{Modifying|Changing|Altering} your Diabetic Diet for Special Occasions

{Modifying|Changing|Altering} your Diabetic Diet for Special Occasions

Birthday {celebrations|functions|get-togethers}, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more are holidays and special

occasions that are centered on food. {Intended for|To get|Pertaining to} most people these are times to anticipate the

celebration and the eating. For a diabetic it can be {a stress filled|a nerve-racking|a demanding} time, you want to partake in

{all the|each of the} good food too but most times it is not made with a diabetic in mind. If the

frequency of these {occasions is|situations is|incidents is} not too often, you can {modify|adapt} your diet for special {events|situations}

{which means you|therefore you|so that you} too can have some of the {goodies|snacks|doggie snacks} available.

/>

The hardest part about preparing for a special occasion as if you do not {really know what is}

going to be {offered|dished up}. If this is {the situation|the truth}, a quick call to your host or {person hosting|host or hostess} can be made.

Virtually all people will not actually asking {particularly if} you have dietary needs that need to be

{taken into account|considered}. When you do {really know what is} being served, plan your {foods|dishes} for

that day {appropriately|consequently}. {You might want to|You might like to|You really should} have fewer {carbs|sugars|glucose} with your breakfast

and snack to make up for the extra ones you will have at {a birthday celebration|a party} where pizza is

being served.

Another option for {activities is|events is|holidays is} to offer to bring a dish for everyone to {speak|discuss} about.

Make it something that you enjoy as a treat {but nonetheless|but nevertheless|however} {comes after|employs|uses} the guidelines for your

diabetic diet.

For family favorites and traditions, be creative and look for ways to make the same dishes

with less fat or sugar. You can do this by substituting regular sugar for sugar substitutes

or choose whole wheat flour {rather than} white for the extra fiber content.

During the holidays and other {events|situations}, closely monitor your {bloodstream|blood vessels} sugars. Even with

extra care, the change in {your diet plan|your daily diet} can still {bring about|cause} a blood glucose that is too high or low.

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The Glycemic Index and Diabetic Diets

The Glycemic Index and Diabetic Diets

The glycemic index diet is one that many diabetics find useful.  The diet is based on 

assigning foods a ranking that indicates that food’s effect on blood sugar levels.  This can 

be a valuable tool for diabetics, especially ones that have been newly diagnosed as it can 

take some of the guess work out of meal planning and what foods to eat.

The glycemic index (GI) diet indicates foods that have a low GI value meaning they will 

take a longer time to have an affect on blood sugars and ones that have a higher value – 

they will act quicker to raise blood sugars.  A diabetic is still going to have to use another 

means to decide what foods to eat though – such as the food pyramid or an exchange list 

as not all items on the GI diet are as healthy as they could be.  Meaning a food that has a 

low index does not mean it is a better choice for you than some foods that are on the 

higher end of the scale.

>

Using the GI diet as your sole source of meal planning is not recommended not only 

because the values are not indicative of the healthiest choice but also because not all 

foods are listed.  If you are basing your diet on this method and want to add other foods 

that do not have GI rating you are not going to be able to properly plan.  Until more 

information is researched on the diet or it is made more comprehensive it should be used 

with an approved diet for diabetics such as the exchange diet or the carbohydrate 

counting diet.

>

If you want more information on how to incorporate the GI diet with your current meal 

plan, consult with your dietician or a diabetes educator.

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The Exchange Diet

The Exchange Diet

The exchange diet is a method of eating that provide diabetic with a set of guidelines 

necessary to eat healthy.  A dietician will help prepare and educate you on the exchange 

diet – the food groups and what substitutions you can make.

On the exchange diet all foods are divided into six food groups:

* Breads and other Starches

* Fruit

* Vegetables

* Dairy Foods

* Meat and Meat Substitutes

* Fats

>

Your dietician will provide you with the number of servings you should have from each 

group daily and at individual meal or snack times.  Within each of the categories there are 

many food options.  Each food has a specific serving size that equals one serving, in 

cases such as fruits and vegetables you probably will not have to measure your foods but 

for meats and other groups a food scale and measuring cup is recommended.

The exchange part of the diet refers to being able to swap a food in one food group for 

another in the same group as long as you adhere to the serving suggestion.  For instance 

½ cup of cooked pasta can be exchanged for 2 rice cakes in one meal.  The list your 

dietician gives you will be pretty complete but there are bound to be items not listed.  In 

that case, you can call your dietician for advice or keep a list of items that you need to 

know the proper serving size for.

