Category: Controling diabetes

How to control your diabetes

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Navigating School Life With Type 1 Diabetes

Parents can partner with their school and plan to help kids manage school and type 1 diabetes.

If you are a parent whose child has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you know how
overwhelming it can be. Once diagnosed, your child and the rest of the family enter an entirely
new world. This world involves frequent blood sugar checks, insulin injections, and carb
counting. Luckily, the good news is that, with a little ahead planning and preparation, your child
can thrive at school and beyond. If you’re starting or changing schools, you must talk to your
child about their condition to make the transition as comprehensible and smooth as possible. Our
article will guide you through the ins and outs of navigating school life with type 1 diabetes.
Hopefully, we’ll succeed in giving you and your child the confidence to tackle any challenges
that come your way.

Alt tag: A mother and daughter holding a diabetes sign and smiling to the camera as they're doing well at navigating school life with type 1 diabetes.

How To Do School Life With Type 1 Diabetes?

Moving homes and schools and starting a new life can be challenging, and it requires a little
extra preparation and planning with kids. And, you would know, a tiny bit extra on top of that if your child has diabetes when packing extra snacks, glucose monitoring supplies, emergency
supplies, etc. So, whether your child is starting a completely new school or moving up a grade,
it’s crucial to ensure they have all the tools and support they need to help them go through the
process and succeed. Therefore, make sure you get your child ready for what lies ahead – the
packing and moving process, a new house, new friends, school, school staff, brand new doctors,
and so on. To help you further in your journey, we consulted parents and professionals and provided helpful advice on navigating school life with type 1 diabetes. 

Work With The School Team

Working with your child’s school team is the first step in managing type 1 diabetes while at
school. Teachers, school nurses, coaches, and administrators are included in this. They should be
informed of your child’s condition and clearly understand their medical needs. That can consist
of some of the following:
● An Emergency Action Plan
● Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring
● Insulin Injections During The School Day

A school teacher high-fiving a student.
The school’s staff should be informed about your child’s condition and aware of their medical requirements.

Also, it might be a good idea to encourage the school to hold workshops and training sessions on
diabetes. This way, everyone will become knowledgeable and able to offer the required support.
Furthermore, other parents and children experiencing the same situation might get additional
help and maybe even feel less lonely on this journey. Ultimately, these workshops can be eye-
opening to parents of children with undiagnosed diabetes.

Plan For Success

When it comes to managing type 1 diabetes at school, preparation is the key. That includes
preparing for classwork and homework, as well as for physical activities and lunch. Also, it
would be good to talk to your child about their daily routine and help them develop a schedule
that works for them. 
Another crucial thing for you is ensuring they have all the necessary tools and materials. These
might include:
● A Glucose Meter
● An Insulin pump
● Snacks

Along with this whole preparation, it will be beneficial in the long run to encourage them to take
responsibility for their health and well-being and, therefore, to be proactive.

Collaborate With Cafeteria Staff

Unfortunately, eating in the school cafeteria can be a real challenge for kids diagnosed with type
1 diabetes. The best solution would be to talk to the school cafeteria. This way, you can ensure
your child has access to healthy, nutritious, and low-carbohydrate food options.

Child eating in the cafeteria.
The school cafeteria is a significant challenge when navigating school life with type 1 diabetes.

The low-carb food options will help regulate their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of
hypoglycemia. That is why working this matter with the cafeteria out and having them provide
alternative options is vital. Ultimately, you can encourage your child to bring their lunch to
school if you don’t feel satisfied with the cafeteria’s offer.

Foster good communication to navigate school life with type 1 diabetes favorably. When it comes to managing type 1 diabetes at school, good communication is essential. That is why you should encourage your child to communicate openly with their teachers and classmates so that they are aware of the condition and how it affects your child.

Another idea is to encourage and help your child in managing their diabetes. They should be able
to speak up for their needs, especially at school. Moreover, having regular check-ins with the
school nurse and teacher will help ensure that your child’s needs are met and that any concerns
are addressed promptly.

Encourage Physical Activity

As we all know, physical activity is essential for everyone. However, this statement stands even
more for children with type 1 diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves
overall health.

