Which is best: natural sugar or sugar substitutes? Ellen switched to regular Coke. She had been drinking diet drinks but she heard that sugar substitutes caused people to crave more sweets. She heard that people who drink diet drinks are heavier than those who don’t. She certainly didn’t want either of those things. "All natural cane sugar" seemed pure so, to be on the safe side, she switched back to soda containing sugar. Like many, Ellen tries hard to make the best choices for her health. But it’s so dang confusing trying to figure who and what to believe. I feel you! The public is … [Read more...]
Favorite Ramen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
I love old recipes that remind me of my sweet Mom. I found one of her favorites to share. Our next door neighbor Mrs. Pennington made it first. After she gave it to Mom it was in the regular rotation when our big family got together and she needed something she could make ahead that was easy and delicious. When I found my handwritten version on one of Mom's recipe cards I went online to double check the specific directions. (The recipe card said it was from Food to Die For). The recipe was not available, but I was fascinated to learn more about the award winning book "Food to Die for: A Book … [Read more...]
What Exercise Can and Cannot Do When You Have Diabetes
Today I am sharing the exercise experiences of two people with diabetes as examples of what exercise can and cannot do when you have diabetes. Both used physical activity as a tool to bring their glucose into target but each had a different result. It is a reminder that diabetes is unique in its effect on each individual. First let me introduce you to Evelyn. She had a long history living with diabetes. She maintained regular checkups with her doctor and at each visit was told to lose weight and exercise. She didn’t have a plan for losing weight, and frankly, she was satisfied with her … [Read more...]
What To Do If You Get Sick and You Have Diabetes
I woke up recently and was having a dream about the pandemic. That gave me the idea that I should write to you about what to do if you get sick when you have diabetes. This is not specific to COVID19, but is recommended anytime you are sick. But first, speaking of COVID 19, the emergency warning signs are: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face. Continue to follow the CDC and local guidelines. I pray none of you get infected. Getting back to our topic, do you know there are … [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...]