Diabetes-Friendly Red, White and Blue Recipes for July 4th

The Fourth of July: A time for fun, fireworks, family, friends and FOOD!

Everyone loves an American themed dessert on July 4th. Don't pass on your favorite red, white and blue treat, make it diabetes-friendly instead.

Here's an Independence Day twist on a simple diabetes-friendly recipe:

1. Begin by preparing American Diabetes' Recipe for Raspberry Mousse.

2. Scoop the prepared mousse into a glass parfait cup, filling it 1/4 of the way.

3. Top with whipped cream until the glass is half full.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the parfait glass is full. You should have four red and white alternating stripes (see image above).

5. Finish with a sprinkle of blueberries on top for a red, white and blue "Americana Parfait."

iPhone App Tracks Carbs, Insulin and Glucose

A new iPhone application from Universal Tracking System allows you to track carbohydrate intake as well as insulin and glucose levels. The App organizes your medical data graphically and by date to make sharing your blood glucose levels with your doctor or family a breeze.

Here is a video demonstrating the features of the App:

Dogs Sniff Out Low Blood Sugar Levels

Dogs in Britain are being trained to warn their diabetic owners when their blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. K-9s are already used to sniff out cancer, drugs and explosives, but this could be groundbreaking for diabetes care.

Dogs' hypersensitive noses are able to identify tiny changes in blood sugar levels which can indicate a hypoglycemic attack. 65% of people surveyed with insulin-dependent diabetes at a hospital in Belfast, Ireland reported their dogs reacting by barking, whining or licking during a hypoglycemic episode.

The Cancer and Bio-Detection Dogs research facility in Southern England currently has 17 rescue dogs undergoing animal training to be paired up with diabetic owners. The facility hopes the research will lead to the invention of an electronic nose to act just like a dog's nose and detect dangerous changes in blood sugar levels.

Diabetic Health Tips: Beat the Summer Heat

The Summer heat can sunburn, dehydrate and exhaust anyone. But those with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes need to take extra precautions in the Summer in order to regulate glucose levels and prevent dehydration.

Here are some tips to keep you cool in the Summer heat:

1. Hydrate - When heat combines with high glucose levels, dehydration can occur very quickly. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, avoiding juices, sports drinks, sodas, caffeine and alcohol.

2. Avoid the Sun Between 10 AM and 2 PM - When the sun is at its hottest you are more likely to burn, become dehydrated and suffer from heat exhaustion. Exercise in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid over-perspiration which can dehydrate your body.

3. Keep Your Diabetic Testing Supplies Cool - Insulin and Glucose Meters should never be kept in direct sunlight or above room temperature. Keep your testing supplies in a cooler or insulated carrying case.

4. Monitor Your Blood Sugar - Heat causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate unexpectedly. Check your blood sugar at least four times a day and extra carry snacks when leaving home.

Father's Day Gift Ideas for Dads with Diabetes

Father's Day is just around the corner. If your Dad has Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, why not show how much you care with a gift that celebrates your Diabetic Dad? Here are a few Diabetes friendly gift ideas for Dads:

Low-Carb Gift Basket - Healthy, low-carb snacks are great for diabetics. Well Baskets has an all natural low-carb gift basket filled with vitamin and nutrient rich snacks like smoked salmon, pistachios and artisana nut butter.

Magazine Subscription - Men's Health, Diabetes Forcast and Diabetes Self Management all feature articles, information and news about Diabetes, health, nutrition and fitness.

Donate to the American Diabetes Association - Make a tax-deductable donation to the American Diabetes Association in honor of your Dad. The funds will go toward research to find a cure for Diabetes. Your Dad will also get a personalized e-mail or card with your message to announce your donation.

Cook a Diabetes Friendly Meal - Invite your Dad over for a Diabetes friendly meal. There are plenty of delicious recipes and ideas from American Diabetes. Whether your Dad loves Mexican, Italian, Seafood or American cuisine, American Diabetes has recipes for Appetizers, Entrees, Salads and even Desserts.

Remember - Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st!

New Treatments Offer Hope for Type 2 Diabetes

According to a recent article, there are new treatments that offer hope for those with Type 2 Diabetes.

In this article, new medications and types of insulin continue to come forward each year. There are types of insulin ranging from rapid-acting to short-acting to long-acting. Multiple categories of diabetes pills are helpful ranging from sulfonylureas, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and meglitinides. All work in different ways to lower blood sugar, stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, improve insulin's effectiveness, or block enzymes that help digest starches to slow the rise in blood sugar.

In the past two to four years, two treatments have emerged as growing choices among diabetic patients because they show the ability to effectively control diabetes with little risk of weight gain, a side effect for many patients.