Eat to Beat Diabetes

“What can I eat?” is the most common question we get from Diabetic Living® readers. When you’re first diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, it is overwhelming to say the least. All you can think about is what is safe to eat. Are carbs totally off-limits? What the heck is a carb anyway? Will I ever get to eat fried chicken again? These are all totally normal questions, and we answer all of them (and more!) with this publication. And yes, you can eat fried chicken (turn to page 45). Diabetes is a 24/7 challenge. But with Eat to Beat Diabetes™, we make one thing easy: the food. From breakfast and snacks to lunch and dinner—and even dessert—we have you covered with nutritious recipes to fuel your body and help you stay…

Before we get to the good stuff—aka the delicious food—let’s start with a little primer on diabetes. This is a guide to the basics of managing diabetes, and we cover it all. There are numbers, terms, and people to know. We answer all those questions you typically save for late-night Google searches. Plus, tips for setting a personal wellness plan. You’ll find it helpful to review this regularly, whether you’re newly diagnosed or in need of a refresher. Go ahead, tear it out and stick it to the fridge!…

THE FIRST NUMBER TO KNOW YOUR TYPE Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes will influence the medications you take, but the constant for both is food. All of the recipes in this book are safe for you, no matter your type. Follow the carbohydrate guidelines that best fit your diabetes management. ▸ Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 percent of diabetes cases. It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the body destroys its insulin-producing beta cells. People with type 1 need to inject insulin to live, otherwise the body is unable to convert glucose into energy. ▸ Type 2 diabetes has a number of causes, such as genetics, excess weight, and sedentary lifestyle. Type 2 can develop when the body’s muscle, liver, and fat cells resist the effects of insulin, which…

WHY DO OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT BLOOD GLUCOSE GOALS THAN I HAVE? Because there is no one way to manage diabetes. Providers used to give everyone the same generic blood glucose targets, but over the past 10 years, treatment has changed. Now safe blood glucose goals are based on a multitude of factors, including your age and health, how long you’ve lived with diabetes, how active you are, and whether you use insulin or are at risk of low blood glucose. Be careful not to compare your goals to others. You are unique, and your goals should be, too. For general guidelines, turn to page 6. MY DOCTOR WANTS TO PUT ME ON INSULIN. DOES THIS MEAN I’VE FAILED AT MANAGING MY DIABETES? Starting insulin therapy is not a sign of failure. It…

MANAGING YOUR DIABETES REQUIRES ENERGY, MOTIVATION, AND FOCUS EVERY SINGLE DAY. Have you ever thought, I know what to do, but I just can’t make myself do it? If so, spending a thoughtful hour or two creating a personal wellness vision—a concrete and inspiring picture of you leading a healthy, satisfying life—may be just what the diabetes educator ordered. To get started, grab a pen and paper (or your computer), set aside some quiet time, and follow these steps. 1 IMAGINE YOURSELF AT YOUR HEALTHIEST Picture what you are doing, thinking, feeling, and experiencing at that level of wellness. Ask yourself why these things are important to you. Let your mind explore without censoring your thoughts. Focusing solely on your future self and your health may feel awkward at first, but it’s…

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Your PCP can be a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. You’ll see this provider for general checkups. Visit recognition.ncqa.org and select “Diabetes Recognition Program” for PCPs who excel in diabetes care. ▸ WHEN TO SEE Every 3–4 months if you’re taking insulin or every 4–6 months if you’re managing diabetes with diet and other medications; more often if your A1C is elevated. ▸ COVERAGE Primary care is typically covered under insurance. If you’re on Medicare, look for a provider who accepts Medicare patients. PHARMACIST A good pharmacist is a must. Pharmacists are highly trained to understand the effects of prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs, including adverse side effects and how meds interact. Find a pharmacy you like (local is best) and form a strong relationship with this person who will keep an…