Celebrating National Ice Cream Month: Indulging in Moderation for People with Diabetes

July is not only a month of warm weather and sunshine but also a time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. While ice cream may seem off-limits for individuals with diabetes, it doesn’t have to be completely avoided. With mindful choices and moderation, people with diabetes can still enjoy the occasional scoop of their favorite frozen treat. Let’s explore how you can satisfy your ice cream cravings while managing your diabetes effectively.

Understanding Diabetes and Ice Cream:

For individuals living with diabetes, it is essential to manage blood sugar levels and maintain a balanced diet. While ice cream is typically high in sugar and carbohydrates, it doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to this delightful treat. Moderation and careful portion control are key. Opting for sugar-free or low-sugar ice cream varieties can be a great alternative. Additionally, some ice cream brands offer options specifically designed for individuals with diabetes, which are lower in carbohydrates and contain artificial sweeteners. Halo Top has numerous flavors and can be found at most grocery stores.

Mindful Choices for Ice Cream Lovers:

When selecting ice cream, consider the nutritional content and portion size. It’s advisable to choose smaller portions and savor the taste rather than indulging in large servings. Opt for sugar-free or reduced-sugar options that use artificial sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, which have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Furthermore, you can explore homemade ice cream alternatives using natural sweeteners like fruit purees or sugar substitutes.

Pairing and Toppings for Balance:

To further enhance your ice cream experience while managing diabetes, consider pairing it with protein or healthy fats to help slow down the absorption of sugar. For example, adding a handful of nuts, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a dollop of natural nut butter can provide satiety and balance to your dessert. Fresh berries or sliced fruits can also add natural sweetness and fiber while reducing the overall glycemic impact.

National Ice Cream Month can be a time to celebrate and enjoy frozen delights even for individuals with diabetes. With thoughtful choices, portion control, and alternatives tailored to your dietary needs, you can still treat yourself to a scoop or two. Remember, moderation is key, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare team to ensure your ice cream indulgence aligns with your diabetes management plan.

Content Source: ChatGPT. (2023, July 3). “Write a blog post that is 500 words or less about July being national icecream month and talk about how people with diabetes can still have ice cream, it just needs to be in moderation.” OpenAI. http://openai.com. Content fact checked by Leslie Johnson, MS, RD, LD

The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just as tasty but with a healthy tweak here and there. Try this two ingredient banana ice cream to satisfy your summer sweet tooth:

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

• 4 overripe bananas
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter

Instructions

1. Peel bananas and slice into ½ inch discs. Arrange banana slices in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours.
2. Place the banana slices in a food processor or powerful blender. Puree banana slices, scraping down the bowl as needed. Puree until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add the peanut butter and puree to combine. Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream consistency. If you prefer harder ice cream, place in the freezer for a few hours and then serve.
3. *Note-if you have a hard time creating a creamy consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help puree the banana slices. Make sure you use a powerful food processor or blender!

Nutrition:

Calories: 152 cal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 38mg, Potassium: 474mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 76IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg

Source: http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/two-ingredient-banana-peanut-butter-ice-cream/#wprm-recipe-container-40366

AMERICAN  HEART MONTH

Traditionally the month for lovers and all things pink and red, February also reminds us to take care of our heart with the recognition of American Heart Month. If you or someone you love has diabetes it is very important to pay attention to heart health as the two conditions are directly connected.

How Diabetes Affects Your Heart

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease:

• High blood pressure increases the force of blood through your arteries and can damage artery walls. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes can greatly increase your risk for heart disease.
• Too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in your bloodstream can form plaque on damaged artery walls.
• High triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol is thought to contribute to hardening of the arteries.

None of these conditions has symptoms. Your doctor can check your blood pressure and do a simple blood test to see if your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels are high.

These factors can also raise your risk for heart disease:

• Smoking
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Eating a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium (salt)
• Drinking too much alcohol

People with diabetes are also more likely to have heart failure. Heart failure is a serious condition, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating; it means your heart can’t pump blood well. This can lead to swelling in your legs and fluid building up in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Heart failure tends to get worse over time, but early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and stop or delay the condition getting worse.

Get regular checkups to keep track of your heart health.

