Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Creamy Chicken Casserole

Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. margarine
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 tsp. each dried sage, marjoram, and thyme
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1/2 cup diced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup sliced fresh button mushrooms
1/2 diced celery
3 cups skinless, cooked, cubed chicken
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup reduced-fat, lot-sodium chicken broth
2/3 cup dry whole wheat bread crumbs
1 Tbsp. fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
1. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it is incorporated. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly while cooking until the sauce has thickened. Add the sage, marjoram, thyme, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 Tbsp. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, mushrooms, celery, and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the mushrooms have released their liquid. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, chicken broth, and reserved sauce to the skillet. Mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining olive oil, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the bread crumbs are toasted.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Egg Sandwich
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Art Smith's Southern Oven Unfried Chicken
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Chicken With Porcini Mushrooms
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Hot Crab Dip
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Charles Mattock's Smoked Salmon Wraps
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Seafood Kebabs
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Feta, Arugula, and Mushroom Bruschetta
• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Mexican Corn Salad
• Recipe of the Week: Carrots Marsala

Four Steps To Controlling Your Diabetes: Step 1

Learn About Diabetes
Diabetes means that your blood sugar is too high. There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: The body does not make insulin. Insulin helps the body use glucose from food for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin everyday.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body does not make or use insulin well. People with Type 2 often need to take pills or insulin. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes: Some women when they are pregnant develop diabetes. This raises her future chance of getting diabetes, mostly Type 2 diabetes, as well as raising the child's risk of being overweight and their chance of getting diabetes.
People may joke that they have a "touch of diabetes" or that their sugar is a "little high", but they are suggesting this is not a serious disease. Diabetes and its complications can kill you if you do not take proper care of yourself. By making healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, and exercise regularly, you can avoid some of the complications so many diabetics get. Common complications are:

• Heart attack and stroke
• Eye problems
• Nerve damage
• Kidney problem
• Gum disease and loss of teeth
• Foot complications and amputation

When your blood sugar is close to normal, you are likely to:

• Have more energy
• Be less thirsty, tired, and urinate less often.
• Heal better and have fewer skin or bladder infections. 
• Have fewer problems with your eyesight, feet and gums.

Next post: Part 2: Know Your Diabetes ABCs.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

  ---

• 12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 2

  ---

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Mediterranean Zucchini "Pasta" With Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large zucchini
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 pound peeled, cooked, and deveined medium shrimp
1/4 cup sliced basil
1Tbsp. small capers, drained
8 sliced pitted black olives
2 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
Preparation
1. In a small dish combine the garlic and olive oil, and set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. Then slice the strips into 1/4 inch thick ribbons.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, shrimp, basil, capers, and olives. Fold in the zucchini "pasta" and feta cheese. Drizzle with the garlic-infused olive oil, toss gently, and serve.

If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Feta, Arugula, and Mushroom Bruschetta

Emergency Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of many serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. If you keep your blood sugar levels in check, you can avoid these complications and lead a healthy life. But you should be able to recognize what the signs of complications look like and act fast to prevent one.
Heart Attack
Heart attack and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Symptoms include:

• Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short amount of time or going away and returning.
• Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke
Stroke warning signs may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs in one side of the body.
• Feeling confused.
• Difficulty walking, talking, and lacking in coordination.
• Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason.

Nerve Damage
Those with diabetes are at increased risk for nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Various foot and skin problems can occur:

• Foot problems. Nerve damage associated with Type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you vulnerable to injury and infection without you even knowing it. For example, you may get a blister or cut on your foot that you won't feel and that may turn into an infection. Untreated infections turn into gangrene and even worse, amputation of the limb. 
• Skin problems. Diabetes makes it more difficult for your body to fight infections, including skin problems. Various skin conditions can turn serious quickly. Treat any cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or sores with antibiotic cream immediately.

If you find you have any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor:

• Inflammation or tenderness anywhere on your body.
• Red, itchy rash surrounded by blisters or scales.
• Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hand or feet, including your fingers and toes.
• Sharp pain that gets worse at night.
• Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult. 
• Bladder infections and problems with bladder control.
• Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.

Kidney Disease
Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, a condition in which the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.
Symptoms of kidney disease often do not appear until the disease is at an advanced stage, so if you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Swelling in your ankles or legs.
• Leg cramps
• A need to go to the bathroom more often at night.
• A reduction in your need for insulin.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weakness and paleness
• Itching

The best way to prevent Type 2 kidney related problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure checked regularly and keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
Eye Problems
Eye problems a diabetic may be at risk for are: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause blindness and vision loss. Symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days. 
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Floaters, gray or black spots, cobwebs, or strings that move across your eyes. 
• A sensation of seeing flashing lights.
• Pain or pressure in one or both eyes.

Hyperglycemia
 Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms, and therefore it is important to check your blood sugar regularly. Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination.
• Extreme thirst
• Feeling tired weak.
• Blurry vision.
• Feeling hungry even after eating.

