When you are diagnosed with diabetes one of the first things you should do is consult a nutritionist. They will be able to tell you exactly what’s good for you to include in your diet, and what food types you should be avoiding.

A healthy food plan is essential for managing your condition, but with so much information currently available knowing what’s right and wrong can be a confusing business. Whatever choices you make there are a few simple rules which are universally recognized to be beneficial.

Ÿ Try and reduce portion sizes. Cut the amount of fried foods you include in meals, whether at home or in a restaurant.

Ÿ Make fresh fruit and vegetables a major part of your diet. Try and eat non-starchy vegetables, such as green beans, spinach and broccoli with every meal.

Ÿ Drink diet soda whenever you have the chance - better still have a glass of water.

Ÿ Switch to brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and other whole grain carbohydrates.

Ÿ Include dried beans and lentils in your cooking.

Ÿ Try and eat fish at least twice a week.

Ÿ When buying meat, whether at the store or in a restaurant, opt for leaner cuts, such as loin of pork or beef. Always remove the skin from chicken.

Ÿ Reduce your dairy food consumption and opt for fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt. Try replacing cow’s milk in drinks with Soya or rice alternatives.

Ÿ When you’re frying avoid solid fats and choose liquid oils which contain less saturated fat.

Ÿ Avoid calorie-packed snack foods such as cookies, chips and cakes; alternatively look for low-calorie versions.

Most importantly, develop and stick to a meal plan. Your doctor will be able to help you with this. Make sure it fits your lifestyle and is achievable; sticking to it will not only control weight but help balance blood glucose, blood pressure and your cholesterol levels.

Tags: diabetes, diabetes articles, diabetic, insulin

Every year more than 15,000 diabetics and their carers seek advice on matters of discrimination. Many of the inquiries concern the treatment of diabetic children and young people in the education system.

As always, a large part of the problem is a lack of knowledge, either on the part of parents, children or the schools and colleges they attend. Ignorance, of the issues surrounding the condition and its safe management, frequently lie at the heart of discrimination, so it’s important that healthcare professionals and educators alike are actively involved in resolving them.

With careful management, and modern medical knowledge, diabetic youngsters are able to play a full role in all aspects of school and college life - and it is important that they do so. But many children are still forced to confront issues of discrimination, whether from their fellow students or teachers, despite legislation protecting them.

Children with diabetes sometimes face problems in obtaining the care they need in schools and day care centers. Whether you are a parent or student, understand the rights of people with diabetes, and what you can do to make sure your school is offering fair treatment.

Every student with a disability has the right to a positive public education experience free from discrimination, and these rights are guaranteed in federal law. With a number of acts offering legal protection nationally, and most states having their own additional protections, every school and college receiving federal funding must employ personnel who are aware of diabetes and how it affects your child.

If your school or college does not have this provision they will have to train staff accordingly. Don’t be afraid to get involved and negotiate with school or college officials to achieve this.

Tags: diabetic, diabetes articles, diabetes, insulin