Understanding the Causes of America’s Childhood Diabetes Epidemic

Childhood diabetes may, in fact, be the most pressing public health concern facing the country today. Rates of childhood diabetes – inextricably linked to childhood obesity – continue to rise, particularly amongst minority and urban populations.

And it’s not rocket science why this is so. For starters, parents are faced with the seemingly insurmountable power of junk food and the companies who market it. It happens all the time: a child is in the cereal aisle, begging his mother or father to purchase that tremendously sugary cereal. And more often than not, the parent acquiesces.

Of course, the marketing of sugar is everywhere; in television commercials, movies, and even in schools, where soft drinks can be purchased from vending machines. Compounding this challenge is the fact that many children, particularly those in urban areas, don’t need the needed exercise to help keep the weight off.

So what can be done? Well, first, parents must take a more active role in regulating their children’s diets, including more fruits and vegetables and less junk food. Schools must serve healthier meals and make an effort to promote exercise, which is why we applaud Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. And most of all, adults should lead by example. As tempting as that bag of cookies looks, put it down. Try an apple instead.

Avoiding Carbs, Eating Non-Starchy Vegetables a Good Recipe for a Healthy Diet for Diabetics

With Christmas approaching, it’s important for diabetics to watch what they eat.  Of course, a proper diet for diabetics should be employed year-round, but the risk of adversely affecting one’s blood sugar is definitely greater around the holidays.

Naturally, the biggest risk diabetics face is to overload their plate with food. This is particularly bad if the food is high in carbohydrates, as this will cause a rise on one’s blood sugar. Specifically, diabetics should eat non-starchy vegetables that can help them keep their blood sugars under control. These types of vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, onions, peppers, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower – pretty much most vegetables you can think of. The American Diabetes Association provides a helpful list of non-starchy vegetables; the main thing to realize here is that these vegetables must not have added sodium, fat, or sugar.

Ultimately, diabetics should work with dieticians on developing a diet for diabetics that also includes effective ways to monitor one’s blood sugar, accurately track carbohydrate intake, and strategies for getting ample exercise.

The Ideal Gestational Diabetes Diet

If your doctor has diagnosed you with gestational diabetes, paying attention to your diet is very important during this critical phase in your life. Managing diabetes while pregnant is not easy, and you need to follow a few dietary rules.

While you take your diabetes medication prescribed by a physician, you should also pay attention to the foods you eat. Your goal is to keep a steady glucose level throughout your body. Therefore, stay away from simple carbohydrates like sugar and white flour. Have regular meals with enough carbohydrates to keep your glucose levels stable. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are the best foods to eat to get enough healthy carbs.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Pure water without any sugar is best for the developing baby and your own body. Coffee that contains caffeine is not good for someone with gestational diabetes. You may want to drink extra milk to get your calcium. If you don’t like milk, leafy green vegetables or supplements will supply you with enough of the vitamin.

If you need sugar in your food, use an artificial sweetener like agave nectar or stevia. These are natural alternatives that shouldn’t raise your glucose levels. Diabetes management while pregnant is something that you cannot brush off, because it can negatively affect your baby and raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes in the future.

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