We have all heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets the tone for our day, and the nutrition – or lack thereof – that we eat at breakfast will affect our energy levels and overall mood for the rest of the day. For diabetics, this first meal is even more important, and what you eat in the morning can have far-reaching consequences throughout the day.
Both the Huffington Post and CBS News is reporting that we may soon hear an announcement from Paula Deen that she has Type 2 diabetes. Mrs. Deen is a celebrity chef in her early 60's who is known for creating good old fashioned Southern meals -- comfort food if you will -- some which are high-fat, sugary, and butter laden. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to diabetes, being overweight and eating an unhealthy diet are thought to be strong contributors.
Read more about Does Paula Deen have Diabetes?
I have heard before that the upper limits of blood sugar guidelines tend to be a little too liberal for those who are serious about preventing diabetes. I suspect that may be because they are intended for those who already have diabetes, where the limits may need to be stretched a bit. I read the article that is linked at the bottom of this post and found it to be very enlightening, especially because I am still in the prevention stage and hoping to stay that way. Read more about Truly Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetic neuropathy refers to damaged nerves as a result of prolonged high blood sugar in patients who have diabetes. Nerves become injured as a result of high blood glucose and decrease blood flow. It's more common in people who have uncontrolled blood sugar level. It's widely prevalent, considering over half of the people who have diabetes will be inflicted by nerve damage during their lifetime. Nerve damage from diabetes typically takes time to develop, sometimes even 10, 15 or 20 years after first being diagnosed with diabetes.
Read more about Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
The diabetic diet, while healthy and nutritious, can seem very restricting when you first begin eating that way. Having the support of your family is critical in successfully managing your diabetes through diet. If your family insists on eating the foods you can no longer eat, it can become too tempting for you to do the same. Read more about Does Your Family Support Your Diet?
Getting the diagnosis of diabetes is a life changing event. Not only must your diet change, but also your exercise habits and your entire outlook on health and wellness. While it is a drastic change for many, it is also a wakeup call and can be the start of a healthier, more enjoyable life. In the beginning, however, all of the information and terms can be overwhelming. These books can help take the mystery out of eating and living with diabetes. Read more about Just Diagnosed? Here are Some Books to Help
In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves itself after birth. Your blood sugar numbers will usually return to normal because the major source of the hormones that lead to gestational diabetes, the placenta, is gone. Sometimes, however, blood sugar levels do not return to normal after pregnancy, so it is very important to continue monitoring after you have your baby. Read more about Watch Those Numbers After Your Pregnancy
Eleven percent of individuals living in the U.S. reported being diagnosed with diabetes during the third quarter of 2011. While this number seems large, it's a drop from the figures reported in both 2009 and 2010.
Healthways and Gallap obtained these diabetes stats by asking American if a physician or nurse ever told them if they had diabetes. The question asked didn't distinguish between type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Read more about Slight Good News on the U.S. Diabetes Statistics Front
For me, the hardest part about diabetes is finding food to eat. I hate cooking and hate having to think too much about food –there are too many other things to worry about. So when it comes to meals, especially lunch, simple is better in my opinion. The following lunch has become my favorite and I eat it nearly every day. When you find something that works, it seems easier to stick with it than to experiment. Variety is nice, but only if you don’t have to think about it too much. Read more about My Favorite Low Carb Lunch Ever
Being diagnosed with diabetes can feel like a life sentence. The strict diet, constant monitoring and potential for lifelong medication requirements that go along with the diagnosis can make it one of the most disheartening events of our lives. Becoming depressed is a common occurrence among newly diagnosed diabetics, but taking charge of the situation can go a long way toward helping you restore control and cheer to your life. Read more about How is Your Frame of Mind?