove and discard. Sweat the onion in the pork fat until tender. Add the potatoes and cover with milk. Bring to a boil and let simmer until potatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
In a separate pot, fitted with a steamer basket, bring the reserved clam juice to a boil. Add clams and cover. Steam for three minutes until all clams are open. Remove the clams as they open and transfer to a bowl. Add the steaming juices to the pot with the chowder. Using a stick blender puree to desired consistency. Adjust seasonings.

Finely chop the drained canned clams. Fold into the chowder. Serve with steamed clams, parsley, sour cream and grape tomatoes, as garnish.

Grrr.

2007-11-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to lose weight right, well guess what, I gained lbs between yesterday and today. I'm sure it's just water weight so I'm not recording this weight. There is no way I gained that in muscle or fat. I'll find out tomorrow probably.

This is the one thing that stinks when it comes to daily weigh in's. But if I don't do them, I don't stick to the exercises, losing weight makes me want to exercise more, and gaining weight tells me I at least need to do something.

I was really hoping to be down a few more lbs before my doctors appointment on the 12th, but I may not be. At least I still have a month or so before my next diabetes class. Hopefully I can get well past my goal by that time.

I am so confused!

2007-11-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

I thought the low carb craze was over with, but maybe I'm wrong. I was reading an article on yahoo today about microwave diets. Pretty much it was giving suggestions on different healthy options for TV dinners. I couldn't believe how many people were complaining that there are way too many carbs. I use these meals alot as it's just me and it's hard to find single serve anything thats not $8 or more. For my meals I have to have 60 grams of carbs. most of the meals listed don't come anywhere near that. So how can they have too many???? According to my nutritionist the average women needs at least 45 grams of carbs at each meal. I think only half hit that or was higher.

I really am tempted to ask them if they are losing weight on there diets and if they have any energy. Since I started eating better carbs I have found my energy level increasing like crazy! Is it just me?

Weight loss Goal!

2007-10-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have reached my goal of a 20 lb weight loss! I'm very excited about this as it means I can keep going before the date I had set. So I may be able to walk into my diabetes class and have lost 30lbs! I still don't understand why people are telling me I have to cut my carbs down because I'll gain weight. I eat 60 grams of carb at each meal and I'm losing weight because of my exercise program. I'm starting to wonder if these people cut there carbs so that they don't have to exercise? I'm not going to as I love the way I feel after my dance workout. Belly dancing is definitely the way to go. not only am I losing weight, but I'm gaining confidence and I feel sexy too! Maybe one day I'll find someone to dance for even!

I'm trying to incorporate more free weights in as I don't have a bench to use and don't have money to buy one. I've been looking around the web for ideas, but I haven't found anything new yet and I know I need to change up my routine. My body is starting to get use to it. I changed my belly dance workout to a new one so I'm working different muscles now, so that has helped alot.

help me!

2007-10-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in so long, It's been a crazy month. I have had classes and homework and stress. The good news in my bs readings have been getting lower and lower! I'm excited because that means I may be able to lower my insulin dose and that means I'm one step closer to getting off of it.

Of course the good news is I'm losing weight. I feel so much better, I didn't think I could, but I do. I missed being able to do the things I use to and now I can start some of them again. I also noticed I'm being looked at by men more. I very good thing as I'm a single gal and ready to date again.

Hopefully once my online classes are done next week I will be able to give this blog some much needed attention!

stress and diabetes

2007-09-29T17:32:00.001-07:00

I have been extremely stressed out this week. First it was because of a teacher then it was because I didn't have time to get homework done because everyone seems to think I have nothing to do all day and can run around for them. Then this whole problem with Michigan's budget hits and I find out I may not get a refund from the school I was expecting and they may have to cancel classes, which will mean I will have to be stuck without my degree for an extra 9 months. I'm not happy.

So during all of this I have noticed my bc has been dropping like crazy. I'll eat and it will be fine. I'll get stressed and it will head right back down. I hate it and it's annoying but I know this is a problem and I use to be able to handle it, but for some reason I just can not relax. I keep thinking about all of these problems and wondering what I am going to do. Yes I know it's normal, but it still sucks.

I have been doing a good job of not stress eating. I went over twice this week, but only by 10 carbs or so and it was not junk food! I'm proud of myself.

