According to research from the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million Americans were living with diabetes in 2012. The same study found that the incidence of new cases of diabetes diagnosed per year is approximately 1.7 million. At this rate, one out of three people will develop diabetes during their lifetime.
Some diabetics need to balance their diet with insulin, oral medications and exercise to manage their blood glucose levels. Like others, they also need to be diligent about food choices, portion sizes and finding time for fitness to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetics are at a greater risk for some serious health problems, including hypoglycemia, hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney disease and even amputations. They need to be mindful of meal-planning and counting carbohydrates so their bodies can properly breakdown starches, sugars and fiber. However, for the most part, diabetics can keep a normal diet by making smart food choices and being aware of portion sizes, according to WebMD.
There are abundant resources, including ShopDiabetes.org, dedicated to helping diabetics find recipes, meal plans and support programs. A few years ago, Healthline.com published a review of the top diabetes cookbooks available. The American Diabetes Association also has a wide range of free materials to help understand and manage living with diabetes. The organization also provides exercise and diet-related tips for those living with diabetes at www.diabetes.org.
Even cuisines, such as Mexican fare, which are often thought to be high in fat, sodium and calories, can be enjoyed by diabetics through recipes that are rebuilt with healthier ingredients or lower-calorie substitutes. A new collection of revamped Mexican recipes called Healthier Traditions was recently released by California-based Northgate Gonzalez Markets and the national nonprofit Transamerica Center for Health Studies® to help people improve their health while still eating some of their favorite meals.
Hector De La Torre , Wello Inc. VIP Guest Author for Wellness Blog
Article by Hector De La Torre for the Transamerica Center for Health Studies: https://www.transamericacenterforhealthstudies.org/.
Hector De La Torre is the Executive Director of the Transamerica Center for Health Studies, a nonprofit that helps consumers and businesses navigate the health care and wellness landscapes. De La Torre brings extensive private and public sector experience, particularly his leadership role on health care issues, to his position.
Transamerica Center for Health Studies(R) (TCHS) is a division of Transamerica Institute(R) , a nonprofit, private foundation and funded by contributions from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and its affiliates and may receive funds from unaffiliated third parties. TCHS and their representatives cannot give ERISA, tax, or legal advice, and TCHS is not an agent of any government agency including, but not limited to, state or federal health benefit exchanges. This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as ERISA, tax, or legal advice.