That’s why it’s vital to encourage your kid to participate in physical activities at school. But on
the other hand, ensuring that their teachers and coaches understand the importance of monitoring
their blood sugar levels during exercise is another must-do.

Two girls running as physical activity is crucial for navigating school life with type 1 diabetes.
Working with the school in providing a safe environment for your child’s physical activity is equally important as everything mentioned above.

Join Support Groups

Subsequently, there are numerous support groups and resources for families that have children
with type 1 diabetes. Joining a local support group can be a great source of information,
encouragement, and support. Alternatively, you can find many helpful websites and groups
online and on social media platforms, such as Facebook groups.

These resources will help you navigate your and your child’s life with type 1 diabetes. Also, they
will offer you support from people walking in your shoes. And, sometimes, words of support and
encouragement are all we need to get going and succeed in this situation.

Final Words On Navigating School Life With Type 1 Diabetes

Navigating school life with type 1 diabetes can be a challenge. However, with the proper
preparation and advice, it will make everything very doable. By following our advice, you will
be able to encourage your kid to take care of themselves and know when to ask for help. While
informing everyone at school will make you feel at rest in case there’s an emergency. That’s why
your child can live a full life, including their school years, and thrive in all areas of life with the
proper support and preparation.

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Healthy Alternatives To Help Curb Sugar Cravings

By Jassica Mendez


Sugar is everywhere. In stores, our houses, and, apparently, our heads. The human brain
functions mainly on glucose, and it likes to demand it now and then, even if it doesn’t need it.
You’ve fantasized about a stuffed, creamy chocolate donut in an unreasonable hour? Don’t
worry; we’ve all been there. Let’s go over some healthy alternatives to help you curb sugar
cravings.

Ginger Is Your New Best Friend


If you’ve ever taken a ginger shot when you had a craving, you know what we’re talking about.
Ginger is one of the most powerful yet underestimated ingredients we have the honor to have.
What could possibly an ugly little piece of white roots do? Well, everything! It has amazing
active components that:

  • Stimulate Thermogenesis 
  • Reduce Cholesterol
  • Regulate Insulin Secretion (and glucose levels as a result)
  • Stimulate The Sympathetic Autonomic System
  • Increase Focus (as a result of a previously listed effect)
  • Help With Detoxing
a tea with ginger

Why Is It So Magical?


Our friendly neighboring ginger can help you in more ways than one. As for sugar cravings, we
recommend that you use them to curb cravings you feel in the morning or during the day. Those
cravings are mostly present because your brain feels like it needs more fuel to burn for the daily
tasks, or you’re stressed out. Whatever the reason behind it, a ginger shot or adding ginger to
your smoothie can make it all go away by regulating insulin and glucose levels.


Also, it will improve your focus, so it’s not a bad idea to make it your regular morning drink. But
wait – there’s more! The stimulation of thermogenesis and sympathetic regulation of the
cardiovascular system can be extremely helpful in any weight loss program, so you might use it
for that too. Also, drinking ginger juice in the morning can be an excellent substitute for sugary
drinks and help you decrease the risk of getting diabetes. If we had to pick one thing from this
list, ginger would definitely be our top pick.

Dark Chocolate Is Best


Many people mention eating chocolate when asked what they eat to satisfy their sweet tooth.
However, if you really must have chocolate, you may satisfy your appetite while still making
healthy food choices by selecting dark chocolate.

Any chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or above is considered dark chocolate. It also has
polyphenols, which are beneficial plant components. There is preliminary evidence that these
polyphenols’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may assist boost cardiovascular health
indicators. Dark chocolate may satisfy a sweet tooth, but like milk chocolate, it’s also high in calories and fat, so moderation is key. You can set a great example for your kids and show them how to replace sugary milk chocolate treats with a darker and healthier solution on time.

Dark chocolate and berries.
A piece of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away.

Calm Your Nerves


Dark chocolate is also known to increase levels of serotonin when consumed. It can improve
your mood and help you relax in stressful times. This is the main reason why experts
at heavenlymove.com advise their clients to take a bit of dark chocolate to curb their cravings
during stressful moves. You can, of course, apply this knowledge to your personal use in any
way you like. 

