A good diet goes a long way in preventing diabetes

By: Dr. NOE OLIVERIA and DIANA F. RAMIREZ

As you may or may not realize, we (people of the Rio Grande Valley) live in an area of the United States with the most uncontrolled Type II Diabetic patients. With long standing elevated Blood Sugars comes a myriad of morbidities and complications with our health. However, that does not have to be the case with anybody who has Diabetes if they adhere to a good diet (Low in Carbohydrates) and participate in regular exercise and keep their Blood Sugars under control.

Now, I would be remiss if I did not mention something of the Scientific-Medical nature concerning Type II Diabetes, so here it goes.
 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease characterized by declining Beta Cell function, insulin resistance and an attenuated incretin effect (a decrease in stimulation of insulin secretion when given an oral glucose load). As a result, patients exhibit uncontrolled hyperglycemia if inadequately treated, along with an associated increased risk of Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack), Neurological problems such as Stroke, Microvascular events such as blockage of the small arteries leading to complicated wounds and sometimes amputation of a limb and subsequently, premature death. Treatment is aimed at lowering Hemoglobin A1c levels and normalizing elevated fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose levels. Patients with T2DM, generally require long-term therapy for the remainder of their lives. Moreover, the progressive nature of the disease often necessitates increasingly intensive treatment regimens to maintain glycemic control.
Now, it is not all doom and gloom by no means. A person with Type II Diabetes Mellitus can indeed “Live Well” with a similar medical profile as a person without T2DM. How, you ask? It starts with Education which ultimately leads to Knowledge and Empowerment over the disease itself.
A visit to your Family Physician is the best place to start. There, you can get a thorough History and Physical Examination with an Assessment and Plan that is best suited to get your Blood Sugars under control.
There are also many fine organizations in our area that provide education and information including the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association. This organization hosts multiple informative events throughout the year such as the “Panel of Experts,” monthly cooking classes, Dancing With the Stars of the Rio Grande Valley (Definitely a Bucket List event if you live in the RGV), Do Well Live Well with Diabetes, Walkerz Against Diabetes and much more.
There are personal dieticians and trainers in our area who are knowledgeable in the dietary aspects of Diabetes Mellitus and can get you on your way to a good diet and exercise regimen to help keep your Blood Sugars and Hemoglobin A1c under control so you can live well with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.In conclusion, Education, Knowledge and Empowerment over T2DM along with a good Low Carbohydrate (Low Glycemic Index) diet and exercise that is appropriate for you, can help you Live Well with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

FRUITY APPLESAUCE POPS
>>Ingredients
1 32-ounce jar unsweetened applesauce
2 cups assorted fresh berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries, and halved sweet cherries
>>Directions
1. In a large bowl stir together the applesauce and berries. Spoon into 16 popsicle containers. Cover and freeze overnight. (Or spoon into 5-ounce paper cups. Cover cups with plastic wrap; secure wrap with tape or a rubber band. Insert a popsicle stick through the plastic wrap into applesauce mixture. Freeze overnight.)
Nutrition Facts per serving
Servings per recipe: 16
Per serving: 32 calories, 1 milligram sodium, 8 gram carbohydrates (1 gram fiber, 6 grams sugars),

Dr. Noe Oliveira is the Director of The Wound Care Center at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Diana F. Ramirez is the executive director of the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association.
http://www.themonitor.com/life/a-good-diet-goes-a-long-way-in-preventing-diabetes/article_4e971f74-13ae-11e6-8d88-f78658badf48.html