Telling people

2007-09-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I thought I would be nice and let my teacher know that I'm diabetic and that if I start acting weird call someone. Not that I plan on it, but you need to be safe.

So after telling him this, he got very concerned and asked if I would be okay and if I needed to leave class and just over reacted a little to it. I guess I'm not really use to how people really react as I haven't told many people and the ones I have told already know someone with diabetes.

I'm just surprised at the fact that teachers do not have training in how to handle diabetes. What the signs of a low or high blood sugar are or anything! You think with how many people have this that it would be something schools would look into.
Also I find it interesting that the college I attend has rules stating there is no eating in class. I heard that rule does not apply to me, but I haven't found proof yet. It would be nice to know as I really don't want to leave the class because I have to eat something.

Why you gals should try belly dancing

2007-09-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

So I rented a belly dancing DVD so that I could get moving and hopefully lose some more weight. Oh my did I make a good choice not only is it fun but I get a great workout in a very short amount of time. I got the video from Netflix so that I can keep it for as long as I want. This one I think I'll hold on to then once it gets easier to do I'll move to a more advanced one.

The other good thing about it is it really boost your confidence you feel sexy when your doing it. The girls in the video I have are thin but they have a little tummy on them that I think looks healthy but it does make you feel better knowing you don't have to look like a celebrity to do the workout.

So girls check belly dancing out, your man will probably love it if you do.

Insurance

2007-09-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am not sure who I am going to vote for in the next election but I do know it will all come down to who I think can get nationwide insurance. Right now I will not qualify for insurance when I am taken off my parents because I have a preexisting condition. This leaves me with many many bills and right now really no way to pay them.

I am going to have to be taken off of all of my medications except one, I may be able to afford that, but it all depends. I think our country really needs to take a look at what we are doing to each other. My step father is pay $100 a week for his health insurance. Thats over $5000 a year! I'm sure any nationwide health care plan will not cost us this much.

I would just like to know when our government is going to start caring about us citizens instead of other countries?

Is fast food the problem?

2007-09-14T05:24:00.001-07:00

Recently I read an article about fast food. Yes I know its everywhere fast food is bad for you. But is it really? Fast food chains have a bad rep, but there are a few that actually have some good options, if you know how to make them that way.

Salads are suppose to be healthy but when you add their dressing to it, it becomes about the same as the cheeseburger you really wanted. The best thing I think to do is to either bring your own dressing in a small bag or only use a little bit. yes I know this stinks but it is better then not having dressing at all. The other thing is if you really don't eat out much, go ahead and have that cheeseburger, just don't do it everyday and you will be fine.

I think Americas problem with losing weight is that we think we can not have the foods we love, we can but we need to learn how to do it in moderation. I learned this quickly after a stay in the hospital for a week. Your life changes when your told you almost died because of diabetes that you didn't know you had. This decease can kill you. I'm only 24 and it almost got me. I didn't grow up on fast food, we couldn't afford it, but we also couldn't afford healthy store bought food.

Now I come to the point of this rant. The government needs to step in and help people learn how to eat right. Home economics classes are becoming a thing of the past. In my high school they turned the home economics room into a huge office for the superintendent. Our school only had 500 kids k-12. He didn't need a big office. Even if it's not home economics that healthy eating is taught in lets put it in health class, I know mine didn't cover food at all. I actually don't think I learned anything because they were afraid to teach anything. I think that teaching people is the only way to get our nation back in shape, that and fixing the welfare program so that people who really need it can get the healthy food they need, and the people who do not really need the assistance need to be booted off.

What do you think?

Ways to keep exercising

2007-09-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have just not been able to keep myself motivated to do my exercise routine. Part of this is because I have gotten busy again. Now that the rest of the family is back in school I get to babysit. The problem is I have to move my exercise time to earlier. I don't want to move it to a later time as I was told since I'm on insulin I should do it at the same time everyday. The problem is they drop off the baby at the time I am usually in the middle of walking! It makes me not even want to do it because it screws up my whole schedule that I'm trying to stick to until I have better control.

So anyway I thought I'm having this problem I need help and I'm sure others are to. So I found an article with some great tips and I'm going to share some with you.

