Diabetes Prevention Tips From Parkland Health Experts

From dallasweekly.com

As American Diabetes Alert Day approaches on March 26, it's crucial to understand the seriousness of diabetes and its impact on our health 

Overview:

American Diabetes Alert Day is on March 26 and experts from Parkland Health are urging people to learn about the seriousness of diabetes and understand their personal risk. According to the 2022 Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment, diabetes is one of the leading chronic diseases among Parkland patients. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, develops when the body cannot use insulin properly. Some symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, losing weight without trying, fatigue, feeling irritable or moody, blurry vision, frequent UTIs or yeast infections. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by making lifestyle changes including weight loss and regular physical activity.

Many people can feel overwhelmed trying to stay on top of their health but recognizing the
warning signs can help prevent a life-changing illness. American Diabetes Alert Day is March
26, and Parkland Health experts encourage the community to learn about the seriousness of
diabetes and understand personal risk.

According to the 2022 Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment, diabetes is one of
the leading chronic diseases among Parkland patients. Diabetes affects how your body turns
blood sugar (glucose) into energy. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 is an autoimmune disease. Type 2 diabetes – the most common form – develops when the
body cannot use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas produces extra insulin to compensate, but
over time it cannot keep blood sugar at normal levels.

                                                                                  Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

You may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, eating and
unhealthy diet, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and do not exercise regularly.

Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes you should be aware of include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Losing weight without trying
• Fatigue
• Feeling irritable or moody
• Blurry vision
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections

Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented if you are at risk or have prediabetes – a .
warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes
range. Making lifestyle changes including weight loss and regular physical activity can reduce
your risk.

If you think you may be at risk, take the 60-second risk assessment test and start on a path to a
healthier future. To learn more, visit www.parklanddiabetes.com/diabetes/whats-your-risk.

https://dallasweekly.com/2026/03/american-diabetes-alert-day/

Diabetes Food Hub: Beef and Mushroom Taco Bowl

From diabetesfoodhub.org

20 min prep time    25 min cook time    4 servings 

How to Make Beef and Mushroom Taco Bowl

This taco bowl features a hearty base of roasted white potatoes and fluffy cauliflower rice topped with savoury ground beef, mushrooms, and red bell peppers. Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten every bite, while creamy avocado adds richness and balance. It’s a satisfying, veggie-packed, high-fibre twist on classic taco flavours that’s easy enough for weeknights and perfect for build-your-own bowls.

INGREDIENTS

white potatoes (about 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes)

12 oz

olive oil (divided)

1 tbsp

Kosher Salt

1/2 tsp

black pepper

1/4 tsp

4% extra lean ground beef

8 oz

mushrooms (finely chopped)

8 oz

red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper, diced)

1 cup

chili powder

1 tsp

ground cumin

1 tsp

smoked paprika

1/2 tsp

garlic powder

1/4 tsp

onion powder

1/4 tsp

no-salt-added tomato sauce

1/2 cup

water

1/4 cup

cauliflower rice

2 cup

fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

2 tbsp

fresh cilantro (chopped)

1/4 cup

cherry tomatoes (halved)

8 whole

avocado (sliced)

1 med

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss diced potatoes with 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

2. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped mushrooms, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking apart the beef, until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and water and bring to a simmer. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the liquid is reduced. Remove from heat.

4. While the beef mixture is simmering, heat cauliflower rice in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add the cilantro and lime juice and mix together. Keep warm until ready to serve.

5. Divide the cauliflower rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with roasted potatoes, beef-mushroom-pepper mixture, two tomatoes, and 1/4 of a sliced avocado. 

Nutrition facts

4 Servings

• Serving Size
  1 bowl (about 2 1/2 cups)

• Amount per serving230 Calories                                                                                        %  Daily value*

• Total Fat 12g15%
  • Saturated Fat 2g10%
  • Trans Fats 0g
• Cholesterol 30mg10%
• Sodium 280mg12%
• Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
  • Dietary Fiber 7g25%
  • Total Sugars 7g
  • Added Sugars 0g0%
• Protein 19g
• Potassium 1090mg23%

https://diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/beef-and-mushroom-taco-bowl