Living With Diabetes E-Newsletter

American Diabetes just launched a free community e-newsletter for news and information about living with diabetes.

Today's e-newsletter features an interesting article about lowering your glucose levels with cinnamon, information about managing diabetes with diet and exercise alone, and a delicious Shrimp and Snow Pea recipe.

Sign up for the e-newsletter today to recieve the latest news, information and recipes from American Diabetes.

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.

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."

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!

The Cure for Diabetes? A Healthy Diet

Diabetes is one of the most deadly diseases in America. However, a change in your diet may be all it takes to lessen the effects of the disease. Research shows that 80% of new cases of diabetes are caused by lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise. 

A healthy diabetic diet is not unlike the South Beach or Atkins diet. The key is limiting carbohydrate intake, especially simple carbs and sugars. Keeping this one rule in mind will help regulate your blood glucose level naturally. 

This is why American Diabetes Services features diabetes friendly recipes for you and your family to enjoy. The recipes are intended to supplement diabetes treatment, but they are also a great preventative measure for those at-risk of developing diabetes. 

Enjoy Great Tasting Recipes for Diabetics

Even though a person is a diabetic, that doesn't mean they are deprived of great tasting, delicious meals, especially desserts!

Here is a great recipe that is diabetic friendly for Oatmeal Cookies!

In order to make these diabetic cookies, you'll need the following ingredients:

* 1/2 c. margarine
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp. sucaryl solution
* 1/4 c. milk
* 1 c. flour
* 1/2 tsp. baking powder
* 1/8 tsp. baking soda
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 1/2 c. raisins
* 1 c. rolled oats

Cream margarine until smooth. Add beaten egg, sucaryl solution, and milk. Sift and mix dry ingredients and then add to first mixture. Beat in vanilla, raisins, and rolled oats. Drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake. You can use 1/4 cup margarine and 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 banana instead of using the full amount of margarine.

Check out the American Diabetes website for more dessert recipes, as well as side dishes, entrees and appetizers!