The Fight Against Diabetes
On the heels of our other blog about sugary foods being pushed on our children, it seemed appropriate to discuss the topic of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is the most common in children and is not caused by eating habits, although what they eat affects their sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is preventable. There is no reason that any child should be the victim of Type 2 diabetes. That is within our control. Additionally, no adult needs to be its victim either. We CAN combat diabetes. It will take willpower and good choices, but these are within your grasp and easier than you think.
The first step is to start consuming less sugar through both food and drinks. Women and children should not consume more than approximately twenty-five grams of sugar per day. Men should not consume more than approximately 37.5 grams of sugar per day. Did you know that one twelve-ounce can of soda surpasses the total grams of sugar you should consume in a day? Now, think about when you go out to eat or grab a soda at the gas station. How many refills are you getting during a meal? How many ounces of soda are you getting at the gas station? Soda does not need to be a part of your daily routine. If you feel that you absolutely must have it every day, then we encourage you to take the baby step of cutting back on the amount of soda you drink each day.
As mentioned in our previous blog about sugary foods, anything pre-packaged like cookies or other snacks are likely to be high in sugar. Fresh food is always best for you. Some dairy can be healthy but too much of a good thing is simply too much. Cheese has a decent amount of sugar in it, so you need to be careful. Fresh fruit, veggies, and nuts are good “go to” snacks.
It is also very important to read the serving size on the label. You may think that something is a good snack because it only has eight grams of sugar. But, you must read the serving size. Is that only five crackers? That isn’t going to fill you up, so it won’t be a satisfying snack. Our goal isn’t for you to feel hungry. Our goal is for you to feel full and satisfied by eating healthy choices. Companies have gotten very good at making their packaged foods look like good choices UNTIL you read the serving size. Don’t let big businesses fool you and take advantage of you. Carefully read their labels.
Did you know that once you are diagnosed with diabetes you are at risk for other health issues? However, diabetes does not have to win! DId you also know that diabetes can be reversible? By making healthy lifestyle changes, you can kick type 2 diabetes to the curb!
If you are struggling with your weight and are concerned that diabetes is in your future or if you have already received a diagnosis of diabetes, you are not alone. Many people are facing the same struggle. We want to see you avoid or beat diabetes, whichever applies to you. We want you to know that we will walk alongside you on your journey.
If your weight has gotten to a place where you feel that you need professional help to get it under control, then look no further than Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute, where we serve Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay and beyond. Dr. Diego Velarde is at the cutting edge of technology for the least invasive weight loss procedures offered today, such as the gastric balloon. You are not destined to be diabetic for life. Call today to begin your victory over diabetes!