The first one is write on a calender when you exercise and for how long. This reminds you that you have done it or you haven't. Oh the kicker is you need to keep it out in the open where other people can see it.

The next one is get a friend to help you. Plan a walk together or go to the gym.

The first two won't work well for me as no one really cares if I do it or not, and I have no neighbors I live in the middle of no where. I find this one more helpful work toward a goal. My goal is to be able to walk in the diabetes walk next year. I won't be up for it this year I know. Next year I will be there!

DANCE! dancing burns so many calories and it's fun, take up ballroom dancing or belly dancing. Many dances have at home videos that teach you at home so even if you don't look like a super model you can learn these without worrying.

If you have children, have them come with you, even if it's just a walk. Get them out and moving to. Remember if you have diabetes there is a good chance they could get it.

Anyway theres a few tips. Enjoy!

Sorry

2007-08-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have written a post. I am sorry, I have been very tired the last few weeks as the change in insulin has made me go all crazy. I also have been working on 2 new blogs, well one old one that I transfered and a new one.
One is about Everything and Anything, the other is my the new version of my interior design blog. They are both now on there own domain. Eventually I will move this one when I get the money to do so.

The one thing I have noticed with my diabetes now it that I just don't really want to deal with it. Someone told me this would happen and I am making myself take my meds and eat right, but I was doing so will with my exercise and I was losing alot of weight. I think some has to do with stress, I've been trying to get blogs going and pay off some bills and so on. Eventually I think things will calm down and get back to normal soon.

Has anyone else ever felt this way, like you just don't want to deal with it anymore, but you know you have to?

A Day With Diabetes

2007-08-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today I read a wonderful article on a program the ADA has started it is called Diabetes for a Day and what happens during this program is that people who do not have diabetes learn what it is like to have this disease.

This article was about two congressmen who took part in this program, one was diagnosed with type 2 the other type one. Both women went to live with a person who had there type of diabetes so that they could be shadowed and really get to know what these people go through. Even though one did have a child with type 1, I do hope she learned something from having to be a type 2 for the day.

Both women will be discussing this experience in a congressional briefing in September and I for one am hoping some people will listen to them.

DRWF

2007-08-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going crazy and typing weird things into the topic of this post, DRWF stand for Diabetes Research Wellness Foundation and they are working to help find a cure for diabetes.

This program is a world wide program but much of there research is done at the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota. This research has already found a that using pig islet cells can cure diabetes. This was tested in monkeys that had diabetes and all were cured.

This is a great program that really needs some help. It cost money to do research, but even a dollar will help them to there goal, and help save so many lives. Did you know that 30,000,000 children are either on daily insulin or die from diabetes within the first year of being diagnosed. Personally I don't like this idea at all. This is a disease that can be cured, we have the technology to do it, but no one wants to pay the money to get it done, but we pay 3 times as much or more on medical bills related to diabetes.

Why don't we care about preventing things anymore? Why do we wait until it's too late. I know I did, I'm 24 and a type 2 diabetic, I will live with this for the rest of my live, think about how long that it, children have to deal with it much longer. So please donate something, even if it is just 1 dollar, think if 1000 people donated just one dollar, it would be $1000, it does add up.

My progress

2007-08-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Since this blog is about diabetes and I hope to make people feel better about having it. I decided I would let you all know how I am doing.

I went in the past week to see the doctor and all of my test came back very well. I am very excited to inform you that my A1c test came back a 5.4 this is great news since it was 14 in May.

I also have been taken off of one of my insulins, the novolog and had my lantus reduced. It really has not been very hard, after doing the diabetic classes I learned alot and realized that it really wouldn't be hard to do.

Exercise I still think is the hardest thing to get going on, but for me I just started a little at a time. Some simple things I did were making myself get up and move, like going up and down stairs more, I made myself do this at least 5-9 times a day more then I did before. I sit at the computer most of the day as I don't work and it's a form of socialization and fun for me. But now instead of getting a huge glass of pop and some chips and sitting at the computer. I get a small glass of either diet pop or water and skip the chips in favor of veggies, that I keep in the fridge until I'm actually hungry. Then when I'm thirsty or hungry I have to go down stairs to get it.

