Low Carb Lunches You'll Love-David and Elizabeth Edelman

Diabetes Daily

Low Carb Lunches You'll Love

By David Edelman on May 25, 2011 11:43 AM

 

Are you in a lunch rut? Here are some ways to cut some carbohydrates out of lunch and enjoy a little variety. 

 

Use Low-Carb Sandwich Thins. 

The carbohydrates in typical breads vary between 15g and 30g per slice. Put one on each side of your sandwich and you're up to 30g to 60g before you even add a topping. 

 

Sandwich Thins to the rescue! These versatile slices of thin bread have a mere 10.5g per slice. Pile on meat, cheese, mustard, lettuce, and your other favorite toppings and, viola, a delicious, lower carb sandwich! 

Hint: toast one side and add cream cheese, a sliced egg, and a pinch of salt & pepper for a quick and satisfying breakfast. 

 

Roll Up a Low-Carb Wrap.  

You can enjoy a sandwich-style meal and drop the bread entirely. Get lettuce leaves, fill with your favorite toppings, wrap and eat. You can also find low-carb tortillas and make something fun like a Southwestern Wrap. Once you have tools like sandwich thins and low-carb wraps, you can easily adapt other recipes that you find. 

 

Build a Salad Fit For a Meal. 

There is an art to building a delicious salad. First, start with a good dressing. Elizabeth's Dijon Vinaigrette is outstanding and easy enough for me to get right every time. Next, add dark greens. The darker ones have more nutrients and taste better. Skip the iceberg lettuce. 

Hint: make the salad dressing in your salad bowl and leave it on the bottom. Toss it right before you eat and the dressing won't wilt your lettuce. You'll get a great salad and one less dish to clean. 

 

You can put just about anything on a salad. If you plan ahead, dinner can become an inspiration for the next day's salad. For example: 

• Take left-over carne asada, lank steak, or skirt steak, slice it thinly, and place on a salad with tomato and fresh avocado. You can also add leftover grilled vegetables or caramelized onions. 
• Serve leftover barbecued chicken with corn, tomato, and onion. 
• Put black beans on a salad with meat, vegetables, and dash of hot sauce.

Other more traditional salad ideas include:

• Greek salad with olives, onions, and hard boiled egg
• Mixed greens with peppers, green beans, pea pods, chickpeas, or walnuts
• Tuna salad with mixed greens and tomato
• Salad with slices of strawberry or mango 
• Grilled salmon on mixed greens with onions and bacon 

Use Your Low-Carb Leftovers!

Are you as busy as we are? Plan your dinners ahead and make enough for two lunches. Two great dinners can keep you satisfied through an entire work week. Anything that tastes great at dinner ought to make a lovely lunch. 

 

You can also check out Elizabeth's favorite Low Carb Breakfast Ideas.

 

Tags: leftovers, lettuce wrap, low-carb, lunch, salad, sandwich thins

 

Related Entries

• 7 Low-Carb Fast Food Choices
• 7 Low-Carb Recipes You Must Make
• Top 23 Snacks for People with Diabetes

My bg reading for 3:45 pm today is 138. I don't know what's wrong this week. I have to eat something every couple of hours. I get so hungry.

Effects of Paxil, Pravachol Combo-US News and World Report

    The combination of anti-depressant (Paxil) and the cholesterol lowering agent (Pravachol) may raise blood sugars.

Combo of Paxil, Pravachol May Raise Blood Sugar

As many as 1 million Americans may take the antidepressant and statin together, researchers say.

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, May 25 (HealthDay News) -- Taken in combination, two commonly prescribed drugs, the antidepressant Paxil and the cholesterol-lowering medication Pravachol, appear to significantly raise blood sugar levels, a new study finds.

The increase is most apparent -- and concerning -- among diabetics, whose blood sugar is already too high, the researchers noted.

"This interaction may affect as many as 1 million Americans who might be on these two drugs and who are getting a bump in their blood glucose that may be unnecessary," said lead researcher Dr. Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics and medicine at Stanford University.

It's possible that the blood sugar spike triggered a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in some patients, Altman said, "and we might have been able to avoid that diagnosis if they hadn't been on these drugs," he said. "That's speculative, but it's possible."

Click below to read the rest of this article:
Combo of Paxil, Pravachol May Raise Blood Sugar-US World News and Report

Diabetes Business News

SOURCE: MarketResearch.com

May 24, 2011 09:08 ET

Diabetes Device Market to Reach $24 Billion by 2017 

ROCKVILLE, MD--(Marketwire - May 24, 2011) - MarketResearch.com has announced the addition of Business Insights's new report "The Diabetes Device Market Outlook to 2017," to their collection of Diseases & Conditions market reports. For more information, visit http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?ProductID=6207072 

The global diabetes care devices market was valued at $16.2 billion in 2010 and is forecast to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% to reach $24.3 billion in 2017. The increasing prevalence of diabetes globally, especially in the fast-developing economies of India and China will be the main growth driver in the near future. Glucose monitoring devices which are widely being adopted by patients in emerging economies are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5% to reach revenue of $12.1 billion in 2017. The insulin delivery devices market which was valued at $7.6 billion in 2010 is forecast to grow at CAGR of 7% to reach value of $12.1 billion in 2017. Artificial pancreas can see widespread adoption in the near future. Problems with devices and product recalls will lead to greater safety standards enforced by FDA.

