Sweet Life magazine issue 6

Life can be sweet, with diabetes

Issue 06

Autumn 2013

The lighter side of...

Diabetes (Yes! There is one.)

Why laughter is good for you What you need to know about heart disease

Free!

Take one now

Easy (healthy)

meal ideas SLM06_Cover.indd 1

www.sweetlifemag.co.za

2013/03/25 10:48 PM

Now, all the diabetes

management tools

at your fingertips!

Find delectable, healthy recipes with nutritional information developed especially for people with diabetes Learn more about your meter and how to use it by viewing online training videos Download the Accu-Chek 360° View Paper Tool or 360° Diabetes Management App, to get a better understanding of how diet and lifestyle affect your blood glucose Diabetes Care Programme

Diabetes Care Programme

Starter

Pack

Educational material ACCU-C

Despite all the advances in diabetes treatments, education remains the cornerstone of diabetes is dedicated to management. provide educational material to people living with diabetes. Our range of educational leaflets are exclusively available to members of the Support programme and can be requested Careline. from the

HEK Support Do you need a programme that understands your needs?

Topics include: Understanding diabetes, Managing diabetes, Diabetes and your diet, Blood glucose monitoring and many more.

Join the Accu-Chek family by signing up for Accu-Chek Support today

Blood Sugar Management 1c

The HbA1C test is done in a laboratory and measures your average blood sugar levels over a three month period by taking a sample of haemoglobin HbA1C molecules.

What does it mean?

Haemoglobin molecules can be found within your red blood cells, carrying oxygen from your lungs to all the parts of your body.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Being diagnosed with diabetes and living with diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming – this is quite normal. Everybody reacts differently to the news that they have diabetes. One of the most difficult things to come to terms with is that diabetes is for life. Fortunately, with the right information, a well developed care plan and an optimistic attitude, it can be managed with ease.

Managing Diabetes Because diabetes is a chronic condition, caring for yourself is every bit as important as the treatment you receive from your doctor and healthcare team. Taking responsibility involves many choices, including what you eat and how frequently you exercise. It also involves testing your blood sugar to make sure it stays within acceptable levels, an important factor in reducing your risk of serious diabetes related complications.

Because haemoglobin and red blood cells have a life span of up to four months, they can provide a clear picture of what has been happening in your system.

A blood glucose test tells you how much blood glucose is in your blood. A drop of blood from your finger is placed on a blood glucose test strip and inserted into your Accu-Chek® Blood glucose meter. The glucose reading will be displayed electronically on the screen. Test your blood glucose at certain times of the day. Your healthcare team may suggest testing blood individual on your depending the following times, sugar at one or more of detective sugar a blood Becoming needs: When it comes down to it, what is it that you are actually getting each supperInformation – what you are really seeing are • upon waking in the morning your finger? time you prick• before • 1-2 hours after supper • before breakfast numbers.

• before bedtime • 1-2 hours after breakfast These numbers work like a connect-the-dots drawing to give you a view • in the middle of the night • before lunch of how your self-management is working. One number alone will give and after exercising • 1-2 hours after lunch a sense of• before how your body is doing at that moment, but for the whole you image, you have to look at lots of numbers together.

As blood travels throughout your body, blood sugar (glucose) molecules attach themselves to the haemoglobin molecules. When this happens, the haemoglobin is glycated. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater number of haemoglobin molecules that will become glycated.

Medications like tablets or insulin lowers the blood glucose levels.

Consult with your healthcare professional on which medication is right for you.

Healthy Eating Everyone with diabetes should follow a healthy diet and lead a healthy lifestyle. Although the food choices you make and your eating habits are important in helping you manage your diabetes, you should be able to continue enjoying a wide variety of foods as part of healthy eating.

Consult a dietician for advice on a healthy eating plan. Food and drink will increase your blood glucose levels. How much you eat and when you eat is important.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

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So what are you waiting for? get: andout-of-range today of Support Join results over the same time for a few days A series forayour • Warranty and servicein should prompt other questions, such as: row,meter diary for diabetes monitoring • Free • What is different about Sunday nights? Am I getting stressed out about the • Full monitoring support with our work week? upcoming 080-34-22-38-37) careline 080-DIABETES (Dial is not working? Do I need to eat a snack before part of my • Whatavailable our website on plan • Free info Pack and newsletter Am I eating too much at dinner? What else? and control exercising?

