How’s your heart health? If you’re like millions of Americans—about 92 million in fact—you do have to watch your heart health due to cardiovascular disease or health effects after a stroke. That means you have to pay special attention to your heart health—to what you eat, to how you feel, to how much you’re moving. Even if don’t have some health conditions that affect your heart, you have to be conscious of how your health (mental, physical, emotional) is taking a toll on your most vital organ.
Let’s look at food for starters. If you’re like many Americans, your intake of sugar, salt, and processed food is far too high. And you might be siloing your food—eating too much of the same thing, over and over again. So how else can you keep your heart pumping, happy and healthy, even while you’re at work? This graphic helps you understand the issues.
‘HIV and Diabetes’ on December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast
We’re excited to announce our December edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Sara (Dr. Mandy) Wilson Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM is Vice-Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and will stop by the studio to talk about HIV and Diabetes while Kelly Clarkson provides musical inspiration. Join us here on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
Wrapped In Red, Kelly Clarkson’s holiday album, inspires us to talk about all things ‘red’ such as the iconic red ribbon worn as a symbol for the solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS. People with HIV are more likely to have type 2 diabetes than people without HIV and some HIV medicines may increase blood glucose levels and lead to type 2 diabetes.
World AIDS Day is December 1, a fitting occasion to speak with Dr. Mandy about the link between HIV medications and diabetes prior to our podcast interview.
Q: I’ve read that some HIV medicines may increase blood glucose levels and lead to type 2 diabetes. Can you explain why could happen?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Some HIV medication cause insulin resistance with insulin deficiency which increases risk for Type 2 diabetes. Specifically, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (zidovudine, stavudine and didanosine) and protease inhibitors (indinavir and lopinavir/ritonavir) increase risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Q: Do you feel people taking HIV medicines should check their blood glucose? If so, what do you recommend?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Yes, they should check their blood glucose before they start their medication and then every few months as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health.
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is recommended to have either fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c when entering into care for HIV, initiating or modifying antiretrovial therapy and annually if glucose or A1c were in target range at least measurement. Target range is < 5.7% for hemoglobin A1c and <126 mg/dL fasting blood glucose. It is advised to have fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c tested every 3 – 6 months if above target range at last measure.
(Guidelines for Use of Antiretrovial Agents in Adults and Adolescents Living with HIV. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv/3/tests-for-initial-assessment-and-follow-up. Updated October 25, 2019. Accessed November 18, 2018.
Q:Dealing with two or more chronic conditions could be complicated and time consuming. What medication organizing tips can you recommend to help make life more manageable?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Personally, my favorite tool for organizing medications is a pill box where medication is stored by day and time of day. It is easy to identify visually if medication has been taken. Many pharmacies have medical refill reminder calls which work wonderfully if you get all of your medications from the same pharmacy. Pharmacies can utilize a medication synchronization system which allows for your getting all refills at same time. Additionally, there various apps such as Round Health, Medisafe -Pill & Med Reminder and Pill Reminder – All in One would provide digital reminder system. Services such as PillPack sorts and organizes medication by dose and timing each dose with monthly delivery.
Q: With the holidays quickly approaching what advice can you give to people about managing their medications during this busy time of year?
Dr. Mandy Reece: Taking time to get organized is absolutely key. An easy way to get organized is to using a pill box or service such PillPack to organize your medications, and utilizing reminder system to follow through on taking medications. Ensure that you have at least a 10 day supply of medication on hand at all times is essential. Remember keeping your health a priority hence taking your medication during this busy season is key as it has lasting effects that you will not see or feel in the moment.
Q: Holiday travel can lead to long delays and/or missing luggage. What advice can you give to traveler’s
Dr. Mandy Reece: Always pack all of your medications in your carry bag rather than checked luggage. It is absolutely vital to have your medication available at all times.
Sara (Dr. Mandy) Wilson Reece, PharmD, CDE, CDE, BC-ADM, vice-chair and associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. ‘Dr. Mandy’ shares practical information about medications for people living with diabetes on her blog, Reece’s Pieces. Follow her on Twitter @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI
Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST.