It is estimated that by 2030, 7 out of the top 10 countries for diabetes populations will be based in Asia. The main contributors to the growing number of diabetics will be India and China. China is said to have an estimated 92.4 million adults with diabetes as compared to 50.8 million people in India, according to the International Diabetes Federation based in Brussels. 

Click Below to Read the Rest of This Article:
Diabetes Device Market

The Truth About Eggs and More-Reverse Diabetes Newsletter

The Fascinating Truth About Eggs

Do you ever get to the egg section of your supermarket, pause a moment and scratch your head, wondering what in the world all those claims on the cartons are? Or more importantly, why you should invest your money in them?  “Free range”, “cage free”, “omega-3”, “vegetarian”—all of these labels may be stamped on the side of your egg carton, but they don’t always mean what they imply.  We’ve decoded exactly what these claims mean—and if they’re worth paying the extra money for. 

“Free range” might evoke images of a happy, healthy chicken roaming freely on a grassy hillside. But the label doesn’t guarantee that the hen was actually able to roam around outdoors. The USDA enforces free-range conditions only for birds that are sold for their meat, not for egg-laying chickens. Even then, they only need to have access to the outdoors, meaning a door in the side of the barn qualifies, whether the chicken ever passes through it or not. And the designation doesn’t factor in if the door leads to a concrete slab or actual grass or dirt.

“Cage free” simply means that the hens are not confined to a cage. It doesn’t always mean that they have real freedom to roam a farm and eat a varied diet, which is vital to the nutrients in the egg.  The size of their space varies greatly from farm to farm.  Some chickens have no more room than a small pet carrier! Almost all cage-free hens are still kept indoors and often, it’s in a cramped barn.

One of the benefits of cage-free and free-range is that, theoretically, the chickens will be healthier.  When chickens are confined to the indoors, without access to natural light and the ability to stretch their legs, they can become sick more easily, requiring more drugs.  Animals that are allowed to live more naturally in the outdoors require fewer antibiotics—which means YOU ingest fewer antibiotics by proxy.  Because the federal regulations on free-range and cage-free are still a little murky, we consider this an optional investment.  

Organic indicates that the bird was fed pesticide-free food and wasn’t given hormones or antibiotics to help spur their growth and production. The debate is still open as to what effects (if any) these hormones and pesticides have on us.  Some experts believe they contribute to certain types of cancers—so until that debate is put to rest, we think it’s a good investment pay the extra few cents for organic eggs.

Omega-3 eggs come from hens raised on feed high in this heart-healthy fat.  These eggs have two to three times the amount of omega 3s as a regular egg—but the total is still only half that of a 3-ounce serving of a fish like salmon.  But if you don’t like fish, getting some omega 3s from eggs might be smart.

Vegetarian indicates that the chickens were fed only plants—no animal feed. If you’re a lacto-ovo vegetarian (that is, you eat eggs and dairy but no meat), these are a good choice.

Brown eggs are sometimes marketed as being healthier than white, but it’s not true; the two are pretty much the same in terms  of healthiness and taste. Brown eggs just come from different breeds of chicken (mostly, those with darker feathers). Several of those breeds eat more feed than chickens that lay white eggs, which is one reason brown eggs might be more expensive. Ultimately, an egg’s taste and nutrition levels are most affected by the food the chicken eats, not its breed.

If you want the optimal choice for the best tasting, healthiest eggs, get them from your local farm, greenmarket or CSA. Most small farms practice sustainable farming and treat their chickens ethically.  If you don’t have access to a farm or greenmarket, try an egg brand that combines a few of these labels, so you can ensure the maximum benefits.  Many brands now offer cage-free, organic eggs, for example, or omega-3, organic eggs.  That way, you get to reap two benefits in one!

Featured Recipe

Halibut and Vegetables Baked in Parchment 
Parchment cooking is just so simple, and yet it makes for a wonderful treat for diners. After, all what fun it is to cut open the packet to discover what’s inside! Feel free to vary the vegetables you include. And if you don’t have pachment paper, use foil instead.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 halibut steak cut into 4 pieces
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 tsp. lemon juice
2 shallots, finely chopped
4 Tbsp butter, cut into bits
2 carrots, peeled and julienned
2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green) cored, seeded, and cut into ¼ -inch wide strips

Preparation:
1.    Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place each piece of fish parallel to the narrow side of a 12x18 inch piece of parchment paper or foil, about 3 inches from the edge. Top with equal amounts of remaining ingredients.
2.    Bring parchment over the fish, seal edges tightly, and place on a baking sheet. Bake until parchment puffs out, about 15 minutes.
3.    Place each packet on a serving plate, cut an X slit on top, and open carefully.

Per serving: 259 calories, 14 g fat, 67 mg chol, 479 mg sodium, 8 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 25 g protein.

Great Ideas

Sleep Your Way To Exercise

Think of sleep the same way you do exercise: a beneficial action you need to prepare yourself for.  You can just walk out the door and start sprinting down the street, but better if you stretch and prepare first. Ditto for sleep.  Here’s how to get your mind ready for a great night’s sleep.