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Should I call my doctor or dietitian to talk about making modifications to my to

Important Information plan? that the information supplied in this guide, wants to emphasize does not replace the option and recommendations of your healthcare team.

Out-of-range results should not, like:

In understanding the role diet plays in diabetes management, one first Stress affects each of us differently. It energises some people, while needs to understand the way the body functions. The human body works others feel exhausted. Stress can affect your health and outlook in very much like a car that needs petrol to run. The ‘petrol’ the body uses is real ways. The good news is that stress is something you can manage and called glucose. even overcome.

factors affectof your healthcare team. other andand recommendations does not replace the option

Fruit and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that protect the body against heart disease. Have at least 5 portions a day (1 portion = 1 fruit the size of a tennis ball or 1 cup of vegetables). Always dilute fruit juices in water (1:1).

All carbohydrates (found in starches, fruit, vegetables, sugary foods & drinks, milk, yoghurt and legumes) are broken down to glucose after is stream to the body the garden. some time Stretch. Exercise. Spend the blood throughactivity travelsPhysical Theinglucose consumption. energy. storedinsulin exertwhere still the best way tocells, (a hormone) is needed to allow the glucose access into the cells.

4. Increase your intake of fibre

Include soluble fibre (the flesh of fruit and vegetables, oats, oat bran, barley, rye and legumes) and insoluble fibre (whole wheat kernels, digestive bran, seeds, pips and skins) daily.

5. Limit your salt intake

absorption or insulin glucose from suffer As diabetics body resist help your willimpaired sugar blood yourcan Eating well and controlling to their diets to maintain attention pay special need toyour theyBringing production, to normal blood sugar all around. illness and feel better prevent and as levelsuch blood glucose a stable tired, complications. Here’s being diabetic depression that mirror may alleviate feelings to eat more. anxious, or inclinedhow:

Limit your salt intake to 1 teaspoon per day.

6. Careful with the drinks!

Choose mainly sugar and caffeine free drinks. Alcohol should always be taken with meals and never on an empty stomach. Men should not have more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day and women should have only 1 alcoholic drink per day (1 drink = single whiskey/brandy or 125 ml wine or a beer or 60 ml sherry). Your main source of fluid intake should come from plain water.

1. Choose help carbohydrates with care • Get professional

they are the food group to glucose, carbohydrates are fighting like you just feeldown youbroken worse or are If your troubles areAsgetting glucose control. When choosing a for blood responsible is directlywho A professional understands. to someone a losing battle, talkthat mind that not all carbohydrates are in mind. keep of to state one needs carbohydrate your may improve psychologist or counsellor broken down to glucose at the same rate. Fast-release carbohydrates will release glucose very fast resulting in high blood glucose levels, followed by symptoms like extreme hunger, cravings, tiredness, poor concentration, shakiness and dizziness.

7. Meals

Have three balanced meals every day. Never skip meals! Fruit or yoghurt are ideal snacks that can be taken between meals. Please see your dietician for advice on portion sizes and balancing of meals!

Slow-release carbohydrates release glucose slowly and steadily resulting in stable blood glucose levels, improved satiety, decreased cravings and increased energy and concentration levels.

The rate at which carbohydrates are broken down to glucose is referred to as the glycemic index (GI). Fast-release carbohydrates have a high GI

Support you’ll get all the support you need to manage your With diabetes more effectively, allowing you to live your life to the full, every day.

Support you’ll get all the support you need to manage your With value and slow-release carbohydrates have a low GI value. The diabetic diabetes more effectively, allowing you to live your life to the full, every day.

www.diabetes.co.za

www.diabetes.co.za So what are you waiting for?

www.diabetes.co.za

diet should contain mostly lower GI carbohydrates. Please see The South So what are you waiting for?

African Glycemic Index & Load Guide (Gabi Steenkamp & Liesbet Delport) Support today and get: Join for complete GI listings.

