November News: Take The Challenge

Take the Challenge

It's a challenge to make healthy choices at Thanksgiving

It’s a challenge at the holidays to make healthy food choices when so many delicious, rich foods are being served. Remember, the holidays are a time for family and fun. Don’t focus just on food.

Offer to bring your favorite diabetes-friendly dish to the dinner. The hostess will appreciate that. Drink in moderation. Alcohol in all forms is packed with carbs and calories. Opt for sugar-free mixes.

Eat a healthy snack early in the day before the big dinner. Take sensible portions and avoid dishes that are heavy with sauces, butter or gravy.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Type 2 & YOU

Our bodies change our food into glucose for energy. Insulin helps glucose get into our cells. Diabetes develops if the body does not make enough insulin, does not use insulin the right way or both.

The most common kind of diabetes in older adults is Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can contribute to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and circulation problems that lead to amputation.

Take Control

If you have diabetes, you know it’s challenging and  important to control glucose levels:

Take your medicines as prescribed

Make healthy food choices and get daily exercise

Get your eyes and kidneys checked each year

Care for teeth and gums and see the dentist twice each year

Get the A1C test at least twice a year to check your average blood glucose levels

Protect your skin, check your feet and watch your cholesterol and blood pressure

Traveling? Take Care of Your Diabetes While Traveling

Pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies in case of travel delays

Keep snacks, glucose gel or tablets with you in case of glucose drops

Keep your health insurance cards and emergency phone numbers handy

Carry or wear your medical ID that says you have diabetes

Remember to adjust your medicines with time zone changes as needed

Pack a glucagon emergency kit if you use insulin and have all syringes clearly marked with the pharmaceutical preprinted label that identifies it and in the original pharmacy packaging

Place all diabetes supplies in carry-on luggage and keep medications and snacks at your seat for easy access. Don’t store them in overhead bins.

Thanksgiving is the time to remember how many blessings we have. Be sure to be grateful.

Family members join hands in prayer at Thanksgiving meal.

 

Some of our favorite foods are served at Thanksgiving. With so many delicious choices, it’s hard sometimes to save on calories. Here is a quick comparison of food choices for the holiday that will help you!

Happy Turkey Day!

Turkey is part of the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Watch your calories!

 

 

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