Chia Seeds Are Next In Line


Seeds from the chia plant, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and other beneficial plant
elements, are nutritious. To be exact, soluble fiber makes up around 40% of chia seeds. This
fiber can quickly absorb water, expanding to a jelly-like consistency in the digestive tract. This
may help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your sugar urges. Since chia seeds are so
adaptable, you may use this recipe for chia pudding or come up with your sweet treat using chia
seeds. If your child has diabetes, you can use chia to make delicious snacks they can fully enjoy.

Schedule A Date With Dates


In today’s article, we won’t be talking about romance and relationships but about something
rather delicious and healthy. Dates are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, iron, and
beneficial plant components, even after drying. A handful of dates is a healthier alternative to
soda or sweets when you’re craving something sweet.


Consider mixing nuts like almonds if you want a sweet and crunchy snack. But remember that
dates are still quite sweet, so eat just a handful at a time.

What About Prunes?


Next in line with our healthy alternatives are dried plums (called prunes among their friends). They’re
highly delicious and nutritious, much like dates. They’re a better choice than sweets when you’re
craving something sweet.


And that’s not the only thing these can help you with! Constipation may be alleviated because of
their high level of fiber and containing natural sorbitol. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol found in nature,
has a pleasant flavor, and your body absorbs it slowly. That’s why it is used on its own as a
sweetener too. You can use sorbitol to sweeten your homemade cookies without glucose, and
they’ll still turn out great!

Jars with dried fruit.
Keep a jar with prunes in your kitchen, and you’ll always have a healthy alternative to help you curb sugar cravings.

Final Thoughts


We shared our top picks with you, but there are many more healthy alternatives to help you curb
sugar cravings! Among others, you can consider yogurt, berries, and legumes. Another critical
thing to note is – to make sure to check the labels and ingredients on everything you buy. Sugar
may be hiding in unexpected places. You might think you’re not taking it when there is quite a
lot. The more you take it, the more you’ll crave it. So, try these healthy alternatives and lead your
life in a healthier direction, not ruled by sugar addiction. We root for you!

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The Most Common Signs Of A Child With Undiagnosed Diabetes

insulin pen, diabetic measurement tools, and pills

About 283,000 Americans under age 20 are diagnosed with diabetes, making it the most common endocrine disease in children. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not produce the pancreatic hormone insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin controls the level of glucose in the blood and the amount of sugar absorbed into the cells. Glucose is our primary energy source for all bodily functions. But, without insulin, glucose stays in our blood and can’t reach cells.

Although diabetes has no cure, there is a way to manage it and stay healthy. That is why it is essential to recognize the most common signs of a child with undiagnosed diabetes on time. Early treatment can prevent complications later on.

What are the types of diabetes?

Two types of diabetes can affect children. Both are rising due to numerous factors, such as pollution, poor eating habits, and lack of physical activity.

TYPE 1

The causes of type 1 diabetes can be genetic. Still, sometimes it occurs more often due to autoimmune damage to the pancreas during viral infections, so insulin is either reduced or not secreted. It can develop at any age but is most common in children and adolescents. It requires mandatory compensation for insulin because there is an almost complete lack of this hormone.

TYPE 2

Type 2 diabetes results from two interrelated causes. The first is insufficient secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Another reason is the inability of our cells to respond to insulin, which is why they can’t take in sugar properly. Commonly it is diagnosed in older adults, but its prevalence in children is increasing due to obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. It often has a slow, gradual onset that makes detection and diagnosis difficult in children.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Child With
Undiagnosed Diabetes?

The most common symptoms of diabetes in children we often call the 4 Ts:
● Toilet
● Thirsty
● Tired
● Thinner

Toilet

Under normal circumstances, kidneys absorb excess glucose from the bloodstream. But if there
is too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys will not be able to absorb it completely. Your
kidneys produce more urine to remove excess glucose from the body, which leads to more
frequent urination. This urge may be more prevalent at night. Any change in the frequency of
urination in your child, primarily if it occurs at night, might be a sign of a child with undiagnosed
diabetes. 

Little girl drinking water
A constant feeling of thirst is a sign of a child with undiagnosed diabetes


Thirsty

A constant feeling of thirst is associated with frequent urination. Excess sugar in the blood leads
to water withdrawal from the tissues and its transfer into the bloodstream, which causes
dehydration. As the kidneys remove excess water, the person becomes further dehydrated,
causing them to consume more water and feel thirsty.

