In light of these concerns, NutriSystem, a popular weight-loss company, has developed a new program designed to focus specifically on the needs of diabetic patients called NutriSystem D. The main feature of all of NutriSystem’s programs center around pre-packaged meals. The meals are specially designed to be healthy, delicious and nutritious, while also being low in calories. This takes much of the guesswork out of dieting because customers are not required to plan their own meals. The new system follows the same NutriSystem model; however, NutriSystem D meals are also low in sugar and feature low glycemic index foods.

Initial studies of the NutriSystem D program are positive. Researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania found that participants experienced measurable weight loss following the program. Even more encouraging was the fact that this weight loss translated into significantly lower A1c scores. The A1c score, which measures blood sugar levels and insulin production, is often used to monitor the overall health of diabetic patients. A low score means the diabetes is being kept in check, while a higher score can often indicate problems. Seeing this score lower while following the NutriSystem D program indicates that the diet plan may be able to help diabetics improve their health radically.

Diabetics are very excited about NutriSystem D, and if research continues to prove favorable, the program could make a considerable impact. The diabetic community in the United States currently consists of about 23 million people, the majority of which are overweight or obese. Considering that diabetes is largely a preventable disease, these numbers are especially high. Now that there is a practical and effective way for diabetics to manage their weight, it is possible that we may be seeing these numbers decrease over the next few years.

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101 Tips for Coping with Diabetes by doctors Richard Rubin, Gary Arsham, Catherine Feste, David G. Marrero, and layman Stefan H. Rubin – This is a great book whether you are  newly diagnosed or have been a diabetic for years. The book contains nine chapters, with each one focusing on a different aspect of living with diabetes. Topics include stress management, diet and exercise, maintaining glucose levels, and getting the best possible health care. This book is in a Q &A format, making it easy to read without getting bogged down in medical jargon. It contains fantastic tips for making the most of doctor’s visits, traveling with diabetes and a variety of other concerns.

What to Eat When You Get Diabetes by Carolyn Leontos – When you find you have diabetes, one of the biggest adjustments is in your diet. Leontos gives you simple, tasty ways to make healthy dietary changes. You will find strategies for dining out, locating a dietitian, and choosing vitamins for diabetic living. She also shows you how to modify your recipes so the flavor remains but the unhealthy fats and salts are reduced or removed.

What to Expect When You Have Diabetes by the American Diabetes Association – This book contains 170 tips for living with diabetes. It, too, is written in a Q&A format and includes 16  sections covering a myriad of diabetes-related topics like understanding and preventing diabetic highs and lows, gestational diabetes, diabetes health concerns and many others. There are also 15 charts included that show you how to best track your diabetes choices, lifestyle, medication and more.

Dr. Buynak’s 1-2-3 Diabetes Diet by Robert J. Buynak, MD – This book provides step-by-step information for weight loss without “tricks” or risk taking. You will find calorie counting tips, BMI charts, and tips for dieting without stress. The book has a special section that will help you understand the labels on your food, ways to make grocery shopping easier and foods to avoid. You will find a wealth of knowledge for living with diabetes given in a reader-friendly format.

Raising a Child with Diabetes; A Guide for Parents by Linda Siminerio, RN and Jean Betschart, RN – If you are a parent of a child living with diabetes, then you likely have many questions – especially if the diagnosis is relatively recent. This book explains diabetes, gives pointers on diabetic child care, and teaches about insulin treatment, glucose testing and meal planning. There are  tips on playing sports and helpful information on special concerns like hypo/hyperglycemia, infections and other diabetes-related problems. The book also includes a chapter titled “Living with Diabetes,” which discusses budgeting, traveling and coping with diabetes.

The Joslin Guide to Diabetes by Richard Beaser, MD – A comprehensive, yet easy to understand, guide to living with diabetes types 1 and 2. You will find a plethora of charts, tips for daily care and maintenance, hints for eating out, handling doctor’s visits and much more. Whether you are a new diabetic or have been one for years, this is a great book to have in your home.

This is just a short list of books focusing on living with diabetes. Of course, there are numerous other books to choose from – the important thing is to find what works for you and do it!

