Tips from a Certified Diabetes Educator

Local Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian, Kelly Cardamone, confirms that both diabetes and prediabetes are major global health issues. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 50% of U.S. adults have diabetes or prediabetes.

“Preventing diabetes should be a priority for men, women, and children, but management must take precedence for the millions of people already diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, and making healthy food choices is essential,” says Cardamone. She offers the following advice to people dealing with prediabetes or diabetes.

Limit foods that could worsen your condition.

Some foods, like fiber-rich whole grains and fish such as salmon, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, can help manage prediabetes or diabetes. However, many other foods should be limited or avoided, including sweets and added sugars found in soda, candy, cakes, and jellies. It’s also beneficial to reduce your sodium intake and steer clear of fatty meats like beef and pork.

Keep track of your eating habits.

It is helpful for people with prediabetes or diabetes to maintain a food log to see how certain foods affect their blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes and your doctor has recommended using a glucometer, check your blood glucose 1-2 hours after eating a meal. Also, using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is very helpful, as it shows your glucose trends over the entire day. You will begin to notice which foods work well with your body and which ones you may want to avoid.

Exercise.

Exercise is essential for managing diabetes. Additionally, since diabetes increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, regular exercise can help prevent heart disease. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week.

Plan your meals.

Hectic schedules can disrupt many healthy habits, but people diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes cannot afford to stray from healthy diets. Prepare your meals ahead of time to stick to a regular eating routine and ensure your diet includes the right foods, not just the easiest options. Bring lunch and a healthy snack to work every day instead of relying on fast food or other unhealthy choices available at work.

Embrace alternative ingredients.

Many people diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes believe they must give up their favorite foods, but that’s not always the case. Many dishes can be made with diabetes-friendly substitutes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association has put together a collection of diabetes-friendly recipes available at https://diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes.

Kelly Cardamone, MS, RDN, LDN, CDN, CDCES, IFNP, is Nutrition and Diabetes Program Manager for General Physician, PC. She has over 25 years of experience in the Health and Wellness field and extensive experience providing nutritional counseling for a variety of complex diseases. Kelly has degrees in Nutrition, Exercise Science, and Adult Education and is currently working on her Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition with a focus on gastrointestinal disorders. She sees patients in Williamsville, Tonawanda, and Buffalo. To make an appointment, call 716-631-8400 and visit https://www.gppconline.com/kelly-cardamone-ms-rdn-ldn-cdn-cdces-ifncp.