Tired

A child with undiagnosed diabetes may feel constantly tired. The lack of sugar available to the
cell decreases energy production, which is why children feel fatigued. They may feel sluggish
even after a good night’s sleep. Parents should also pay attention to the ups and downs in their
energy levels during the day.


Thinner

Changes in body weight are regular before the diagnosis of diabetes. Weight loss occurs due to
the body’s inability to obtain enough nutrients from the food it consumes. If your child shows an
increased appetite and eats more but still loses weight, it is one of the signs that your child may
have undiagnosed diabetes. Keep in mind that type 2 diabetes can lead to gradual weight gain. 
If you notice any 4T signs, take your child to the doctor and insist on a blood glucose test.

Other Signs You Should Pay Attention To


There are other early signs that the child may have diabetes. Those are: 
● Blurred vision
● Nausea and vomiting
● Belly pain
● Irritability and mood changes
● Fruity breath and fast breathing
● Yeast infection in girls


How Can I Help My Child?


Diagnosing diabetes in a child can be a stressful experience for the entire family, both the parents
and the child. As a parent, you may wonder how you can help your child accept and take control
of their illness while still having all the carefree childhood experiences.

Learn To Control Diabetes

Learn how to control diabetes. Ask a doctor to tell you how to recognize the symptoms of low
and high blood sugar and what to do in these situations. Inform the kindergarten teachers or
school teachers about this, as well as others in constant contact with your child. Check your
child’s blood glucose level regularly. When your child reaches the required age, teach him to do
it independently and to give himself insulin injections correctly. There are several myths about
diabetes that are widespread. Get to know the facts.
 

A girl playing tennis
Physical activity is crucial in diabetes control

Build Diabetes-Friendly Environment

Quality of life is essential for keeping diabetes under control. Research has clearly shown a link
between pollution and insulin resistance, so it’s best to avoid such areas if possible. Physical
activity is one of the crucial aspects of diabetes control. Ensure your child has access to
playgrounds,  sports fields, and regular exercise. If you decide to change your current place of
residence and find one more suitable for you and your family, professionals from
cleancutmoving.com recommend hiring the best moving company to help you with this task.

Bowl of fruit and oatmealvegetable salad
Make a good meal plan

Eat Healthily 

Diet is important for diabetes control. Make a good meal plan. Try to get your child to eat foods
high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and foods with a lower glycemic index. Discover
new healthy recipes that will make meals more diverse.

Final Words

Early detection is essential in diabetes because early treatment can prevent serious
complications. That is why it is necessary to recognize the most common signs of a child with
undiagnosed diabetes and consult a doctor if needed. We hope this text can help you with that.

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Why It Is Important to Talk About Your Diabetes

A woman talking to a man about her diabetes while in the kitchen.

Guest post by Jassica Mendez

Controlling your diabetes takes up a lot of time, and it’s likely that discussing it is the last thing on your mind. You may prefer to manage your diabetes on your own terms, without the assistance of others. On the other hand, if you’ve recently been diagnosed, you might need some time to process everything that comes with this chronic disease. Everyone’s circumstance is unique, and talking about it can be difficult, especially when it concerns your own health. It is also possible that you still don’t understand your own feelings about it. It is, however, necessary for a variety of reasons. If you need motivation or want to find a purpose as to why you should talk about your diabetes, we understand, and we are here to help.

It will help other people understand what you’re going through

Opening up about what they are going through, no matter how minor or major, can be difficult for some people. After all, some of us may have grown accustomed to handling challenging situations independently. Allowing others into our lives and sharing our daily challenges, on the other hand, can help them comprehend our frustrations, moods, and overall way of life. When it comes to discussing your diabetes, this is no exception. Diabetes, whether we like it or not, is an important aspect of our lives and should be discussed with people around us.

Although experts familiar with this challenging illness and the way it affects our lives understand what we’re going through, loved ones may require further assistance. Thus, personal trainers from DubaiPT advise you to teach your loved ones about diabetes, your symptoms, and how they might be able to assist you. Allow them to ask questions, address any worries, and express how much you appreciate their desire to learn more. However, keep in mind that, like you, they may need some time to process this information. 