Even with today’s advancements in medicine and science, there is still no cure for diabetes. Yes, there are a variety of medications designed to assist and treat diabetes, but so far, medicine does not offer a cure. Consequently, many studies have been done to find a more natural cure for diabetes. And, while both holistic and traditional doctors agree that daily exercise and a healthy diet are a critical part of diabetes treatment, there is much diversion in opinions regarding the use of these alternative approaches as a natural treatment for diabetes.

According to the National Center for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (associated with the National Institute of Health), alternative medicine is defined as “A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be a part of conventional medicine.” Consequently, should you opt for a natural cure for diabetes, it is vital that you let your health care provider know. In addition, don’t hesitate to return to your traditional medical doctor if you do not find the natural treatment for diabetes to be effective for your situation.

Forms of Natural Treatment for Diabetes:

• Acupuncture- This natural cure for diabetes is frequently employed by people who are treating nerve damage caused by diabetes, known as neuropathy. Acupuncture is done by using extremely thin needles inserted in specific parts of the skin. It is believed that acupuncture causes the body to release its natural painkillers, resulting in healing properties.
• Biofeedback- This method of natural treatment for diabetes focuses on relaxation and stress reduction. However, in studies at Duke University, there have been conflicting results on diabetes and biofeedback. In one study, people who practiced relaxation techniques lowered their blood sugar. However, over time, both the control group and the experimental subjects showed improvement during the study. Clearly, there is still much to learn about this treatment method.
• Guided Imagery- This works similarly to biofeedback, but encourages people to de-stress by picturing peaceful mental images. Since high stress levels can cause spikes in blood sugar, it is believed that guided imagery will reduce stress levels, thus lowering blood glucose.
• Hydrotherapy-Surprisingly, when a group of diabetics were asked to spend 30 minutes a day relaxing in the tub, it was found that their blood sugar levels dropped significantly.
• Detoxification- This natural cure for diabetes maintains that when you fast for short periods of time, your body removes excess toxins easier and lowers blood sugar levels naturally. There are a variety of herbal supplements available to assist with this process as well.
• Mud Therapy- For many years, mud baths have been used to prevent and treat a plethora of diseases. It is thought that the mud draws the diabetes, causing toxins out of the body.
• Massage- This natural treatment for diabetes is said to stimulate the body’s system and organs that are needed to effectively control diabetes.
• Herbs and spices- There has been extensive research to learn which herbs and spices can help regulate and lower blood sugar. Some of these natural items are cinnamon, blueberry leaves, broccoli, garlic, whole wheat grains and bitter melon.

While many of these natural cures for diabetes are not totally proven, there is still hope that with time, they will be a more accepted approach in diabetic treatment. So don’t give up–natural treatment for diabetes may not be that unusual in the very near future!

Picture this: A large scale that is heavily weighted on one side with an assortment of costly prescription medicines and equipment like syringes, glucose meters and test strips, added health problems, and the time spent each year at the doctor’s office. Raised high on the other side of the scale are natural diabetes control materials like vitamins, mineral-based supplements, and health-conscious living choices.

For many of Americans, treating diabetes means a life of medication, despite the many advances in natural diabetes control. Why? Because many in the medical field are not convinced that natural diabetes control is viable. Fortunately, not everyone believes this to be true, and as a result, much work has been done that focuses on treating diabetes through natural diabetes control. However, it is important to note that before you begin treating diabetes naturally, you should keep the following advisories in mind.

Natural Diabetes Control Advisories:

Before starting a natural diabetes control approach, talk to a doctor or pharmacist who understands and supports holistic medicine. You will need to be sure that they are aware of any medications, supplements, or physical issues that may interact negatively with one another. Then begin the following natural diabetes control suggestions:

• When treating diabetes naturally, you should not eat foods that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Avoid fat-laden foods. Rather, be sure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables and high in fiber, as these foods will naturally reduce blood sugar levels.
• Do not eat foods that contain white flour. These items actually encourage diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to rise.
• Continue to monitor your blood sugar levels; just because you have started treating diabetes naturally doesn’t mean you should throw out all your testing supplies as soon as you take the first vitamin or supplement.
• Limit the amount of red meat in your diet. Rather, fulfill the need for proteins by including lean cuts of meats such as chicken, fish (especially coldwater fish like salmon, sable, halibut and herring) and turkey. You can also get proteins from legumes, egg yolks, and nuts.
• Rather than excessive salt, use herbs like garlic, rosemary, ginger, turmeric, and cilantro to enhance and flavor your foods.

