Divabetic’s Carb Kitty Games make carbohydrate counting fun! Carbohydrate counting or “carb counting” can help you manage your blood glucose levels.
Most adults with diabetes aim for 45-60 grams of carbs per meal and 15-20 grams per snack. That number may go up or down, depending on how active you are and the medicines you take, so check with your healthcare collaborator.
Foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood glucose values. By monitoring the number of carbohydrates, you eat can help to better understand your blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates (“carbs”) can be counted in 2 ways: by grams or by carb choices.
Remember, 1 carb choice or one serving of carbohydrates = 15 grams of carbohydrate. For example, one slice of bread, a small piece of fruit, or an ear of corn each have around 15 grams of carbs. Each of these equals one carb serving.
Most food items have nutrition labels on their packaging, showing the total carbohydrate count per serving. Be sure to look at the serving size, too. Certain packaged foods may contain more servings than you think. If you are eating out, call the restaurant, check out their website, or ask for their menu nutrition facts when you arrive.
Put together a food journal for many foods and meals you normally eat and their carb count per your typical serving. This can be something you keep on your smartphone or tablet. Start by writing down the foods and beverages you eat at each meal. If you don’t know the portion size you usually eat, measure the food and take note of the portion size. Next, combine the individual foods into meals, and add the total carbohydrate count for each meal.
Over time, you’ll know how many carbs are in certain foods you eat and how they affect your blood glucose levels.
Q: How much is ‘too much’ when it comes to eating carbohydrates for someone with type 2 diabetes?
Jill Weisenberger (JW): This is way too individualized for me to give you a solid answer. If your blood glucose is in your target range before eating, but above your target range 2 hours after eating, chances are you ate too much carbohydrate. Though it might suggest something else such as taking your medications incorrectly or needing a different dose, or it might even be your blood sugar’s way of reminding you not to miss your usual exercise.
Q: How much is too much when it comes to eating carbohydrates for someone with pre-diabetes?
JW: People with prediabetes have more flexibility because they are not at risk of having a dangerously high blood sugar level. Instead of focusing on the quantity of carbohydrate, I prefer to focus on the quality of carb-rich foods. Aim to eat fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and other wholesome, nutrient-rich foods.
Q: Are there any carbohydrates someone with pre-diabetes should avoid?
JW: recommend limiting what I call fun foods. For me, that’s chocolate. For someone else, it’s corn chips. If it doesn’t had much to the wholesomeness of your diet, eat just small amounts or skip it completely. It’s almost always reasonable and possible to fit in favorite foods. However, I do urge extra caution around sugary beverages. Sugary drinks, like sodas, sweet tea and lemonade, are linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Q: I’ve read that adding walnuts to your meal plan is a good idea. Why or why not?
JW: Love walnuts! And yes, they are a great addition to the diet. They give us omega-3 fatty acids, fibers, phytonutrients and more. Diets with nuts are associated with improved heart and blood vessel health in people with diabetes and in the general population.
Jill Weisenberger’s candid and energetic approach and her sound nutrition and fitness advice has earned her a place as one of 10 Dietitians You Need to Follow on Social Media in US News & World Report. Jill offers healthy and delicious recipe ideas and nutrition strategies and is renowned for disease prevention and management, nutritious, delicious meals, and truths (and myths!) about food trends.
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes at risk?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free and entertaining, Scavenger Hunt: At Home Party on Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7 PM, EST. This hilarious night of virtual diabetes wellness and conversations features make-your-own smoothies with Jill WeisenbergerMS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND.
Having diabetes does not mean you need to deny yourself all the foods you love, but it is about healthy choices. One good choice is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with smoothies. During our online Scavenger Hunt, Jill shares tips for making healthy smoothies without compromising your diabetes wellness.
How: Mr. Divabetic will have a list of people may find around their kitchen. Once he posts an item you will have 30 seconds to find it and accumulate points for fun prizes including Jill Weisenberger’s Diabetes Weight Loss Week by Week bestselling book. After the hunt, we’ll sit back, laugh, make smoothies and enjoy a toast together until we can do it again in person.