Thats how I started, now I'm on the treadmill 3-5 days a week for about 10 minutes. I do weight lifting and sit ups for about 20 and call it good. When I started on the treadmill I was at 2.0mph now I'm up to 2.0 for 5 minutes and 2.5 for 5 minutes. As that gets easier I will up it to 2.5 for 5 and 3.0 for 5, then as that gets easier I'll start upping the time. I'm not a runner and am not going to try to be right now, walking is just fine with me.

I hope hearing my good news helps you to realize that control is possible and that you can change your life and keep your diabetes under control. I know my meds are the most help right now, but my goal is to be off of most of them soon.

If you want to help fine a cure please click on the link at the top of the page (under the counter) This takes you directly to the ADA website, all money donated goes directly to them.

Have too much Pressure?

2007-08-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

One thing that I have to worry about along with my diabetes is my blood pressure, and I know I am not the only one. It seems like everyone I talk to has a blood pressure problem, and it's not just diabetics.

After talking with some people I decided I needed to invest in a blood pressure machine. When I was younger I was always very proud that my blood pressure was good, now that I have experienced high blood pressure I want to keep it in check so I found a website, since I do all my shopping online now, that has some great blood pressure monitors. They offer different brands and types and the prices are not to bad either.

What this site does is checks different stores for the item you are looking for, so you can compare items from the same store or different stores. I find shopping.com very helpful as many of the stores they search are not in my area or are at least a 45 minute drive from my home. They offer me a convenience that can not compare.

Avandia, good or bad

2007-07-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

I was reading through yahoo news today and ran across and article for Avandia, I was diagnosed after the problems with this drug were expressed so I have never been put on it.

According to this article the FDA advisory panel has stated that there is no reason to keep Avandia off the shelve. They say that there is very little evidence that the drug does cause hart problems, but they do feel an update to the drugs warning label is needed.

During the classes I took in June the nurse there told us that Avandia was a great drug for treating diabetes. It really did help alot of people, but she thinks that doctors need to screen patents before giving them this drug. There should be no history of heart problems personally or in the family, that might help cut down on the cases of heart problems while using the drug. Personally I agree with her completely. I think for any drug once an effect is known people should be screened and warned of the side effect of taking a medication, not just this drug but all drugs.

Corn and Avocado Relish

2007-07-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 ear corn, shucked
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
1/2 tablespoon seeded, chopped jalapeño pepper
1/2 teaspoon chopped, fresh cilantro
1/2 avocado
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Cooking instructions

1. Preheat the grill or oven to 450°F.
2. Roast the corn on the grill or in the oven until it begins to turn golden, about 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, mix the lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, red onion, scallions, jalapeño and cilantro together in a bowl.

4. When the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels from the cob and add them to the bowl. Pit, skin and chop the avocado and add that to the bowl.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Calories 103

Protein 2 g

Total Carbohydrate 12 g

Dietary Fiber 2 g

Soluble Fiber 0 g

Insoluble Fiber 1 g

Sugar 3 g

Total Fat 6 g

Saturated Fat 1 g

Monounsaturated Fat 4 g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Losing the weight

2007-07-17T13:36:00.001-07:00

I have had so many programs thrown at me the last few months and none of them work. So I went on this great hunt for some really good workouts that I could do at home and I found this great site from Fitness Magazine that has video workouts on it. I love them and have just started using them, so I am hoping that I can get my weight down now that I'm at a stand still.

They have a ton of free videos that show you how to tone and fix the problem areas you have. It really is a great and helpful site. They have everything from yoga to weight lifting to cardio.

Counting your carbs?

2007-07-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

I know that diabetics are not the only people counting there carbs and trying to eat right, so this post will help more then just diabetics.

I have found a really nice gadget a Low carb diet calculator that makes counting carbohydrates a snap! This counter has over 200 types of foods stored in it's memory and you can add up to 20 of your favorite foods, if there not already in there. The best part is it's a small hand held device that you can take anywhere, which is perfect for diabetics and of course great for anyone who is trying to lose weight.