Kelly Clarkson’s inspiring us to lend our ‘voice’ to topics such as the link between HIV medications and type 2 diabetes, how the homeless manage diabetes, great gift ideas for loved ones with diabetes, and how you can lose weight during holidays (!). Plus, one lucky listener tries their luck during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Health Game challenge. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
‘Homeless With Diabetes’ On December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast
We’re excited to announce our December edition of Diabetes Late Nite. Kathleen Gold, RN, MSN, CDE, will stop by the studio to share her experience working with homeless people and Kelly Clarkson will provide musical inspiration from her holiday album, Wrapped in Red. Join us here on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 6 – 7:30 PM.
One of the Diabetes Late Nite featured songs this month is Kelly Clarkson’s “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” This is a poignant inspiration song to gain perspective from Kathy prior to our podcast interview on the biggest obstacles homeless people face who are living with diabetes.
As a diabetes advocate for over 20 years at Unity Health Care Clinic at the Community for Creative Nonviolence, a shelter in Washington, D.C., Kathy helped homeless people check blood glucose logs, made referrals to specialists, and discussed ways to best manage their health. “What I try to do is spend as much time with them as they need,” Gold said in an interview for Diabetes Forecast. “We touch on other issues, not just diabetes: food, food stamps, depression. … They really are very motivated, and they try to make good choices.”
Q: I would think that for homeless people with diabetes the stress of living with so much uncertainty every day must play a big factor in managing their diabetes. What do you advise?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Yes, this is a major problem. They frequently don’t know when or if they will get their next meal or where they may be sleeping that night. I first try to address their living situation. Locating a shelter and a place to receive meals on a consistent basis is the main priority. Until these needs are met you can’t address their diabetes or their healthcare needs.
Q: What type of meal planning advice do you give to homeless people with diabetes who are relying on food stamps, the kindness of others, and prepackaged foods to carry them through the day?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: I connect them with various food kitchens and food banks, so they know where to access food. Also, we discuss options for how to spend their food stamp dollars wisely. I help them create a shopping list of non-perishable items they could always have available. We also discuss portion control. I encourage them always to choose vegetables, whole grains and fruit if available. In DC the primary food bank offers a “diabetes meal” which provided an extra serving of vegetables.
Q: How do you advise homeless people with diabetes to create and/or adhere to a daily diabetes management routine if they don’t have a set schedule?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: This is a big struggle as the timing of meals is such a difficult thing to predict. It is important to use medications cautiously if the individual does not have access to meals at a predictable time. Oatmeal is always a lifesaver because all they need is a cup of hot water and they have instant nourishment. Educating the homeless about how and when their medications work to avoid a low blood sugar reaction is very important and ties in with the appropriate use of food stamps. The newer insulins make a huge difference in controlling blood glucose levels as they can be taken with meals. It is much more difficult if individuals are forced to use the older insulins where there is little flexibility.
Q: What kind of medical services and supplies are available to homeless people with diabetes?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: A lot depends on where they live and if and how they are covered under Medicaid. Not all Medicaid plans cover the newer medications. In DC we are fortunate that all patients could have a meter and strips to test their blood glucose and our medication formulary was quite extensive. This is not the case in all states. Education is key. I found that if patients were educated, their expenses dropped, and the risk of complications greatly decreased. At the Homeless Shelter we saw significant savings and complication reductions but not everyone has access and that’s sad.
Q: Do you feel homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop health-related complications? If so, can you share some insight into the types of health complications homeless people with diabetes are more likely to develop.
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: Many homeless individuals have a history of alcohol or drug abuse which places them at risk of many health issues besides diabetes. Kidney disease is a major complication, since many individuals also suffer from hypertension. Mental illness is widespread, and it is difficult to manage these individuals because they frequently don’t take their medications. Diabetic neuropathy, depression and feeling overwhelmed are very prevalent in this population. Hypoglycemia is also a frequent complication because of their inability to eat on time, which can cause them to be unresponsive, confused and/or disoriented. Severe hyperglycemia, if they stop taking their medications, can lead to ketoacidosis or a very elevated blood glucose level. It is necessary to deal with these health issues first, so they can manage their diabetes.