At the beginning the exchange diet may seem like a lot of work, but as time goes on and 

you become accustomed to the serving sizes of your favorite foods it will become less so.  

Proper eating habits are crucial to managing diabetes and the exchange diet is a way to 

eat a healthy balanced diet full of variety.

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Satisfying a Diabetic Sweet Tooth

Satisfying a Diabetic Sweet Tooth

Life sometimes doesn’t seem fair – you love sweets and are known for your sweet tooth 

but now that you have been diagnosed with diabetes you are afraid you can’t have them 

anymore.  This isn’t entirely true.  Yes, if you previously indulged in many sweets you 

can no longer do that (and it may be a contributing factor to way you have type 2 

diabetes).  But there are ways that you can satisfy your sweet tooth and stick to your 

diabetic diet.

Even though sugar isn’t the only reason blood sugars raise the combination of a high-

sugar item and carbohydrates are.  There are many sugar substitutes and artificial 

sweeteners that are available to purchase on their own or in sweets such as chocolate and 

hard candies.

>

Another way to add sweets into your diet is to substitute them for other carbohydrates in 

a meal.  If you were planning on having a tuna salad sandwich for lunch instead of having 

the bread try eating the tuna on its own and use the saved carbohydrates on a cookie or 

two (depending on size and serving information).  This can be done with many different 

variations, but should be done in moderation – your body really will function better on 

those two pieces of whole wheat bread than it will on two chocolate chip cookies.

Speak with your dietician too.  A dietician is full of ideas and suggestion on how to 

improve your diabetic diet.  He or she may have suggestions on snacks or meals that you 

would not have considered to be sweet but can certainly satisfy your sweet tooth.  Such 

as eating a banana to satisfy a chocolate craving.  As time goes on you will begin to 

appreciate the natural sweet things in life too – such as a juicy apple or a fresh orange.  

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Protein’s Affect on Blood Sugar Levels

Protein’s Affect on Blood Sugar Levels

Much the same as fiber, eating quality protein with your snacks and meals can have a 

positive affect on your blood sugar levels.  By combining protein and carbohydrates you 

will slow the digestions of the carbohydrates in your body.  This slowing down will 

prevent your blood sugar from spiking as the result of too many carbohydrates in your 

system.

This does not mean that you should eat more protein than is recommended in one meal.  

Doing so can lead to other problems down the road.   But if you are a diabetic, skipping 

protein in your diet is not a good idea.  For diabetics who are vegetarians or that don’t eat 

a lot of any protein it is important to find a source that can be consumed on a regular 

basis.

There are many other sources of high-quality protein that does not include animal meats.  

Other protein sources can include:

* Tofu is a source of protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways including 

dessert tofu

* Nuts are an excellent source of protein but can be high in fat too.  Read nutrition 

labels and enjoy in moderation

* Seeds such as flax, pumpkin, and sunflower can be eaten as a source of protein

* Beans and other members of the legume family.  There are many ways to prepare 

beans from chili to cold salads

* Protein powders are available to sprinkle on cereals or to make into shakes for 

drinking

* Fish sources – be aware that large fish contain high levels of mercury and should 

only be eaten once or twice per week

When making protein choices, go for a lean cut whenever possible.  Even though protein 

has a positive affect on blood sugars excessive fat can cancel out the benefit and turn it 

into a health risk.  Enjoy high-fat meats or heavily processed meats on rare occasions and 

eat a wide variety of proteins.

تابع القراءة

Protein’s Affect on Blood Sugar Levels

Protein’s Affect on Blood Sugar Levels

Much the same as fiber, eating quality protein with your snacks and meals can have a 

positive affect on your blood sugar levels.  By combining protein and carbohydrates you 

will slow the digestions of the carbohydrates in your body.  This slowing down will 

prevent your blood sugar from spiking as the result of too many carbohydrates in your 

system.

>

This does not mean that you should eat more protein than is recommended in one meal.  

Doing so can lead to other problems down the road.   But if you are a diabetic, skipping 

protein in your diet is not a good idea.  For diabetics who are vegetarians or that don’t eat 

a lot of any protein it is important to find a source that can be consumed on a regular 

basis.

There are many other sources of high-quality protein that does not include animal meats.  

