Have you heard that people with diabetes should eat six times a day? It is true that small frequent feedings can help your glucose from going too high or low. It is a common bit of advice given by health care professionals and misinterpreted as “mandatory” by many people. It’s not bad advice. However, it’s not the only good advice. Did you know that the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care state that a person with diabetes should be referred to a registered dietitian nutritionist knowledgeable about diabetes when they are diagnosed and then as needed throughout the … [Read more...]
How to Take Care of Your Feet When you Have Diabetes
I’m sharing a “James story” with you today to demonstrate how important it is to take care of your feet when you have diabetes. A “James story” is something that happened when I was married to my first husband, James, who had diabetes. He made some catastrophic mistakes in managing his diabetes because he simply didn’t know what to do. (This was prior to and inspiration for my subsequent career in helping people manage and learn about their diabetes). Since working with people with diabetes for over twenty years, I’ve met many others who have made similar errors. I don’t want you to go down … [Read more...]
How to Manage Stress and Get Back on Track During a Pandemic
Times are tough. COVID cases are rising at an alarming rate. Civil unrest creates fear and uncertainty. The economy is in trouble. All of these factors create stress and stress creates its own set of problems. Frankly, while my disposition is usually pretty sunny, even my optimism has been tested. Generally speaking, as stress levels go up, self-care declines. Yet, now, more than ever, self care is critical. I recently learned that people with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are 12 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those without these conditions. There are studies in … [Read more...]
What You Need to Do Now That You Have Diabetes or Prediabetes
Are you confused about what you need to do now that you have diabetes or prediabetes? You may even feel overwhelmed that you have more to do in your day. Take a deep breath. You don't have to be perfect and do everything today. You can ease into it. But do pay attention and move forward. Here are a few things that can have a big impact and help you reach your goals. 1. Have a positive mindset. Did you know that getting diabetes or prediabetes is not your fault? It's not. Diabetes is genetic, even if you don't know anyone in your family with it. It runs in families and then something … [Read more...]
Why it is Important to Protect your Kidneys when you have Diabetes
As it has for all of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has consumed most of my attention. However, as we are cloistered, it is actually a good time to remember that March is the month for Diabetes Alert Day, National Kidney Month, and Registered Dietitian Day. What better time for a dietitian nutritionist to talk about what you need to know when you have diabetes and chronic kidney disease. I am particularly passionate about this topic because my first husband, James, ended up on dialysis. He had diabetes, was uninsured and didn't get regular checkups. He felt fine. Why bother? Because it eventually … [Read more...]