I found that people who overcame with addictions were very successful in managing their diabetes because they had the tools to make behavior change.
Q: I have read that homeless people with diabetes may sell their supplies in order to afford basic living needs. What’s your experience?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: There is a black market for strips and meters. In DC these supplies were provided, so we didn’t see as much of it. But there were some people who constantly “lost” their meters and they may have been selling them. People get desperate.
Q: How can our Diabetes Late Nite listeners help?
Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE: If you donate food, please stick to healthy foods such as vegetables and fresh fruit. Volunteer at a homeless shelter and prepare healthy meals. Whole grain cereals, oatmeal, peanut butter for protein and nuts for a good snack are good options. Avoid sugared cereals, processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat. Arrange with local restaurants or farmers markets to donate their foods to a homeless shelter. Offer to teach a simple cooking class at a food bank or a shelter. Donate brown rice instead of white rice and include some recipes that use foods you donated. Donate to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council https://www.nhchc.org/
Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music from Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped In Red album courtesy of SONY Music on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6 PM, EST.
Kelly Clarkson’s inspiring us to lend our ‘voice’ to topics such as the link between HIV medications and type 2 diabetes, how the homeless manage diabetes, great gift ideas for loved ones with diabetes, and how you can lose weight during holidays (!). Plus, one lucky listener tries their luck during Mr. Divabetic’s ‘Wrapped In Red’ Health Game challenge. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Kathy Gold RN, MSN, CDE, FAADE, Glucose Delivery Necklace co-creator Kris Maynard, Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC=ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Maria Sakowitz, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
‘The World is Ours Today’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks
‘The World is Ours Today’ by Poet Lorraine Brooks
the world gives us a day
but for us it’s every day.
Diabetes affects us all in each and every way.
The world has not a clue.
The world assesses you.
Diabetes makes our world feel sad and lonely too.
The world assesses you.
Diabetes makes our world feel sad and lonely too.
The world says this and that
The world tells us we’re fat
We know they don’t know exactly what they’re looking at.
The world tells us we’re fat
We know they don’t know exactly what they’re looking at.
The world can’t understand
The needs and the demands
The pains and stress that diabetics often do withstand.
The needs and the demands
The pains and stress that diabetics often do withstand.
But our worlds are alright
We keep our numbers tight.
And in our world we stay prepared in case we have to fight.
We keep our numbers tight.
And in our world we stay prepared in case we have to fight.
Our world is very real
So listen to how we feel.
We aren’t trying to be perfect or ideal.
So listen to how we feel.
We aren’t trying to be perfect or ideal.
Our world has ups and downs.
A lot of smiles and frowns.
We do have setbacks, big and small, but we do rebound.
A lot of smiles and frowns.
We do have setbacks, big and small, but we do rebound.
On World Diabetes day
Our worlds are bight and gay.
We thank the world for taking time to help us be OK.
Our worlds are bight and gay.
We thank the world for taking time to help us be OK.
But please make sure that you’re
A help to us for sure.
And stick by us not just one day, but ‘till there is a cure.
A help to us for sure.
And stick by us not just one day, but ‘till there is a cure.
Enjoy Divabetic’s special World Diabetes Day celebration with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite.
The Queen of Soul’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach the Cure Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
State of Type 2 Diabetes Research Report Findings
November is National Diabetes Awareness month. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to gain a greater understanding of an invisible yet pervasive disease. For the diagnosed, diabetes can affect every decision – what to eat, do, and other decisions about how they’ll take care of themselves. Yet the 24/7 burden of diabetes management is often misunderstood. If the physical, emotional, and financial burden aren’t taxing enough, the unwarranted social stigma is.