Support today and get: Join • Warranty and service for your meter

Warranty and service for your meter

Diet plays a vital part in helping you to control your blood glucose levels. Take control of your health by visiting the Accu-Chek website to see what recipes, dietary guidelines and support options are available to you.

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Toll free: 080-Diabetes (Dial 080-34-22-38-37) • Will I ever get this right? www.accu-chek.co.za / www.diabetes.co.za Ref: SUP110504

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Roche Products (Pty) LTD

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Toll free: 080-Diabetes (Dial 080-34-22-38-37) www.accu-chek.co.za / www.diabetes.co.za

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Our online dietician is available to answer your nutritional related questions under our “Ask the Expert” page

Are you hungry for nutritional advice?

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Diabetes and your diet

Diabetes and your diet Managing your Diabetes

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Once a haemoglobin molecule has glucose attached, it will stay glycated theisnumber measure yourm Whenconfi blood cell. for the life of that red Recent a directofcorrelation between how that there studies you get an average based on roughly glycated haemoglobin molecules, often people test and how well their blood sugar is controlled. Good blood the past three months. sugar control can clearly lead to a reduction in complications with your a good idea of how well your test gives The result of the HbA1Chealth in life. later you diabetes treatment plan is working. For people with diabetes the American The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) – a 10 year study Diabetes Association recommends a target level of 7% or below. of more than 1,400 people with Type 1 diabetes, showed how lowering blood sugar levels translates into a reduced risk for common long-term complications.

One out-of-range test should prompt a few questions, such as: • Did I have too much or too little to eat?

• Did I forget to take my insulin or other medications?

• Am I starting to feel ill?

need to manage all the support you Support you’ll get With wait and test result now oryour a low blood sugar • Should I treat diabetes more effectively, allowing you to live your life to the full, every day.

Medications

Are you playing guessing games?

How does it work?

This information can tell you if the changes you have recently made are working or not.

Diabetes can be controlled with:

Role of Diet in Diabetes Managing Stress

blood sugar average your more HbA : Knowing have Do you questions than answers?

Exercise lowers blood glucose levels. When you are active your body uses blood glucose faster. Choose an activity that is going to become a regular part of your life – there is not much point if you feel like giving up in the first week, so choosing something you enjoy and can easily fit into your week is important.

Coping with Diabetes

Managing your Diabetes Blood Glucose Monitoring

Blood Glucose Monitoring Understanding Diabetes

Understanding Diabetes

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1728_Accu-Chek - Website Consumer Ad - Resized for Sweetlife.indd 1

2013/03/11 10:02 AM

Welcome to our delicious Autumn issue, full of ways to look at the bright side of diabetes.

It might sometimes feel like there isn’t a bright side to diabetes - and I’ll admit there are days when having diabetes feels like more of a pain in the neck (or the foot!) than anything else. But the truth is that complaining about it doesn’t make it go away... In fact, it probably makes it worse.

That’s why we tracked down comedian and consultant Trevor Davids, to show us the lighter side of living with diabetes. He’s our inspiring story for this issue, and what an inspiration he is! We also have some easy (and very speedy) meal ideas from our wonderful dietician, Genevieve Jardine, and some fabulous picnic ideas for the last of the sunshine-filled days from our food editor, Caroline Gardner. All in all, this is one yummy issue!

If you want to write to us or share your experiences with diabetes, please visit our community blog: www.sweetlifemag.co.za/community or send me an email: hello@sweetlifemag.co.za Although it’s not always fun living with diabetes, there are ways to make it easier to deal with...

That’s what Sweet Life is here for.

Here’s to looking on the lighter side of life... And diabetes!

Until next time,

Bridget McNulty Editor

PS: Want to make sure you get your free copy of Sweet Life every quarter? Find your nearest Clicks Clinic on page 4.

EDITOR Bridget McNulty

ART DIRECTOR Mark Peddle

PUBLISHER Claire Barnardo

ADVERTISING SALES TFWcc - Tessa and Anthony Fenton-Wells

CONTRIBUTORS Caroline Gardner, Genevieve Jardine, Jeske Wellmann, Janine Grobler, Jeannie Berg, Nelfrie Kemp, Nicole McCreedy, Sarah Hall, Trevor Davids ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Welcome

Hi there!