Other protein sources can include:

* Tofu is a source of protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways including 

dessert tofu

* Nuts are an excellent source of protein but can be high in fat too.  Read nutrition 

labels and enjoy in moderation

* Seeds such as flax, pumpkin, and sunflower can be eaten as a source of protein

* Beans and other members of the legume family.  There are many ways to prepare 

beans from chili to cold salads

* Protein powders are available to sprinkle on cereals or to make into shakes for 

drinking

* Fish sources – be aware that large fish contain high levels of mercury and should 

only be eaten once or twice per week

When making protein choices, go for a lean cut whenever possible.  Even though protein 

has a positive affect on blood sugars excessive fat can cancel out the benefit and turn it 

into a health risk.  Enjoy high-fat meats or heavily processed meats on rare occasions and 

eat a wide variety of proteins.

تابع القراءة

Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates

Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates

A lot of diabetic diets and diabetic meal planning center around carbohydrate intake – the 

amount you can have and when you should have them.  This is because they play such a 

crucial role in managing blood sugars.  Too many carbohydrates or the wrong kind can 

cause high blood sugars.  Not enough carbohydrates can cause low blood sugars or 

hypoglycemia.

It is recommended that carbohydrates make up about 40% of your daily calories, but not 

all carbohydrates are created equal.  You also need to pay attention to fat and sugar 

content.  

Here are some carbohydrate choices that should be made frequently:

* Whole grain cereals

* Whole wheat breads and rolls

* Brown rice

* Whole wheat crackers

* Raw or lightly steamed fruits and vegetables

* Whole wheat pita pockets or wraps

Carbohydrate choices that should be made less often:

* Potato chips

* White bread

* White rice

* Other foods that have been processed

* Cookies

* Easy to eat snacks

Carbohydrates are an essential part of every diet but make sure you are including the 

right kinds in yours.  Good carbohydrates will fill you up and not create a sudden spike in 

your blood sugars.  Bad carbohydrates are usually over-processed, create high blood 

sugars, create obesity and are high in sodium.

As carbohydrates are going to make up almost half of your daily food choices it is 

important to fill you body with high-quality choices.  Choose ones that will give you 

energy and not cause you to gain weight.  The less processed or refined a carbohydrate is 

the better it is going to be for you.  Even when baking, choose unbleached whole grain 

flour.  It doesn’t make a big difference in taste but it does in the quality of carbohydrate it 

creates.  Try whole grain flour in pancakes, cookies and cakes.



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Diabetic Diets – Consistency and Variety

Diabetic Diets – Consistency and Variety

It may sound like a hard thing to do – be consistent and have variety in your diet at the 

same time.  But it is possible and it is the best way to control your diabetes with your 

diet.  The consistency comes in at specific meal times and the same servings from the 

different food groups.  And the variety refers to trying as many different foods in the food 

groups as you can.

It can be easy to find a few meals that work well with your blood sugars and are easy to 

prepare and just stick with them.  You are more than likely to get bored with this and you 

probably aren’t getting all of the nutrients you need from a set amount of foods.

Whether you are on the carbohydrate counting diet or the exchange diet, you have a lot of 

room for flexibility.  You can combine different foods together for something new or try 

foods you have never had before.  You can meet with your dietician to get additional 

ideas for recipes and other foods that you can eat to add more variety to your diet.

There will be times that you try a new food and your blood sugars are higher as a result.  

Think back about anything else that you had done differently that day – less activity or 

taking your insulin later than usual.  If the new food is the only change you experienced 

talk to your dietician.  You may be able to prepare the food differently or eat it with 

something else or you may have to avoid that food if it doesn’t work for your diabetic 

diet.

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’ be adventurous and try 

something new, just do it at regular meal times and within the recommended portion 

sizes.

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Carbohydrate Counting Diet

Carbohydrate Counting Diet

Carbohydrates a very big impact on blood glucose levels as they are converted to sugar 

by the body in the process of turning the food into energy.  Too many carbohydrate 

servings can increase blood sugar levels.  It is important for a diabetic to control the 

number of carbohydrates that are eaten at each meal and balance the carbohydrates with 

protein while limiting fat intake.