A view of a person's hands holding a glucose meter and a thin blue ribbon.

It can even be a real eye-opener for you

Even if you don’t believe it at first, talking about your diabetes can help you better understand yourself. The way you speak about a subject like this may mirror your inner views, and expressing them might help you put things in perspective, especially if you’re talking about it with your child. The way you simplify it and explain it can be a real eye-opener to how you actually view the illness yourself.

 Simply saying the words aloud can aid in processing your thoughts. It can help you break free from a cycle of worrying, allowing you to feel less stressed. It may also help you identify and rectify a negative mindset you have about diabetes. Furthermore, by having someone listen and inquire about it, you will learn more about the topic itself since you may need to do some research to respond.

A woman sitting at a desk writing things down on a notepad near her laptop.
While talking about your diabetes can help you better understand yourself, be sure to keep note of what you learn.

It will help you find more support

By being open with people about your diabetes, you will be left with even more support. After all, how can someone help you when they don’t know you need help? They may help in various ways, such as helping you with some tasks, so you have less on your plate.

Alternatively, you may be fine on your own but need a simple hug to get through the day.

Open up to people around you, and you may be surprised by how many people can relate to or know someone that struggles with the same thing. Even while those not suffering from the same illness can support you, it may be more beneficial to speak with someone who has diabetes. Connecting with other individuals who have diabetes can help you make positive adjustments and work through daily obstacles like feeling nervous about your blood sugar levels or trying to figure out when to take your injections. You will know you’re not alone and that other people are dealing with the same issues by opening up.

Sharing your experience with diabetes with others may even inspire you to support yourself more. You could, for example, look into meal plans for diabetics that are catered to your very own dietary requirements. Since many healthy options are available, you are sure to find some that work for you. It would be best to be your very own support through any challenge life throws your way.

A group of 4 people standing near a cliff looking at the sunset.
Build your own support group to help you get through each day.

It will replace myths with knowledge

There is nothing worse than dealing with something and people around you being misinformed about it. The proper way to rectify this issue is to talk about your diabetes openly and replace myths with knowledge. Most people, especially those close to you, will be thrilled about learning more and debunking harmful myths.

You have the option of debunking these beliefs in a variety of ways. Most people may prefer to research the disease and share what they’ve learned. On the other hand, others may want to include their loved ones when researching. If all else fails, you may bring them to different diabetes education classes so you can both learn something new.

No matter what method you choose, you all will be left with a better understanding of diabetes. This will benefit you and anyone you can share this knowledge with.

It will help raise awareness

 The diabetes community marks Diabetes Awareness Month every November with events, fundraisers, and initiatives to educate the public and raise awareness about the disease. However, even if it isn’t November, you should try your best to help raise awareness. Of course, you may have different levels of awareness depending on where you are in your diabetes journey. This, however, shouldn’t stop you from talking about your diabetes and your personal experience with it.

Since diabetes affects roughly 463 million people worldwide, it is a topic that should be discussed often. You can educate individuals who may not be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, or treatment alternatives. And who knows, if you talk about your diabetes openly, you may even help someone prevent or delay prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

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Snack Ideas for Kids with Diabetes

snack ideas for kids with diabetes

Controlling diabetes is impossible without a good meal plan. Since the main issue of this illness is the inability to transfer fuel into energy, you need to find ways to provide enough fuel to keep your organism going and keep sugar levels as normal as possible. In such cases, portion control is crucial for optimum functioning and preventing hyperglycemia. Ideally, kids with diabetes should have three meals a day, with 2-3 snacks in between. Keeping the meals moderate and adding small snacks every couple of hours will help you get it under control. Having 10 -15 grams of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins can help you achieve that goal. Luckily, there are many snack ideas for kids with diabetes that will make their strict dietary regimen fun and tasty!