Box 52301, Kenilworth 7745.

Tel: 021 761 2840.

Fax: 021 761 0442.

Cell: 082 320 0014.

Email: tessa@tfwcc.net

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PO Box 12651, Mill St, 8010.

Tel: 021 469 4714 Email: info@sweetlifemag.co.za

COPYRIGHT Published by The Editors Publishing House CC. Copyright The Editors Publishing House CC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor.

COMPETITION RULES Winners will be randomly selected and notified by telephone or email, and must agree to have their names published online.

Prizes are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Diabetic South Africans sweet_life_mag

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Sweet Life. Always consult a specialist before making any changes to your diet or medicine.

03

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Sweet Life, now available at Clicks Clinics!

You can now get your free copy of Sweet Life from a Clicks Clinic or support group near you.

What to do

sweet life available at clicks clinics

Go to your nearest Clicks Clinic or your local support group and ask for a copy of Sweet Life. Your free copy of Sweet Life will be waiting for you.

Simply ask the clinic sister or your support group leader for a copy, and you’ll be given your FREE Sweet Life magazine.

Or you can read it online at www.sweetlifemag.co.za

Why don’t we post any more?

We want you to get the support you need for your diabetes.

Ask questions, have blood tests, get your feet checked and make sure you’re on the right medication - all of this can be done at a Clicks Clinic.

So every 3 months we want you to take charge of your diabetes, march into a clinic or your local support group, and pick up your FREE copy of Sweet Life magazine.

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KZN

Free State

AMAJUBA Newcastle BLUFF Wentworth Durban RICHARDS BAY GATEWAY Umhlanga Rocks Hibiscus Mall Margate LA LUCIA Durban LADYSMITH LIBERTY MIDLANDS MALL Pietermaritzburg MALVERN Queensburgh, Durban MUSGRAVE CENTRE Musgrave PAVILION Westville, Durban PINETOWN Pinetown, Durban Southway MALL Seaview SHELLY BEACH Victoria Road Pietermaritzburg Westville MALL Westville

BAYSWATER PHARMACY Bloemfontein BETHLEHEM FICHARDT PARK PHARMACY Bloemfontein GOLDFIELDS MALL Welkom LIBERTY MALL Welkom LOCH LOGAN Bloemfontein MIMOSA MALL Bloemfontein

Swaziland BHuNU MALL Manzini THE Gables Ezulwini SWAZI PLAZA Mbabane

Eastern Cape BEACON BAY East London GRAHAMSTOWN Grahamstown GREENACRES Newton Park, PE KING WILLIAMS TOWN KNYSNA SUNRIDGE VILLAGE Sunridge, PE VINCENT PARK East London Kabega Park PE WALMER PARK Walmer, PE

Community

North West KLERKSDORP POTCHEFSTROOM WATERFALL MALL Rustenburg Wilkoppies Klerksdorp

Contact us:

Does your support group need copies of Sweet Life?

Get in touch and we’ll make sure you get them.

Web

www.sweetlifemag.co.za

Email

hello@sweetlifemag.co.za

Mobi

www.sweetlife.mobi

Postal:

Diabetic South Africans sweet_life_mag

PO Box 12651, Mill St, 8010, Western Cape

Meet some of our experts: Meet the whole panel at: sweetlifemag.co.za

Dr. Zaheer Bayat

is a specialist endocrinologist in Gauteng.

Dr. Dale Harrison

MBChB is an ophthalmologist in private practice in Cape Town.

Ruth Scott

is a clinical psychologist who worked in public hospitals in the Western Cape.

Anette Thompson

M Tech Podiatry (UJ) & B Tech Podiatry (SA) is a podiatrist.

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Questions from our blog www.sweetlifemag.co.za/community Insulin pumps for children Hello!

I need to hear from people that have had experience with children using insulin pumps for Type 1 diabetes. How old are the children?

How easily have they adapted to it? Does it control their sugar levels better? Any useful information when it comes to children that have used insulin pumps would be very helpful.

Thanks so much!

REPLIES Tiffany

My 7-year-old daughter has been on an insulin pump for 15 months – it’s changed our life in the most positive way!

