People who work with a CDCES do better. Research shows that people who have received (competent and professional) diabetes education: Use primary care and preventive services more often than resorting to the emergency room and hospital. (Resulting in savings to the patient and the hospital); Are more likely to take medications as prescribed (thus reducing complications from diabetes and (again) incurring greater health care costs to both the patient and the health care system ); and Are better at controlling their glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels (again reducing … [Read more...]
The Best Fruit and Vegetables When You Have Diabetes
It's so easy to be confused about what to eat with so much conflicting advice. Today I'm sharing information on two common food groups I get asked about-fruit and vegetables. "Aw Man! Those are my favorite vegetables," my friend said, disappointed. She didn't want potatoes and beans to be starches. Diagnosed with diabetes, she heard that starches were "bad" and thought she would have to give up her favorite food. She was so thankful when I told her she was mistaken. Vegetables are chock full of nutrients. All of them. Ideally you should consume a wide variety of vegetables because they … [Read more...]
5 Lessons Learned from Loving Someone with Diabetes
Who would have ever thought that getting my bangs cut would lead to a long career in diabetes care and education? It's funny how life works. Here's my story how I got so passionate about helping people with diabetes that all started with a chance encounter. I learned valuable lessons...the hard way. I want things to be easier for you so here are my tips. 5 Tips for Supporting Someone with Diabetes 1. Ask your loved one how you can help. Everyone is unique. What helps one person doesn't help another. You can say something like "I know having diabetes can sometimes be hard and I want to … [Read more...]
A Letter from a Confused Client: “Eggs…To Eat or Not To Eat”
Eggs, to eat or not to eat? Dear Marcia, I’m so confused! One day the “experts” are telling me to avoid eggs because they are bad for my heart. Then they tell me eggs are an excellent source of nutrition and I learn all sorts of new ways to cook them. Now, there is a new report saying eggs are linked to increased cholesterol and heart disease! What am I supposed to do? I like eggs. They are easy to prepare, inexpensive and I thought they were good for me. Please help me understand what I am supposed to do with this new information and reports being spread on social media about … [Read more...]
Why Carbohydrates are Not the Devil
"I know Carbohydrates are the devil!" she said as we were scheduling our meeting for medical nutrition therapy. It made me smile. That's a great way to say what so many people believe. I understand why it is so confusing to know what to believe. After all, people are avoiding carbohydrates and losing weight. People with diabetes and pre-diabetes hear that "carb" turns to glucose so they think it should be avoided. The truth is that carbohydrates are not the devil, but actually an essential nutrient that should be part of every meal. Let's start with the basics. Carbohydrate is one of … [Read more...]
