People with diabetes often have difficulty choosing or preparing meals at home. It’s a balancing act to obtain required nutrition, while limiting carbohydrates. The solution may be a diabetic meal delivery service, but many individuals don’t even know the services exist.

Before signing up for one of the services, make sure the meals are created by a registered dietician. The meals should be low calorie, but low-calorie counts shouldn’t translate into potions so small that people find themselves ravenous 2 hours later.

Individuals should have the option of including healthy snacks and choose the meals they receive. Some services require that customers pay extra for the ability to make personal choices. There should also be options for individuals that are vegan, gluten intolerant, and those that must be mindful of their sodium intake. Ideally, meals should be packaged in microwave safe containers.

The plans can be pricy, ranging from $7 to $8 per meal and as high as $11 to $14 per meal. Some services charge a flat fee per day or week and others require customers to order a month’s worth of meals at a time. Shipping may or may not be included in the cost.

An additional consideration is if the meals come pre-cooked, if they have to be cooked at home, and how much preparation clients must perform. Some services simply provide the ingredients and recipes, but prep and cooking are left to the customer.

Diabetic meal services can be ideal for those that don’t like to cook, live busy lifestyles, or are having a lot of trouble maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels. Meals are designed to help people manage their glucose levels throughout the day, but not all plans enable customers to choose the meals they want. The plans can cost more than eating at home and before signing up for any plan, read all the fine print.

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There are dozens of myths about sugar and diabetes. One of the most prevalent, especially among those advocating for natural solutions, is that honey is better for diabetics and can be eaten without ill effects. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Honey is a form of sugar and the body doesn’t differentiate between different types of sugar. The body treats all sugars in the same way and honey is actually sweeter than granulated sugar. There’s no advantage to using honey over other types of sweeteners, but diabetics can eat it if they prefer. Honey should never be given to a child under the age of 12 months. There’s a risk of infant botulism.

The only difference in honey and sugar is that people may be able to use a lesser amount of honey than cane sugar in a recipe. Honey is slightly higher in calories and carbohydrates than regular sugar. Diabetics can use honey as a sweetener, but should do so in moderation.

For those that prefer honey, use pure, raw or organic honey. One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories compared to 49 in a tablespoon of sugar. Both sugar and honey contain carbohydrates comprised of two types of sugar – glucose and fructose. Honey contains 40 percent fructose and 30 percent glucose, along with water, pollen and some minerals. Sugar contains 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose.

While honey elevates glucose levels as efficiently as other types of sugars, research has shown that it does have some benefits. Honey has natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It’s one of the reasons that it’s used in cough syrups and in wound healing preparations.

The bottom line is that honey isn’t a wonder sweetener and is no better than traditional sugar. Both types of sweeteners will increase and even spike glucose levels. The body doesn’t care which sweetener is used. It metabolizes all sugars the same way.

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There’s a potential problem that could be lurking around the corner for people with diabetes. It’s called gastroparesis and makes it exceptionally difficult for individuals to control their blood glucose levels no matter how diligent they are about their diet.

Gastroparesis, also known as slow digestion, is more common in those with diabetes and the disease is the most commonly known cause of gastroparesis. It’s a condition is which the muscles in the wall of the stomach don’t push food out of the stomach and into the intestines in a timely manner.

It’s more common in individuals that have had poor blood glucose levels and have had diabetes for 10 years or more. Even when patients tell their physicians they’re experiencing slow digestion, many doctors are quick to dismiss it, often placing the blame on eating habits or the types of food being consumed.

People with slow digestion typically feel full after eating very little and are unable to finish a regular meal. They may also experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, a lack of appetite, and/or abdominal pain. They typically feel full long after they’ve eaten and slow digestion.

Slow digestion makes it difficult to maintain normal blood glucose levels. It can also result in weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration. Many medications can contribute to slow digestion. Undigested food can harden into a solid mass, called a bezoar, that can be life-threatening if it prevents food from entering the small intestine. Gastroparesis affects quality of life.