Recently Healthline Media released the findings from a “State of Type 2 Diabetes” research report that examines the day-to-day experiences and feelings of people living with type 2 diabetes. The report included findings from a July 2018 survey of more than 1500 people with type 2 diabetes across generations.
Here are some of the findings from the report:
At Divabetic we know that diabetes affects women and men in almost equal numbers. However, we have found through our vaious outreach programs, that the way diabetes affects women is different than men. One key finding is that depression, which affects twice as many women as men, also raises the risk for diabetes in women. Here are some interesting findings related to the difference between men and women with diabetes.
It’s also interesting to note that compared with men with diabetes, women with diabetes have:
- A higher risk for heart disease. Heart disease is the most common complication of diabetes.
- Lower survival rates and a poorer quality of life after heart attack
- A higher risk for blindness
- A higher risk for depression. Depression, which affects twice as many women as men, also raises the risk for diabetes in women.
In a society largely based on helping yourself — just click on Amazon and browse the voluminous self-help section — it may seem odd to promote the idea that we need to learn better ways to ask for and receive assistance but these statistics may change your mind about asking for help!
Divabetic is equally proud to present outreach programming directed at men with diabetes. One of our most popular programs, ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ explores sexual health issues related to diabetes.
Did you know that men with diabetes tend to develop erectile dysfunction 10 to 15 years earlier thanmen without diabetes?
As men with diabetes age, erectile dysfunction becomes even more common. Above the age of 50, the likelihood of having difficulty with an erection occurs in approximately 50% to 60% of men with diabetes.
Men with diabetes may also face other unique challenges such as low testosterone. Having type 2 diabetes doubles your risk for having low testosterone, according to the ADA. A drop in the hormone can cause symptoms such as low energy, muscle loss, depression, and sexual problems, including low libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). Your doctor can check your testosterone level and treat you if you have a problem.
This next infograph sheds light on the fact that men appear to have the upper hand in dealing with the emotional side of diabetes compared to women.
About Healthline
As the fastest growing health information brand, Healthline engages 67 million unique visitors per month (comScore, August 2018). We provide real and relatable health content rooted in both information and inspiration.
About State of Type 2 Diabetes
“State of Type 2 Diabetes” is the fifth release as part of the ongoing “State of…” series that explores key disease states affecting the modern health consumer, and uncovers differences across generations in how they use resources and approach their care.
Get Straight Talk About Diabetes
Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly podcast, Diabetes Late Nite for a full-filled hour and half of diabetes education, empowerment, music, games and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on November’s Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for World Diabetes Day, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 – 8 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music. CLICK HERE
‘Facing The Challenges of Living with Diabetes Everyday’ by Jessica Clark
Facing the challenges of living with diabetes everyday can be tough! And we’re not afraid to talk about it. You shouldn’t feel afraid either to express that ‘the struggle is real’ to friends, family and co-workers.
Need some inspiration for living ‘out loud’ about your diabetes?
Our Divabetic friend, Jessica Clark will stop by the studio to share her experience of living with the up’s and down’s of type 1 diabetes on November’s Diabetes Late Nite. Join us here on Wednesday, November 14 from 6 – 7:30 PM. CLICK HERE
Recently Jessica shared a very personal post on FB describing one of her saddest and most sincere diabetes moments. Below is what Jessica wishes you knew about her, the diabetes edition:
Every minute of my life is a calculation. And if it wasn’t, or I did it wrong, it can mean long-term tragic consequences. Even death.
I don’t feel good. Ever.
If I tell you I don’t feel good, then I REALLY don’t feel good.
It never works the way I want it to.
I can do the same thing every day, every detail, and have it still come out differently or wrong.
No one understands it.
But everyone is an expert on it.
I get judged for it.
It ruined my self-esteem.
Nothing is easy or straightforward
It changed me as a person, and sometimes I hate that.
I wonder how things could have been different if I didn’t have it.
I wonder what I would physically look like if I didn’t have it
I’ve been made fun of by my family and those closest to me regarding it
No matter what, I am seen as a complainer, wet blanket, trying to get attention, etc.