If you have high blood sugar, your doctor may have to make changes to your medication and suggest diet and lifestyle modifications.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

  ---

• 12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 2

  ---

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Apple Cake With Lemon Thyme

Serving size: 1 piece
Ingredients
1 tart apple (Granny smith), about 1 1/2 cups, cubed and peeled
4 Tbsp. finely chopped, fresh thyme leaves (try to use fresh lemon thyme if you can find it)
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup Splenda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tsp. vanilla
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat with nonstick spray and flour an 8 by 8 inch square pan. Combine the apples, thyme, and lemon juice and set aside.
2. Combine the flour, Splenda, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. In a large bowl combine the eggs, oil, orange juice, and vanilla.
3. Add the apple thyme mixture and mix well until blended. Add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combine. Spoon batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and serve.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Charles Mattock's Smoked Salmon Wraps

  ---

Americans Saying "Not Me" When It Comes to Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious epidemic that affects people all over the world. In 2011 366 million people worldwide had diabetes and that figure is expected to rise to 552 million by 2030. In the United States 23 million people had diabetes in 2011 and that will rise to 29 million in 2030. More than 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes and a quarter million people die from complications from diabetes every year. Total cost to Americans exceeds $218 billion.
Americans however, are not making lifestyle changes to prevent that number from rising. Despite all of the information and easy changes Americans can make, they are suffering from "not me" syndrome.
A new survey by the Health Dialog and commissioned by the parent company Bupa, 82% of Americans are aware that being overweight is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, yet they do not apply this logic to themselves. More than 58% of Americans have a body mass index of 25 or over, which classifies them as overweight and obese. Overall, 29% of American respondents were obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. Which is more frightening is that 51% of respondents considered themselves to be healthy and 43% thought their diets were good.
Oddly enough, 74% of Americans surveyed said obesity, unhealthy diets, and low levels of physical activity are the nation's biggest health issues. Eight out of ten Americans know that being overweight is a risk factor for the development of diabetes.
"There is a startling disconnect between what people know about the risk factors associated with diabetes and what they are actually doing to protect themselves from a health and wellness standpoint," said Peter Goldbach, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Health Dialog. "Given their knowledge, people now need to realize that even small steps can make a big difference when it comes to eating better, exercising more regularly, or shedding a few pounds. At Health Dialog we understand the importance of wellness programs that fit easily into people's lives and are more like fun than a chore. It's not about checking a box. It's about integrating new behaviors little by little into everyday life."
So what will it take for Americans and the government to do something about this epidemic? Millions of Americans to die from diabetes every year? Here are a couple of suggestions:
*Teach healthy nutrition to every school child and make sure every school has physical education classes every day. Throw out all processed foods, fast food, junk food, sodas, and vending machines from all schools.
*Create a national task force that will re-educate the entire population on nutrition and exercise.
*Stop the promotion of junk foods to children (Disney has already accepted this challenge). 
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

  ---

• 12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 2

  ---

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Iced Ginger-Peach Tea

Serves: 4
Serving size: 1 cup
Ingredients

1 large peach, peeled and sliced
4 cups spring water (divided)
1 small piece peeled ginger root (about 1 Tbsp.)
4 Irish or English breakfast or other black tea bag
Preparation
1. Puree the peach slices and 1/2 cup water in a blender until smooth.
2. Bring the puree, remaining water, and ginger root just to a boil in a large saucepan or teapot. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 7 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and refrigerate the tea until well chilled. Remove the ginger root and stir before serving over ice.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

 

Pet Therapy For Diabetics

There are several health benefits of having an animal companion.
*A great reason to exercise. Physical activity can help you lose weight or prevent weight gain, both of which are important factors in controlling blood sugar levels for those with Type 2 diabetes. And knowing that your dog has to go outside for a walk can get you up and moving when you might stay on the couch instead. If you're looking for more exercise, chose a dog over a cat. Physical activity tends to occur more frequently in dog owners over non-dog owners. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes 5 times a week. Both you and your dog will love it.

*Supportive companion. Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and provide unconditional love, which is important if you're feeling down about your diabetes or depressed. Pets often help you cope better with difficult situations. Pet owners have a milder reaction to stress and recovered more quickly from stressful situations than those without animals.
*An alert system. Some animals with heightened senses are able to know when their owner's blood sugar is running low. Many with dogs have reported their dogs have exhibited change in behavior when their owners were experiencing hypoglycemia. Researchers believe that dogs may sense the low blood sugar by smell or by noticing change in their owners' mannerisms. There are several organizations in the United States that match trained hypoglycemia-alert dogs with diabetics.
Animals do not care if you're overweight, what you do for a living, or where you live. They love you unconditionally for who you are. Pets can be better than human companions because of this!
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Related articles

• 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes: Part 1

  ---

• 12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 2

  ---