Thursday, August 29, 2013

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Shrimp Scampi

Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size: 3 oz. shrimp, 1/2 cup pasta
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti or linguine
3 Tbsp. olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Pinched crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb. fresh large shrimp, peeled, and deveined
1/4 cup cry white wine
Juice and zest of one lemon
2 tsp. butter
2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley
Preparation
1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and saute for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
3. Add the shrimp and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and turn pink.
4. With a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the skillet; keep warm. Add the wine and lemon juice to the skillet and bring to boiling. Simmer the liquid for about 3 minutes. Add the butter and stir as it melts.
5. Add the lemon zest, parsley, and cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to coat. Top with the shrimp and serve immediately.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Diabetes Common Among Low-Income Families

As if it's not bad enough all of the other medical, social, economic, political, and cultural problems that go along with being a low-income family, you can now add the likelihood of getting Type 2 diabetes to your list.
New research published in the journal PLoS Medicine finds that those with low incomes are more likely than their higher income counterparts to to develop Type 2 diabetes.
The reason for the link is not clear, but researchers found that inflammation may be a key in the connection, along with genetics.
"We've shown... there might be a link going from socioeconomic status to inflammation, through gene regulation, that finally leads to increased risk of diabetes," said senior author Silvia Stringhini, of the University Hospital of Lausanne in Switzerland.
Studies show that people who experience socioeconomic strife during their childhood tend to have a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life, even when they aren't obese or eat an unhealthy diet. Stringhini and her fellow researchers wanted to find out why childhood poverty would have such long-lasting effects.
The research team used information from the Whitehall II study, which tracked social and clinical information from 10,000 people in London from 1991 to 2009. The participants took an oral glucose test every six years and the researchers tracked who developed diabetes. They also took blood samples to measure key inflammatory proteins in the blood. For the socioeconomic data, participants were asked their job title, education level, and father's occupation.
Overall, those who had low socioeconomic status were twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes over the time frame of the study. As well, those whose lives either started or ended in low-income situations had an increased risk of developing diabetes as an adult.
This is not exactly medical shattering news, but Stringhini pointed out that diabetic risk factors, like being overweight, eating poorly, and being physically inactive "explain about half of the socioeconomic status differences in the Type 2 diabetes."
The other half was tied to inflammation, regardless of a person's weight or activity level. Typically those who lived in low-income situations had chronically higher levels of inflammatory proteins in their blood stream. But inflammation and risk factors were not the only culprits for developing diabetes.
"The stress related to financial adversity- that of living in poor, unsafe, and polluted neighborhoods, experiencing more stressful life events, or experiencing abuse and violence- [may contribute to] an exacerbated inflammatory responses in adult life," Stringhini said.
"While this does not mean that we should stop trying to improve lifestyle behaviors in the most disadvantaged sections of society, we might try to recommend medications targeting directly inflammation," Stringhini said.
Reference: Live Science
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Exercises For Peripheral Neuropathy: Seated Hamstring Stretch

Sitting over the front half of a firm chair, place one leg straight with the foot pointing up. Bend the opposite knee so that your foot is flat on the floor. Center your chest over the straight leg, and slowly straighten your back until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg.
Hold: 15-20 seconds on each leg
Repeat: 3 repetitions each leg/2 times a day.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Diabetic Recipe Of the Week: Mini Fruit Tarts

Makes: 16 tarts
Serving Size: 2 tarts
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz.) nonfat cream cheese
1/4 cup no-sugar-added strawberry jam
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted, toasted and coarsely chopped
16 mini phyllo dough shells, thawed
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
Preparation
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and jam. Fold in the almonds. Divide the mixture among the phyllo dough shells. Top each tart with strawberries.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Foot Amputations On Decline

A new study published in the journal Foot & Ankle International says that foot amputations due to diabetes have decreased.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008, 700,000 people had limb amputations. Limb amputations from diabetics account for 60% of all amputations.
Although the number of foot amputations has decreased in the United States, the number of diagnosed diabetics has increased dramatically. The number of people diagnosed has tripled from 5.6 million in 1980 to 26.9 million in 2010. By 2050, one in every three Americans will have diabetes.
In the new study, researchers looked at data from 2000 to 2010 Medicare claims of toe, feet, and leg amputations. The scientists found that the number of lower and upper leg amputations decreased 29% in the last decade. This information surprised researchers.
"The trend was so clear and obvious than I thought it would be," said lead author Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Iowa department of orthopedics and rehabilitation.
While total amputations decreased, partial toe amputations did however increase, by 24%. On a positive note, podiatric treatments for the foot and ankle increased by as much as 143% during the time frame.
Researchers are hesitant to say exactly why the number of amputations has declined, but they do believe that better foot and ankle care for diabetics has been influential in helping them manage and fend off complications.
"We do know that better foot and ankle treatment is part of it though," Phisitkul said.
We'll come right out and say it though- podiatrists have a huge role in managing the diabetic foot and ankle! We are proud to help save the lives and limbs of diabetics across the country and help them maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Diabetics who follow the instructions of their endocrinologists and podiatrists are likely to have fewer wounds, ulcers, or sores that require amputation.
Reference: Nature World News
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Exercises For Peripheral Neuropathy: Calf Stretch