In this type of meal plan foods are grouped into three different categories:  carbohydrates, 

proteins, and fats.  The majority of foods that you eat contain carbohydrates and this will 

be the largest food group.  Foods in this group include:

* Grains – breads, crackers, rice, cereal, pasta

* Dairy – milk, yogurt

* Vegetables that are considered starchy – corn, peas, and potatoes

* The rest of the vegetable family

* Fruit, including fruit juices

* Desserts and other treats – chosen in limited amounts

This diet will require you to measure your foods for serving sizes and read food labels to 

determine how many servings are carbohydrates it should be counted as.  It is standard to 

consider 15 grams of carbohydrates as one serving.  For instance, if you are having 

crackers as a snack and are allowed one serving of carbohydrates you would look at the 

food label to figure out how many crackers you can have.  If the serving size is 20 

crackers and that equals 30 grams of carbohydrates, for a diabetic that would be 

considered two servings.  In this example, you would half the serving size and eat 10 

crackers to equal 15 grams of carbohydrates.

After some time and experience you will become adept at counting carbohydrates and 

knowing what foods work well with your blood glucose levels and what ones don’t.  No 

two diabetics respond the same way to every food, you will need to learn what your own 

ideal diabetic diet is.

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Benefits of the Carbohydrate Counting Diet

Benefits of the Carbohydrate Counting Diet

The carbohydrate counting diet groups foods into three main groups:  carbohydrates, 

proteins, and fats.  You dietician will provide you with the number of carbohydrates you 

can have in a day and how that is divided up amongst your meals and snacks.  Your 

dietician will also educate you on how you can determine the numbers of carbohydrates 

are in some of your favorite foods by reading food labels.

The biggest benefit of the carbohydrate counting diet is that it does not eliminate any 

foods.  A diabetic can choose any food they wish to eat as long as they only eat enough of 

it to meet their carbohydrate needs.  The trick to this is to choose wholesome foods that 

will fill you up longer.  The same amounts of carbohydrates that are in a small handful of 

potato chips are not equal to the two slices of bread you can have instead.  But it is nice 

to know that if you really want to – once in awhile – you can treat yourself.

Another benefit is keeping a consistent amount of carbohydrates in your body.  This can 

help regulate your insulin needs and control.  If your body has the same amount of 

carbohydrates to process at the same times each day it will be beneficial to your health 

and blood glucose readings.

When you choose a carbohydrate counting diet it is important to make sure you are doing 

it correctly.  If you don’t you can too much or too little and both situations can be 

detrimental to your diabetes.  Have a dietician teach you how to properly count 

carbohydrates and closely monitor your blood sugar levels to make sure the diet it 

working for you.

As with any new diet, give it time for you to adjust and learn how to plan your meals 

properly.

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Benefits of a Healthy Diabetic Diet

Benefits of a Healthy Diabetic Diet

Benefits of eating a healthy diet are for everyone but for a diabetic there can be even 

more reasons to follow a nutritious meal plan.  Keeping a stable blood glucose level is the 

biggest reason for a diabetic to follow a diabetic diet.  It takes commitment and patience 

to stick with the diet and plan out all meals each week.  But the more that it is done the 

easier it will become.

Another benefit of eating a healthy diabetic diet is reducing the amount of insulin that is 

needed.  By eating good carbohydrate choices and lean meats you will lower the insulin 

requirements for your body.  The foods you eat all affect on your blood sugars and when 

you do not choose the best foods for your body it will need more insulin to process them.  

In addition to extra insulin requirements, you will suffer from high blood sugars also 

known as hyperglycemia.  This condition can have serious long-term effects on your 

body and its organs.

By continuing with a healthy diet and combining it with regular exercise you can lose 

excess body weight.  This too is good for your insulin requirements and blood glucose 

levels.  By incorporating exercising into your daily routine you can give your body’s 

metabolism a boost and help it process the foods you are eating.  When the foods you 

take in are healthy choices your body is going to function better.

If you do not follow a healthy diet you can suffer from:-

 *Low blood sugar from not eating enough – hyperglycemia

 *High blood sugar from eating too much or eating the wrong foods –hypoglycemia 

 *Gain weigh and in turn increase your daily insulin requirement

 *Lack the energy needed to exercise on a regular basis

Eating well can help control your diabetes and prolong your life expectancy.