Please feel free to email me about it.

Mahomed

My daughter has been on the pump for 3 months and felt uncomfortable with it. Her levels did improve, but she has since gone back to taking insulin the normal way.

Sore joints and burning feet Hi there, My joints are sore, and my feet burn! What can I use? It’s especially bad at night… Thanks!

Monica

Q&A

REPLIES Marita

Check with your doctor that the circulation in your feet is okay. At home I take Nicotinamide, freely and cheaply available (ask your pharmacist). As a quick relief, run your feet under ice-cold water for a few minutes before bed. Always use a cooling cream before you lie down, Recharge Your Feet is good.

I hope this all helps.

Joy

Thanks for the advice. My legs and joints are also very sore, especially at night, so I’m going right now to my chemist to buy Nicotinamide.

Louise

Lyrica is a drug that can help with neuropathy (burning feet), but unfortunately you have to get it on prescription. So go and see your doctor…

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2013/03/26 1:06 AM

www.facebook.com/DiabeticSouthAfricans How do you treat yourself when you feel like something sweet?

Sugar-free sweets!

Keith

I only have a tiny taste, seems to work for me, but then I don’t really have a sweet tooth.

Q&A

Answers on Facebook

Sharon

Very difficult question :( Magrietha

Jungle Oats Light snack bar or Canderel sweets…

Sweet enough and good.

Keith

Any sweet fruit that is in season! For now grapes and mangoes work for me.

Lehuma

Lehuma, fruits do contain a lot of sugar – especially grapes and mango. Remember to have small portions.

Sharon

Yes I know, Sharon, hence I only eat them as a treat when I feel like something sweet!

Lehuma

Two blocks of Lindt 70% dark chocolate.

Shirley

Wow! I thought I was the only one who had this craving for sweet things. I eat ice cream once in a while.

I was really feeling bad about it.

Zandile

What’s the secret to a happy life with diabetes?

To not make it an issue. Treat it and forget it. Life is too short.

Louis

Most people suffer from some type of illness, but we all just have to deal with it and get on with our lives.

Have a question of your own?

Come and join the discussion today!

SLM06_Q&A.indd 2

Erika

Sorry to all those optimistic people out there... but there is no happy life with diabetes :( Lisa

Finding the right balance... While diabetes is not a good thing to have, one certainly does still have a happy life. Be informed and that goes for your spouse and family members too.

Lynnae

09

2013/03/26 1:06 AM

Meals at the speed of life… from our community:

Have a question for our dietician?

Ask us on our website, Facebook page or mobi site and you could be in the next issue!

Ask the Dietician

“I find myself worrying about food a lot, as a diabetic… What are the essentials I should always have on hand for healthy lunches or quick food on the go?” Kriveshen Moodley.

Life is busy, with many demands that distract us from healthy eating. So how do we make good food choices?

It starts with the right attitude and being prepared.

As a diabetic, it’s important to remember that food is part of your treatment, so it needs to be a priority – but it doesn’t need to be hard. Try these easy but delicious meal ideas to make eating healthy part of your every day.

Some helpful tips for simplifying food choices: • Plan meals for the week and do a big weekly shop.

• Take a bag full of fresh food to work on Monday morning to use as lunch for the week.

• Keep healthy snacks stashed in your car.

• Have a back-up meal replacement drink for those times you don’t have time to eat.

breakfast ideas

Get more fantastic meal ideas online: www.sweetlifemag.co.za

Great tip:

Wake up earlier so that you have time for breakfast at home – always a good idea!

• Bake some diabetic friendly muffins as a breakfast option.

• A poached egg - either on the stove or in the microwave - on a slice of low GI toast (with a piece of fruit on the side) is a healthy choice.

• Microwave oats (they’re low GI!) with a chopped apple or ¼ cup (30g) raw nuts and seeds to make a quick nutritious breakfast.

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ideas

dinner ideas

Great tip:

Cook meals for the week or make double portions and freeze the food so that you have meals ready when you don’t have time to cook.

• Make simple meals that don’t need lots of attention: roast chicken or baked fish with roasted vegetables. A steaming net is a handy tool that fits into any pot and steams all your vegetables at one time.