The healthiest snacks for diabetes are the simplest ones

The main purpose of any snack is to be able to consume it on the go. In addition, it needs to provide a necessary kick start to your system between main meals and get sugar levels under control. You don’t need to spend hours preparing them in the kitchen or worry about serving them hot and cold. However, you need to make sure the snacks have quality ingredients with a low glycemic index and some protein value. Naturally, they need to be low in sugar and, if possible, have some healthy fats. The best type of snack is a combination of:

  •  Vegetables: lettuce, spinach, eggplant, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, etc.
  • Fruits: cherry, plum, peach, pear, kiwi, orange, grapefruit, apples, and most berries.
  • Lean meats: lamb, veal, pork, poultry without the skin, fish, or most processed meats with less than a gram of fat per ounce.
  • Nuts: peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews.
  • Yogurts and cheeses: Greek yogurt, Icelandic yogurt, non-salty cheese in mindful portions.
diverse snacks for people with diabetes
People with diabetes can consume most of the food as long as they’re being rational with portioning.

How to make healthy snacks fun?

Remember when you were a kid, and your parents made you eat healthy vegetables? It wasn’t much fun, was it? Your children probably share the same opinion. Therefore, you’ll need to get creative in motivating them to eat the right kinds of snacks. Some of the things you can do are:

  1. Dip the fruit bits in dark chocolate – every kid loves chocolate, even if it has low sugar content.
  2. Be creative with the vegetable mix – arranging them in a fun way or making the food colorful might be appealing to your kid.
  3. Make perfect bites – combine different healthy snacks in tiny arrangements.
  4. Ask your kids about their favorite ingredients – mix them up with less preferred eats to achieve a good balance and make it easy on your kid.

Another great way to interest your kid in snacks is to prepare them together! Every child loves projects, and their mind is bursting with creativity and smart ideas. Thus, give your little one a chance to prepare the food independently. All you need to do is observe or equally participate, providing occasional guidance when mixing ingredients. This is an excellent way of helping kids engage with food. In addition, learning how to make simple snacks and meals will teach them independence early.

a mother and children trying healthy snacks for kids with diabetes
There is nothing more important for your child than spending quality moments with the family.

Avoid forcing them to eat food they dislike

Stress is the main trigger for diabetes in kids. Being exposed to traumatic events or changes in the environment, like relocation to another home, can significantly impact your child’s health, triggering or causing diabetes. Thus, you need to help them adapt after the move and give them time to process all the changes. It might be challenging to inspire your child to eat fully healthy food at first, but today there are many tasty diabetes-friendly products that your kids will love.

Some of the favorite snack ideas for kids with diabetes

Yogurt with berries and nuts

One of the quickest and most delicious mixes there is. Simply mix an Icelandic or Greek yogurt with a handful of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or any type of berries your kid prefers. Add some chopped nuts, stir it up, and you’ll have the perfect healthy snack that you can also use instead of breakfast or a dessert.

The combination of active probiotic cultures from yogurt and proteins from berries and nuts will be great for your kid’s digestion. Moreover, it will provide enough energy to keep the right glucose levels in the system.

Chia seed pudding

Chia seeds do wonders for the metabolism because they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, and fibers. If used often, they can also serve as a powerful antioxidant. That being said, introducing chia seeds into your kid’s diet will bring many benefits.

Mix half a cup of chia seeds, 1/3 of a cup of cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Afterward, add one and a half cups of almond milk and stir it well until all the ingredients are blended. Leave it in the fridge for a few hours, or preferably overnight.

Homemade protein bars

Making your energy-rich sweets is very easy! And all you need is some chopped peanuts, half a cup of coconut flour, 1/4 of a low-carb vanilla protein powder, a teaspoon of Stevia, a cup of natural peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar-free syrup. First, merge peanut butter with syrup and heat it for 2 minutes in the microwave, mixing until it evenly blends. After, add the dry ingredients – coconut flour, Stevia, and protein.

If the dough becomes too thick, add more syrup. However, if the mix is too wet, fix it with more coconut flour. When you achieve an optimum blend, press the batter onto the pan. Lastly, sprinkle it with chopped peanuts, and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving. 

a gluten-free cookie and milk
No child will resist a good cookie! With diabetes-friendly sweets, you just need to be more creative with the ingredients.

Naturally, if you prefer trying out some old-school sugar-free cookie recipes instead, you certainly won’t disappoint your kid. 