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Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

Artificial Sweeteners for Diabetics

The food industry has come up with a solution for people on diets or with diabetes that 

have a sweet tooth.  They are known as artificial sweeteners and they are used in 

everything from chewing gum, coffee sweeteners, and even baking.  There is some 

controversy over the use of them as some of them are totally synthetic and others are 

derived from the actual sugar plant.  But to a diabetic who doesn’t want to give up on 

their favorite pop or chewing gum they can be a life-saver.

The four different kinds of artificial sweeteners are:  saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, 

acesulfame potassium.  Each of these types can be found under various product names 

and brands.  Not all are made the same way and they have different uses.  Some you can 

buy in liquid or powdered form for baking needs and others like aspartame is only found 

in foods that you purchase pre-made.

 The use of these artificial sweeteners will not raise blood sugar and are safe for a 

diabetic to use.  Care and attention is still needed because the food items you put sugar in 

or on most likely will have an affect on your blood sugar.  Still follow your diabetic diet 

but use some artificial sweeteners to make it a little sweeter.

Some diabetics may want to use honey as a substitute for sugar.  You certainly can make 

this substitution, however, honey is very similar to sugar in carbohydrate content and the 

effects it will have on your blood glucose level.  It is best to enjoy honey in small 

moderations if at all.

Aspartame has been linked in some medical studies with Alzheimer’s disease.  Speak to 

your doctor about the benefits and risks of using any of the artificial sweeteners if you 

have any concerns about the potential health risks.

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Adjusting your Diabetic Diet for Special Occasions

Adjusting your Diabetic Diet for Special Occasions

Birthday parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more are holidays and special 

occasions that are centered on food.  For most people these are times to anticipate the 

celebration and the eating.  For a diabetic it can be a stressful time, you want to partake in 

all of the good food too but most times it is not made with a diabetic in mind.  If the 

frequency of these events is not too often, you can adjust your diet for special occasions 

so you too can have some of the treats available.

The hardest part about preparing for a special occasion is if you do not know what is 

going to be served.  If this is the case, a quick call to your host or hostess can be made.  

Most people will not mind you asking especially if you have dietary needs that need to be 

taken into consideration.  Once you do know what is being served, plan your meals for 

that day accordingly.  You may want to have fewer carbohydrates with your breakfast 

and snack to make up for the extra ones you will have at a birthday party where pizza is 

being served.

Another option for special occasions is to offer to bring a dish for everyone to share.  

Make it something that you enjoy as a treat but still follows the guidelines for your 

diabetic diet.

For family favorites and traditions, be creative and look for ways to make the same dishes 

with less fat or sugar.  You can do this by substituting regular sugar for sugar substitutes 

or choose whole wheat flour instead of white for the extra fiber content.

During the holidays and other occasions, closely monitor your blood sugars.  Even with 

extra care, the change in your diet can still result in a blood sugar that is too high or low.

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A Diabetic Diet for Vegetarians

A Diabetic Diet for Vegetarians

If you are a vegetarian who has been diagnosed with diabetes, you can still maintain your 

diabetic diet.  In some cases a vegetarian diet may be a healthy way to keep your blood 

glucose levels stable - that is if you are eating lean high-quality proteins and are 

following other rules for eating as a diabetic.

As a lot of vegans and vegetarians eat a larger amount of fruits and vegetables in a day 

than a non-vegetarian and their fiber intake is much higher too.  An increased amount of 

fiber in a diabetic’s diet can help blood sugars because it slows down the process of the 

body digesting carbohydrates.  A vegetarian’s diet is usually lower in cholesterol as well 

and it can help ward off cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes.

If you are diabetic and are considering a switch to a diabetic diet some of the benefits you 

might derive include a higher rate of weight loss and better blood sugar readings.  This is 

dependant on the types of vegetarian meals you choose as some meatless meals can be 

just as fattening as ones that contain meat.

Speak to your doctor and dietician before making the switch.  You will need information 

on how to transition yourself to your new diet.  You will also get a list of meat 

alternatives you should eat in order to get enough protein in a day.  These can include 

tofu, nuts, eggs, and seeds.

As with any change, once your switch to a vegetarian diet give yourself and your body 

time to adjust.  There are many recipes and ideas for vegetarian dishes and you will find a 

lot of variety and flexibility in the meals that you prepare.  Check your blood sugars 

frequently to make sure your blood glucose levels remain stable during the change.

