Did you know that if you have diabetes, you are 2-3 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease and have a 60% increased risk of dying from heart disease?
Diabetes and heart disease go hand in hand, but diabetes doesn’t have to be a death sentence. It is important to your health to have your A1C checked every three months, take your medications as prescribed, check your blood sugar daily, maintain a healthy weight, monitor your blood pressure and remember these simple nutrition tips:
- All foods fit—by limiting portion sizes, all foods can fit within a well-balanced diet.
- Well-portioned plates—focus on protein and non-starchy vegetables and balance your plate with healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and lower glycemic index foods, such as sweet potatoes.
- Fiber—sources of insoluble fiber, such as apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, brown rice and leafy green vegetables, can help stabilize blood sugar by slowing down the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
- Be mindful—eat your meals slowly, putting utensils down between bites, and listen to your body’s signals to stop eating when you begin to feel satisfied. This will help you to enjoy your food more, and prevent over-indulgence and weight gain.
If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment to meet with a dietitian about better managing your diabetes, please call (501) 219-7881 for more information.