Conclusion

These snack ideas for kids with diabetes can help you control the illness and make it easier for your kids. However, even though the dietary regime is consistent for diabetes, not everyone will have the same benefits. To be safe, consider your dietitian’s recommendation and approval of certain ingredients because there is more than one factor to consider when finding out what works best.

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Moving Day with Diabetes

A set of hands measuring their blood sugar levels.
Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

Guest post by Jassica Mendez

Dealing with a chronic illness such as diabetes can be strenuous. On top of that, significant life changes inevitably cause some degree of stress. So, without careful consideration and planning, your moving day with diabetes could cause your symptoms to flare up. Luckily, there are ways to simplify your life and the big moving day. So, if you want to ensure a smooth move, stay tuned for our tips on moving when chronically ill.

Essential tips for your moving day with diabetes

Changing houses puts a massive strain on people and can intervene with their diabetes management. This especially holds today, as many people have to move due to the pandemic and shutdowns.

Luckily, people can relocate successfully with diabetes. Above all, the change can be a pleasant surprise too. So, if you are moving to your larger dream home, there are things you’ll need to take care of to ensure a smooth moving day.

For instance, you should have an emergency medical kit by you at all times carefully plan when and what you will eat on a moving day. People who have diabetes must create a meal plan for events like this. Even though food doesn’t sound like something that should be on top of someone’s list on a moving day, some medication requires taking it before or after a meal.

Therefore, to avoid feeling unwell during a day that is bound to be tiresome, here are the tips to follow when moving with diabetes.

Make a plan ahead and stick to it

Planning is the number one piece of advice for everyone moving homes, especially those living with chronic illnesses. For example, if your diabetes makes you feel unwell after an active and tiresome day, you should ensure you have enough time for all the await tasks. With that said, you should ensure you undertake the tasks reasonably and in small chunks of time instead of cramming everything in a single weekend.

The same goes for the actual moving day: many chronic illnesses organize their lives around their medical problem. Therefore, you should listen to your body, be aware of your limits, and don’t let other people’s methods and expectations get in the way.

Make all the necessary arrangements

The physical and mental effort required to move home shouldn’t be underestimated. In terms of the physical effort, you should be aware of the heavy lifting involved. So, if you are dealing with an illness that causes discomfort, you should consider hiring a full-service moving company that can do these things instead of you.

This way, you will minimize the labor you need to do. Also, you will ensure having peace of mind and simplify your move.

Moving supplies are crucial

If you’ve been dealing with diabetes for some years now, you must have a lot of diabetes-related items accumulated. So, make sure you pack a separate box with your supplementary medicine and diabetic equipment.

Moving supplies (a box. duct tape, and scissors) on a wooden table.
A box with a different colored duct tape designated for your illness-related supplies will make the moving day with diabetes easier.

Alt tag: Moving supplies (a box. duct tape, and scissors) on a wooden table.

Get organized and line up your care

The general rush of moving can easily cause you to forget to get your refills and check expiration dates. So, when the moving time comes, it’s vital to write things down to control your diabetes better. Keeping your to-do lists, schedules, and those kinds of things in a binder you always keep near will be lifesaving.

An organized container full of medicine for the moving day with diabetes.
All major changes can lead to forgetting the usual stuff, such as refilling your medicine.

Additionally, having a relocation-related binder with all the dates, tasks, and bills will help keep up with everything.

Another thing you shouldn’t forget is to change your healthcare provider once you move. Or even make the arrangements beforehand. For example, if you are moving to another state, you might need another insurance plan, pharmacy, and support services. So make sure you include what you will need before your move to make it easier for yourself once you are there.

Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help

Preparing for your moving day with diabetes is the perfect time to ask your family and friends for help. They can help you clean the place, clear out your closet, or pack the boxes. In addition, you can all use this time to say your goodbyes if you are moving somewhere further away.

Unfortunately, not everyone has friends or family to turn to. So it’s good to be aware that professionals can assist you with physical tasks. Also, your local council or community may be able to provide some support.

Have an emergency kit

Doctors recommend always keeping your meds nearby, as well as some emergency kit. Even though you might not take packing and moving boxes as an exercise, it’s simply not a thing your body is used to doing. Therefore, those activities can easily lead to your blood sugar plummeting.

A hand holding a can of diet coke in front of a green door.
It never hurts having a diet coke on hand when moving houses.