تابع القراءة

Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates

{Great|Very good} Carbohydrates and Bad {Carbs|Sugars}

A lot of diabetic diets and diabetic {food|meals} planning center around {carbs|carb} intake - the

amount you can have {so when|and once|then when} you should have them. This is because they play such a

{important|essential|vital} role in managing {bloodstream|blood vessels} sugars. Too many {carbs|sugars|glucose} {or maybe the|and also the|or perhaps the} wrong kind can

cause high blood {sugar|glucose}. {Insufficient|Too few|Too little} carbohydrates can cause low blood sugars or

hypoglycemia.

It is {suggested|advised} that carbohydrates make up about 40% of your daily calories, but not

all carbohydrates are created equal. You also need to focus on {body fat|excess fat} and sugar

content.

{Right here are|In this article are|Below are} some carbohydrate {options|selections|alternatives} {that needs to be|that ought to be|which should be} made frequently:

* Whole grain cereals

* Whole {whole wheat|wheat or grain|grain} breads and rolls

* Brown grain

* Whole wheat crackers

* Raw or lightly steamed {vegetables and fruit|fruit and veggies|vegatables and fruits}

* Whole wheat {abucheo|pitada|silbido} pockets or wraps

{Carbs|Carb} choices that should be made less often:

* Potato chips

* White {breads|loaf of bread}

* White rice

* Other foods {which may have|that contain} been processed

* Cookies

* Easy to eat snacks

{Carbs are|Sugars are|Glucose are} an essential part {of each|of each and every} diet but {ensure you are|be sure to are} {such as the|like the|such as}

right {sorts|varieties} in yours. Good carbohydrates will fill you full and not create {an unexpected|an abrupt|an immediate} spike in

your {bloodstream|blood vessels} sugars. Bad carbohydrates are usually over-processed, create high {bloodstream|blood vessels}

sugars, create {weight problems|unhealthy weight|overweight} and are high in sodium.

As carbohydrates are going to make up almost half of your daily food choices it is

important to {fill up|load|complete} you body with {top quality|superior quality|premium quality} choices. Choose ones that will give you

energy and not cause you to gain weight. The less processed or {processed|sophisticated|enhanced} a carbohydrate is

the better it is heading to be for you. Even when baking, choose unbleached whole grain

flour. {Keep in mind that|It shouldn't|It will not} make {a huge|a major} big difference in taste but it does in the quality of carbohydrate it

creates. Try whole grain flour in pancakes, cookies and cakes.

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Losing Weight and Controlling Blood Sugar

If you are a diabetic and are overweight or considered clinically obese, you can improve 

your overall health and the management of your diabetes by losing weight.  It may seem 

like an overwhelming goal if you have tried in the past to lose weight and have failed.  

But there are steps you can take and support you can utilize to help you reach your goals.

The first step to losing weight is to set a short-term goal for yourself.  You can do this on 

your own but can also get help from your doctor or a dietician.  A good goal when 

starting to lose weight is to take a small percentage of your overall weight and aim to lose 

that much in your time frame.  For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds aim to lose weight 

5% of your body weight to begin (10 pounds).  When you lose weight as a diabetic you 

are helping your body by lessening your insulin requirements.  Weight loss will also 

assist you in keeping your blood sugar levels under control.

Another method to lose weight is physical activity and exercise.  Getting your body 

moving will increase your metabolism and that act will assist in losing weight too.  Not 

only will increased metabolism aid in weight loss, it will also help in controlling blood 

glucose levels.  Your body will be processing food more efficiently.

Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand with weight loss.  It also takes patience and time but 

as you begin the road to weight loss the benefits you will derive as a diabetic will begin 

right away.  And as you reach your goal weight you will gain better control of your blood 

sugars.  If you are having difficulty losing weight on your own, speak to your doctor 

about other options that are available to you such as medication or possibly surgery.

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Diabetes and Obesity can Cause Depression

Diabetes and Obesity can Cause Depression

Many people suffer from depression at some point in their lives and people with diabetes 

are no exception.  If you are obese and have type 2 diabetes you may blame yourself and 

your lifestyle on the disease you now have.  It is hard to adjust to a new lifestyle.  Feeling 

down or guilty about this is okay and even normal but if it turns into something more you 

need to seek professional help.

It is normal to feel down about having diabetes in the beginning but once you learn more 

about the disease and how to control it you can also feel more in control of your life 

again.  Take charge, if you are obese and want to improve your blood glucose levels you 

can.  By eating a healthy diet and regular exercise you can lose weight and improve your 

blood sugars.

