New nutrition guidelines this year recommend less added sugar in our diets. Although many of us love to enjoy our sweets, too much sugar consumption can be quite harmful to our health.
One way limiting sugar helps is the prevention of diabetes. “The American Diabetes Association recommends that people should avoid intake of sugar-sweetened beverages to help prevent diabetes.”
A serious, chronic and often lifelong disease, diabetes continues to affect millions nationally. “In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes,” according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014. The American Diabetes Association notes, “Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.”
Fortunately, diabetics can live healthy lives with routine health management, exercise and nutrition.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy meals is an important part of diabetes care. Try these salmon salad, double bean burrito and creative grilled cheese diabetes-friendly dishes from Walgreens Stay Well blog.
Caregiving Tips
Caregivers and families can provide major support to their loved ones living with diabetes. Walgreens Diabetes Health Center shares these ways to help diabetics remain healthy:
- Sometimes diabetes requires that you follow a schedule, and creating that plan is a great way to get the family involved.
- If you’re encouraging your loved one to get more active, try a daily family walk.
- If you’re cutting back on certain foods, try out some new recipes together, and have your partner, child or parent help in the cooking, if possible.
- If you start new habits together – especially when it comes to nutrition – do your best to honor those goals, even when your loved one is not around.
- In addition to doctors, nurses and certified diabetes educators, you may also want to work with a nutritionist or fitness professional to help figure out a personal plan for your loved one.
- If you have a child with diabetes, work closely with schools, daycare, sports teams, and anyone who might be supervising your child when you’re not there. Diabetes shouldn’t stop your kid from doing most things, but you’ll want to be sure that the adults in charge know your child will need things like breaks to check blood sugar and take insulin.
Read more from: Caring for a Loved One with Diabetes by Daniel Halperin: walgreens.com
Living with a serious illness and need help? Contact Empath Health to find out if we can help you.