Diabetes Friendly Recipes

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Living with diabetes is already difficult enough without having to worry about your diet restrictions. You can enjoy healthy meals, even if time is tight in your schedule. Here are some quick, diabetes conscious recipes to keep you going through the day.

Start your morning off with this delicious fruit and almond smoothie. You will need one cup of almond milk, one cup of frozen strawberries and peaches, and 2 ounces of flavored Greek yogurt of your choice. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth and thick, pour and enjoy! See the full recipe here: http://www.diabetes.org/mfa-recipes/recipes/2012-04-fruit-and-almond-smoothie.html
This healthy chicken and vegetable casserole is cooked in one pan and makes an easy mid-day meal. You will need chicken breasts, broccoli, spinach, wild brown rice, and cheese of your choice. See the full recipe here: http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/chicken/chicken-and-wild-rice-casserole
End your day with this orange soy salmon recipe. This heart-healthy meal can be prepared, popped in the microwave, and served in less than 15 minutes. Salmon fillets are cooked over spinach and served alongside a veggie mix, all drizzled with a tangy topping of orange juice, soy sauce, fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. See the full recipe here: http://www.culinaryarts.com/Recipes/recipefiles/orange_soy_glazed_salmon.htm

Cooking a diabetes-friendly meal doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavor that traps you in the kitchen. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are prediabetic, or cook for someone who has diabetes, you can still enjoy a healthy and delicious dish!

Jamaica Hospital provides a support group service for diagnosed diabetics along with prevention programs for those at risk. For more information on managing your diabetes, please call 718-206-7088.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Are you one of the estimated 54 million people in this country who have pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a silent health condition that has no symptoms and is almost always present before you develop type 2 diabetes.

It is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as full-blown diabetes. If you haven’t visited your doctor, a good way to see if you are at increased risk for pre-diabetes is to take the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Diabetes risk test by visiting

Among those who should be screened for pre-diabetes include overweight adults age 45 and older or those under age 45 who are overweight and who have one or more of the following risk factors:

Habitually physically inactive
Have previously been identified as having impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
Have a family history of diabetes
Are members of certain ethnic groups (including Asian, African-American, Hispanic or Native American)
Have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a child weighing more than 9 pounds
Have elevated blood pressure
Have elevated cholesterol
Have polycystic ovary syndrome
Have a history of vascular disease

That said, if you have pre-diabetes, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by a sustained modest weight loss and increased moderate-physical activity, such as walking 30 minutes a day.

Through weight loss and increased physical activity, a dietitian may direct you on how to make food choices that cut down on the amount of fat and carbohydrates by:

Eating more foods that are broiled and fewer foods that are fried
Decrease the amount of butter you use in cooking
Eat more fish and chicken
Eat more meatless meals
Re-Orient your meals to reflect more vegetables and fruit

If you have symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision, you may have crossed from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes.

It’s best to consult a physician if you’re concerned about pre-diabetes or if you notice any type 2 diabetes signs or symptoms. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. To make an appointment, call 718-206-7001.

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Living with diabetes can affect your entire body and your mouth no exception. The good news however is that by effectively managing your blood sugar and practicing good oral hygiene habits, you can avoid diabetes-related problems to your teeth and gums.
Diabetes can take a toll on your mouth in the following ways:

• Tooth decay (cavities) – When bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars and starches found in the food we eat, it creates plaque, which destroys the enamel on our teeth and creates cavities. There are more sugars and starches in the mouths of diabetics because they have higher blood glucose levels, and are therefore more susceptible to tooth erosion and damage.

• Gum disease (gingivitis) – Diabetes reduces our bodies ability to fight bacteria, such as plaque. When plaque hardens on the gum line, it creates tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause swelling and bleeding. Gum disease can advance to a condition known as periodontitis, which can result in your teeth falling out.

• Thrush -People with diabetes who take antibiotics to combat infections are more likely to develop this fungal infection of the mouth and tongue, causing a burning sensation. This fungus thrives on the high levels of blood sugar found in the saliva of diabetics.