I go to bed every night not really knowing if I will wake up
I’m treated medically by people who learned how to care for me in books that are decades old
It’s fucking expensive to keep me alive
I feel like a burden physically and financially on people
I spend more to stay alive than people realize, even with insurance.
Giant for-profit corporations dictate the care I can receive and my quality of life.
A cure wouldn’t be profitable
My life is “managed” or “controlled”
Once you aren’t little or cute, few people genuinely care or help.
I’ve lost feeling in all of my fingertips.
I am diagnosed as “significantly visually impaired” because of it. Poor vision and night vision in my left eye. No peripheral vision, depth perception, or night vision in my right eye.
It isn’t easy or simple
It isn’t just eating well or working out
People judge and criticize my food choices.
My skin doesn’t get thicker or tougher to harsh remarks
I have to be “rude” and turn down items I can’t or shouldn’t have. (But then if I do have them, get judged or questioned, see above)
I subsequently make people feel “shitty” once I tell them why I can’t have said item.
But mostly, it’s lonely.
It’s really really lonely.
Here are several more of Jessica’s FB posts illustrating how ‘the struggle is real’ for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes:
“Diabetes awareness month real life post! Today was so shitty. Cracked windshield, dead (expensive) battery, so many things. I’m exhausted! Buuuut it’s 11pm and my blood sugar is 48 and I’m TIREEEDDD. But I can’t go to bed, because I might die. Sooo I’m not hungry or thirsty, but I’m drinking a juice box, eating to save my life. And this isn’t a once in a life time dramatic post. This is weekly, monthly. This is my ugly tired 11pm post of diabetes. This is T1D life. Jdrf one walk shirt was not planned lol.” – Jessica, November 2, 2018, 10:07 PM
“Most days, you control the diabetes. Some days, it controls you. Today was that day for me. It’s scary, and painful, but it’s not often. Bad enough I had to leave work, BG high enough I *probably* should have seen an ER (I didn’t, can’t afford healthcare costs. That’s another story. Lol) Shout out to all of my diabetic friends out there living through this shit we have to deal with.” – Jessica, October 10, 2018 at 4:16 PM
“This is the diabetes you don’t see. Tired, ready for bed, low blood sugar. Every time you test it drops lower and lower, and you keep treating and treating. You can’t breath, you’re confused, and your tired! But you can’t sleep, because if you sleep before it’s safe, you might not wake up. This is real. This is my life, every minute, of everyday, to some degree. This is the me you don’t see.” – Jessica, September 30, 2018
“Waking up to messages, comments, shares, from around the world is amazing, and I thank all of you. The gratitude I have, to have this life, and all of you in it is amazing. It is no secret that I am a “loud and proud” diabetic. A sometimes (unapologetically) open book. I love being able to help share moments that are common threads in the Diabetic community, but that little or no one vocalizes. I love being able to express what others cannot, for various different reasons. I would like to continue to do more for the community, in any way I can. I plan to work on more blogs, podcasts, events, whatever. If you would like to join me, come on in!” – Jessica, November 7, 2018
“My reason for sharing these moments is not to put a rain cloud over Diabetes or Diabetics. It’s simply to show how STRONG and how Human we really are. Most diabetics face challenges no one will ever see or know. Giving a voice to some of the moments and emotions is so important. Letting others know your feelings, and offer their help is crucial in being able to LIVE this wonderful life.”– Jessica, November 10, 2018
We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach the Cure Health Educator Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music. TUNE IN
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
https://youtu.be/tcpky_48Z7g
Caponata Quinoa Salad Recipe by Chef Jonathan Bardzik
Storyteller, Cook and Author Jonathan Bardzik surely knows a thing or two about the importance of cooking with fresh ingredients! He’s one of the hottest chefs in the Washington D.C. area, as his ‘farm to table’ cuisine has lit up farmers markets, including Mosaic Central Farm Markets, and even on the shelves at local bookstore.
“I believe that life can and should be lived well, and that living well is within reach – across many economic levels – each and every day by preparing a simple meal, setting a table and sharing it with those you love, even – and maybe especially – when that is a table for one,” said Jonathan in an interview with Instinct magazine.