As you begin making these dietary changes, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. You will find that you have more energy, are more alert and sleep better than ever. The best part? By treating diabetes through natural methods, your blood sugar levels, A1C tests and other assorted diabetes concerns will become lower and can potentially cease altogether.

Which sounds more attractive: taking daily insulin pills or injections, or eating healthy foods? Or what about this choice: spending hundreds of dollars on prescription medicine that can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headaches or using a natural remedy for diabetes that involves vitamins, supplements and easy to do lifestyle changes? If you opt for the natural diabetes remedies, then you are not alone. Each year, thousands of people learn that they have pre-diabetes or diabetes, and upon diagnosis, choose a natural remedy for diabetes. Interestingly, many of these people who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes never develop full-fledged diabetes because of the diabetes remedies that they adapt into their lifestyle.

Diet and Diabetes Remedies:

• Be sure your diet includes an abundance of foods that are high in fiber, plentiful in colorful fruits and vegetables and low in sugars and white flours.
• Eating breakfast is an important aspect of implementing a successful natural remedy for diabetes. Be sure you frequently include protein sources such as omega 3 eggs, a soy protein shake, or nut butters.
• Controlling diabetes does not mean skipping meals or snacks. Rather, you should eat a healthy snack/meal at least once every 4 hours. Great snack choices include nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables, or even 2-3 ounces of dark chocolate (this should contain at least 70% cocoa).
• When planning your meals, be sure that they include foods that are high in items that rank low on the glycemic index. Some of these items include lentils, chick peas, soybeans, edamame and green leafy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, kale, collards, spinach, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
• Don’t limit yourself by not trying new vegetables, fruits or meats. Some extremely beneficial, though unsung heroes of the produce world are detoxants like watercress, bok choy, and Chinese cabbage; anti-oxidants like collards, beets, leeks, and bilberries, and anti-inflammatory foods like wild fish, red and purple berries, nuts and orange sweet potatoes.
• Replace salt with other seasonings. Try creating your own salt-free blend of seasoning. Garlic is especially helpful as it aids in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Foods That Are NOT Part of a Natural Remedy for Diabetes:

• Any type of processed food
• Foods rich in white flour or sugar
• Foods high in fructose corn syrup
• Artificial sweeteners
• Starchy, high glycemic foods
• Processed fruit juices and canned vegetables
• Non-organ organic or grass-fed red meat or organ meats
• Predatory fish such as swordfish, shark, tuna, or tilefish
• Alcohol consumption of more than 3 glasses of red wine per week.

Exercise and Diabetes Remedies:

Exercise plays an important role in increasing insulin sensitivity. By exercising at least 30 minutes a day, you will not only loose unwanted pounds, but improve sugar metabolism, reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension, and can sometimes reverse diabetes.

Vitamin Supplements and Diabetes Remedies:

There are many vitamins that are used as diabetes remedies. To get you started, here is a short list of vitamins that are a natural remedy for diabetes:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
• Fish oil
• Chromium
• Biotin
• Alpha Lipoic acid
• Banaba leaf
• Konjac fiber
• Cinnamon

Treating diabetes naturally is not as impossible as it may sound. Yes, it will take some adapting, but given the choice of insulin injections and diabetes medication or implanting these diabetes remedies have much to offer and are a lot less invasive.