1. Turn off the TV and computer an hour before bed. The light from the screens can reset your whole wake/sleep cycle, postponing the onset of sleepy feelings by three hours! (And you wonder why you lay in bed unable to fall asleep at night!)
2. Write down your to-do list before you hit the sack.  This will eliminate the need to bolt up in the middle of the night reminding yourself to pay a bill tomorrow, or finish a report at work before your 3 pm meeting. 
3. Soothe yourself with quiet music or sounds.  Set-up a CD player in your bedroom and drift off to your favorite relaxing music or audio sounds.  Some people enjoy “ocean” noises or soothing nature sounds—whatever your audio pleasure, this strategy helps lull you to sleep best when it’s a quiet, steady beat. 

Health Insurance for Diabetes pre-2014-Diabetes 24-7

Click on Title to read full article:

Healthcare Insurance for Diabetes pre-2014

 

Affording healthcare insurance in this pre-2014 Healthcare Reform Act period is tough – especially with reports that premiums and deductibles are higher than ever. Know the facts and get actively engaged in knowing your patient rights. Don’t postpone or ignore your diabetes care treatment.

Making it Simple:New recipe column-Diabetes 24-7

Making it simple: Spinach pasta, summer squash and mozzarella – Yum!

by Elizabeth Snouffer on 05/24/2011

I have been asked to write out my recipes for the website, so expect them at least bi-weekly. (Applause please).  I may get some flack for the first recipe I have chosen to include as many of diabetes 24-7 readers do not like carbohydrates, but I do and I have found healthy ways of incorporating them into my diet.  How?  In two simple words – portion size.  Another behavior I stick with is choosing healthier foods rich in vitamins and complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index.  This recipe achieves that – if you use the right type of pasta.

Today’s recipe is healthy and quick – two things that don’t often  go hand-in-hand.

Vegetable pastas are a healthy alternative to regular durum wheat pastas because they may aid in digestion, and are thought to lower blood pressure — even cholesterol.  Reasons for these special health benefits are related to the vitamins associated with the added vegetable purees.  Product wise, the spinach pasta I will use in the recipe today is nuttier in taste (I like that) than a white pasta and is less sticky. 

Ingredients

1 pack fresh Fettucinne Verde, Basilico and Spinach by RANA brand – 250 grams (DeBoles dry pasta is good too – although higher in carbohydrates)
Per 50 grams = 24 grams carbohydrate of which less than .5%  is sugar
2 medium sized courgettes/zucchini and
1 medium sized yellow squash
(All squashes like yellow or green zucchini have approximately 5-6 grams of carbohydrate each when medium size. I use two types of squash for the variety of taste and colour).
2 small scallions
200 grams fresh mozzarella (I use Galbani, but there are many brands to choose from or get the really fresh “stuff” from your Italian deli)
Part skim mozzarella has 15 grams of fat while whole has 22 per 100 grams.
2 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste if allowed

Step 1 Put water on heat for pasta.  Chop all the squash into 1 cm half circles.  Finely chop scallions.

Step 2 Saute the above for 5-7 minutes in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.  Put aside.

Step 3 While water is coming into boil, cut 200 grams of mozzarella into 1/2 inch rectangles.

Step 4 Put pasta in boiling water and turn down heat to simmer.  Fresh pasta takes 4 minutes.  Set table while you wait!

Step 5 Drain pasta, leaving a tiny bit of water in pot.  Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil (my family often asks me to leave this out), and add mozzarella to pot of hot pasta.  Stir through.

Step 6 Tumble about 50-75 grams of pasta into pasta bowls and spoon summer squash on top.  Put heaps of it on – it’s good for you.  My 10-year old loves it!

SERVE with cucumber slices and whole wheat bread.  A perfect, light and easy late Spring or Summer dish.  Total calories per serving about 30 grams of carbohydrate and 4-6 grams of fat depending on how much mozzarella you eat and which type.  Eat more – go for the skim!

Buon appetito!

10 Soda Alternatives-Diabetic Connect

Kick the Can! 10 Soda Pop Alternatives
Do you find yourself reaching for soda pop more often than you'd like? Are you concerned about the carbs and empty calories in sugary sodas, or reports of possible health hazards from diet sodas? Here are 10 refreshing and healthy beverage ideas you'll love. There's something for every taste, so drink up!

More about soda pop and your health:
Say No to Soda, Yes to Healthy Drinks
10 Reasons Not to Drink Soft Drinks
Increasing Soda Consumption Fuels Rise in Diabetes

Lies and Truths About Grapefruit and More-Reverse Diabetes

Lies and Truths About Grapefruit
Few foods have had as many misconceptions about them as the grapefruit. It’s been touted as the cure for heart disease, a detoxifier, the subject of fad diets, a weight loss miracle agent, a “magic food” for stable blood sugar, and a prescription drug interferer—the poor grapefruit has certainly been through the rumor mill! It’s time to set the record straight on this citrus.

• Weight loss miracle? The Grapefruit Diet has been around since the 1930s, and tends to regain popularity every few decades—you might remember the resurgence of it during the 1980s. The theory is that some “magical” ingredient in grapefruits burns fat and causes weight loss. Alas, there’s no evidence of any such miracle nutrient in grapefruit. In fact, the grapefruit diet works short-term for one simple reason: it is extremely low-calorie, usually 800 to 1,000 calories per day. Eat that little (most people need about 1,800-2,000 calories a day to maintain their weight), and yes, you’ll shed pounds. But it’s a short-term loss; resume your ordinary eating patterns, and the weight will come right back (hence the word “fad”).