We’re talking about “I Know What You Ate Last Summer” with Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDE, CHWC, FAND on Diabetes Late Nite with music from ‘The Best Of Patti Austin’ album courtesy of SONY Music. Addtional guests: Chris Pickering co-founder of ‘The Betes Bros, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Lorranie Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.
Enjoy this Cucumber Herb Soup Recipe from our friends at Pre Diabetes and Me
Cucumber Herb Soup
Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough for your doctor to diagnose diabetes. They might call it impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
Approximately 88 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Jill Weisenberger MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND
Pre Diabetes and Me is a CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program provider. Their coaches are professional health educators who believe that, in most cases, prediabetes is reversible.
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an evidence-based curriculum designed by the CDC. It’s a powerhouse tool presented to you by our trained lifestyle coaches. The guidance and resources you will receive can help you make lifelong changes and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Class cost is $175 for the year-long program.
We’re talking about ‘Secrets to Longevity & Diabetes’ with musical inspiration from Dionne Warwick on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
Living longer and increasing your life expectancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be a chore. From flossing your teeth daily to getting a good night’s sleep, there are simple things you can do to help you live long, happy and healthy life.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Dionne Warwick’s ‘Dionne’ album featuring I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja Vu courtesy of SONY Music
Choosing healthy snacks can be difficult when you have diabetes.
The key is to choose snacks that are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats. These nutrients will help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
It’s also important to snack on nutrient-dense foods that promote overall health.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans have close to 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber in a 1-cup (164-gram) serving of chickpeas, making them an excellent snack for people with diabetes.
Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine’s Hommus Crisps
One of our new favorite snacks, Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine’s Hommus Crisps‘ contain: chickpeas, green lentils, corn, sesame seeds, vegetable oil, sea salt.
A lot of us living with diabetes who are cutting back on high-carb foods like starches, desserts and processed snacks still have a sweet tooth.
Keep in mind, SPLENDA® contains maltodextrin and dextrose, two carbs that supply about 3 calories and 1 gram of carbs in each packet ( 6 ) even though it’s calorie-free. SPLENDA® can be substituted for sugar in a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.Happy baking!
Combine flour, SPLENDA® Granulated and rice flour. Beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until smooth. Press evenly into a greased 8’ square baking pan.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 35 minutes or until lightly browned at the edges and firm to touch. Cool on rack. Cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator.
“A light, cozy mystery read with a cat-loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small English village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! Contains mild peril.“
Plot Summary: When Julia’s gran, Dot, wins an all-inclusive spa trip to Scotland, Julia finds it difficult to refuse the offer of a relaxing week away from her café. Along with her sister, Sue, they pack up her tiny vintage car and drive all the way from Peridale to Seirbigh Castle, ready to be pampered. The last thing Julia expected was to be caught up in another murder investigation, but when the cruel owner of the family-run spa, Henry McLaughlin, is shot dead, she can’t resist ditching the facemasks and massages in favour of cracking the case.
Julia quickly befriends the young cook and talented-baker, Blair, and acquires a job in the kitchen so she can observe the strange family in the wake of the murder. Henry’s wife and children are acting suspicious, and with an incompetent young Detective Inspector on the case, Julia makes it her mission to discover the secrets held within the ancient walls before Seirbigh Castle claims another victim.
Cutting back on carbohydrates can have major benefits for your health according to Healthline.
Many studies have shown that low-carb diets can help you lose weight and help manage your diabetes and/or prediabetes.
Personally, I’ve been trying to eat less carbohydrates while Sheltering In in New York City to manage my weight. Although I’m taking daily walks and doing short at home workouts, I’m not playing tennis and/or going to the gym. The lack of physical activity makes me wonder what’s going to happen when I stop wearing sweatpants and start wearing work pants! But that little voice inside my head still hasn’t be able to stop me from craving something sweet at the end of the day.
These low carb Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies by My Montana Kitchen are just as delicious as they look! The brownie itself is dense and fudgy, while the peanut butter cheesecake layer is creamy and melt-in-your-mouth. And these brownies are so easy to make!
Sleeping seven to eight hours a night, having no insomnia, not snoring and not being sleepy during the day were tied to better cardiovascular health reports the New York Times.