Place one leg behind you with the toe pointed slightly inward. Take a large step forward with your opposite foot. With the front knee slightly bent lean forward, keeping your heel on the floor. You will feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg.
Hold 15-20 seconds for each leg.
Repeat: 3 repetitions each leg/2 times a day.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Bacon Quiche

Makes: 10 servings
Serving Size: 1/10 of pie
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
2 lean turkey bacon slices
1 1/2 cups egg substitute
2 eggs
1 cup reduced-fat, extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup 1 percent milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups fat-free cottage cheese (small curd)
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups sliced zucchini
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
8 1/4 inch slices fresh tomato
Preparation
1. In a non-stick skillet, cook the turkey bacon slice on both sides until browned. Cut into pieces and set aside.
2. Beat together the egg substitute, eggs, cheese, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and cottage cheese.
3. In the same skillet you cooked the bacon, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and saute for 3 minutes. Add in the basil and chives and cook for 1 minute. Add the vegetable mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish. Top the quiche with the bacon pieces and arrange the fresh tomato slices over the top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until the pie is set.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Monday, August 12, 2013

More Diabetic Patients Reaching Goals

New data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, published in Diabetes Care, shows that efforts to control hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol in those with diabetes has made some improvement, but there is still plenty of room for more significant growth.
"The most impressive finding was the significant improvement in diabetes management over time across all groups," said the study's senior author, Catherine Cowie, director of the Diabetes Epidemiology at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in an NIH press release. "However, we see a lot of room for improvement for everyone, but particularly for younger people and some minority groups."
Data on the ABCs, A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol was compared from 1988-1994 and 2007-2010 and improvements were found in all three parameters: A1C control increased from 43.1 percent to 52.5 percent, blood pressure control increased from 33.2 percent to 51.1 percent and LDL cholesterol control increased from 9.9 percent to 51.4 percent.
However, despite this improvements, 81.2 percent of patients did not meet all three goals.
The authors feel that the gains were made due to advances in glycemic control, hypertension, and lipid management. The large improvement in LDL cholesterol control is likely because of the availability and increased use of statins.
For the researchers, they found it particularly interesting that "younger people with diabetes were less likely to meet A1C and LDL goals and showed smaller improvements in meeting each ABC goal." They concluded: "As the US population ages and diabetes prevalence increases, it becomes increasingly urgent to find ways to overcome barriers to good diabetes management and deliver affordable, quality care so those with diabetes can live a longer and healthier life without serious diabetes complications."
Reference: Forbes
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.


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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: All-American BBQ Sauce

Makes: 6 1/2 servings (makes 3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp.)
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. celery seeds
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and cook over low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a spicier sauce, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.


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Monday, August 5, 2013

Will Fish Oil Pills Cut Diabetes Risk?

New research from Harvard suggests that fish oil pills can help reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Fish oil supplements, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin,
which is tied to insulin sensitivity and in processes that affect metabolism, like blood sugar regulation and inflammation. High levels of this hormone in the blood stream have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
According to a 2007 survey by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 37 percent of adults and 31 percent of children in the United States take fish oil supplements.
Jason Wu, from the Harvard School of Public Heath, and the study's lead author, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society, "While prior animal studies found fish oil increased circulating adiponectin, whether similar effects apply in humans is not established."
A "meta-analysis" of 14 trials was conducted, meaning researchers reviewed existing research and attempted to find patterns and similarities. The trials they studied in particular were randomized, placebo-controlled trials, a gold standard in research.
"By reviewing evidence from existing randomized clinical trials, we found that fish oil supplementation caused modest increases in adiponectin in the blood of humans," Wu said.
The new study included 682 people who took fish oil supplements and 641 who were given placebos like sunflower or olive oil. In those who received fish oil supplements, adiponectin levels increased 0.37 micrograms per milliliter of blood.
However, the effects of fish oil supplements varied in the studies used, and researchers suggested that omega-3 fatty acids would benefit certain groups of people more than others. They wrote that further research would be needed to determine which specific people would benefit from this supplement.
"Although higher levels of adiponectin in the bloodstream have been linked to lower risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, whether fish oil influences glucose (blood sugar) metabolism and development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear," said Wu.
"However, results from our study suggest that higher intake of fish oil may moderately increase blood levels of adiponectin, and these results support benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism," he added.
No relationship has been made between fish oil supplements and decreased diabetes risk.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Diabetic Recipe of the Week: Chicken Soulvaki

Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken
1 medium English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 small whole wheat pita breads (4-inch diameter), warmed or toasted
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, stirred
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cucumber, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Divide the chicken mixture among the pita breads. Top each sandwich with 2 Tbsp. of the Greek yogurt.
This recipe is from Diabetes Forecast.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.


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