Now, that doesn’t mean that grapefruit isn’t good for you—or that it won’t help you lose weight. In fact, a recent study looked at 100 obese people and found that those who ate half a grapefruit or drank grapefruit juice before each meal lost between three and four pounds over a three-month period! This is probably because the fiber in grapefruit fills you up (which means you eat less), all for a measly 41 calories! No need to adhere to some severe regimen. Simply add grapefruit to an already healthy diet to reap its benefits.

• Diabetes magic food? We’ll be honest: We’re the ones who called it this, by putting it on our list of 57 foods featured in our book, Magic Foods for Better Blood Sugar. Grapefruit has a super-low glycemic load—meaning it has little effect on blood sugar. And grapefruit and oranges are at the top of the list of fruits and vegetables with the most soluble fiber, which also helps prevent blood sugar spikes.

• Detox agent? Many people believe grapefruit can detox their dietary sins. This is somewhat true. Grapefruit juice significantly increases the production and activity of liver detoxification enzymes responsible for preparing toxic compounds for elimination from the body. However, no amount of fruit juice will erase an unhealthy lifestyle.

Lowers cholesterol? Yes, that’s true as well! All types of grapefruit can reduce blood levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and red grapefruit lowers triglycerides as well.

The health benefits don’t stop there. Of course, grapefruit like all citrus fruits is renowned for its vitamin C content, an antioxidant that can help fight heart disease and complications of diabetes such as nerve damage. You’ll get more than 75 per cent of a whole day’s vitamin C requirement in a half a grapefruit! Pink and red grapefruits also contain lycopene, which studies show may help reduce the risk of developing breast and prostate cancer.

Now, there is one instance when grapefruit might be problematic. Natural compounds in grapefruit can interfere with the action of some prescription drugs, making them either stronger or weaker than they’re supposed to be. This is especially true for cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. Grapefruits actually increase the action of statins and cause an increased risk of developing toxic side effects from the medication. If you take prescription medication, have a discussion about consuming grapefruits with your doctor before you integrate them into your diet.

Remember: One serving is 1/2 a grapefruit. It may not sound like much, but the pectin and fiber in grapefruit will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours!

Featured Recipe

New Irish Stew
This classic celebratory dish gets a nutrition update—the proportion of vegetables to meat has been raised considerably. And that makes it healthy, hearty, and delicious!

Serves 6

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks
4 red or Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled and coarsely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
2 onions, coarsely chopped
2 leeks, rinsed and white pale green parts coarsely chopped
1 large turnip, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen 

Preparation:
1    In a large nonstick pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Working in batches, add meat and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to medium bowl as it browns.
2    Add potatoes, carrots, onions, leeks, and turnips to the pot. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour until blended. Add 3 cups of water, bay leaf, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add meat. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Add peas. Simmer 5 minutes, and serve.

Per serving: 263 cal, 6 g fat (2 g sat), 36 g carbs, 21 g protein, 6 g fiber, 49 mg chol, 486 mg sodium, 72 mg calcium

Great Ideas

Take the "Good Sleep" Mini-Quiz

Sleep is as critical as water or air. Yet most of us assume sleep is a luxury, something that we can sacrifice to meet life’s demands. It’s not! If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you’re probably not getting enough zzzzs, and owe it to your health to get a full eight hours tonight.

1. Does your morning alarm typically awaken you from a deep sleep?
2. Are you groggy or grumpy for the first 30 minutes of being awake?
3. Do you feel sleepy right after lunch, or struggle to get through the day without a nap or caffeine?
4. Do you accidentally nod off while watching television in the evening?

Finally!!!

    It looks like all the changes to My Diabetic Life have finally went through.  Please, check it out and tell me what you think.

Chili-Cheese Cornbread and Other Recipes-dLife and Diabetic Connect

   I hope you enjoy these recipes!  If you try or have tried any of the recipes in this blog, please let me know and don't be afraid to tell me what you and/or family thought.

Chili Cheese Corn Bread-dLife

Southwestern corn bread with green chiles and cheddar cheese. Get the recipe here. Check out the dLife Recipe Finder to find more delicious favorites. Afterward, be sure to return to share your review of these recipes

Diabetic-Friendly Mac and Cheese!-Diabetic Connect
Kids from age 2 to 102 love macaroni and cheese! But all those noodles make it high in carbohydrates. Here are three fresh new twists on mac and cheese that help you cut carbs creatively. Each takes a different approach to reducing or eliminating the pasta. They're deliciously different ways to enjoy the great taste of this all-American favorite.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Low-Carb Mactofuni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli

Like Papayas? Try This Yummy
Spring Salad!

Toss sweet papaya, buttery avocado, jicama, walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette and you've got a light, refreshing salad with only 116 calories and 11g carbs!

 

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole—Only 8g Carbs! 

It only takes 5 ingredients to prepare this family-pleasing main dish. Just 35 minutes in the oven and it's on your table, steaming and bubbling and ready to eat. Better make plenty—they'll be asking for second helpings!

