American Diabetes Launches Free Community Newsletter

American Diabetes recently launched a free community newsletter which includes free diabetic recipes, information about diabetes, news and breakthroughs in the medical field. The newsletter is free and signing up is easy. You can either sign up using the form at the right or on any page on AmericanDiabetes.com. Learn how to avoid foods that are high in triglycerides. Keep yourself in the loop with the latest diabetes news.

Black Tea May Fight Diabetes

According to Science Daily and the Journal of Food Science, black tea may useful in controlling diabetes.

Researchers from the Tianjin Key Laboratory in China studied the polysaccharide levels in black, green and oolong teas. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate which may help retard the absorption of glucose in people with diabetes. The researchers found that the polysaccharides in black tea were the most sucessful at inhibiting glucose and would be the most valuable for diabetes management.

So, drink up! Whether you prefer your black tea hot or iced, with milk or lemon, drink to your health.

Caring for Diabetic Skin

People with diabetes can have complications with their eyes, heart and nerves, but what about the body's largest organ? According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as 1/3 of diabetics develop a skin disorder.

Here are some tips to make sure your skin is getting the care it needs:

• Make sure your skin is always clean and dry. Sprinkle talcum powder in areas where skin touches other skin to reduce chafing, sweating and irritation.
• Avoid hot showers or baths which can dry out the skin. Opt for lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizing soap followed by moisturizing lotion.
• Promptly wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and water and cover the wound with a gauze pad.
• See your doctor if skin wounds appear serious or don't seem to heal.

Berry Delicious and Nutritious!

According to the US Department of Agriculture, blueberries and blackberries are among the top ten healthiest foods. These berries are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that have been proven to fight cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

How can berries benefit people with diabetes?

• Berries are all natural and low in fat, calories and carbs but high in fiber and vitamins making them the perfect diabetic snack.
• Blueberries contain myrtillin and pterostilbene which help control and lower blood sugar levels.
• Blueberries also promote circulation and strengthen capillaries and blood vessels to improve blood flow.
• Blueberries are also great for your memory, eyes and heart.
• Blackberries deliver 50% of your daily dose of vitamin C and are high in potassium which helps regulate blood pressure.

With all that goodness, it's a good thing its berry season! Stock up on berries: you can freeze them for later, bake with them, eat them as a snack, blend them into smoothie or toss them in a salad. Visit American Diabetes for Berry Recipe ideas.