What to know about Diabetes Alert Day

Tuesday, March 24 is Diabetes Alert Day, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.

It is a day to be reminded that almost 30 million people have diabetes, and 86 million are with pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that takes a physical, emotional and financial toll on the person with the diabetes and the people that they live with.

The annual cost to this country is approximately $245 billion. So, here are a few reminders about managing this disease.

Food Intake is Important

• When to eat – Three meals at regular times. Establish a routine
• What to eat A variety of healthy foods that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats
• How much – Modest serving sizes to keep a lean weight and avoid blood glucose spikes

It really pays healthwise to make the following healthy choices when you have diabetes.

• Stay active. Include 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, if you can.
• Use a glucometer to check your glucose before and after meals.
• Keep up with your doctor appointments to be sure that you are not developing any diabetes-related health issues like kidney disease or problems with your feet.
• If you have been prescribed diabetes medications, be sure to take them.
• Weight loss certainly will help everything. You’ll have better control of your diabetes, and hopefully a reduction in your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• It helps to include your family members in your diabetes care 
• Learn all that you can about diabetes because you are in the driver’s seat: http://www.diabetes.org.

Recipes to control diabetes:

• Chutney Cheese Spread
• Fresh Spinach and Couscous Salad
• Zucchini Cakes