Feedback Needed

    I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  If you wouldn't mind doing me a favor, I would like you all to think about what features you would like to see in upcoming posts of this blog.  Feedback is really important when writing anything and I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.  I have been redesigning the blog and have added a search feature, so now you can search for an article or recipe that has been posted.  I have also added an email feature, so you can sign up to have this blog sent to your email.  There is also the Health Tip of the Day feature, which gives you a new health tip every day.  If you would like to see more recipes, or would like to submit your own, let me know.  Any kind of feedback is welcome.

How to Treat Neuropathy and Lack of Hunger-dLife

How to Treat Neuropathy

Today marks the end of National Neuropathy Week. If you don't know if you could have neuropathy, this screening quiz may be of help. But for the up to 70% of people with diabetes who have neuropathy, the question is how do you treat neuropathy? Here are some answers to get you on the road to better health. 

Lack of Hunger 

The community wants to know: "I find that I am not hungry in the morning. Should I make myself eat?" and "Is the Zumba Fitness program approved with people who have diabetes?" dLife's team of diabetes experts are here to help answer your questions. Get answers now!

Overcoming Barriers-American Diabetes Association

    I have written about this and posted articles numerous times.  We need to exercise.  I know it's hard and I make excuses sometimes too.  My exercise of choice is walking, and this hasn't been the best week for that here where I live.  It has stormed and rained almost every day.  I don't usually do other kinds of exercise, but if I soon can't get out more than I am, I am going to have to find some other way to get moving.  Read this article and talk to your doctor if there is something you are afraid of or if you are having another issue that is keeping you from getting some type of exercise.  Click below:

     Overcoming Barriers-American Diabetes Association

My Diabetic Life Get's a Facelift!

    Check out the new look of My Diabetic Life.  I changed the template design and some of the lettering and added some new features as well.  Please take a look and let me know what you think!

Check This Out!! Medtronic and Ford Team Up on Glucose Monitors

Diabetes:Medtronic and Ford Team Up on Blood Glucose Monitors
May 18, 2011 by MassDevice staff

Medtronic, Inc. will carpool with one of the world's largest automakers to bring continuous glucose monitoring to Ford automobiles, for drivers with diabetes.

Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) says it will carpool with Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) on a way to allow diabetic drivers to connect with their glucose monitors while they drive. 

James Dallas, a senior vice president at Medtronic, told MassDevice that the strategic collaboration is still in its early phases but that the goal of the project is to provide better connectivity of its devices through different mediums.

In the case of Ford, researchers at the car company say they have developed a prototype, which allows its Ford SYNC technology to connect to a Medtronic continuous glucose monitoring device, which will then share glucose levels and trends through audio and, "a center stack display and provide secondary alerts if levels are too low," according to a prepared release. 

"It's proactive personalized monitoring of a person with a chronic disease," Dallas told us. "At home or on the road, you're going to be in the know while you're on the go."

Dallas added that Medtronic is working with several other companies on ways to integrate its glucose monitors with technologies such as iPads, smart phones and laptop computers, as part of MDT's mission to, "extend the reach of healthcare around the world to improve outcomes and lower costs," he told us.

"The key enabler is connectivity of smarter networks," he said. "We are uniquely positioned to take data and turn it into actionable insight."

Medtronic has been quite active in its diabetes unit of late even as it seems to be scaling back some. Earlier in the month, the company extended its partnership with Bayer Healthcare (ETR:BAYN) to develop a next-generation wireless blood glucose meter, at the same time as reports surfaced that the company had laid off "hundreds" of workers in its diabetes unit. 

MDT recently reported that diabetes sales were up 8 percent to $979 million during the first nine months of its fiscal year, which ended Jan. 28. 

The Michigan automaker announced the collaboration at an event this morning, where it will also be revealing similar partnerships with mHealth provider WellDoc, and SDI Health.

News Well, Diabetes

Surprising Diabetes Dangers and More-Reverse Diabetes Newsletter

Surprising Diabetes Dangers
In the world of physics, every action is said to have an equal and opposite reaction. But that’s not quite true when it comes to diabetes management. Seemingly small actions you take during your day can cause a chain reaction that has a surprisingly significant affect on your blood-sugar levels and your health. Learn the real impact in and on your body when you do these healthy and unhealthy things.

What happens when…I have a cocktail before dinner? When you pour that pre-dinner drink, it’s been hours since you ate lunch. After your midday meal, your blood sugar rose, then dropped. To bring your blood sugar back to normal, your liver began releasing glucose into the blood. However, alcohol temporarily shuts down that process. In some cases this could cause you to develop hypoglycemia, or very low blood sugar. That’s especially true if you inject insulin or take diabetes medications. Bottom line: Never drink on an empty stomach. Hold off on your glass of wine or drink until after you’re well into your meal. And limit yourself to just one drink; when consumed with food, one drink is perfectly healthy.

What happens when…I spend the day really happy? When you’re feeling chipper, your body settles into a state of calm that has several physiological benefits. First, it keeps stress hormones at bay. And that means your blood sugar, heart rate, and blood pressure all stay mellow. Studies show that a calm, happy mood also can boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to colds and flu. Then there are the psychological benefits. Studies reveal that diabetes patients who are upbeat and optimistic are more likely to eat right and exercise—and have better blood sugar to show for it. Bottom line: Keeping a sunny attitude directly benefits your blood sugar management, as well as your heart health and overall well-being.