You can do a lot to avoid these problems, including:

• Manage your diabetes by monitoring your blood sugar and keeping it within your target range

• Take good care of your mouth by brushing at least two times per day with a soft-bristled brush and floss once per day to help remove plaque.

• Schedule regular dental visits and make sure your dentist is aware that you have diabetes and provide him with your doctor’s contact information.

• Look out for early signs of gum disease such as redness, bleeding or swelling. Also alert your dentist of loose teeth or mouth pain.

• Quit smoking as it increases the risk of serious diabetic complications, including gum disease. Ask your doctor about ways to quit if you need help.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing problems with your teeth and gums, make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Jamaica Hospital operates a full-service dental facility on its main campus. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6980.

The Many Benefits of Garlic

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Looking for a wonder drug that can:

• Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol? Check
• Boost your immune system? Check
• Control you diabetes? Check
• Improve your digestive and respiratory system? Check

What is this new, breakthrough drug? It’s not a medication at all; in fact you can find it at your local grocery store. It’s garlic!

Garlic is a plant that is used in many cultures for both culinary and medical purposes for hundreds of years. Eaten on its own, or more commonly used as an ingredient in many tasty dishes, garlic contains allicin, which is known to have anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.

Garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure by relaxing vein and artery walls. This action helps keep platelets from clumping together and improves blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. Garlic also decreases the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, substances that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies suggest that regularly eating garlic helps lower blood pressure and controls blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

This popular herb may also improve immunity by stimulating some of the body’s natural immune cells. Studies suggest that garlic may help prevent breast, bladder, skin, stomach, and colon cancer. Garlic’s antibacterial properties also make it a wonderful anti-viral and decongestant to prevent and combat colds, coughs, and upper respiratory tract infections. In addition, Garlic is often used to treat many other common maladies such as ear infections, toothaches, and treatment for warts and athlete’s foot.

Garlic can be digested either cooked or in raw form (but only in small amounts). If you do not like the taste of garlic there are also powdered or caplet forms. Your doctor can recommend which form of garlic is best for you.

For most people, consuming garlic does not cause any serious side effects if taken in moderation, but it can cause heartburn or stomach irritation if taken in excess. Due to its blood thinning properties, individuals taking anti-coagulant medications should speak with their doctor before increasing their daily garlic intake.

What Happens During A Diabetic Coma

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

A diabetic coma results from either very high or very low blood glucose levels. This is a life-threatening complication which causes the patient to fall into a state of unconsciousness. The coma is reversible if treated immediately, but if left untreated they may receive permanent brain damage or potentially die. There are three main types of diabetic comas: severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic hyperosmolar. Each type of coma can be brought on by excessive food intake, failure to take the proper doses of medication, trauma, illegal drug use, alcohol consumption or infection.

Hypoglycemia occurs when the body has insufficient glucose. If the brain does not have enough glucose, it cannot function properly which later causes you to pass out. Diabetic Ketoacidosis is common amongst people with type 1 diabetes and is triggered by the build-up of ketones. Ketones build up when sugar levels are too low and the body begins to burn fat for energy. Diabetic hyperosmolar occurs when your blood sugar is dangerously high, causing your blood to get thick and syrupy. Your body will try to get rid of the excess sugar by passing it in urine. This will cause frequent urination that can lead to dehydration.

There are several symptoms that will alert you if your sugar levels are dangerously high or low:

Fatigue
Sudden and extreme hunger
Frequent urination
Fruity-smelling breath
Shaking or nervousness
Irregular heartbeat
Confusion

If you are experiencing these symptoms check your blood glucose levels right away and seek immediate medical attention. The best way to avoid diabetic comas is through prevention and managing your diabetes. You can manage your diabetes by checking your blood sugar regularly, exercising, sticking to your recommended diet, staying hydrated and taking the proper doses of medication. For more information on diabetes management and early prevention Jamaica Hospital offers a free diabetes prevention program, to sign up please call 718-206-7088.