Gastroparesis is diagnosed through any number of tests, the most common of which involves radioactive dye that a specialist will monitor as it passes through the digestive system. There’s also a breath test and the doctor may utilize a small camera to examine the upper digestive system.

There’s no cure for gastroparesis, but there are steps that can be taken to remediate the disorder. Try eating smaller portions more often and be sure to chew thoroughly. Eat fruits and vegetables that aid in digestion. Soups and pureed foods are easier to digest. Take a leisurely walk after meals. Don’t lie down for at least 2 hours after a meal, avoid carbonated beverages, and take a multivitamin every day.

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Much has been written about the ketogenic diet in which calories are derived from protein and fat, rather than carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. A keto diet reduces the amount of easily digestible carbs and sugars contained in items such as bread and pastries, which can have distinct benefits for some individuals with diabetes that includes weight loss.

Individuals should always consult with their healthcare provider before making changes in their diet, especially when transitioning to a keto diet. Those changes can affect blood glucose levels, how often individuals need to test and the amount of insulin they inject, along with their activity levels.

A keto diet creates a metabolic state known as ketosis that causes the body to burn fat for energy. Consuming a keto diet can result in constipation and nutrient deficiencies, increase the potential for heart disease, and lower blood pressure. The diet isn’t suitable for everyone, making it imperative that diabetics discuss it with their doctor first.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication for diabetics, occurring when the body accumulates too many ketones. Over the counter ketone test kits are available and it’s critical that diabetics test for ketones and monitor their levels. Keto diets can drastically reduce insulin levels. Symptoms indicating that ketosis has been entered include dry mouth, increased thirst, frequent urination, and decreased appetite or hunger.

There are four types of ketogenic diets: standard keto diet (SKD); cyclical keto diet (CKD); targeted keto diet (TKD); and high protein keto diet (HPKD). Only the first two have been extensively studied in relation to diabetes. The latter two are primarily utilized by athletes and bodybuilders.

A ketogenic diet can be beneficial for some diabetics, but it must be approached with caution. The diet can help diabetics lose weight and lower blood glucose levels. However, it can also result in diabetic ketoacidosis that can lead to coma or death if ketones aren’t properly monitored.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s a time that can be particularly frustrating for people with diabetes. Many of the traditional holiday dishes served during Thanksgiving are laden with sugars and carbohydrates that adversely affect control of the disease.

The good news is that turkey is still on the menu – as long as it’s roasted instead of fried. It’s protein-rich and won’t disrupt carb counting. It’s not difficult to produce delicious diabetes-friendly dishes with a few adjustments or substitutions. The following are some tips for Thanksgiving dishes that are diabetic-friendly.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a tradition at Thanksgiving, but an increasing number of people are moving to riced cauliflower as a healthy alternative. It can be purchased pre-made or prepared at home with fresh cauliflower that’s been cooked and run through a blender. A ½ cup of mashed potatoes contains 18 grams of carbs, while ½ cup of riced cauliflower contains 3 to 5 grams, depending on the brand.

Candied Yams

Also known as sweet potatoes, candied yams are an invitation to a “sugar coma.” Yams are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but candied yams have an average of 36 grams of carbs. When yams are cooked, they tend to take on a sweeter flavor on their own. Try eliminating the marshmallows, significantly reducing the amount of brown sugar, and using spices to acquire a sweet or spicy flavor.

Stuffing

There aren’t many options when it comes to stuffing. However, individuals can cut some carbs to make it healthier by using unsalted butter, along with a low-sodium or unsalted broth/stock. Another strategy is to use a low-carb bread or those made with nut flour. Just don’t expect it to have the same taste or texture as usual. Stuffing is a dish that diabetics should consume in small amounts.