What happens when…I skip breakfast? When you wake up after a long night’s rest, your body has gone as much as 12 hours without a meal. That usually means you have a shortage of glucose in your bloodstream. Skip breakfast, and that shortage grows worse, meaning you get that low-blood-sugar jittery feeling, your brain is lacking in fuel, and your entire body chemistry starts the day out of whack. Even worse, skipping breakfast sets you up for bad eating choices later that day—unhealthy snacks, binge eating at lunch. Bottom line: While it’s natural to focus on dinner as the main meal of the day, breakfast plays the greatest role in establishing healthy internal chemistry for the day. Make a commitment: Never skip breakfast.

What happens when…I snack on an apple? Every bite of a juicy apple delivers vital nutrients and other food compounds that keep your metabolism on an even keel, curb your appetite, and nourish your heart. Chief among them is fiber, specifically soluble fiber, which has a talent that’s critical for controlling blood sugar: It turns all gooey in your intestines. That slows down digestion, which means the sugar in an apple—and it has plenty—is absorbed slowly. Eating one apple barely causes a blip in your blood sugar! Bottom line: An apple a day really does keeps the doctor away.

What happens when…I spend all day sitting around? On a day when you don’t give your muscles enough work to do, glucose remains in your bloodstream, going unused. Over time, a sit-around lifestyle encourages two major problems. Your body begins to convert that unused sugar to fat, putting hard-to-lose weight on your belly, butt and thighs. And that extra glucose in the blood increases dangerous compounds called AGEs that damage nerve and blood cells. Bottom line: Sitting all day is a set-up for bad blood sugar, weight gain, and the maladies they both cause. Change your perspective: Think of two hours of sitting as being as bad for you as eating a large candy bar. Sit all day, and that’s like eating lots of candy bars. The antidote? As simple as getting up each hour and walking for a few minutes.

Featured Recipe

Raspberry Frozen Yogurt
This frozen yogurt, exotically flavored with rose water, is much lower in sugar than store-bought frozen yogurt. Serve scoops on their own, or pile into sundae glasses with fresh fruit and mint.

Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 pound raspberries
4 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
2 tablespoons rose water (optional)
1 pound plain nonfat yogurt
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, or to taste
Raspberries for garnish
Fresh mint for garnish

Preparation:
1    Put the raspberries into a saucepan and add the raspberry jam. Warm over a low heat until the raspberries are pulpy, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
2    Press the raspberries and their juice through a sieve into a bowl; discard the seeds in the sieve. Stir in the rose water, if using. Whisk in the yogurt until smoothly blended. Taste the mixture and sweeten with sugar.
3    Pour into an ice-cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When you have a smooth and creamy frozen mixture, spoon it into a rigid freezer proof container. Freeze for at least 1 hour. If you do not have an ice-cream machine, pour the mixture straight into a large freezer proof container and freeze until set around the edges, about 1 hour. Beat until the mixture is smooth, then return to the freezer. Freeze for 30 minutes, then beat again. Repeat the freezing and beating several times more until the frozen yogurt has a smooth consistency, then leave it to freeze for at least an hour.
4    If storing in the freezer for longer than 1 hour, transfer the frozen yogurt to the fridge 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Decorate with raspberries and mint, if desired.

Per serving: 80 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 18 g carbs, 3 g protein, 4 g fiber, 1 mg chol, 36 mg sodium, 104 mg calcium

Great Ideas

Eat the Three B's

Among the healthiest foods on the planet, these grains are high in the fiber and nutrients that are perfect for healthy blood sugar and metabolism. Not to mention, they’re hearty and delicious. Here’s how to cook with them.
Barley. Use it as an alternative for pasta or rice, or sauté it with veggies for a side dish. Chill it and make a barley salad with herbs, dressing, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Bran. Use it to replace half the flour in muffin recipes. Mix it into meat loaf or sprinkle bran flakes on casseroles.
Bulgur. (also called kasha) Make bulgur pilaf as a side dish or use the grain cold to make a salad such as tabbouleh. Cook hot bulgur cereal in salted water as you would oatmeal.

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Great Sources of Omega-3's and a Couple of Recipes-dLife Foodstuff

7 Great Sources of Omega-3s

Are you tired of being told to eat salmon? As one dLife member asks, "What if I don't really like salmon?!" Here are seven other delicious ways to get enough of this vital nutrient. Go to the slideshow. 

Spicy Egg Casserole 

Chef Michel Nishcan cooks up an easy, diabetes friendly casserole with onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Add your favorite hot pepper sauce for an extra bit of heat. Watch the video (or just get the recipe.)

Spinach Salad with Pears and Cheddar 

Here's a delicious, refreshing salad to serve on a warm spring day. Get the recipe.

 

Fort Loudon Tornado Scare-Me, Not Prepared.

    I just reposted the CDC's article on diabetics being prepared for natural disasters and hazards.  Our little town here in PA just experienced a tornado scare tonight. There was one heading straight for us here in Fort Loudon and luckily, the storm turned and we were spared. 