If your feeling of being down or hopeless will not go away and is accompanied by any of 

the following as well you may be depressed.  If this is the case, contact your doctor right 

away.

Signs of depression:

 *You are no longer sleeping like you used to (more or less)

 *Not enjoying life or everyday activities like you used to

 *No energy to do things you want or have to do

 *You are eating more or less or have sudden weight gain or loss

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you seek help.  Being obese and diabetic 

can be trying both mentally and physically.  It is important to know that you can take 

action to make things better.  Your diabetes may never go away but you can certainly 

keep it under control and live a full life.  By losing weight, even a small amount, you can 

make a huge difference in your health and diabetes.

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Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes it is commonly referred to

 as juvenile diabetes or 

type 1 diabetes.  This type of diabetes is not related to a child’s lifestyle, it is an 

autoimmune disease that results in the need for insulin injections for food to be turned 

into energy properly.  In recent years there have been an increased number of children 

that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  This is an alarming trend and one that can 

be mitigated because the link between children and type 2 diabetes is childhood obesity.

As it is fairly new that children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes there isn’t a lot 

of information or studies on it presently.  But what is known is that parents need to take 

action immediately.  Once a child has been diagnosed at an older age there isn’t much 

that can be done except to manage the disease.  But if a younger child is obese and makes 

healthy lifestyle changes that result in weight loss there is a chance that type 2 diabetes 

can be avoided.

Some of the early warning signs that your child may have diabetes include:

  *A sudden increase in thirst that appears to never be satiated

  *An increased need to urinate

  *Dark patches on the skin – usually found in the folds of the skin, around the neck 

or around the eyes

As there are many other diseases and complications that can arise if your child is obese it 

is best to seek medical help for your child.  Between you and your health care 

professional, a plan can be made and put into place that will start your child on the road 

to a healthier weight and more active lifestyle.  Your child may be resistant at first but by 

involving them in the process and persistence the changes can be made.

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A DNA Link between Diabetes and Obesity

A DNA Link between Diabetes and Obesity

There is no known reason for what causes diabetes.  There are certainly risk factors that 

make the likelihood of you being diagnosed with the disease higher.  One of the only risk 

factors that you have control over is your weight.  If you are obese, the single best thing 

you can do for your health and the prevention of diabetes is to lose weight.  Even in small 

increments, when you shed pounds you are increasing your health benefits.

These may be easier said than done.  There are new studies that are now showing that 

there is a genetic factor or mutation for people who are obese and have diabetes.  This 

genetic malfunction affects how the bodies use energy and insulin – two key elements in 

the functioning of your body and the cause of diabetes and obesity.

The studies also state that this is not a cause and effect case.  If you carry this defective 

gene you are not guaranteed to be obese or have diabetes.  But the link is there and it can 

be prevented.  You may have to work harder at it than others to maintain a healthy body 

weight and put off diabetes but it can be done.  Discuss with your doctor options and 

ways to prevent or put-off the onset of diabetes.

The gene that researchers have discovered as a precursor to diabetes has been found in 

young children.  It is scary to know that children in their preschool years are being 

diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes due to genetics.  But parents can reduce or 

prevent these things from happening by giving their children healthy lifestyle choices.  

Now that a DNA link has been found, the research can focus on finding a way to fix or 

prevent this from happening at some point in the future.

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What You Must Know About Diabetes

What You Must Know About Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that helps the body’s tissues absorb glucose (sugar) so it can be used as a source of energy. The condition may also develop if muscle, fat, and liver cells respond poorly to insulin. In people with diabetes, glucose levels build up in the blood and urine, causing excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and problems with fat and protein metabolism. Diabetes mellitus differs from the less common diabetes insipidus, which is caused by lack of the hormone vasopressin that controls the amount of urine secreted.

Diabetes is most common in adults over 45 years of age; in people who are overweight or physically inactive; in individuals who have an immediate family member with diabetes; and in people of African, Hispanic, and Native American descent. The highest rate of diabetes in the world occurs in Native Americans. More women than men have been diagnosed with the disease.