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
3 tbs olive oil
3 small eggplant in 1/2” dice
2 medium sweet peppers
3 tbs capers
1 lg tomato, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbs chopped basil
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 cups cooked quinoa
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2/3 cups olive oil – the good stuff!
Directions:
Warm 2 tbs oil in 12” skillet over medium heat. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, then reduce heat to medium low and cook until fork tender. Remove from pan.
Warm 1 tbs oil over medium heat. Thinly slice peppers and add to pan. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add capers and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer.
Toss together eggplant, peppers, tomato, onion, basil and parsley.
Mash garlic into a paste with a pinch of coarse salt. Whisk together garlic, red wine vinegar and mustard. Whisk in olive oil to form a creamy emulsion.
Dress salad and serve over quinoa.
Jonathan Bardzik is the author of three incredible cookbooks: ‘Simple Summer’, ‘Seasons to Taste’, and ‘Fresh and Magical Vinaigrettes‘, all of which are chock full of delicious recipes that you can make for your own friends, family or that special someone all year round.
Storyteller, Cook and Author Jonathan Bardzik will appearing at Collar Greens: Wellness Day & Dog Parade to help families and their pets to stay healthy and happy at Mosaic Central Farm Markets on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Check out all the amazing activities from this year’s Collar Greens event:
Common Questions About Sweeteners with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND
Recently we received this question about sweeteners from Linda in Rochester NY, a member of the Divabetic community, who is living with type 2 diabetes on Divabetic’s FB page.
Linda writes “Splenda (sucralose) is my sweetener of choice, tasting the most like sugar. I’ve been told it raises blood sugar. I’ve also heard that stevia does not affect blood glucose levels, but it has a nasty after taste to me. Splenda has a stevia product out that’s not bad, but expensive. Your thoughts?”
We contacted our good friend, a Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND, who consulted to Splenda about two years ago on a small project. Currently, Jill is a consultant to the Calorie Control Council, a trade organization for non-nutritive and low calorie sweeteners like sucarlose and stevia. Below are Jill’s answers and advice regarding Linda’s questions.
Q: Can Splenda raise blood sugars?
Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND(JW): Splenda is a brand. It’s not a specific product. I assume that you mean sucralose, as this was the original Splenda sweetener.
There is no reason to think that a compound that is essentially without carbohydrate (like sucralose) could directly affect blood sugar. A teaspoon of sucralose provides less than a gram of carbohydrate. A teaspoon of sugar provides 4 grams, and a teaspoon of honey provides about 5 grams of carbohydrate. From a blood sugar standpoint, sucralose is the better choice.
Q: Can Stevia raise blood sugars?
JW: As with other non-nutriitive sweeteners (NNS), it cannot directly affect blood sugar levels.
Q: Can you recommend any Stevia products that have little to no after taste?
Some newer stevia products use the extract Reb D instead of Reb A. I find that Reb D tastes better, but taste is an individualized thing. Splenda Naturals is a stevia sweetener made with Reb D. If you hunt around in the supermarkets, you might find others as well.
Q: What sugar substitutes do you recommend?
JW: I have no real preference. I am not fearful of low calorie and non-nutritive sweeteners. Many of the scary headlines are misleading or based on studies that provide only a small picture of the full health landscape. Other headlines are downright false. That being said, I don’t think anyone needs artificial or NNS. We can adjust our tastes to learn to enjoy foods without added sweetness or we can use very small amounts of regular sugar. I use very little of any type of added sweetener, but I use a wide variety of types – both natural and artificial, both with calories and carbs and without. But since I use very little, I know that it affects me minimally.
Q: Can you share a few tips about using sugar substitutes for people living with type 2 diabetes?
JW: If anyone is truly fearful but wants to continue using sweeteners, I recommend using a variety, so no one sweetener is consumed in large amounts. The category of NNS is quite large, and each compound is metabolized differently. Keep in mind that the dose makes the poison. Small amounts of NNS are not considered harmful. But even water when consumed in very large amounts can cause death.
Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete Guide: Your Lifestyle Reset to Stop Prediabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses’ will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:
Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes
Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals
Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset
Create positive new habits
Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity
Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home
Tweak your favorite recipes
Reduce sedentary time
Start or improve upon an exercise plan
Reduce emotional eating
Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book
Much more
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.
LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Patti Austin. We’re talking about healthy strategies to help you deal with the “FOOD POLICE” with guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.
Mr. Divabetic is celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 6 -7:30 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong‘s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.
Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.” Enjoy over 175 free podcasts available on demand anytime, anywhere on blogtalkradio.com and i-Tunes!
Sloppy Joes, Added Sugars & Healthy Eating Advice with Jill Weisenberger
One of our Divabetic community members, Deb L.., who is living with type 2 diabetes, recently contacted us through Facebook with questions about added sugars. We contacted our good friend, a past Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, FAND for answers and advice regarding Deb’s questions.
Q: Is the amount of sugar in packaged products and recipes increasing?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): I’m not aware that this is true. In fact, I think there’s been a big push in the last few years to reduce the amount of added sugar is packaged goods. And manufacturers are responding. My own observation is that manufacturers provide a variety of options for different consumer likes and dislikes, so some products are created simply for taste and others are developed health goals in mind as well as taste.
One new thing that’s confusing is that some food labels show the amount of added sugar and some show the amount of total sugar. That’s because not all manufacturers have yet adopted the newest guidelines to include a line to show how much sugar has been added to a product. I never worry about the amount of sugar naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, milk and yogurt. It’s the added sugars that I pass close attention to.
Often people with diabetes focus too much on sugar when the total amount of carbohydrate is really what’s important. It’s not only the sugar portion that affects blood sugar. For example, a cup of milk has 12 grams of carbohydrate, and all 12 are sugar (lactose). A cup of brown rice has 1 gram of sugar, but 45 grams of carbohydrate. In this case, the cup of brown rice with a mere 1 gram of sugar will raise blood sugar levels far more than a cup of milk with 12 grams of sugar.
Q: I like to read recipes and I’m horrified by the amount of sugar in them. I’ve looked in vain for a Sloppy Joe recipe that isn’t sweet. All of the ones I’ve read and I’ve read plenty call for (too sweet) ketchup plus additional brown sugar. Even dessert recipes seem to be increasing the amounts of sugar in them.
Jill Weisenberger (JW): The good news when you’re preparing your own recipes is that you can tweak them to meet your needs. Often you can reduce sugar by 1/4 to 1/2. In some recipes, you can omit it or swap it for a non-nutritiive sweetener of choice. However, if you’re baking, you’re going to get very white cookies or cakes without having at least a little sugar. It’s needed for the browning.
Q: Can you provide a Sloppy Joe recipe and/or a low sugar alternative?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): You can point out that while lentils are a source of carbohydrate, they – like other legumes – are full of the type fiber that’s good for blood sugar control. While there is a tablespoon of brown sugar in the recipe, that amounts to about 1 gram of added sugar per sandwich. If she is concerned aobut the total amount of carbohydrate (40 g, but 7 are fiber), she can remove the top bun to save 60 calories and about 12 grams of carbohydrate.
Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Healthy, Delicious take on an Old Favorite
Jill Weisenberger (JW): I usually eat this open faced to save about 60 calories. And for my friends and clients with diabetes, leaving half the bun trims 15 grams of carbohydrate. If the length of this ingredients list gives you pause, take the very, very easy route. Simply mix prepared lentils with a can of your favorite sloppy joe sauce. It won’t be the same, but it will allow you to try out this concept.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola or olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 large carrot, chopped (about ⅓ cup)
1 orange bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 garlic cloves, chopped or crushed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth
24.5-ounce box of strained tomatoes (or 24-ounces canned tomato sauce)
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup green lentils, rinsed and sorted
12 small whole-grain rolls, toasted (look for rolls about 120 calories)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder and tomato paste. Mix well.
