Vitamin D & Diabetes -- Connection?

I found a very interesting article yesterday at www.diabeticconnect.com about vitamin D defiency and Diabetes - which is interesting because when I had my bloodwork done in December, everything looked great - except my vitamin D level - which was 30 - which is the lowest it should be. My doctor doubled my dosage and I will have blood work done again in February to check my levels.

Before you run out and buy Vitamin D and start taking it - check with your doctor and have your level checked first - too much can be just as bad for you as not enough. Here are some interesting facts about Vitamin D as highlighted in the article:

• Vitamin D is a fat- soluble vitamin; which means what the body doesn’t use it stores.
• Vitamin D is important for bone development
• Proper functioning of the muscles, intestines, pancreas, and brain.
• Emerging evidence supports the possible role of vitamin D in diseased prevention ranging from cancer to diabetes. The mechanism of disease prevention seems to be related to vitamin D’s ability to decrease cell proliferation, stopping the growth of new blood vessels(important in cancer prevention), and having anti-inflammatory effects.
• Some studies have postulated that vitamin D may lower the risk of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.
• Weight loss is also a problem we all struggle with. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, depression, stroke, and diabetes, just to name a few. Results of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have found vitamin D to be associated with successful weight loss.

It's important that you know the results of all of your blood work - and that your doctor test your Vitamin D levels a couple of times per year. The more information you have about your own health situation, the more empowered you are to help yourself. Remember - you are your own health care advocate, so get involved!

Fish Oil.....Benefits to Diabetics?

A friend of mine whose husband is diabetic asked me the other day if fish oil lowered blood sugar?

I decided to do a little research on that topic. I started taking 3 capsules per day with each meal about a year ago after another friend who has a chronic illness told me he lowered his cholesterol levels significantly after he added fish oil to his daily regimen.

I will say that since I added Fish Oil to my diet, my triglycerides & bad cholesterol have been lower. PLEASE don't add any supplements to your diet without talking to your doctor first. Sometimes they negatively impact your regular medications.

I did some research and found the article which I am linking to this post. What I found was that although Fish Oil has not been proven to actually help glucose levels, it does have tons of other benefits for diabetics! Here are just a few of the things I discovered that fish oil can positively impact:

• Memory
• Depression
• ADHD
• Dry skin
• Triglycerides
• Bad cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Glaucoma
• Menstrual cramps
• Dry eye symptoms
• Kidney disease
• Hardening of the arteries

Talk to your doctor to make sure fish oil can be added to your regimen. I did see positive results when I added it to mine! I will talk about other supplements in upcoming posts!

Control Diabetes by Controlling your Choices!

Excellent Article by Marci Sloane, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE. from American Diabetes Wholesale - which is where I order some of my supplies! If your insurance does not cover test strips their prices are the best I have found.

A new year represents a fresh start for all of us. It is a great time to start the year off on the right foot. January 1st is a date to think of all the things we could improve and begin to implement them.

However, after a few months, if that long, reality sets in and we are back to our old habits. With diabetes, not following through on good self care can result in potentially harmful health complications. Now is the time to make a commitment to your health today and for the next 360 days, and beyond.

I recommend these essential and easy-to-keep steps for all-year-round care:
*Carry glucose tablets or some type of sugar to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) at all times!

*Have a blood sugar monitor. Even if you don't test as often as you'd like, there may be times you are curious if how you're feeling is related to your glucose, or how a particular meal affected you.

*Check your feet daily. Diabetes is the number one cause of foot amputations, other than accidents. Checking your feet is really easy to do and will protect you from missing an infection or wound that can become a major health issue.

*Exercise or increase your activity level - with your doctor's approval.

*Think before you eat! Food has a major impact on your diabetes, your health and your life!

*Don't smoke! It will further hinder your circulation, potentially leading to foot and leg issues.

*Visit your health care team regularly as recommended by them - physicians, diabetes educators, nurses, dietitians, dentists, psychologists, etc.

*Attend support groups to learn and keep up with the latest diabetes health and management information available.

*Keep your stress levels low. Meditation, deep breathing exercises or other stress relievers (favorite activities, hobbies) to keep calm in your life.

*Ask questions! Be your best health advocate. If this is a challenge for you, ask a friend or family member to help you take charge of your health care. Inquire about the medication you take. Understand how it works. Ask if there are other choices that may enhance your individual lifestyle.
Know your numbers: A1c, cholesterol/triglycerides, blood pressure - it's your life, after all!
Enjoy your year, healthfully and happily!

*NOTE: Consult your doctor first to make sure my recommendations fit your special health needs.
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Whole Wheat Lasagna - Low Carb!

This Lasagna recipe was a spur of the moment "creation" by yours truly - and it was VERY tasty - and colorful!!!

Ingredients:

9 whole wheat Lasagna noodles, cooked
3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, ends pulled off
1 container lowfat Ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
1 pound extra lean ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar Ragu "no sugar added" Tomato/Basil Sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
dash of sea salt and pepper

Preheat Oven to 375'. Spray lasagna pan or 9 x 13" pan with non-stick cooking spray. Cook lasagna noodles per package directions.

In large bowl combine all ingredients and mix together until well blended. Placed 3 lasagna noodles in bottom of dish and cover with mixture, a bit of parmesan cheese and 1/3 jar of saauce.
Repeat 3 times until the top layer which should be the mixture, tomato/basil sauce and sprinkles of parmesan cheese. Bake in 375' oven for about 30 minutes.

Looks great, tastes great and the true test - two 14 year olds actually liked it and ate it. Its full of fiber and tastes great! Enjoy!