November is National Diabetes Month
Improved awareness and prevention are key
People all over the nation are being asked to take a closer look at their life habits and risk factors that can lead to diabetes during November as the health care community works to increase awareness of this rampant disease.
Diabetes occurs when blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The disease affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Health impacts can include damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, as well as being linked to some types of cancer.
In a month known for its abundance of food via the Thanksgiving feast ― a precursor to even more indulgence in the December holiday season ― various health outlets are sharing ways people can gauge their risk this month and learn more about this serious condition.
The NID-DKD recommends the following to understand risk factors and enjoy a healthier lifestyle:
Know your risk for developing diabetes.
People who are overweight, obese and prediabetic are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Age, family history and some ethnic backgrounds, along with a sedimentary lifestyle, also increases risk.
Manage blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Preventing or managing diabetes may help prevent diabetes health problems. Remember the diabetes ABCs:
-
A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels
-
B is for blood pressure
-
C is for cholesterol
-
Be sure to visit a health care professional to learn what healthy levels are and find out where you currently rank on that scale
Lifestyle choices play a huge role.
Take medications on time.
Remember to take prescribed medications even when feeling healthy. Discuss with a doctor or pharmacist any issues that prohibits you from taking medication on time and at the correct dose.
Take care of mental health and boost motivation.
Everyone has their bad days when managing diabetes or just finding the motivation to eat right or exercise. Here are some things to remember:
-
Learning healthy ways to cope with stress ― such as a support group, therapist or even exercise ― is a good way to stay mentally and physically fit.
-
Make small changes and work up from there. You’re likely to have better success than trying to change everything all at once.
-
Work with a health care team to get expert guidance for staying on track and keeping your spirits up.
-
Make an accountability partner, preferably someone going through the same struggles as you; someone who can keep you on track and who can do the same for.
-
Feel what you feel. Diabetes is hard; it is OK to admit the grind is difficult and giving yourself permission to feel what you want can be therapeutic.
The American Diabetes Association is here to help with a Diabetes Food Hub to help you on your journey. For the nutritional facts for the recipe below please go to diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/strawberry-stuffed-french-toast.
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Start your morning right with one slice of decadent Strawberry Stuffed French Toast! Bursting with fresh strawberries and a touch of sweet thanks to Splenda, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying yet mindful breakfast. This recipe is more than just delicious, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The soft bread yields to the cream cheese filling, bursting with pops of juicy strawberries. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of warm cinnamon.
INGREDIENTS
For the strawberries:
In a small bowl, add strawberries, 1/4 cup sweetener, and lemon juice. Stir
together and set aside for 10 minutes.
For the filling:
Add cream cheese and 1/2 cup sweetener to a bowl. Beat together until fluffy.
For the French toast:
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sweetener, cinnamon, and salt.
DIRECTIONS
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on a slice of bread, keeping about 1/2 inch away from the edge. Add a layer of strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese. Take another piece of bread and spread cream cheese on it. Place it on the strawberries, cream cheese side down. Repeat for the rest, making 6 total strawberry-cream cheese sandwiches.
Spray a nonstick skillet with butter-flavored cooking spray, and heat to medium. Dip one sandwich into egg mixture and turn evenly to coat. Remove and shake off the excess custard mixture, then transfer to the hot skillet.
Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Spray skillet again and repeat for the rest of the French toast sandwiches.
Slice each diagonally and serve immediately! If desired, top with a sugar-free maple syrup and more fresh strawberries. Enjoy!
