Nurses provide health information to adults with diabetes and pre-diabetes, with referrals to other services as needed. They offer diabetes outreach and education through awareness programs and health fairs. A bi-monthly diabetes newsletter is available on request.
If you would like to learn more about diabetes visit our diabetes resource page.
Healthy Choices
Virtuous Vinaigrettes
Traditionally, salad dressings have been known for adding fat and calories to otherwise healthy salads. The bulk of the fat in dressings comes from the oil, so that is the component that needs to be altered when lightening dressings.
You can make salad dressings as fat-free and low-calorie as you like by changing the amount of oil you use. Basic vinaigrette is one part vinegar to two to three parts oil. Mustard is often added for flavor and body (and it also reduces the amount of fat per serving).
Salad bars can also be a convenient and healthy alternative for lunch or dinner, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to build a better salad and avoid potential pitfalls while eating out.
All types of fat contain the same amount of calories per gram. Whether it is hidden in a burger or you add it to your salad, fat makes food taste good. But, all fats are not created equal. So pick the type of fat you eat wisely. The key is to cut back on the bad fats and substitute the good fats!
The "bad fats" - saturated and trans fats - can raise blood cholesterol levels increasing your risk of heart disease. The "good fats" - mono and polyunsaturated fats as well as omega-3 fats - can help protect you from heart disease. So what to do?
Make it personal. Take a look at what you are eating. Find the major sources of saturated and trans fat in your diet such as full fat dairy products, cream, meats, shortening, desserts...and cut back on these foods. At the same time, include small amounts of healthy, good fats such as nuts, avocado, olives and vegetable oils. For example, use olive oil to sauté vegetables instead of butter.
If you are trying to lose weight, take a look at your portion sizes. The food label says 2 Tbsp of salad dressing, but the ladle at the salad bar is at least twice that. Use 2 scoops on your low calorie salad and you've just added about 500 calories. Use measuring cups and spoons to identify your portions or for a quick guide on fats use these tips:
1 teaspoon: your thumb tip - use for oil, butter or margarine
1 tablespoon: your whole thumb - use for salad dressing, peanut butter, or sour cream
Practical Tips For Your Family
Check Your Expiration Dates
If properly stored, unmixed glucagon and insulin are good until their expiration dates. So remember to check those expiration dates and replace medicine before it expires.
Here are some tips on storing glucagon and insulin:
Store away from heat and direct light
Store unopened insulin in a refrigerator( never in a freezer)
Although glucagon can be stored at room temperature, it is best kept in a refrigerator
It's never too early to begin thinking about summer camp for your child.
The American Diabetes Association is the largest provider of Camps for children with diabetes in the world. Diabetes Camp is a great way for children and teens to meet others with diabetes, have fun, and learn more about diabetes management.
Sixty million Americans are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Who's at risk?
Your risk for type 2 diabetes increases as your get older, gain too much weight, or if you do not stay active. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
Having high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)
Having a family history of diabetes
Having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
What can you do?
Take the test
Encourage those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes to take the American Diabetes Risk Test and, if they score high, to schedule an appointment to see their doctor.
Send an American Diabetes Alert® e-card to family, friends, and co-workers. It's quick and easy and it shows you care.
Put on your headphones
Download the new American Diabetes Alert® podcast. It is an easy way to learn more about the risks and complications associated with type 2 diabetes especially for busy people on the go. The free podcast is also available on iTunes.
Get Your PHD in Diabetes!
The Diabetes PHD (Personal Health Decisions) tool will help you determine your risk for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or foot and eye complications. Go to the American Diabetes Association Diabetes PHD page for more details.
Nurses provide health information to adults with diabetes and pre-diabetes, with referrals to other services as needed. They offer diabetes outreach and education through awareness programs and health fairs. A bi-monthly diabetes newsletter is available on request.