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November is Diabetes Month

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on November 18, 2016

November is Diabetes Month

Every November we celebrate Thanksgiving, but we also remember that it is National Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a disease that is clearly an epidemic in this country. Over 30 million Americans have diabetes and another 86 million Americans are at risk.

As Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists, we work with a large number of patients with diabetes. Although many other diseases cannot be prevented with diet, diabetes is one disease where DIET is the number one way of preventing it and also treating it.

Through our years of practice, we have seen numerous patients who have prevented the onset of diabetes or we have helped patients reduce the chance of possible diabetes complications like blindness, nerve damage, and kidney disease. This can be done by following an individualized diet.

Research studies have shown that patients feel that DIET is the most difficult aspect of diabetes management. It is not that patients cannot implement their diet, but due to its complexity, dietary treatment of diabetes involves coaching with a dietitian. A dietitian is the nutrition expert “go to” person who educates you about diet and also helps you understand how it works along with other diabetes management skills . Follow-up with a registered dietitian is also necessary because behavioral change is not easy and life changes require a need for periodic modifications.

Thanksgiving is a good example of a change in our regular routine. No one wants to give up familiar foods that we look forward to during the holidays. Not only do these holiday foods taste good, but they also provide us with love and comfort. Coming together with family and friends is a time we look forward to all year. But having the necessary tools to navigate the holidays is crucial to maintaining good health and a happy life.

Tomorrow I will give some ways to stay healthy with the Thanksgiving holiday coming. Remember that pumpkin is a typical Thanksgiving food that is not only tasty, but can be sweetened with the spices nutmeg and cinnamon. Cranberries are also another healthy food that can be sweetened with sugar substitutes to give you the taste of your favorite cranberry treats.

Have a great Thanksgiving and remember to think healthy.
See you tomorrow with 7 Ways to Stay Healthy This Thanksgiving.

Jacqueline King, MS, RDN, CDE, FADA
Author, “Too Busy to Diet”
For more ideas for staying healthy during the holidays buy Too Busy to Diet at Amazon.com