Helpful Hints for the Diabetic Patient

Written by: Nancy Giges

Why is diabetes problematic for our health?

As you know, diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t properly process digested carbohydrate-containing foods.  Most of the carbohydrates that we eat are changed into glucose (blood sugar), the body’s main source of energy, through digestion.  When a person has diabetes, glucose is not delivered properly to cells throughout the body, leaving excess glucose (sugar) levels in the blood.  If the pancreas secretes little or no insulin or if the body becomes resistant to insulin’s action, levels of blood sugar build up which can lead to damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, teeth, feet and the heart.

If Illness Strikes

    Illness can wreak havoc with a diabetic person’s blood glucose levels. Health specialists recommend testing blood glucose levels every two to four hours when you are ill. If you can’t eat, drink clear liquids and something with sugar because of the greater risk of low blood glucose. Also drink at least one cup of water or other calorie-free, caffeine-free liquid every waking hour. 

Some Do’s and Don’ts for Travelers

While traveling, do pack medications and supplies in more than one place, and take more than you need. Have a good supply in your hand luggage.  Do take precautions in protecting insulin from extreme temperatures and depressurized areas.  Although security scanners will not normally damage insulin or a blood glucose meter, ideally insulin should be inspected manually.  Do some activity en route. Walk in the terminal
before boarding; do simple stretching in your seat, such as circling your feet at the ankles and raising your legs. By car, stop every few hours. Check your blood glucose regularly, before you leave home and at least every four hours during your trip.

If you are Entertaining or going to a Party

If you are entertaining, serve yourself a half portion of dessert, and forego high-fat toppings.  When you’re a guest, volunteer to bring a favorite low-sugar dessert to the party.

Secrets For Healthier Recipes
Fine-tune your favorite traditional desserts so that they are healthier. Try cutting sugar by as much as one-half in desserts and increasing sweet-tasting spices and flavorings, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.  Replace fat with applesauce or baby-food prunes in
chocolate brownies, cakes or cookies.

Do You Know
YOUR SUGARY FOOD NUMBERS?
One serving equals:
4 chocolate Kisses
2 small cookies
1 small cupcake
1/2 cup of ice cream