American Diabetes Month

Although diabetes is generally not thought of as a serious health condition, it kills more people each year than breast cancer and aids combined. In fact, every 17 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes. That means by the time this segment is over, over 12 people with be diagnosed with diabetes
However, you can make a difference. Go to www.diabetes.org to find local events across Iowa to help stop diabetes and fund future research

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism; caused by a defect in insulin production or your body’s response to insulin (Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for glucose metabolism).

Everyone needs carbs for energy and it is even more important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their carbohydrates and eat them consistently throughout the day.

1. You can eat all food that you love, you just have to monitor your carb intake
2. It is important to include carbohydrates in every meal and snack in order to keep your blood sugar consistent

The American Diabetes Associated has identified ten diabetes Superfoods

• Berries
• Sweet potatoes
• Dark leafy greens
• Citrus
• Milk and yogurt
• Tomatoes
• Nuts
• Fish containing omega 3s
• Whole grains
• Beans

These ten Superfoods have a low glycemic index (don’t cause a quick spike in blood sugar), contain nutrients lacking in the typical American diet (calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E), and they also help with cc-morbidities associated with diabetes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and impaired vision.

Berries: antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. They may also help protect your vision

Sweet potatoes: more fiber and vitamin A than white potatoes

Dark leafy greens: low in calories and carbohydrates

Citrus: fiber and vitamin C

Nuts, namely almonds: have been shown by the Journal of Nutrition to improve post meal blood sugars

Tomatoes: vitamin C, iron, vitamin E. They can also improve blood pressure and vision
Fish with omega 3s: can help lower cholesterol,TG and high blood pressure when eaten in place in saturated fat sources

Whole grains: more fiber and nutrients, lower glycemic index

Beans: fiber, potassium and protein. Beans are the only food in two food groups (vegetable and protein)

For more information, pick up the latest issue of CentsAble Health magazine or email Whitney at centsablehealth@farewaystores.com