4 Tips to Simplify Exercise

2007-06-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

Exercise is proven to reduce blood-sugar levels. For people who have type 2 diabetes, it can even reverse the need for medication. So why is it so hard to stick to a workout regimen? Try these tips to make it easier to stay active:

Choose an activity you enjoy and you'll automatically increase your chances of sticking with it. Walking is most popular and most frequently recommended if you're overweight. Start slowly, walking 10 minutes five days a week. Gradually increase to walking 30 minutes five days a week. You can also take the stairs, mow the lawn, and vacuum your carpets. Most weight-loss programs encourage you to do several types of activity to burn the most calories. While you walk, you can also listen to tapes that encourage you and help you vary the pace for a better workout. Or you can get a book on tape from the library and enjoy it while you get your exercise.

You don't need to join a gym, but having a trainer when you first begin to exercise helps you succeed. A personal trainer can help identify activities you enjoy and develop a routine that meets your goals. He will teach you the proper way to perform each move, reducing your risk of injury (which could sideline your routine). Keeping track of how many minutes you work out or how many calories you've burned helps identify patterns and provides good insight into your progress. You'll be able to see the connection between calories and weight loss.

Measure your hips, waist, biceps, and thighs. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you don't see a change in the scale, you'll be able to encourage yourself with the changes in your measurements — and how your clothes fit, too!

Help find a cure!

2007-06-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have always had an interest in diabetes research as I knew that it ran in my family, honestly though I haven't done much to help. Now of course I am thinking about it more and know many more people who have diabetes. Many are type 2 and just learning about it, a few are type one, those are the people I wish to help the most as they have had this most of there lives and could easily die from the complications or lack of control.

So I have started a campaign through the ADA website to raise funds for research. I hope you will take a look at the program and contribute, even $5 is something! I would prefer that you use the link on the right to donate as it goes directly to the ADA site. I wanted to use something graphic to keep track of what has been made on my blog, but I guess I'll just update the link with the amount. Unless someone knows what I can use without having people donate through my papal.

Also You can start your own campaign or promote this one with my link, comment on this post if you want to use my link. If you do promote my link I will link to your website or blog on my other blog, A little of everything.

Thank you for reading this and take a look at the ADA website and help find a cure!

Something sweet!

2007-06-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Low Calorie Sweeteners

Low-calorie sweeteners are "free foods." They make food taste sweet, and have no calories and do not raise blood glucose levels. They do not count as a carbohydrate, a fat, or any other exchange. They can be added to your meal plan instead of substituted.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of these low-calorie sweeteners. The American Diabetes Association accepts the FDA's conclusion that these sweeteners are safe and can be part of a healthy diet.

Saccharin (Sweet N Low, Sugar Twin)
Saccharin can be used in both hot and cold foods to make them sweeter. You may recall that some studies giving very large quantities of saccharine to rats raised concerns that saccharin could cause cancer, but many studies and years of use have shown saccharin to be safe in the quantities used by consumers.

Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)
Aspartame is another low-calorie sweetener. Because high temperatures can decrease its sweetness, check the manufacturer's Web site or call their toll-free number for guidelines when using aspartame in recipes.

Acesulfame potassium (Sweet One, Swiss Sweet, Sunett)
Another low-calorie sweetener on the market is acesulfame potassium, also called acesulfame-K. This sweetener is heat stable and can be used in baking and cooking.

Sucralose (SPLENDA)
Sucralose is the newest low-calorie sweetener on the market. Sucralose is not affected by heat and retains its sweetness in hot beverages, baked goods, and processed foods.

If you like to cook, you know that sugar does more in hot foods, especially baked goods like cookies and cakes, than just add sweetness. It also affects the way the foods cook and the final texture. Substituting a low-calorie sweetener may affect the texture and taste. Many people use a combination of sugar and a low-calorie sweetener to reduce overall calories and sugar while still producing acceptable results.

All of these low-calorie sweeteners may help people who are overweight or have diabetes to reduce calories and stick to a healthy meal plan. In addition, these sweeteners are useful for reducing calories and carbohydrates when used instead of sugar in coffee, tea, cereal, and on fruit.

Are low-calorie sweeteners safe?

The low-calorie sweeteners in the United States all underwent extensive testing before they were approved. Results showed that low-calorie sweeteners are safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women. However, people with a rare condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should limit their intake of aspartame, one type of low-calorie sweetener.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of reduced-calorie or low-calorie sweeteners?

