How are you doing so far with your new year's resolutions? I expect a few challenges have come up by now. Don't lose hope. You can definitely have a healthier year this year. Here's a success story and my tips for keeping your new year's resolution. My husband has lost 30 pounds in the last 3 years, and says changing his thinking is what did the trick. (No, I did not put him a diet. They don't work long term, so what's the point.) Here's how he changed. When I met Bob he was on the Adkins diet. He and his friend tended to follow the latest fad diet, which usually led to "being … [Read more...]
Meter technology makes insulin dosing easier
If you take rapid acting insulin, otherwise known as bolus insulin, for your meals, technology can help make dosing easier. There is a smart meter available called Accu-Chek Expert that has a built-in insulin calculator that helps you know how much insulin to take based on your current blood sugar and how much carbohydrate you are going to eat. It is set up with parameters individualized to you, including your blood glucose target, insulin to carbohydrate ratio, and sensitivity factor. Blood glucose target is just as it sounds, the range in which you want your blood sugar to … [Read more...]
Carbohydrate Counting Gadget and Tips
Carbohydrate counting can really be a nuisance, especially when you are new to it. I'm sharing my tips to make it easier. Recently a lady said to me " I resent having to do a math lesson every time I eat". I get that! Like anything that is new, with practice it becomes easier. For many, with time, it can become almost second nature. But first, let me explain. Carbohydrate counting is one diabetic meal planning method that people use to control their blood sugars. It can be a strategy used to eat a consistent amount of carbohydrate each day. It is important for most people to get … [Read more...]
Safe Travel with Diabetes
Now that school is out and summer is here, it's time for many people to take a break. Here are some tips to have safe travel with diabetes and keep your glucose controlled. When you travel with diabetes, glucose is harder to control because you are out of your normal routine. Unfortunately, its impossible to leave your diabetes when you travel. But there is good news too--with some planning you can have your glucose in a safe range, feel your best and enjoy your vacation. Here are my top 9 tips for safe travel with diabetes: 1. Try to stay as close as you can to your food and medication … [Read more...]
Should You Eat Carbohydrate When you have Diabetes?
Should you eat carbohydrate when you have diabetes? When people learn that carbohydrate breaks down to sugar and moves into the blood stream, it is easy to understand why many would think they should avoid carbohydrate. Why would you want to eat something that makes your blood sugar go up? Here's why: Many healthy foods contain carbohydrate along with other important nutrients including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Most people think of carbohydrate as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. While it is true they do have carbohydrate, there are MANY other healthy sources of carbohydrate-all … [Read more...]