Additional Tips

Alcoholic beverages are loaded with carbs – and they can react poorly with some medications – so minimize the amount consumed. Instead of a normal-sized slice of pumpkin pie, take one that’s half the usual size and eat smaller portions of the actual dinner. Don’t starve in anticipation of the meal. It only leads to overeating. Moderation is the key. It can also be helpful to offer vegetable-based appetizers. They’re low in calories and help fill individuals up before the main event.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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People with diabetes are always told to eat more fruit, vegetables and foods rich in fiber to aid in managing blood glucose levels. The Mediterranean diet meets all those requirements for a U.S. population where diabetes control is far less than optimal. While the Mediterranean diet isn’t superior to others, it does contain many of the elements that physicians recommend for diabetics and good health in general.

An estimated 50.2 percent of all diabetics fail to reach A1C goals and 53 percent don’t achieve target blood pressure levels. One of the reasons for those figures is confusion about food labels, which leads to uncertainty about what to eat and what to eliminate from their diet while maintaining good nutrition.

Inspired by the eating habits of people living around the Mediterranean, the primarily plant-based diet features an abundance of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, fish, grain, cereals, legumes, poultry, pasta, and olive oil. Few dairy and meat products are consumed. The United Nationals Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Mediterranean diet on its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

While the diet from the Mediterranean area encompasses a wide variety of foods that are components of healthy eating, without fully understanding the principles underlying the diet, individuals may experience difficulties. Many of the diet’s recipes use pasta sparingly in dishes that are heavy on vegetables, where ingredient ratios would be the opposite in the U.S. To accommodate the need for carbs, bread may be substituted for pasta.

It’s essential for diabetics to keep in mind that the Mediterranean meal plan isn’t a rigid set of recipes, but rather ingredients that can be combined in multiple ways. The eating pattern provides essential nutrition, is high in unsaturated fats (good fats), and relies on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed food.

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When an individual has diabetes, every bite they consume has consequences. Those with the disease need a meal plan that features generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and fiber – and easy on the carbs. A diabetic diet doesn’t mean deprivation. It simply means eating foods that are low in fats and calories, high in nutrient value, and controlling portion sizes.

Foods to avoid are those that are high in:

• Saturated fats and cholesterol that include beef, butter and bacon, high fat dairy, hotdogs, sausage, liver and egg yolks – limit coconut and palm kernels
• Trans Fats that include baked goods, margarine and shortening, and processed snacks

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and legumes play an important role in managing diabetes. It will help in controlling blood glucose levels, managing weight, and reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and managing weight if applicable.

Raw, roasted and cooked vegetables that include Brussels sprouts, eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini are good choices. They can even be consumed with salsa, low-fat dressings, guacamole and hummus. Experiment with spices to add extra zest to meals.

Green veggies are a staple in a diabetic meal plan, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boiled or part of a salad. They can be combined with roasted vegies or sauteed with spices.

For those for which plain water doesn’t appeal, infuse it with slices of fruits and veggies to give it some flavor. Try freezing some ice cubes with flavoring such as cinnamon or lemon to add extra interest.

Other foods that help manage diabetes are whole grains and those high in fiber. They include peas, beans and lentils. They contain carbs, but the benefit is that they make people fill fuller longer. Diabetics need carbs in limited amounts and good sources include lean meats, cottage cheese, peanut butter and Greek yogurt.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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People that are newly diagnosed with diabetes experience a range of emotions ranging from fear to anger and it can impede management of the disease. There are many components involved with the effective management of diabetes and some are easier to accomplish than others.

Attitude

One of the most important aspects of effectively managing diabetes is the attitude with which people approach it. There’s still a stigma attached to the disease that typically points to a lack of self-control. That’s false. Anyone can develop diabetes. It’s a disease like any other and those that approach it pragmatically will manage it most effectively.

Testing and Medication

Individuals will need to test their blood several times a day to ensure glucose levels aren’t too high or too low. Learning to administer insulin when needed is one of the most difficult parts of diabetes management for many people due to the syringes and needles involved. Administering the correct amount of insulin and taking any oral medications regularly are key elements in diabetes management.

