Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Cornbread Muffins

Makes: 10 muffins
Serving Size: 1 muffin
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 Tbsp. sugar substitute
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup low-fat buttermilk or 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 egg
1 egg white
1 Tbsp. fresh grated orange peel
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flours, sugar substitute, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, combine the buttermilk, canola oil, egg, and egg white.
4. Add the liquid mixture to the cornmeal mixture and mix until just combined; do not overbeat. Fold in the orange zest.
5. Divide the batter evenly among 10 muffin tins. Fill any empty muffin cups half full with water to prevent burning in the oven.
6. Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
7. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the muffins to loosen them. Invert the muffin tin to release the muffins. Cool them on a rack. Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature.
This recipe comes from Diabetes Forecast online.

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.`

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Body Fat and Diabetes

Where your body stores the majority of its fat could potentially be the key to finding a person's risk of Type 2 diabetes. An observational study published in the American Medical Association's special issue on obesity points to abdominal fat as being the biggest culprit.
The study tracked 6,000 participants in the Dallas Heart Study and is the largest of its kind to assess the diabetes risk of a multiethnic composition of the country as a whole.
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center were able, using imaging techniques, to predict diabetes in obese subjects, years before the disease presented itself. Participants were tested for body composition and biomarkers such as insulin resistance and blood-sugar levels and researchers concluded that body mass index, HDL cholesterol, and body-fat percentage did not impact Type 2 diabetes risk, but the level of abdominal fat did.
"Diabetes was linked to fat around the organs, not subcutaneous fat, not total body fat, and not body mass index," said lead researcher James de Lemos, MD, professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern. Previous research showed that fat in the lower body can have a protective effect against heart disease and diabetes in some people, especially women, but positive effects of fat storage were not analyzed in this study.
In those who had normal fasting glucose at the beginning of the study, age, ethnicity, and additional weight gain over the course of the eight year study appeared to determine their diabetes risk.
"Additional weight gain in obese people was the most powerful predictor of who would develop diabetes or prediabetes," de Lemos says. "If clinicians can prevent additional weight gain, we can do a lot to prevent diabetes."
de Lemos believes this information can be used in a clinical setting to predict which obese patients will develop diabetes and to help target diabetes-prevention therapies. Lifestyle interventions, prescription weight-loss supplements, and even weight loss surgery are all actions that can be taken if the person is suspected to have a higher diabetes risk. "Some therapies can carry substantial risk and expense and might be best targeted toward those who are high-risk for diabetes," said de Lemos.
However, it is important to remember that not all obese patients are alike and should not be treated that way. "There's no association between markers of general adipositivity and prediabetes. Obesity is a heterogeneous or variable disorder, and we can characterize specific subgroups that have a greater or lesser risk of developing diabetes- with clinical implications," said de Lemos.
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.

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Seared Scallops With Pine Nut Spinach

Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size: 3 oz. scallops 1/2 cup spinach
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 to 10 minutes
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. butter
1 lb. fresh sea scallops, patted dry
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
1/4 cup dry white wine or low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 medium shallot, minced
1 1/2 lbs. fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and stemmed
2 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest
Preparation
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the scallops with the salt and lemon pepper seasoning. Add the scallops to the pan (in batches if necessary to keep them in one layer), and sear the scallops for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Turn the scallops and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are just cooked through. Set the scallops on a plate, tent with foil to keep them warm.
2. Add the wine to the skillet, scrapping up any browned bits, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the shallot and saute for 2 minutes. Add the spinach, and with tongs, turn the spinach until it wilts and before it releases too much liquid. Add the toasted pine nuts and crushed red pepper flakes and toss lightly. Serve the scallops over the bed of spinach. Sprinkle with the fresh lemon zest.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast online.
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.

New Research Provides Insight In Diabetes Gene

Diabetes researchers at Lund University in Sweden have been able to reveal more of the genetic complexity behind Type 2 diabetes.
The new research findings were achieved through access to human insulin-producing cells from deceased donors and by not only studying one gene variant, but many genes. New methods were used to see how these genes influence the level of the gene in pancreatic islets and their effect on insulin secretion and glucose supply.
"With this approach, we can explain 25 percent of variations in blood sugar levels. Previously, the best studies have explained less than 3 percent," says Leif Groop from Lund University Diabetes Centre, the principal author of the study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
The results of the study provide greater insights into why, in cases of Type 2 diabetes, beta cells cease to perform their function of producing sufficient insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control.
"We have linked different gene variants to their effects on donated human beta cells and have compared cells from non-diabetic and diabetics," said Professor Groop.
The starting point for researchers was the 47 known gene variants that have a link to diabetes. "We used them as 'bait' to find new signal paths and chain of events where the 47 variants work together with other genes. We have to map patterns because a single gene rarely acts on its own," continued Groop.
To pick out the 20 strongest gene variants, criteria included a difference between beta cells from healthy individuals and diabetics and a link to insulin secretion and blood sugar levels. The goal of the study was to understand the relationship between gene variants and diabetes.
"By taking a new and more holistic approach, we have gone a step further than previous projects and succeeded in linking together gene variants and their signal paths in human beta cells that cause reduced insulin secretion. The next step is to look in more detail at the way in which the strongest genes affect insulin secretion," said Groop.
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.