Take Care of Your Heart

These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk for heart disease or keep it from getting worse, as well as help you manage diabetes:

• Follow a healthy diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Eat fewer processed foods (such as chips, sweets, and fast food) and avoid trans
• Drink more water, fewer sugary drinks, and less alcohol.
• Aim for a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing even a modest amount of weight can lower your triglycerides and blood sugar. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.
• Get active. Being physically active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (the hormone that allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy), which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.
• Manage your ABCs:
  • A: Get a regular A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months; aim to stay in your target range as much as possible.
  • B: Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or the target your doctor sets).
  • C: Manage your cholesterol levels.
  • s: Stop smoking or don’t start.
• Manage stress. Stress can raise your blood pressure and can also lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking too much alcohol or overeating. Instead, visit a mental health counselor, try meditation or deep breathing, get some physical activity, or get support from friends and family.

Your doctor may also prescribe medicines that can help keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides close to your target levels.

See Your Diabetes Educator

Work with a diabetes care and education specialist for help avoiding health complications such as heart disease. You’ll get support and solutions and hear about the latest advances in managing diabetes. Find out more about how diabetes education can help you take the best care of yourself. And be sure to ask your doctor for a referral if you don’t already have a diabetes educator.

Content Source: “Diabetes and Your Heart” (CDC)

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html#:~:text=Over%20time%2C%20high%20blood%20sugar,and%20can%20damage%20artery%20walls.

The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just as tasty but with a healthy tweak here and there. February is here, and love is in the air. Show your body some love with this red velvet bean smoothie! Beans are a great and affordable source of protein to incorporate into your daily intake. This nutrient dense smoothie is packed with protein, fiber, calcium, and iron. It makes a delicious breakfast–don’t knock it till you try it!

Red Velvet Bean Smoothie

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup red kidney beans (drained, rinsed)
• 1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
• ½ c frozen strawberries
• ½ c plain nonfat greek yogurt
• ½ frozen banana
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup to taste
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a blender
2. Blend all ingredients until smooth

Nutrition:

• Calories: 246 kcals, Total fat: 4g, Saturated fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 5%, Potassium: 17%, Total Carbs: 45 g, Fiber: 9g, Protein: 11g

Community offerings: *

Due to coronavirus/COVID 19, many community offerings have been changed, postponed, or canceled.

Please call the number listed for the event to verify availability, dates, and times.

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)

COST: Free

CONTACT: Tina Elminger 419-624-1856

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program [DEEP] is offered every Wednesday for six weeks. Good attendance is important. This free program is for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and spouses or caregivers of a diabetic. Residents of Erie County, aged 60 or older, please call 419-624-1856 to register.

Diabetes Support Group – Firelands Regional Medical Center

The Diabetes Support Group presented by Jean Feick CNP, CDE, meets the third Wednesday of each month Sept–November and January-May from 12:00pm –1:00pm. This meeting is free to the public and no registration is required. Attendees are welcome to purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria and come to the adjacent Cafeteria Meeting #1. A different topic will be reviewed each month. If you have questions, please contact the Diabetes Education Department at 419-557-6992.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING – offered by Firelands Regional Medical Center

You must Pre-register for all Lab Work at 419-557-7840.

Sandusky Health & Wellness

• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Aug 13
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Sep 10
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Nov 5
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Dec 3
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm

Health & Wellness Screenings include:

• Complete Blood Count with Metabolic & Lipid Panel (No Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours – Water Allowed – includes liver and kidney function studies, fasting blood sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and triglyceride levels along with a complete blood count.) – $45
• Hemoglobin A1C (Three-month report on blood sugars; results used to diagnose diabetes and/or to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.) – $25
• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- $30
• Vitamin D – $35
• TSH – $25

Please comply with the following COVID-19 precautions:

1. Wear a mask
2. Have your temperature taken upon arrival
3. Follow social distancing practices

Please note

Patients will not be allowed to enter until their scheduled time. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Only the registered patient will be allowed to enter the screening unless the patient needs assistance from an accompanying person. We are unable to perform any additional physician-ordered tests not included in the list above.

Contact: Centralized Scheduling at 419-557-7840 to pre-register

The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.

Last quarter, 70% of our diabetic patients had an A1C of less than 9%. Talk with your provider at your next visit about the right options for you! Schedule an appointment: 419-502-2800

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Immunizations are an important part of yearly checkups and not just for kids. Each year thousands of adults in the United States get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines — some people are hospitalized, and some even die. People with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Getting vaccinated is an important step in staying healthy. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about getting your vaccinations up to date.