For many Americans, the idea of daily insulin injections is a daunting prospect. But, if you are a diabetic, you often don’t have a choice. If you are one of the 16 million Americans who have diabetes, then you may be interested to know that there are a variety of diabetic supplements that can help eliminate the need for daily insulin injections or pills. Extensive research has been conducted regarding the benefits of using diabetes supplements, with some very impressive results. If you are interested in a more natural way to treat diabetes, here are some of the recommended diabetes supplements:

Top 8 Diabetic Supplements

Note: Unless stated otherwise, the diabetic supplements listed here can be found online, at health food stores and grocery stores, and in assorted mail order catalogs anywhere in the United States.

• Bilberry and Gingko - These herbal diabetes supplements are used to improve circulation and decrease the risk of retinopathy.
• Vitamin E - This is a natural way to help reduce and balance your blood sugar levels. In addition, vitamin E has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is suggested that you take between 600 – 1,200 IU a day.
• Vitamin C - Like vitamin E, this diabetes supplement is an antioxidant known for its ability to lower and maintain blood sugar levels. Vitamin C is also beneficial in preventing diabetes-related vascular problems.
• Ginseng Tea/ Green Tea - Both of these teas have been shown to lower your blood sugar levels.
• Magnesium - This is a very important diabetic supplement because it helps with glucose metabolism. It also improves blood pressure, in addition to nerve and muscle function. You can take up to 600 mg a day via capsules, or you can follow a diet that is rich in nuts, seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.
• Coenzyme Q10 - When taken daily (80 mg), this diabetes supplement has been shown to improve circulation and stabilize blood sugar. Research has shown that many diabetics have lower levels of coenzyme Q10, so it may be important to replace this nutrient.
• Gymnema Silvestre - This diabetes supplement (also known as gurmarin, gurmar booti, or gurmar) is available primarily at health food stores or online. In studies at Harvard University and at King’s College in London, it has been shown that when taken daily, gymnema silvestre reduces insulin resistance, as well as lowers and regulates blood sugar levels. Consequently, this approach is especially helpful in managing diabetes.
• Banaba – According to studies at the Southeastern Institute of Biomedical Research in Bradenton, Florida, the corosilic acid found in the banaba leaf works similarly to insulin and will lower glucose levels—in some cases by 20 percent-30 percent. This, too, is most easily found online or in health food stores.

Diabetes supplements provide a healthy alternative to managing your diabetes without daily medication. Talk to your doctor to see how you can begin to implement these diabetic supplements into your routine.

Lately, agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) has become one of the fastest growing trends in the food industry.  This natural sweetener found in the agave plant has been popping up in recipe books, restaurants and supermarkets across the country.  Agave syrup has long been used to make tequila, but recently many companies have s tarted marketing agave sugar as a healthy sugar substitute for diabetics.

There remains much debate on whether or not agave syrup is truly a healthier option. Many companies have been pushing agave sweetener as a natural sweetener that can be used safely by diabetics. The product is praised for its low glycemic index, as well as its ability to be absorbed safely by diabetics. However, The Glycemic Research Institute (GRI) in Washington, D.C. recently issued a warning that agave syrup may not be as safe as advertised. According to GRI, several diabetic testers “experienced severe and dangerous side effects” after consuming agave nectar.

With so much hype surrounding the product, it is important to get to the root of the issue. Agave syrup is similar to regular sugar in many ways. Both are comprised of fructose and glucose and both have approximately the same number of calories per teaspoon. However, agave sugar has a much sweeter taste; therefore, significantly smaller portions can be used to achieve the same effect as regular sugar. Dietary professionals explain that this may be one way that agave sweetener developed its healthy reputation.

Regarding the issue of its low glycemic index rating, dietary professionals remain divided. Generally, agave syrup has a much higher concentration fructose and a lower concentration of glucose than sugar (which is about 50 percent glucose and 50 percent fructose). Research has indicated that fructose is a much healthier natural sweetener for diabetics than glucose. Some brands of agave sweeteners are comprised of up to 90 percent fructose and only 10 percent glucose, indicating that it may indeed be a healthier natural sweetener for diabetics.

Issues arise, however, because there is currently no market standard for agave sweeteners. Some brands of agave sugar are comprised of about 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose, making it practically the same as regular sugar. If diabetics are unaware of this fact or fail to properly read the labels on the products they are using, they may not realize that agave sweeteners could carry the same dangers as regular sugar. Because many diabetics believe that agave sugar is a healthy natural sweetener, they may not take the same precautions that they would when using regular sugar and may consume the product excessively. This could lead to serious health problems in diabetics.