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Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Lasagna Roll-ups

Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 roll
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients
8 whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup diced onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 tsp. each dried basil and oregano
1/4 tsp. crush hot red pepper flakes
1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
2/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup lite silken tofu, mashed
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 1/12 cups bottled lower-salt marinara sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
1. Coat a medium baking dish with cooking spray, set aside. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add the noddles and cook according to the package directions until just al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the broccoli, zucchini, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and saute for 3 minutes. Remove the vegetable mixture from the heat and set aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Drain the noddles and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella cheese, tofu, egg, salt, and black pepper. Add the vegetable mixture to the cheese mixture and mix well.
4. Lay a noddle on a flat surface. Spread about 1/4 cup of the filling on the noodle and roll it into a spiral. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
5. Add 1 cup of the marinara sauce to the prepared baking dish. Place the lasagna roll-ups seam side down in the pan. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups, and cover the pan with foil.
6. Bake the roll-ups for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 more minutes, or until the cheese melts and is bubbly.

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.

Diabetic Patients To Have Larger Voice In Care

The American Diabetes Association has come out with new guidelines meant to provide diabetic patients with individualized care.
The new statement recommends more patient involvement in the treatment and management of their condition and provides guidance on approaches to the choice of therapy. Choices, including precise goals for blood sugar control, should combine the best available scientific evidence along with the doctor's and patient's preferences.
"Given the uncertainties in terms of type and sequence therapies, this approach is particularly appropriate in Type 2 diabetes," said Andrew Boulton, a professor at the University of Manchester, in England, and president of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, which also released a similar statement.
Other main points in the new guidelines include:

• Diet, exercise, and education remain the foundation of any Type 2 diabetes program.
• Unless the patient has an adverse effect to it, metaformin is the best first-line drug.
• After metaformin, there is limited data to guide treatment. Combination therapy with one or two oral drugs is reasonable, with the aim to minimize side effects. 
• Many patients will still require insulin therapy alone or in combination with other drugs to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Cardiovascular care and risk reduction should be a top priority.

In the guidelines, patient-centered care is defined as "an approach to providing care that is respective and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, ensuring that the patient's own values guide all clinical decisions." In the end, patients make their own decision about how much or how little they want to change their lifestyle choices and their care has to fit in with their lives.
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.

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Winter Salad With Citrus

Serving Size: 1 cup
Ingredients
Salad

6 cups mixed greens
1 cup grapefruit sections
1 cup orange sections
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
Dressing
2 Tbsp. raspberry vinegar
1 Tbsp. orange juice
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/8 tsp. salt
Preparation
1. Combine the dressing ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Combine the greens, grapefruit, oranges, onion, and walnuts. Add dressing and toss to coat.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast online.
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.

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Got Diabetes and Drink Alcohol? Think Again

Those with Type 1 diabetes are even more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than those who do not have the disease.
Cynthia Zuber, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, was 18 when she went to her first fraternity party, not knowing how drinking alcohol and taking insulin would effect her body. "It was a party of upperclassmen, and my friend and I, both freshmen, felt very young and out of place. To deal with the discomfort, I started drinking beer," said Zuber.
Throughout the evening Zuber went back for refills, and her friends brought her more as well. She soon lost track of how many beers she had and neither did she know where her blood sugar level was at.
Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low for those on blood sugar lowering medications for as long as 12 hours after your last drink.
"Things got out of control quickly, and when we went to leave I had to be carried to the car and into my dorm," said Zuber. Zuber vomited throughout the night and at some point passed out. She hadn't checked her blood sugar levels. In the morning when she woke up, she was still vomiting. After finally testing her blood sugar level she discovered it was low enough that she had to eat something or a serious problem would occur. Problem was because of the hangover from the alcohol, she couldn't keep any food down. Zuber eventually ended up in the hospital.
"I was oblivious to the danger I'd put myself in. The doctor [...] actually slapped me across the face- not hard, but to get my attention." The doctor explained to her the ways alcohol can affect someone with Type 1 diabetes, which can include death.
She didn't give up alcohol completely after that incident, but cut way back and never put herself in the hospital because of it again. Now 36, Zuber completely gave up alcohol because she feels better when she doesn't drink at all.
If you are going to drink, the American Diabetes Association recommends having a snack the same time you are consuming alcohol and not to have more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. More importantly, the ADA says to check your blood sugar before going to sleep after drinking alcohol, striving for a level between 100 and 140 milligrams per deciliter.
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.

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