How to Improve Blood Sugars Without Giving up Carbs!
By: Jessica Hrdlicka
If you’re thinking about giving up carbs in 2024 for better blood sugars think again! Low carb or Keto Diets have been all the rage for the past few years, but giving up all carbs in your diet could result in fatigue, constipation, increased sugar cravings and most likely won’t last long as a weight loss strategy.
How to Lower Blood Sugars Without giving up carbs:
- Add Protein to each meal. Protein can help balance blood sugars, reduce sugar cravings, support hormone health and help you to maintain lean muscle mass. Protein sources can be eggs, Greek yogurt, turkey, ham, chicken, fish, cottage cheese, shrimp, pork chops, beef, protein powder, cheese & nuts. Make sure to have protein with each meal and snack for best blood sugar results.
- Choose complex carbs and fiber-rich carbs such as beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, high fiber sprouted grain breads, chickpea pasta, squash and berries for carb choices. These digest slowly, help increase satiety as well as slowly down blood sugar rises after meals.
- Limit sugary treats & sweetened beverages. Remember desserts that claim to be “sugar free” still have carbohydrates, so be mindful of the amount of sweets you enjoy. There are many unsweetened beverages to enjoy such as diet or zero sugar juice, crystal light, V8 juice, unsweetened tea or sparkling flavored waters.
- Move your body! Walking, riding the stationary bike, swimming and yoga are all great ways to support your blood sugars, improve circulation and help with weight loss. Add 30min. of activity every other day of the week to get the most benefit!
Now is the perfect time to sign up for our Healthy Meal Planning Class & Weight loss class, so that you can have your best year yet in 2024!
For more information on diabetes management, chronic kidney disease weight loss and nutrition, call 561-659-6336 ext 8012 to schedule an appointment with a certified diabetes care education specialist, registered dietitian or class today. Please enjoy our December 2023 Living Well with Diabetes Newsletter!
Medication Update: Tirzepatide
By: Charles Chaboude, ARNP
In November 2023, Tirzepatide gained FDA approval for obesity management under the brand name Zepbound. Tirzepatide was also approved earlier in the year for type 2 diabetes mellitus under the name Mounjaro, and we have seen great success in both glucose regulation and weight management. In a prior post, I wrote about Semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, but Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). It is the first drug to be approved as a dual incretin activator. This medication is safe to use in both diabetics and non-diabetics. Having more medications approved for obesity management is great news. Obesity is a chronic disease that increases the risk of multiple health complications, many of which can be prevented if treated appropriately. The clinical data from the manufacturer showed up to a 25% reduction in body weight on the highest dose of Tirzepatide.
Both GLP-1 and GIP are hormones produced by the intestines and are released in response to meal intake. They have multiple effects on the body, including enhanced insulin (hormone to decrease blood glucose) release and reduced glucagon (hormone to increase blood glucose) release, both of which are dependent on blood glucose levels. In addition, they cause the central nervous system to suppress appetite and the intestinal tract to lower gastric emptying, which can decrease glucose absorption and increase satiety.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation), fatigue, and headache. There is also a risk of pancreatitis and gastroparesis. These medications are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Please note, this treatment may not be ideal for every patient. You should always speak with your provider about which medications are right for you.
Tandem Diabetes Insulin Pump News
By: Ines Cobo, RN, CDCES
The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump is now compatible with the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors.
The t:slim X2 insulin pump with control IQ technology, when paired with the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 sensor, can create an automated insulin delivery system (AID) that predicts and helps prevent highs and lows, helping users spend more time in range.
The Dexcom G7 features are: 10 day wear in the back of the arm, smaller sensor, all-in-one sensor and transmitter, 30 minute warm up, 12 grace period after expiration, can be used during pregnancy, waterproof 2.4 meters up to 24 hours, customized alerts.
The Dexcom G6 features are: 10 day wear, larger sensor, transmitter is separate from sensor, 2 hour warm up, not approved with pregnancy, water resistant 2.4 meters up to 24 hours, customized alerts.
Tandem Mobi receives FDA Clearance:
Tandem Mobi is powered by Control IQ, the same hybrid loop technology that makes the t:slim X2 insulin pump. The Tandem Mobi is so small that it can be wear almost anywhere, allowing more comfort and discretion. Mobi is controlled by a compatible iphone offering convenience and discretion. Additional Features include: 5 inch tubbing option, wireless charging, 200 unit cartridge, remote software updates, water resistant (IP28) 8 feet up to 2 hours, and LED status indicator. A limited release of the Tandem Mobi system is expected to start late 2023, with full commercial availability expected in 2024.
Healthy Meal Planning
& Weight Loss Class Sessions!
Join our classes to stay motivated
& healthy in 2024!
West Palm Beach Location
Temple Israel 1901 N. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tuesday January 9th 10am-12pm
Boynton Beach Location:
6056 Boynton Beach, Suite 245
Boynton Beach FL 33437
Tuesday January 23rd 10am-12pm
Wellington Location:
1041 State Rd 7, Suite 1
Wellington, FL 33414
Tuesday January 23rd 5:30-7:30pm
If interested attending this program please contact our scheduling department at (561) 659-6336 Extension 8001 today!
At Healthy Living with Diabetes we want to ensure that you are satisfied with all services received. We also would like your input on educational workshops that you would like us to offer, information you would like to read about in Healthy Living with Diabetes Monthly or feedback on any workshop that you may have attended. You can contact the director of education personally by email jcook@PBDES.COM or leave a message at (561) 659-6336 ext. 8012. We would love to hear from you!
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