Foods with low- or reduced-calorie sweeteners can have fewer calories than foods made with sugar and other caloric sweeteners. That can help if you’re trying to lose weight or even prevent weight gain. However, some sugar-free foods or products that use low-calorie sweeteners actually have more calories than, and may have more fat than, the sugar sweetened versions.

When you’re considering foods with low- or reduced-calorie sweeteners, always check the Nutrition Facts on the label. By comparing the calories in the sugar-free version to the regular version, you’ll see whether you’re really getting fewer calories. You’ll also want to compare the fat content of the labels. Some people choose the regular version of a food and cut back on the serving size instead of buying the sugar-free version. Consider price as well. Sometimes sugar-free versions cost more.

Low-calorie sweeteners are useful for adding extra flavor or sweetness to your food, with few if any extra calories. You can experiment with your own recipes to include reduced- and low-calorie sweeteners.

Rice with chicken recipe

2007-06-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Rice with Chicken, Spanish Style
This is a good way to get vegetables into the meal plan. Serve with a mixed green salad and some whole wheat bread.

Ingredients - Serves 8
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium red/green peppers, cut into strips
1 cup chopped mushrooms
2 cups uncooked rice
1 3-lb chicken, cut into 8 pieces, skin removed
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 1/2 cups chicken broth, fat removed
4 cups water Saffron or Sazón, for color
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen green beans
Olives or capers for garnish, if desired

Directions
1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a nonstick pot. Add the onion, garlic, celery, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 3 minutes or until tender.
2. Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it begins to brown.
3. Add the chicken, salt, chicken broth, water, saffron (Sazón), and tomatoes. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer.
4. Cover the pot and let the casserole simmer until the water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Stir in the peas, corn, and beans, and cook for 8-10 minutes. When everything is hot the casserole is ready to serve. Garnish with olives or capers, if desired.

Nutrition Information
Serves 8
Serving size 1 cup
Calories 330
Carbohydrate 24 grams
Protein 27 grams
Fat 14 grams

Daily Servings According to Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid
serving from Grains/Beans/Starchy Vegetable group 1
serving from Meat group 1
serving from Vegetable group 1
serving from Fat 1

Revolutionary Glucose Monitors Coming Soon

2007-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Revolutionary glucose monitoring devices that are (almost) a way to regulate glucose levels through interaction between monitor readings and an insulin pump are due on the market in the next few years. These first wave of continuous monitors still have some problems: their readings are not as accurate as conventional finger-stick blood tests, and they don’t respond quickly enough to changes in glucose levels from, say, exercise. People who use them need to draw blood every so often for comparison. But all that may change in the next couple of years, as manufacturers continue to develop better software.

The basic devices are set up so that a person wears a patch on the abdomen that covers a tiny wire that pokes through the skin to measure glucose in cellular fluid. The patch, which is replaced every few days, wirelessly transmits glucose readings to a receiver the size of a mobile phone. This can then interface with an insulin pump to adjust insulin dosages. Medtronic, Inc. won FDA approval on April 13, 2006 for glucose monitor and a pump combination. The monitor is not fully functional until this summer and the device isn’t yet fully automatic–you still have to look at a glucose readout and make decisions about insulin use.

But the manufacturer, Medtronic Inc., is working on software to automate much of the decision-making. The resulting device could amount to an external, artificial pancreas that basically controls blood sugar on its own for days, with the exception that a patient would have to inform it of upcoming meals and exercise. "We're fairly close," said Alan O. Marcus, director of medical affairs for Medtronic's diabetes unit. A device from DexCom Inc. of San Diego won FDA approval late last month, and one from Abbott Laboratories of North Chicago, Ill., is on the FDA's desk for approval. Overall, three or four continuous monitors are expected to be available nationwide by late summer 2006.

sugar free, support the cause!

2007-06-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

I went out the other day and was looking through the aisles at the grocery store and realized there are a ton of sugar free things out there! I'm sure much of that has to do with the low carb craze then diabetics, but it's still a good thing, and some of it really doesn't taste that bad.

Then I went into a restaurant and my two friends who have no clue about diabetes kept telling me that I couldn't eat this or that, I laughed at them, they thought I couldn't eat any carbs! So while I'm telling them otherwise the waitress came up and she had heard part of the conversation and helped me convince them that it was okay for me to eat carbs, she happened to be diabetic too, type 1 though. She said the only thing that stinks is that when she goes out to eat or she's at work, she can't have desert, there deserts have way too much sugar and there huge.