New research found that among people genetically at high risk for cardiovascular disease, good sleep habits were protective, putting them at lower risk than poor sleepers with similarly high genetic risk.
We’re talking about our FAVORITE THINGS in diabetes wellness with musical inspiration from Gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.
This Grammy-winning Gospel/Adult Contemporary artist has one of the most persuasive and popular voices in music and works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that kids in low- income areas receive immunizations. Along with that nationwide program, she lends her energy and commitment to Houston charities such as juvenile diabetes and The Escape Center. ”I’m very involved with kids because after being a teacher for seven years, I just can’t stop loving the kids. I am a teacher forever.”
When Yolanda Adams was asked what she loves about her music and ministry she said, “the music brings joy. I truly believe that my songs bring the answers and the solutions, as opposed to just talking about the problems. My music at its core is joyful.”
Does Yolanda like Christmas music?
“I like to listen to Christmas music year-round. It puts a smile on your face, and then it gets you in a spirit heart-wise to give and be gracious,” she admitted.
December’s podcast guests include Dr. Bart Roep of City of Hope, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, Hint Water’s Anthony Fiorello, FAND ‘Know Diabetes By Heart’ Ambassador Christina Herrera, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.
Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Yolanda Adams’ album,“What A Wonderful Time” courtesy of SONY Music.
Former Pakistan cricket player, Wasim Akram with type 1 diabetes has slammed security officials at Manchester airport for saying they made him feel “embarrassed” and “humiliated”. He was rudely questioned and then ordered publicly to take his insulin out of its travel cold-case and place it in a plastic bag.
“I travel around the world with my insulin but never have I been made to feel embarrassed.I felt very humiliated as I was rudely questioned & ordered publicly to take my insulin out of its travel cold-case & dumped in to a plastic bag,” he posted on Twitter.
The sports star was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1997 during the peak of his career but refused to let the condition hold him back. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket.
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on Diabetes Late Nitewith musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, 6 PM, EST.
R & B superstar Phyllis Hyman was a sensational singer-songwriter and actress. Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman sang with a life-affirming energy and emotional intensity found in few other female vocalists.
Unfortunately Phyllis Hyman committed suicide, leaving a suicide note behind in 1995. Part of the note read “I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.” It has been reported that she suffered from bi-polar disorder and depression and had a history of substance abuse which involved alcohol and cocaine. Who knows what accomplishments she would have achieved if she had lived longer?
The sexy Versace dress which Lopez wore to the Grammy Awards in 2000, is getting the sneaker treatment in a collaboration between the fashion house and clothing brand, Concepts.
Renowned retailer Concepts has teamed up with Versace to use the green, jungle-print on the upper of the brand’s beloved Chain Reaction sneaker. The bold emerald green look is available now in men’s and women’s sizing via the boutique’s website. The sneaker’s tongue is nude to replicate the daringly low front of Jennifer Lopez’s dress. The sneakers retail for $1,075.
Diabetes Late Nite
Enjoy Divabetic’s 9th Year Anniversary of Diabetes Late NitePodcasting with musical inspiration from P!nk. Guests include Beyond Type 2’s T’ara Smith, Catherine Lawrence , Dr. Sara (Mandy) Reece PHARMD, CDE, BC-ADM, BCACP, FAADE, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Glamazon Beauty owner Kim Baker, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Hosted by the happiest health care “MC,” Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.
“There is no indication that A1C levels in the registry as a whole have improved despite an increase in the use of insulin pumps and CGM’s (continuous glucose monitors),” said the authors of the T1D Exchange Clinic Network’s “State of Type 1 Diabetes Management and Outcomes from the T1D Exchange in 2016-2018″.
The majority of both youth and adults surveyed aren’t meeting A1C goals defined by the American Diabetes Association.
The A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
While much of the report can be seen as disheartening, there are some great takeaways – CGM and insulin pump users tend to have lower A1Cs and less hypoglycemia, suggesting the need for improved access to these devices in the type 1 community.
Diabetes Late Nite podcast with music from Ricky Martin
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with musical inspiration from Ricky Martin.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Uprising (June 29, 1969). It is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement.
Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT rights both in the U.S. and in his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.
As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members from the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James 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.”