Ultimately, it is difficult to know if agave sugar is truly a healthier natural sweetener for diabetics. While the product does carry some benefits, there are also very real threats to using agave sweeteners. Either way, dietary professionals stress the importance of diabetics researching the specific food that they eat to make sure they are getting an acceptable fructose/glucose ratio. Additionally, experts emphasize that moderation is always a safe plan when it comes to any food, and agave syrup is no different.

Saponins, polysaccharide glactomanan, fenugreek, alpha Lipoic acid and volatile oils — no, these are the not the components of a mad scientist’s test tube. Rather, they are vitamin supplements and herbs that can aid in managing (and even reversing) the effects of diabetes. Nutrition has long played an important part in the life of a diabetic, but thanks to many studies—especially by those in the field of holistic medicine–diabetics are turning to vitamin supplements to treat their diabetes. “So what vitamin supplements and herbs should be a part of my diabetes nutrition?” you ask. Read on to learn more.

The Top 5 Vitamin Supplements for Diabetes Nutrition:

• Cinnamon - Recent studies show that as little as a 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon a day is all it takes to regulate and even normalize your blood sugar levels. You can take it in capsule form, or use it in your cooking as a flavor enhancement for savory items like squash, sweet potatoes, and in Indian or Thai cuisine.
• Chromium - Available in vitamin stores all across the country, as well as mail order catalogs and on the Internet, chromium is a vitamin supplement that has been shown to improve glucose levels because it increases your sensitivity to insulin. It is recommended that you take between 400 and 600 mcg (micrograms) per day.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - For many years, people have cited the importance of vinegar for maintaining good health. In regards to diabetes nutrition, apple cider vinegar is used to bring down blood sugar levels. You can purchase it in capsule form or take a tablespoon of it daily. In addition, an extra benefit of apple cider vinegar (as well as vinegars like red or white vinegar, balsamic, white wine vinegar, or even lemon juice) is that vinegar significantly lessons a food’s affect on your blood sugar. So, by simply adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to your coleslaw, potato salad, greens and many other dishes, you will not only add a new level of taste to your dish, but you will be reducing your blood sugar as well.
• Fenugreek - Research shows that the components of this sweet maple-scented herb will help regulate your blood glucose. It is composed of polysaccharide glactomanan, saponins, mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids, which all help to lower blood sugar and increase insulin protection. To be effective, it is recommended that you take 2.5 grams of fenugreek 2 times a day with meals.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – This is one of the most important vitamin supplements you can take as part of your holistic diabetes nutrition plan; however, it has been known to lower blood sugar too much, so be careful and only use the amount recommended by your physician. Studies by Eberhard-Karls University in Germany on ALA have shown this vitamin supplement to normalize blood sugar and cure insulin resistance by as much as 51 percent in just 10 days. As for dosage, it is recommended that diabetics and non-diabetics over the age of 40 take at least 200 milligrams a day.

So, talk to your doctor about diabetes nutrition and vitamin supplements. With just a few simple changes, you may soon be on your way to a diabetes treatment-free way of living.

The South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, the grapefruit diet – everywhere you turn someone somewhere is talking about another diet program. With so much information available, it can be somewhat overwhelming. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be confused about which food choices are best. To help out, here are some tried-and-true ways to manage your type 2 diabetes and diet.

Simple Steps for Controlling Your Diabetes and Diet

According to an old adage, we truly are what we eat. In order for a diabetic to achieve and maintain proper glucose levels, A1C, triglycerides and an assortment of other health-related concerns, paying attention to one’s diet cannot be stressed enough. Consequently, implementing these simple steps can make a big difference in maintaining your diabetes and diet.

It is important to understand what foods are essential to type 2 diabetes and diet. Depending on your current medical situation and goals, your daily amounts of grains, vegetables, fruits, oils, milk and beans will be unique to you. Once you know how many servings you need each day, you are ready for the next step in maintaining your diabetes and diet.