There are two types of diabetes .In type 1 diabetes, which usually starts in childhood, the pancreas stops making insulin altogether. It is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, which starts in adulthood (and in some teenagers) the body still makes some insulin. But it doesn't make enough insulin, or the body can't use it properly. It is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

Diabetes is detected by measuring the amount of glucose in the blood after an individual has fasted (abstained from food) for about eight hours. In some cases, physicians diagnose diabetes by administering an oral glucose tolerance test, which measures glucose levels before and after a specific amount of sugar has been ingested. Another test being developed for Type 1 diabetes looks for specific antibodies (proteins of the immune system that attack foreign substances) present only in persons with diabetes. This test may detect Type 1 diabetes at an early stage, reducing the risk of complications from the disease.

Once diabetes is diagnosed, treatment consists of controlling the amount of glucose in the blood and preventing complications. Depending on the type of diabetes, this can be accomplished through regular physical exercise, a carefully controlled diet, and medication.

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections, often two to four times a day, to provide the body with the insulin it does not produce. The amount of insulin needed varies from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as a person’s level of physical activity, diet, and the presence of other health disorders. Typically, individuals with Type 1 diabetes use a meter several times a day to measure the level of glucose in a drop of their blood obtained by pricking a fingertip. They can then adjust the amount of insulin injected, physical exercise, or food intake to maintain the blood sugar at a normal level. People with Type 1 diabetes must carefully control their diets by distributing meals and snacks throughout the day so as not to overwhelm the ability of the insulin supply to help cells absorb glucose. They also need to eat foods that contain complex sugars, which break down slowly and cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

For persons with Type 2 diabetes, treatment begins with diet control, exercise, and weight reduction, although over time this treatment may not be adequate. People with Type 2 diabetes typically work with nutritionists to formulate a diet plan that regulates blood sugar levels so that they do not rise too swiftly after a meal. A recommended meal is usually low in fat (30 percent or less of total calories), provides moderate protein (10 to 20 percent of total calories), and contains a variety of carbohydrates, such as beans, vegetables, and grains. Regular exercise helps body cells absorb glucose—even ten minutes of exercise a day can be effective. Diet control and exercise may also play a role in weight reduction, which appears to partially reverse the body’s inability to use insulin

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3 Hour Dieting

3 Hour Dieting

When it comes to the world of dieting you will find that there are many diet, weight loss, and fitness plans on the market. It takes years for some to become a contender and others remain a best-kept secret of sorts. One such 'best kept' secret would be the 3 Hour Diet that was designed by Jorge Cruise. I am sure that there are many reading along and chuckling under your breath that there is no way one can lose weight by eating every three hours however the science behind the theory is fairly common and Jorge Cruise is a mainstay in the fitness industry.

The long and short of this diet operates with the knowledge that if you do not feed your body accurately and regularly your body will go into what is called 'starvation mode'. In this mode your body holds onto the fat rather than burning it up and consuming it for use. This means that your body is burning muscle rather than fat to take the energy it needs in order to function.

With the 3 Hour Diet you will not feel hungry all the time, in fact, there are many who claim they are constantly setting alarms and reminding themselves to eat. You will also learn the proper foods to eat in order to achieve the best possible results. The key is in learning which foods are right for you when dieting with this plan. You can purchase the book the 3-Hour Diet by Jorge Cruise and you can sign up online for more information about the weight plan itself and how to incorporate it into your busy routine.

I do recommend purchasing the book if you are seriously considering this as your method of dieting as there are many wonderful hints, tips, and tricks that are mentioned in the book to help you keep things going no matter how busy and hectic your lifestyle may be. One thing you need to keep in mind is that dieting with a program such as this is no small commitment. You need to stick to the timetable as much as possible in order to achieve the results this plan is famous for. If you aren't willing to eat every three hours then this plan really may not be the plan for you.

Otherwise, if this is something you would be interested in, I highly recommend it. There are special considerations based on the amount you weight currently and the amount of weight you are hoping to lose. It is best if you are honest throughout the process in order to achieve the best possible and most immediate results. The claim is that you can lose as many as 10 pounds in the first two weeks and there are those that have claimed to do just that over and over again. This is a diet that even many celebrities endorse for quick and immediate results.

The good and the bad about 3 hour dieting is that it is effective but takes a very real commitment on the part of the one that is dieting. This diet is one that is taking the world by storm. If you haven't heard of it before now, please take the time to check it out and see if this is something you could incorporate into your life. The results that have been reported as a result of this diet as nothing short of phenomenal. If there were one diet I would recommend above others for those who hate feeling hungry, it would be this diet.

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