Add the vegetable broth, strained tomatoes or tomato sauce, sriracha sauce, Dijon mustard and brown sugar. Mix well. Add the lentils.
Increase the heat to a boil. With the lid ajar, reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve in a toasted bun.
Notes
I use a lot of tomato paste in my recipes because I really like the full-bodied, meaty flavor it provides. Look for it in a tube, so it lasts a long time in your refrigerator after opening. Feel free to substitute any other color bell pepper for the orange or red pepper specified.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: rounded ½ cup, 1 roll Calories: 235 Fat: 3g Saturated fat: <1g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 40g Sodium: 470mg Fiber: 7g Protein: 11g Cholesterol: 0mg
Jill Weisenberger’s comprehensive guide, ‘Prediabetes: A Complete Guide’ will lead you through dozens of concrete steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Taking an individualized approach to your lifestyle “reset,” this book will allow you to choose your own path to wellness, help you gain a greater sense of wellbeing, boost your confidence in your abilities to maintain a healthful lifestyle, and potentially even help you reverse prediabetes and avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You’ll be feeling better than you have in years! Inside, you will learn to:
Identify your risks for developing type 2 diabetes
Set personalized and meaningful behavioral goals
Identify and build on your motivation for a lifestyle reset
Create positive new habits
Change eating habits for weight loss and greater insulin sensitivity
Choose wholesome foods in the supermarket and when away from home
Tweak your favorite recipes
Reduce sedentary time
Start or improve upon an exercise plan
Reduce emotional eating
Organize and track your progress with tools included in the book
Much more
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND is a great resource for all things nutrition, food and diabetes. Whether she’s speaking, writing, chatting on social media, appearing on TV or working with individuals, her candid and energetic approach appeals to busy people, and her sound nutrition and fitness advice gets results. In fact, her appreciation for science and ability to translate science into actionable information earned her a place in US News & World Report’s 10 Dietitian’s You Need to Follow on Social Media.
LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 8th Year Anniversary podcast featuring music by Patti Austin. We’re talking about healthy strategies to help you deal with the FOOD POLICE with guests: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND, Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Mama Rose Marie.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Crumble Cheesecake Recipe from The Happy Diabetic
Mr. Divabetic’s gluten free cheesecake is so terrible that it gets him into deep trouble (including MURDER!) in our 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast, ‘Swan Wake’.
Luckily for our listeners Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ is willing to share this recipe for a delicious tasting gluten free pumpkin crumble cheesecake!
Gluten Free Pumpkin Crumble Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic
What’s in it?
Cake Ingredients:
3 – 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend
2 T. Splenda Naturals®
3 large eggs
1 t. almond extract
1 – 15 oz. can pumpkin
½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
2 T. almond flour
1 ½ t. ground cinnamon
½ t. ground ginger
1 t. imitation maple flavoring
2 t. vanilla extract
Crumble Topping Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
2 T. chilled butter
½ t. vanilla
4 T. SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend
Let’s put it together:
Preheat oven to 350*. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend, and Splenda Naturals® until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in pumpkin, yogurt, almond flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, maple flavoring, and vanilla. Pour filling into prepared pan. Mix the topping ingredients by hand or in a food processor until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of cheesecake. Bake until firm, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from oven and run a butter knife around the inner edge but do not remove the pan side. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Refrigerate.
Servings/Yield: 16 servings
*NUTRITION FACTS: Per Serving: Calories: 312, Total Fat: 21.68g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 336 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 17.71g, Dietary Fiber: 3.09g, Sugars: 4.20g, Protein: 8.13g
LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 5th Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast “SWAN WAKE” starring Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, We Are Diabetes organization founder Asha Brown, Seveda Williams, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mary Ann Nicolay MEd, DTR, Mama Rose Marie, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ and Poet Lorraine Brooks.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Leonard Berstein’s recording of ‘Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20″ in celebration of the centennial of America’s greatest classical composer and conductor courtesy of SONY Music.