It’s that time of year when the tomatoes are ripening on the vine! There’s nothing quite like a fresh tomato, and in addition to being delicious on their own and in so many foods, tomatoes are also good for you. ?Read on to learn about the health benefits of tomatoes and the many ways you can enjoy them. Why eat tomatoes? Sure, tomatoes taste good, especially if you can raise or get home-grown ones. They’re also incredibly nutritious. Tomatoes are technically a fruit, but most of us treat them like a vegetable, and they rank as the fourth most commonly eaten vegetable in the United States. Here’s why it’s a great idea to include tomatoes in your eating plan: They can help with diabetes management. The fiber in tomatoes combined with the low carb content can make it easier to keep your blood sugars within your target range. They can help maintain a healthy blood pressure. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps keep your blood pressure in a safe range. They promote heart health. In addition to potassium, tomatoes are ripe with vitamin C, fiber, folate and choline – nutrients that can help you lower [...]]]>
One of the most challenging aspects of having diabetes is managing your blood sugars. Low blood sugars are a concern for people who take insulin or certain types of diabetes pills. High blood sugars are equally concerning, as they can leave you feeling poorly and can raise the risk of diabetes complications later on.]]>
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. Most of us give very little thought to our thyroid until it no longer works as it should. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t make enough of the vital hormones T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism is more common in people who have type 2 diabetes than in the general population. It’s also more likely to occur in women and in those over age 60. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: Weight gain Fatigue Constipation Dry hair and skin Joint pain A puffy face A slower heart rate Depression High cholesterol Hypothyroidism is usually treated with a synthetic form of thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. You will need blood tests when you start taking the medication, and then usually once a year to make sure it’s working as it should. While there is no cure for hypothyroidism, there are things that you can do to help manage it and, importantly, reverse or control the symptoms. Take your thyroid medication as directed. This means taking the right dose at the same time each day, generally on an empty stomach. Ideally, before you eat breakfast. You can also take it three hours [...]]]>
Another summer has ended and fall is here! Cool nights, falling leaves, football games and Jack-o'-lanterns announce the arrival of autumn. Fall also brings seasonal foods that can be a healthy and tasty addition to your diabetes eating plan. Here are three fall foods that can help you manage your blood sugars, lower your risk of heart disease, and reach your weight goal, as well.]]>
Summer is here, along with all those sweet and juicy summer fruits at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. But what about the sugar in fruit? Won’t that cause your blood sugars to go too high? It doesn’t have to, if you choose lower glycemic index fruits.]]>
Obesity during pregnancy and gestational diabetes may be tied to overly large babies at six months’ pregnancy, a new study found. Read the full article here -: Pregnancy Problems Tied to Bigger Babies]]>
Did you know that people who have diabetes are twice as likely to get heart disease as people without diabetes? If you have diabetes, there are a lot of steps that you can take to lower your risk. One is to include a variety of healthy foods in your eating plan. And in honor of February’s observances of National Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, why not try some of these red foods?]]>
Late-night eating might be the norm if you’re a night owl, but it’s important to know that nighttime noshing could be affecting your health. At one time or another, most of us have eaten late or, at least, later than usual. However, falling into the habit of sitting down to a heavy meal or even drinking too much coffee or alcohol late at night can lead to a host of problems. Read on to learn about these health consequences and some tips for managing those midnight munchies.]]>
Including fish and seafood in your meal scan lead to a host of health benefits. Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, contains healthy omega-3 fats, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate, keep the heart beating in a steady rhythm, lower triglycerides (blood fats), and decrease inflammation. Besides containing healthy fat, fish is rich in protein, contains vitamin D, and is low in harmful saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week.]]>
Most of the sodium consumed in the United States is from processed and restaurant foods. While we all need some sodium in our diets, too much can increase blood pressure and raise the chances of having a heart attack or a stroke.]]>
There’s something soul-soothing about flipping through a cookbook — looking at the photographs, flagging recipes you want to try, and envisioning how delicious they’ll be when your family sits down to enjoy them. Although many of us love finding recipes online, it can’t replace the simple pleasure of using a real book.]]>
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is encouraging everyone to find out if they are at risk for prediabetes or diabetes.]]>
This insulin pump system offers children ages two and older an integrated solution for diabetes management.]]>
Everyone ages, but aging doesn’t have to lead to high blood pressure, diabetes or dementia. A long-term research study has found that there is a difference between “normal” aging and age-related diseases or conditions.]]>