Food

Every bite taken will affect blood glucose levels. Healthy eating is essential for everyone, but particularly for diabetics, to keep glucose levels within a safe range. Diabetics will need to learn about carbohydrates, how they affect glucose levels, and portion control.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and aids in preventing insulin resistance. Exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous to be effective. Dancing, swimming, badminton, gardening or even a brisk walk is beneficial. Individuals need to be aware that they need to stay hydrated and they may require a snack to keep glucose levels within range, depending on the vigorousness of the exercise.

Planning

People with diabetes will need to plan ahead when they go out for dinner, a movie or other form of entertainment. They also need to give more thought to balanced meals at home. Eating high carb foods will cause blood glucose levels to spike. It’s just as important to eat regularly to prevent blood sugar levels from dipping too low. Fluctuations too far outside the norm can result in an emergency situation.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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There are many foods that diabetics are told to eat in limited amounts or eliminate from their diets completely. One of the great debates that continues to rage is whether dairy products are good or bad for people with diabetes. Ultimately the choice will be up to the individual and their personal lifestyle.

Multiple studies from around the globe that have been published in professional medical journals indicate there’s no link between dairy and developing diabetes, nor do dairy products have a negative impact on those that already have the disease. They may even have protective benefits.

Making good dairy choices can be confusing and frustrating. The good news is that there are a wide range of diary products from which to choose that will tempt the taste buds and won’t elevate glucose to impossible levels.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends including dairy as part of a healthy diet. Dairy is a good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Those three elements are beneficial for reducing blood pressure, a common problem for diabetics. Eating full-fat dairy products can pose a problem for diabetics that are concerned with their weight. If weight is an issue, it’s best to limit dairy to three servings per day.

Fermented dairy products are always a good choice for their probiotics. Greek yogurt is recommended due to its good balance of protein and carbs. Many people find Greek yogurt to be an acquired taste due to its strong tangy flavor. When it comes to cheese, string cheese provides the right portion size, has minimal carbs, and won’t spike glucose levels.

There are also dairy products that diabetics can consume, but they should limit. One of those is fat-free milk. It’s absorbed quickly and can spike glucose levels. Ice cream, chocolate milk and sweetened yogurt aren’t forbidden, but should be used in moderation as they contain added sugar and carbs. Choose dairy made from grass-fed cows. The products contain a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s healthy.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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For some, managing their diabetes seems to come effortlessly. They appear to eat whatever they want, while still managing to keep their glucose levels in check. For others, managing glucose levels is a constant battle. That’s why is a good idea for diabetics to prep their meals. It helps to keep them from the temptation of eating whatever comes to hand.

Prepping meals ahead of time is especially beneficial for those that work and people with unsettled schedules. A week’s worth of meals can be prepped ahead of time. There will always be a diabetic-friendly meal available and it provides individuals with more control over their disease. Meal prep is basically a five-step process.

The first step is for people to know what their families like to eat and find ways to incorporate those foods into diabetic-friendly meals. It will help save on grocery bills. Over time, most people find that they’ve managed to make small changes in family menus that are healthier for everyone.

Always check the cabinets and pantry at home before shopping to see what’s already there. There may be foods that need to be consumed before they spoil or enough for a meal or two already without buying the same items.

Diabetic-friendly recipes are an essential element for managing the disease and providing nutritious meals for the family. The problem that most diabetics encounter is their family’s resistance to trying new foods and recipes. That’s why it’s important to find recipes that meet diabetic needs and that the family will enjoy.

Individuals should pick a day for their meal prep when they have plenty of time and won’t be rushed or interrupted. Sufficient time will be needed to cook meat, boil rice or pasta, and chop or roast vegetables. Snacks will also need to be assembled, such as salads, nuts or seeds, fruit or hard-boiled eggs. Keep in mind the shelf life of meals and snacks.

One of the secrets to good meal prep is placing meals and snacks in their own individual container. It’s a great way to control portion size, easy to pack for lunches and trips, and are easy to grab and go.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!