Everywhere I turn I am running into Diabetics. Its hard to find someone who doesn’t know someone who has diabetes.  Having said this, I myself am borderline diabetic, I control it with diet and exercise. Unlike my mother who does not control hers at all (don't get me started on her and her eating habits). As Holistic Nutritionists, Rachelle and I are constantly upgrading our knowledge base. On June the 12 Rachelle and I attained the CSNN Alumni workshop, Life Can BE Sweet. Rachelle was one of the facalliators actually, and sits as the CSNN Alumni Maritime Director. The day long event was very interesting, lots of things were discussed. I took a ton of notes my fingers hurt.  Here are a couple of the things that stood out for me:

 1. The importance of HBA1c levels (glycosylated/glycated hemoglobin-say that fast 10 times). You can lower your blood sugar all you want, but until your HBA1c level goes down, you will not get rid of all the side effects. It’s a good idea to ask your Doctor on you next blood test what your levels are.  

 2. Sleep, sleep, sleep, boy sleep is not given the attention it deserves. We think OH I don't need a lot of sleep 5-6 hours and I'm fine.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Poor quality or inadequate sleep is linked to hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes and the list could go on and on. There is no prize in the bottom of the crackerjack box, for only getting 5 hours of sleep. FYI 

 3. Cinnamon, yup cinnamon, not cinnamon/sugar on white toast ( you listening mom). Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar, decreases the harmful effects of high glycemic carbs, and the chronic inflammation that promotes obesity.

There are so many more things that stood out for me. i.e. Diabetics will live with whatever their doctor tells them, if the doctor says for example you  have to take at least 3 medications for your diabetics, the diabetic stops at the drug store on the way home and gets their meds, then may stop at Tim's and grab a triple triple and a timbit and  carry on their way. Often it is not until one or more of the secondary conditions set in, (stroke, heart disease, blindness, loss of toes ECT.)  before the diabetic begins to rethink their lifestyle. Does this sound like anyone you know? 

There are so many resources out there now for Diabetics. www.diabetes.ca . Even the local library can be a great source. One of my favorite cookbooks is "Eating for Diabetes- Jane Frank" . Another good book about the topic is Diabetes/Hypoglycaemia

Also check with your local nutritionist, we love this stuff. At Rachelle Wood Nutrition and within our online program See Results, we offer dietary plans specially suited for diabetics.You really can change your life by changing what you put in your mouth. 

Susan Foster, RHN