After she took our order we came up with this great idea that restaurants should have, at least one desert item that is sugar free, or at least something with just fruit or low sugar. Even sugar free ice cream would work. Then we thought maybe someplace is already doing this. So if you know of one let me know. If not support the cause! protest sugar!

I guess what I am wondering is does anyone else buy sugar free items or do you just eat very little sugar?

Blood Sugar Management

2007-05-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Keeping your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible through proper dietary changes, exercise, and/or medication and insulin therapy is the key to good diabetes control. Avoiding highs and lows will not only make you feel better, but will significantly reduce your risk of diabetes complications. The only way to make sure your blood glucose levels are on target is to test frequently each day and to get regular A1c tests from your healthcare provider. What numbers should you be looking for? While individual goals will vary, there are some general guidelines that are suggested by diabetes professionals.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends the following general blood glucose testing goals for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

Preprandial* (fasting, or before a meal) - <110 mg/dl (6.1 mmol/l)

Two hours postprandial (after the start of a meal) - <140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l)

A1c (three month blood glucose average) – 6.5% or lower

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests slightly different targets:
Preprandial* – 90-130 mg/dl (5.0-7.2 mmol/l)

Postprandial* (1-2 hours) - <180 mg/dl (<10.0 mmol/l)

A1c (three month blood glucose average) – 7.0% or lower

These goals aren’t for everyone, and your personal testing targets may run higher or lower. Your diabetes care team will work with you to determine self-testing blood glucose goals based on your individual medical history and lifestyle requirements.

*Note: Measurements are for blood plasma; whole blood values would be approximately 15% lower.

Turkey Burgers

2007-05-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Serves 4
4 tablespoons fat free mayonnaise
4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 pound lean ground turkey
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh, diced tomatoes
4 large leaves of green leaf lettuce
4 whole grain sandwich buns

1. In a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise and barbecue sauce together.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high.

3. Shape the turkey into 4 patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to cook.

4. Grill the burgers on both sides until they are cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.

5. Toast the rolls on the grill.

6. Top the burgers with the mayonnaise sauce, lettuce and diced tomatoes and serve them on the toasted rolls.

Serving Size: 1 burger

Number of Servings: 4
Per Serving
Calories 262
Carbohydrate 25 g
Fat 4 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 32 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Sodium 495 mg

Testing

2007-05-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Okay so now that I have Finally really gotten the hang of testing my sugar I wanted to give some advice to some of you other newbies, one when you go to test make sure to bring the test strip in from the side when trying to get the blood into it. Maybe you all figured that out already, but I have the freestyle freedom and I could not figure out why I needed so much blood. I know other people with diabetes and they never had to get as much blood as I was trying to get. It was very frustrating. I was following everything the nurse told me to do but it wasn't working, then I realized that the test strip I had didn't have a way to get the blood from underneath. So now I'm not trying to kill myself to get blood. Always a good thing.

The moral of this story, find out the best way for you to do things, it's your body and your life, nurses and doctors mean well but they just don't always know what you are comfortable doing.

I do love my tester though, I took care of a man with diabetes once and I hated his tester. I can't remember what brand it was but I do remember hating to use it.

So my question is what testers do you use, and how do you like it?

Welcome

2007-05-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have just found out that I have type 2 diabetes and decided that since I need to spend time looking for good recipes and ideas for managing it then others do to, so I have decided to blog about it.

If your also a newbie to diabetes I want you to know it's not the end of the world and life will go on, even though it may be frustrating at times, like when you want to through your blood checker across the room because you cant get it to work right, or am I the only one with that problem?

I will say this, I will be using lots of articles to give you information, I'm not being lazy, it's just usually they say it better then I can. Also I will be looking for other diabetic blogs to link to so if you have one yourself let me know about it and I'll add you to my list.

I do want to help out a few of you new and seasoned diabetics by pointing you to the food network website, they have a great area for diabetics, it includes a month long meal plan and some great recipes. Check it out.

Thats my advice for today. I just wanted to get this blog up and going. I hope you will enjoy it and don't forget to bookmark as a lot more is coming soon, maybe even tomorrow!