Why Vaccines are Important for You

• Diabetes, even if well managed, can make it harder for your immune system to fight infections, so you may be at risk for more serious complications from an illness compared to people without diabetes.
• Some illnesses, like influenza, can raise your blood glucose to dangerously high levels.
  People with diabetes have higher rates of hepatitis B than the rest of the population. Outbreaks of hepatitis B associated with blood glucose monitoring procedures have happened among people with diabetes.
• People with diabetes are at increased risk for death from pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
  Immunization provides the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.
• Frequently recommended adult vaccines may include: Influenza, Pneumococcal, Hep B, Zoster and Tdap.

We provide several vaccines at our facility, including COVID-19 vaccine. Call us for more information or to schedule your vaccine today!

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/health-conditions/diabetes.html

The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just as tasty but with a healthy tweak here and there. August is here, school and fall are just around the corner. Squash, zucchini, eggplant, just a few of the fresh veggies readily available this time of year. Put the to good use in this simple but jammed pack with goodness recipe.

Ratatouille

A bright and chunky summer vegetable stew, rich with olive oil and fragrant with garlic and herbs.

Servings: 8 (Makes about 7 cups)
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS
• 1 large (1¼ lbs) eggplant, cut into ⅓-inch cubes
• Salt
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb), cut into ⅓-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch dice
• 5 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 5 large vine-ripened tomatoes (1¾ lbs), cut into ⅓-inch cubes, with their juices
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving
• ¾ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and season with ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan (no need to clean it). Add the zucchini and cook, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and transfer to a plate; set aside.
3. Add two more tablespoons of oil to the pan and add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking for about 3 minutes more. Do not brown. Add the tomatoes and their juices, tomato paste, thyme, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and ¾ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are broken down into a sauce, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the cooked eggplant to the pan; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the eggplant is soft. Add the zucchini and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, or until just warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh basil and thyme, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and serve warm or chilled. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Source: http://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/ratatouille.html#tabrecipe

Community offerings: *

Due to coronavirus/COVID 19, many community offerings have been changed, postponed, or canceled.
Please call the number listed for the event to verify availability, dates, and times.

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)
COST: Free
CONTACT: Tina Ellinger 419-624-1856

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program [DEEP] is offered every Wednesday for six weeks. Good attendance is important. This free program is for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and spouses or caregivers of a diabetic. Residents of Erie County, aged 60 or older, please call 419-624-1856 to register.

Diabetes Support Group – Firelands Regional Medical Center

The Diabetes Support Group presented by Jean Feick CNP, CDE, meets the third Wednesday of each month Sept–November and January-May from 12:00pm –1:00pm. This meeting is free to the public and no registration is required. Attendees are welcome to purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria and come to the adjacent Cafeteria Meeting #1. A different topic will be reviewed each month. If you have questions, please contact the Diabetes Education Department at 419-557-6992.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING – offered by Firelands Regional Medical Center
You must Pre-register for all Lab Work at 419-557-7840.
Sandusky Health & Wellness

• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Aug 13
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Sep 10
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Nov 5
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Dec 3
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm

Health & Wellness Screenings include:

• Complete Blood Count with Metabolic & Lipid Panel (No Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours – Water Allowed – includes liver and kidney function studies, fasting blood sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and triglyceride levels along with a complete blood count.) – $45
• Hemoglobin A1C (Three-month report on blood sugars; results used to diagnose diabetes and/or to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.) – $25
• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- $30
• Vitamin D – $35
• TSH – $25

Please comply with the following COVID-19 precautions:

1. Wear a mask
2. Have your temperature taken upon arrival
3. Follow social distancing practices

Please note
Patients will not be allowed to enter until their scheduled time. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Only the registered patient will be allowed to enter the screening unless the patient needs assistance from an accompanying person. We are unable to perform any additional physician-ordered tests not included in the list above.
Contact: Centralized Scheduling at 419-557-7840 to pre-register

The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.

Last quarter, 70% of our diabetic patients had an A1C of less than 9%. Talk with your provider at your next visit about the right options for you! Schedule an appointment: 419-502-2800