Hope is a Registered Dietitian, diabetes educator, corporate consultant and founder of Hope Warshaw Associates, L.L.C. She is the author of numerous consumer articles and best-selling books and is widely acknowledged for her expertise in diabetes nutrition management and healthy eating.
Dear Ms. Deen – and Millions of Others New to Type 2 Diabetes
Now that the dust has settled and the world knows you’ve had type 2 diabetes for a few years, I want to offer you – and millions like you new to type 2 diabetes – a dose of support and words of wisdom as a diabetes educator and dietitian who, shall we say, has a few years under her belt.
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Obesity Counseling by Primary Care Providers – A Wise Move?
Myriad adults would improve their health status and potential longevity by losing a few pounds. Two thirds of adult Americans are overweight or obese, including many Medicare beneficiaries. Losing weight, even a few pounds, and keeping them off is tough work that requires tenacity. Primary care practitioners aren’t known for addressing or spending the time it takes to counsel clients on weight control.
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“The Truths” About Keeping Pounds at Bay
Let’s kick this off with “the truths” about how challenging it is to keep lost pounds just that – lost. It’s a tough job, in fact tougher than taking off those unwanted pounds in the first place. Research shows that the most weight people lose, even with constant expert support, is about six to 10 percent from starting weight. Doesn’t sound like much compared to those triple digit losses touted on “The Biggest Loser” or from for-profit diet plans.
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Insulin Resistance Explained
With the increasing conversation about pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, you’ve likely heard the terms “insulin resistance” and its “opposite insulin sensitivity.” Another term that’s entered our lexicon with the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes is “metabolic syndrome,” a group of symptoms, which, at its core, is insulin resistance. Think of metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes as a continuum.
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Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat: Is the Question Quantity or Quality?
On June 2, 2011, the food pyramid was put to rest and the simple, straightforward plate was introduced as the new icon for healthy eating. While I’m pleased with this new colorful, simplified food icon, I by no means think it will put an end to nutrition debates, including the following two questions: First, what percent of calories from carbohydrate, protein and/or fat should we eat? Second, is it healthier or better for managing blood glucose or fat levels to eat more or less of carbohydrate, protein or fat?
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Great Carb Debate – Can Glucose Control and Healthy Eating Coexist?
I appreciate Diabetes Forecast’s effort at tackling the great carbohydrate debates in: “Are Carbs the Enemy?” (March 2011). How appropriate! It’s National Nutrition Month with the theme – “Eat Right with Color” (it’s hard to create a color palate without fruits and vegetables!). I also appreciate the dual challenges, for people with prediabetes and diabetes, of glucose control and healthy eating. Goals which can often seem at odds.
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Look at What the “Look AHEAD” Study Reveals
We all know the Henny Youngman line: “I don’t get no respect.” This line rings true regarding research on the effectiveness of healthy lifestyle changes (e.g. behavior changes for healthy eating and physical activity) to prevent or treat diseases – among them, prediabetes and type 2. Yet the impressive role of lifestyle changes (along with a hefty expert-led support) in preventing or delaying type 2, or slowing the progression of type 2, has and continues to be reinforced by research studies over and over again. These results, however, don’t seem to have the media sizzle to attract headlines like the studies of costly drug therapies. So the public continues to have its tax dollars spent on these lifestyle-focused studies without quickly hearing about their findings.
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Whole Grains and Dietary Fibers – End the Confusion
We’re being urged via health messages and big marketing campaigns to eat more dietary fiber and to chow down on more whole grains. Beyond the messages to achieve these goals, a plethora of new foods greet us in the supermarket aisles. All are aimed at enticing us to grab products off the shelves and drop them into our shopping carts. But, as is common with nutrition messages, confusion reigns.
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Focus on Fibers
Do you eat enough fibers (yes, fibers) each and every day? If you’re not eating those five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, making at least half your servings of grains whole (grain and wheat) and sneaking in servings of legumes, then it’s doubtful you’re getting your fill of fibers. But you’re hardly alone! Research shows most Americans aren’t, getting enough fibers at all.
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The articles written by guest contributors are the sole responsibility of the individual writers in terms of factual accuracy and opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of this blog.
Related Articles:
- Whole Grains and Dietary Fibers – End the Confusion
- Focus on Fibers
- Insulin Resistance Explained
- Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat: Is the Question Quantity or Quality?
- Great Carb Debate – Can Glucose Control and Healthy Eating Coexist?
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