Size Matters

Today’s society expects larger portions, but these mega sizes are resulting in a surplus of health problems, and type 2 diabetes is no exception. Proper diabetes and diet can be maintained better by using the following serving amounts:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: 1 cup
• Starchy vegetables or dried legumes: 1/2 cup
• Canned, unsweetened fruit: 1/2 cup
• Cooked vegetables: 1/2 cup
• Bread: 1 slice
• Dry cereal: 3/4 cup
• Cooked cereal: 1/2 cup
• Rice or pasta: 1/3 cup
• Lean meat: 3 ounces
• Dairy: 1 cup
• Oils, butter and margarine: 1 teaspoon

Design a plan for your type 2 diabetes and diet. Things to keep in mind as part of your diabetes and diet plan are:

• Choose foods you like to eat.
• Pay attention to blood glucose levels.
• Don’t forget to include snacks (at least three) throughout the day.
• Be careful when eating out. Don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions or to only eat half of the serving, then get a takeout box for the rest.
• Get plenty of exercise-at least 30 minutes each day.

Learn How to Shop

For your type 2 diabetes and diet planning, you will need to approach grocery shopping from a new perspective. For the most part, you will find that shopping the perimeter of the store is the best way to find healthy foods. When you do venture down the aisle, be sure to pay attention to the food labels. Not only do you want items that have high amounts of fiber, protein and other nutrients, but foods that are low in sugars and fats as well.

Including these steps in your type 2 diabetes and diet plan is a great way to keep your glucose levels, A1C, blood pressure and related concerns in check. No, it won’t happen overnight, but step by step, you can make the change for a better way of life.

What do orange juice, green tea, black tea, and plain water have in common? If you answered that they are important parts of a diet for diabetes, then you are correct! Can you believe it? Who would have thought that merely watching what you drink could make a difference in your blood sugar levels? When you include organic drinks in your diet for diabetes, it can offer tremendous benefits. As most of us know, one of the signals for diabetic testing is increased thirst (along with increased appetite, frequent urination, constant tiredness and several other factors). Consequently, once you know you have diabetes, it is important to include healthy drinks as part of your diet for diabetes.

To Drink or Not to Drink

In the world of liquid pleasures, imagination is the limit. However, for the diabetic (as well as others who choose to make good nutrition a way of life), it is important to avoid drinks that are high in carbohydrates, sugars and alcohol. We have all heard that we should drink at least 64 ounces (eight cups) of water per day. And this is even more important in a diet for diabetes. Since water has no calories, sugar or unnecessary ingredients, it is clearly the best of all organic drinks. It is important to note that it is okay to add a bit of taste such as the flavor packets, a dash of citrus or even a splash of flavored syrup – just be sure that your flavoring is sugar-free.

If you are a fan of fruit juice, it is crucial that you do not drink too much of it. Contrary to popular opinion, juice is not as healthy as you may think. This is because it is high in carbohydrates (albeit natural) and low in fiber, which means it ranks rather high on the glycemic index. Consequently, if you are craving a fruity taste, then opt for eating a ripe apple or orange rather than adding excessive fruit juice as part of your diet for diabetes.

One recent surprise in the world of organic drinks is that green tea, black tea and oolong tea (a combination of black and green) are excellent additions to a diet for diabetes. In 2006, retrospective cohort studies were done in 25 cities across Japan. The test subjects consisted of 17,414 people (6,727 men and 10,686 women) between the ages of 40 and 65. During the five-year study, it was noted that those who drank at least six cups of tea a week were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. In addition, women who drank the tea had a lower risk than men for developing diabetes.

Recently, a study was performed at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). It involved a three-month study performed on diabetic mice and found that including green tea in a diet for diabetes not only lowered blood sugar, but also inhibited diabetic cataracts. So, how much green tea should you consume? Based on studies, a 143-pound person will need to drink 4.5 8-ounce cups of tea each day.

To drink or not to drink… it’s up to you. But taking the time to eat right and make healthy drink choices can make a big difference. Bottoms up!