Data reports published in 2007, estimated that 23.6 million people in the U.S. had diabetes but as many as 5.7 million people had not yet been diagnosed with the disease. For this reason, it is crucial to visit your doctor for routine physical exams and to know the symptoms and risk factors for developing diabetes. For this information and more, visit the American Diabetes Association website at: www.diabetes.org or attend our FREE seminar on November 20th at 4:30 pm.
As a dietitian, I enjoy educating people on lifestyle changes that can help prevent and manage diabetes. People often do not understand the profound benefits a balanced diet and regular exercise can have on controlling blood sugar levels. I teach portion control and carbohydrate counting to help people with diabetes realize they can still enjoy nearly all foods in moderation. Here are five simple guidelines to follow for overall health and diabetes management and prevention:
- Do not eliminate carbohydrates completely. Instead, choose grain products and carbohydrate foods wisely -- watch portion sizes and select whole grain foods that are high in fiber.
- Stay active and achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Losing just 5-10% of your starting body weight can improve blood sugar levels and decrease your risk for many diseases.
- Balance your meals with a lean protein source and lots of non-starchy veggies. The more colorful your plate, the better!
- Stay hydrated. Most of us think we are hungry when really we are just thirsty, so be sure to drink water throughout the day.
- Eat at regular intervals. Small meals and snacks every 3-5 hours help to regulate blood sugar levels and maintain energy throughout the day.
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears NFL Football team is a high profile and successful athlete with Type 1 diabetes. Read his interview on how how diabetes has affected his life and professional football career. This article and others can be found online via the American Diabetes Association website and their magazine, Diabetes Forecast.
This post was written by Kristine Van Workum, Registered Dietitian and owner of Brevard Nutrition, Inc. Kristine provides outpatient nutrition counseling for groups and individuals to help manage a wide variety of medical conditions. She also specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, weight management and sports nutrition. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 321-327-7948, or visit her website.