    I was not prepared at all and should have been since I read and posted the article just last month.  I didn't even have my tv or radio on.  I didn't know about it until a friend texted me to tell me it was coming.  At that time, I had about 10-15 minutes to grab and go.  I don't have a basement here, and live in a partial mobile home/add on, so I went to my parent's home down the street, where they do have a dirt cellar.  Luckily, my medicine bottles were right beside my purse on the table, so I was able to throw them in my purse, but I didn't have my meter.  I guess the meter isn't as important as the medicine, but I still should have had it easily accessible. 

    Well, I guess I learned my lesson.  When I came back home, I put my meter out on the table and packed some test strips and lances in a water-proof bag along with my insurance cards, just in case. I got some other things ready also.  My radio is on now too. The storms aren't over here, and if it can happen once, it can happen again.

Hard Truths About Blood Pressure and More-Reverse Diabetes

Hard Truths About Blood Pressure

We’ve all seen movies in which the plot unfolds in frustratingly predictable ways. We say in our minds to the characters, “Don’t do that! It’s obvious what’ll happen next!” That’s the beauty of being an outside observer. But people with diabetes may not realize that a highly predictable and harmful health pattern might also be playing out in their own body.
• Diabetes makes your arteries more susceptible to hardening (atherosclerosis).
• As a result, your blood pressure goes up.
• As a result, you’re prone to more serious heart problems.

How common is this sequence? Fully 60 percent of people with diabetes have high blood pressure. And the chances of a person with diabetes having serious heart disease are several times greater than for people without diabetes. Which is good reason to understand blood pressure, to take it seriously, and to do what it takes not to let this plot take its natural, sad course.

High blood pressure isn’t new. For the last century or so, that simple measurement has helped identify people whose hearts could betray them at any moment. Still, people tend to underestimate how serious the problem is. Some of that is because high blood pressure has no symptoms: You don’t feel it, see it, or hear it. And for many of us, we don’t understand it and how it might affect us. Our goal today is to fix that.

And the easiest way is with the well-used but effective “garden hose” analogy. If you turn on the water and partially block the end of the hose with your thumb, the hose will bulge and the water will squirt out more forcefully around your thumb. Add a spray nozzle and you can increase the pressure enough to knock dirt off lawn furniture or loose paint off the exterior of your house. And all you’ve done is narrow the opening through which water must pass.

Your arteries are a lot like that hose, except that they form a closed loop. Blood is pumped through them from the heart, and courses through the body before returning to the heart and lungs to pick up fresh oxygen and be pumped back out again. But when blood pressure rises for whatever reason—such as narrowing of the arteries—the blood, which has no passageway out of the system, is forced up against the artery walls with increasingly brutal force.

Over time, the pressure can create bulges in the weak parts of artery walls, forcing the body to make repairs that stiffen the walls and reduce flexibility of the arteries. What’s more, as blood under pressure races through your arteries, it can knock off pieces of loose built-up plaque and detritus which can lodge in narrowed passageways, blocking the flow of blood to the heart and triggering a heart attack. Even if high blood pressure doesn’t lead to a heart attack, it causes your heart to work harder to push blood through your circulatory system. This taxes your heart muscle, causing your heart to enlarge and weaken. Eventually, the muscle may fail.

That’s the reason why your blood pressure is taken before you even see the doctor at every medical appointment. It’s that important. The exact causes of high blood pressure are still a bit of a mystery. But we do know that several factors and conditions may play a role.
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much salt in the diet
• Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
• Stress
• Older age
• Genetics
• And as we said at the start, diabetes

How to combat it? We’ll cover this in a future issue. But for now, monitor your blood pressure closely and often. Blood pressure tends to rise and fall based on continuously changing variables such as diet, stress, sleep, and activity levels. The best indicator of your blood pressure is the average of multiple screenings taken at different times of the day. 

Featured Recipe

Ginger Cookies
If you crave a sweet, delicious cookie every now and then, consider these. They’re not ultra-healthy (each cookie is 95 calories and 16 g of carbs), but have diabetes-friendly ginger and cinnamon in them. Have one (and just one!) as an after-dinner treat, and they’re fine for a diabetes diet.

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons light corn syrup

Preparation:
1    Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a cookie sheet; set aside. Sift the all-purpose flour and whole-wheat flours, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon in a large bowl, tipping in any bran left in the sieve.
2    Melt the butter with the corn syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Pour melted mixture onto the dry ingredients and stir to bind them together into a firm dough.
3    Break off a walnut sized lump of dough, and roll it into a ball on the palm of your hand. Press it flat into a thick cookie, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and place on the cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. (Or roll out the dough and stamp out decorative shapes.)
4    Bake the cookies until they are slightly risen and brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet until they are firm enough to lift without breaking, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will keep in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Per cookie: 95 cal, 3 g fat (2 g sat), 16 g carbs, 2 g protein, 1 g fiber, 8 mg chol, 78 mg sodium, 7 mg calcium

Great Ideas

Diabetes Bread-Buying Guide

Bread can be a nutritious part of your daily diet, or it can be a minefield of danger for your blood sugar. Follow these simple bread-buying tips and you’ll never have to wonder if your loaf of bread is sabotaging your diabetes maintenance.
• Buy whole-grain bread with the word “whole” as the first ingredient.
• Look for at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
• The coarser the bread, the better. That texture indicates that the healthiest parts of the grain have been preserved. And the coarser the grain, the more it requires digestion, slowing the release of blood sugar into your system. Even whole wheat raises blood sugar more when it’s finely ground than when it’s coarser.
• If you see sugar, corn syrup, or any other sweetener in the first four ingredients, just say no.
• If shopping at a bakery where breads are fresh and unlabeled, be sure to ask about what type of flour or grain was used before buying. Molasses, fruit, and other add-ins can make a white bread appear the color of whole-grain bread.

