New day, new patient. Fasting glucose is 124 mg/dL. Triglycerides are 560, HDLs 28. Patient is 50 pounds overweight. Does she or doesn't she? Is it or isn't it? The difference between having NO diabetes, pre-diabetes and diabetes can be so minor, a fine-line.
I can’t decide if my left brain is stronger than my right brain? Yes, I’m a diabetes educator who wants to save everybody from the disease and from themselves. At the same time, I realize that we’re all only human and knowing what we need to do and actually doing what we need to do may […]
Yesterday I had a “young” patient – a mere 46 years (my age!) who was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. His doctor called me to make sure I’d be able to see him this week and sent me his blood work. His glucose was 638 mg/dL!! The man stated that he felt extremely weak and […]
Today is the beginning of 2009 and my patients are ready with a new and improved attitude. The chocolate and cakes are eaten and now is the time to get serious! I laugh as I say this since all year we just have to be MODERATE! It’s never time to OMIT or QUIT; rather we need […]
The dreaded diet counseling continued this week. I don’t dread the counseling, but the patient may dread it until they are overjoyed with their new knowledge to help them succeed with their goals!
I happen to enjoy the look on my patients face when I tell them that 4 ounces of orange juice is 75 calories and turns […]
February is American Heart Month. It’s almost Valentine’s Day and love is in the air, so I want to share ways that you can love your heart.
Trying your best to control glucose levels and reducing your cardiac risk factors can save your life. Over 65% of people with diabetes die of heart disease or stroke.
How can […]
And the winner is – fiber! While it wholeheartedly deserves its reputation for its regulating abilities, did you know that keeping the GI system (digestive system) moving is only one of its fabulous attributes? The fact is research shows a diet high in fiber can help prevent not only weight gain, but heart disease, certain types […]
Body Mass Index (BMI) assesses your body weight relative to your height. The American Dietetic Association uses the following BMI formula: multiply your weight in pounds by 700. Then divide
that number by your height in inches two times.
For example: a person weighs 135 pounds and stands 5’7” tall. 135 pounds x 700 = 94,500. Divide that […]
Use these pieces of the pie to help set your goals for the best diabetes control in the New Year. Each component is necessary to start the year off right and achieve your health goals for the whole year.
Diabetes can damage all parts of your body, including your nerves. This is called neuropathy. Neuropathy is partly due to the effects of blood sugar.
There are two types: Peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy.