Raising Awareness — November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

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FORTHGEAR, INC.

Nov 24, 2017, 03:00 ET


SALT LAKE CITY (PRWEB) November 24, 2017 -- Each November communities across the country observe National Diabetes Month to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans.

There are three main types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes – The body does not make insulin. This is a problem because the body needs insulin to take the sugar (glucose) from the food and turn it into energy. Individuals with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to live.
  • Type 2 diabetes – The body does not make or use insulin well. Individuals with type 2 diabetes may need to take pills or insulin to help control their diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.
  • Gestational (jest-TAY-shun-al) diabetes – Some women get this type of diabetes when they are pregnant. Most of the time it goes away after the baby is born. But even if it goes away, these women and their children have a greater chance of getting diabetes later in life.

People with diabetes can help keep their blood glucose levels in a safe range by making healthy food choices and tracking their eating habits.

A diabetes diet simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. In addition, a diabetes diet is a healthy-eating plan that’s naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key elements are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

By successfully managing their diet, individuals with diabetes will also reduce the risk of having health problems caused by diabetes such as:

  • heart attack or stroke
  • eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind
  • pain, tingling or numbness in their hands and feet, also called nerve damage
  • kidney problems that can cause their kidneys to stop working
  • teeth and gum problems

Recommended Foods

  • Healthy carbohydrates. During digestion, sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood glucose. Focus on the healthiest carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas and lentils) and low-fat dairy products.
  • Fiber-rich foods. Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can’t digest or absorb. Fiber moderates how your body digests and helps control blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber include vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), whole-wheat flour and wheat bran.
  • Heart-healthy fish (at least twice a week). Fish can be a good alternative to high-fat meats. For example, cod, tuna and halibut have less total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than do meat and poultry. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and bluefish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health by lowering blood fats called triglycerides.
  • “Good” fats. Foods containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help lower your cholesterol levels. These include avocados, almonds, pecans, walnuts, olives, and canola, olive and peanut oils.

Foods to Avoid

Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke by accelerating the development of clogged and hardened arteries. Foods containing the following can work against your goal of a heart-healthy diet.

  • Saturated fats. High-fat dairy products and animal proteins such as beef, hot dogs, sausage and bacon contain saturated fats.
  • Trans fats. These types of fats are found in processed snacks, baked goods, shortening and stick margarines. Avoid these items.
  • Cholesterol. Sources of cholesterol include high-fat dairy products and high-fat animal proteins, egg yolks, liver and other organ meats. Aim for no more than 200 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day.
  • Sodium. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day. However, if you also have hypertension, you should aim for less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.

When it comes to managing diabetes, meal planning is important—and that includes choosing snacks wisely. HealthyYOU Vending is dedicated to providing healthy snacks in vending machines. Eating diabetes-friendly, healthy vending snacks can help control blood glucose and energy levels while managing hunger.

HealthyYOU Vending is the world leader in the healthy vending industry. With their corporate offices located in Kaysville, Utah, the HealthyYOU team is dedicated to making healthier snacks, drinks and food products more accessible to people across North America. Their vending equipment is privately manufactured in the United States at a state-of-the-art facility. Owner/Operator opportunities for serious-minded and health conscious entrepreneurs are currently available in most states.

Tara Alvey, FORTHGEAR, INC., http://www.forthgear.com, +1 8015035856, [email protected]