 

FDA Approves New Drug For Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes This Week

dLife Diabetes Newswire: FDA Approves Tradjenta™ (linagliptin) Tablets for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes; Turning ‘Bad’ Fat Into ‘Good’: a Future Treatment for Obesity?; Structured Exercise Training Associated with Improved Glycemic Control for Patients with Diabetes; More.

Diabetes support groups are happening nationwide. Get the details here or submit your own event to the dLife Calendar today.

Rib Steak and Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes-Diabetic Connect

Rib Steaks with Zucchini and Onions.
 


Video Recipe: Diabetic-Friendly Peanut Butter Cookies


Treat yourself! Here's a delicious cookie that's easy to make from a few simple ingredients—and it only has 5g carbs! Our step-by-step video shows you exactly what to do.

How to Juggle Multiple Health Conditions-dLife

Juggling Illnesses

There are people living with just diabetes. And then there are people living with diabetes and Celiac, or diabetes and fibromyalgia, or diabetes and MS, or…you get the point. So how do you manage more than one condition? Expert Columnist Theresa Garnero is here to help get you started.

Mexican Recipes-Diabetic Connect

Carb-Friendly Mexican Favorites
For a festive meal, we've got the whole enchilada—and a whole lot more! Treat your family to one of these tasty entrees, and don't forget to add the delicious rice side dish and zesty peach salsa. If you keep an eye on portion sizes, they're a great way to liven up your diabetic meal plan!

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
Mexican Chicken with Almond-Chili Cream
Mexican Rice
Peach Salsa

Can Cinnamon Cure Diabetes?-Diabetic Connect

Can Cinnamon Cure Diabetes?

Some websites and supplement manufacturers claim that cinnamon is a safe, natural treatment—or even a cure—for diabetes. Does it really work? Here's important information to help you separate the facts from the hype.

What to do if Diabetes Causes Swollen Legs-Diabetic Connect

What to Do If Diabetes Causes Swollen Legs

If you have swollen legs, don't ignore them. It could be a sign of a serious problem, so it's important to see your doctor. If diabetes is to blame, this article explains simple steps you can take to help reduce the swelling.

Can Diet Soda Boost Your Stroke Risk-Diabetic Connect

I hope all you Moms had a very Happy Mother's Day yesterday!

Can Diet Soda Boost Your Stroke Risk?
Diabetes dramatically increases your chance of heart attack or stroke. Now controversial new warnings say that diet soda may add to that risk. Should you stop drinking diet soda, or are the dangers overblown? We've gathered these articles to help you sort out the facts.


Can Diet Soda Boost Your Stroke Risk?
Diet Soda: Fewer Calories, Greater Stroke Risk?
Diet Soda Study Doesn't Prove Cause and Effect
Is Diet Soda Linked to Heart, Stroke Risk? 
    

Easy Barbecue Pita Pizzas

    This is a recipe that I wrote down out of a magazine.  I am just not sure which one.  It is a diabetic recipe and it is really easy to make.  I hope you enjoy!

      Easy Barbecue Pita Pizzas
     
      2   whole wheat pitas (6" diameter), split horizontally
     
      4    tsp. olive oil

      2   Tbsp barbecue sauce

     1/4  cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

      4    oz. precooked chicken breast, sliced

      2    scallions or spring onions, thinly sliced

            Chili powder (optional)


      1.   Preheat oven to 375 degrees Farenheit

      2.   Place pita halves rough side up on baking sheet and brush with oil.  Top each
            with barbecue sauce, cheese, chicken, and scallions.  Sprinkle with chili powder
            (if using).  Bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

            This recipe makes 2 servings.

The Role of Sleep in Type 2 Diabetes

    I am learning that getting enough sleep is definitely important for a diabetic.  I have been trying to go to bed earlier and have been getting much more sleep than I have before.  I feel alot better too. 

     I know I have posted on the sleep issue before, but I do believe it is an important one.  I hope this article is helpful to you.  Click below to read:

     The Role of Sleep in Type 2 Diabetes-Diabetes Forecast Magazine

Grocery Shopping

    Tonight was grocery night.  I hate grocery shopping, as I am sure many of you do also.  I get paid every two weeks on Thursday, so when I get off work on that day, I usually do my grocery shopping before I go home. 

    We all know the way they tell us we should shop for food.  Stay out of the aisles as much as possible and only shop the outer perimeter of the store.  That's where all the fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meats and of course, the dairy products are.  That's hard to do sometimes, especially when you aren't just buying for yourself.  My son is back home living with me right now, and I always try to get some things I know he will like too.  But lately, he's hardly home and eats here only a couple of nights a week.  So, I decided I was shopping for me tonight.

    I was very proud of myself.  With the exception of coffee and a few non-food items, I did stay in the outer perimeter of the grocery store and bought plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean chicken and fat-free dairy.  I just can't wait for the local farmer's markets to start setting up on weekends.  You can get some pretty good deals on fresh produce and it will save you some money.