Simplify elsewhere to manage stress

Apart from all the logistics, the most challenging part when managing a relocation is stress. So, since you have some unavoidable projects on your plate, you can try and simplify the rest of your life. Logically, it all starts with doing things beforehand and being organized.

By staying organized and arranging everything in advance, you can pay attention to some of the following:

  • pare down your social engagements;
  • avoid unnecessary school involvements;
  • put your finances on prepay;
  • get enough sleep;
  • give yourself some time to relax and say goodbye to your previous home;
  • keep up with your usual routine as much as possible. 

Final words

No doubt, dealing with a chronic illness can make your day-to-day tasks a bit more challenging. Hopefully, our tips for your moving day with diabetes will lead to fewer flares and help you stay on top of your health game. So, make sure you refer to our article to focus your energies in the right places.

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Renewing My Vow To Be Healthy

woman wearing black sports bra and jogger shorts smiling

Austyn4mos

This year I am renewing my vow to be healthy.

After I had my second daughter, I slacked off on many of my healthy habits. I stopped working out, stopped checking my blood sugar numbers, and started eating more fried foods. I attributed most of the changes to the new baby. In realty it was just a lack of discipline.

I want to live to see my children finish high school, graduate from college, marry and one day have families of their own. In order to do so, I pledge to start back working out two days a week and recommit to limiting fried foods to once a month and sweets to once a week.

The Inflammation Cure

In addition to Type 2 Diabetes, I also have ulcerate colitis and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis which are both linked to inflammation. I recently read The Inflammation Cure by D.r William Meggs. In the book Dr. Meggs mentioned that one of the underlying causes of Type 2 Diabetes is inflammation. He also suggested that eating less meat and more fruits and vegetables will help keep inflammation down.

On January 2nd I took the pledge to incorporate  Meatless Mondays in hopes to reduce the inflammation associated with my chronic conditions and recommit to living a healthy lifestyle. This will be very challenging but I am willing to try it. I am renewing my vow to be healthy. What changes are you planning to make for your health this year?

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How To Control Diabetes

Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of blindness for adults. Although there is no cure for diabetes you can prevent the complications associated with diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. Diet and exercise are key to keeping your blood sugars at a normal rate and may also be used to decrease the amount and or frequency of medication needed to manage your diabetes. Here are my suggestions for Diet and Exercise.

 

Exercise
Try to exercise 30 minutes at least twice a week. You can break the 30 minutes up into 10 minute increments by taking the dog for a walk, dancing to a few songs or playing chase with your kids or grand kids. Be creative and have fun!

Diet
Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. I like to add spinach to eggs, top hotdogs with mixed greens and throw in blueberries with oatmeal, yogurt or cereal. When dining out order a salad for your appetizer. That way you know you had a serving of vegetables before your entree even comes out.

Don’t buy junk food when you go grocery shopping. If you don’t have junk food in your house then you will be less likely to eat junk food. In addition, I found that eliminating cow’s milk, soda, white bread and white rice have helped me to keep my blood sugar levels under control. I have replaced cow’s milk with almond milk but I encourage you to try alternatives like soy, coconut milk and rice milk.

Finally, eat more foods that help regulate blood sugar levels. Foods such as sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados and salmon are known for lowering or helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Education

Aside from diet and exercise I encourage you to read anything you can get your hands on that mentions diabetes, nutrition or health.  You are responsible for taking control of your diabetes not your doctor and in order to take control you have to become educated. In addition to learning about how diet and exercise effect your blood sugar levels, I also recommend seeing a nutritionist or dietician. They can help you learn how to read food labels and create a meal plan based on your age, weight and nutritional goals.

Doctors will often prescribe medication without discussing the importance of diet and exercise in controlling blood sugar levels. Many will simply suggest you loose weight. For skinny diabetics like me we don’ t necessarily need to loose weight we just need to adopt healthier eating, and exercise habits.

 

When making healthy lifestyle changes, I suggest that you start with a few changes and stick to them and most importantly relax since stress can also raise your blood sugar.

Have you tried any of these tips? Do you have other suggestions for helping others take control of their diabetes? Let me know what works or doesn’t work for you and feel free to share any additional advice that you may have.