Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

People with diabetes are at high risk for foot problems and lower extremity amputations. In order to lower your risk for foot problems, it is important for diabetics to care for their feet. Here are a few simple tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons which will keep your feet in tip-top shape, despite your diabetes.

• Wash your feet daily with soap and water. Dry them carefully after washing.
• Apply a rich moisturizer, avoiding the spaces in between your toes.
  
• Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Avoid antiseptics, sharp tools and using heating pads on your feet.
• Prevent circulatory problems by quitting smoking.
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

Top 20 Super Foods for Diabetics

Here are the Top 20 Super Foods for Diabetics. Not only are these foods a great way to control your weight and blood glucose levels, they are also easy to find and prepare.

Join me in counting down the Top 20 Super Foods for Diabetics based on fiber content, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals:

20. Yogurt - an excellent source of calcium, vitamin B2, zinc and protein.
19. Tomatoes - high in vitamin C, potassium and lycopene. For optimal lycopene absorption, cook your tomatoes instead of consuming them raw.
18. Tea - whether you drink it hot or cold, tea contains antioxidants which may prevent disease. White and green teas have more antioxidants than black teas.
17. Soy - even if you aren't a vegetarian you can still benefit from the protein, zinc, iron and potassium present in soy beans. For maximum protein, try baby green soybeans called edamame.
16. Spinach - loaded with vitamins and minerals including B2 and B6, potassium, zinc, fiber and beta-carotene.
15. Raspberries - packed with fiber and vitamin C.
14. Red Onions - a good source of fiber, potassium and folate.
13. Oatmeal - the soluble fiber in oats can lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure and stabilize blood glucose. Oats also provide vitamin E, B, magnesium and potassium.
12. Nuts - walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans and hazelnuts help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Nuts are also a great source of fiber, protein, vitamin E and healthy fats.
11. Melon - high in vitamin C and potassium. Includes watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, casaba and more.
10. Apples - the soluble and insoluble fiber in apples may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and may stabilize blood glucose.
9. Cranberries - packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
8. Flaxseed - high in fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a fatty acid with similar benefits as omega-3 fatty acids. Which brings us to...
7. Fish - salmon, trout, tuna, sardines, mackerel and herring are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Carrots - cooked or raw, carrots contain beta-carotene, which provides vitamin A, and are a great source of fiber.
5. Broccoli - with more vitamin C per 100 grams than an orange, fiber and beta-carotene, broccoli truly is a super food.
4. Beans - high in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
3. Red Grapefruit - a truly heart-healthy fruit, rich in vitamin C.
2. Blueberries - fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants make blueberries effective disease fighters.
1. Asparagus - high in fiber, vitamin B folate and vitamin C.

Halloween Tricks and Treats for Diabetics

It's mid-October, and the only thing scarier than Halloween are the sugar levels of all that candy!

Here are some simple tricks-and-treats to keep help manage your diabetes, while still staying in the spirit of the sweet-filled holiday.

1. Remember, one piece of candy will not kill you. However, opt for sugar-free options if you feel the need to splurge.
2. If you have been suppressing your sweet tooth, Halloween is not an excuse for a candy buffet.
3. Just because you are diabetic doesn't mean you can't pass out candy to trick-or-treaters or take your own children out. Plus, there are always candy alternatives such as popcorn balls or coupons.
4. This is the perfect time to educate the neighborhood kids about sugar moderation and diabetes.