• Always have a stash of frozen vegetables in the freezer for when you run out of fresh veg. When life gets busy, the first food groups to suffer are vegetables and fruit.

• Always have salad ingredients handy. Salad is a quick side dish that takes up room on the plate so you can’t fill it with more carbs!

• An omelette filled with vegetables like tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and peppers is a quick and healthy meal.

Ask the Dietician

lunch

• A sandwich made with low GI bread filled with lean protein (cottage cheese / low fat meat / tinned fish). Stuff with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and other salad.

• Vegetable soup with 1 to 2 slices of low GI bread or a small wholewheat roll.

• A picnic lunch with wholewheat crackers, hummus for a dip and cucumber chunks, carrots sticks, baby tomatoes or snap peas instead of a salad.

• A salad made with lean protein (chicken or tuna) with very little dressing and no high fat toppings (croutons, bacon bits, cheese etc).

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Partner’s Corner

“M

y son was just diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and I want to know what to do about children’s parties and play dates? I don’t want him to feel ‘different’ but I also want to make sure his blood sugar won’t get out of control.” Linda van der Merwe.

Partners

Dear Linda, I’m not sure how old your son is, but diabetes at any age can be difficult. Rest assured, what seems overwhelming now will eventually become routine.

Diabetes affects a child’s emotions, and badly controlled blood sugar can make diabetics feel irritable.

If your son forgets to take insulin for a piece of cake at a birthday party, for example, he could end up fighting with his friends. Talk to him about the kind of food that will be at the party and help him to make decisions about which foods to choose, and which to avoid. Make sure he has something sweet on him in case he goes low, and chat with him about what to do if he feels funny. Most importantly, let him know that you are only a phone call away.

Yes! The thought of your child going off to a party at someone else’s home may make you scared. Away from your control, over-excited by all the fun and surrounded by delicious high sugar and high carb treats. A parent’s worst diabetic nightmare. But just remember: a child with diabetes is still a child.

And children LOVE birthday parties!

It’s a good idea to call the host parent and find out what sort of food and drinks are planned for the party. You can even offer to provide a platter of your child’s favourite (diabetic-friendly) snacks, so that he can share them with his friends.

Let the host know that you will have your phone on you the whole time.

Lastly, try to relax. With careful planning, your son can safely enjoy birthday parties as part of his childhood.

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2013/03/26 1:13 AM

Factors that could greatly increase your risk for multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Poorly controlled diabetes Dieting and imbalanced diets

Poor food choices

Prescription medication

Poor digestion

Diabetes is a chronic, life-long condition. However, with the correct treatment lifestyle changes exercise many people with diabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

with Diabion is a supplement which is: • specifically formulated for people living with Diabetes because it does not contain iron or copper • assists in combatting oxidative stress

Available at Clicks, Dis-chem and Leading Pharmacies Merck (Pty) Ltd 1 Friesland Drive, Longmeadow Business Estate South, Modderfontein, 1645 P.O. Box 1998, Halfway House, 1685 www.merck.co.za

Inspiring 14

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Using laughter as medicine You would never guess that Trevor Davids - a business consultant, film and TV producer and biker filled with the joys of life - has Type 2 diabetes. That’s because this 50-year-old personality has managed to take diabetes in his stride.

WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY

PHOTOS: MARK PEDDLE

What is the alter ego that some of our readers might know you as?

I’m also known as the person that created the radio character named Sista.

I worked in radio for a number of years, and while I was on a live radio broadcast on Good Hope FM in 1994, I came up with the character of Sista. For 15 years, mostly for three hours a day, sometimes five days a week, I checked in as Sista, commenting on anything that was happening that day. Nothing was holy with Sista! I also did around 1500 live performances, mainly for charity, and recently revived her to entertain a diabetes support group (after placing Sista into unforced retirement in 2009). Finding the humour in diabetes was quite a challenge, but as a diabetic myself it was great to be able to find laughter in talking about my sugars, and know that people understood what I was talking about.

When did you find out you were diabetic?

Just over two years ago, in November 2010. I had all the usual symptoms – constantly thirsty, needing to urinate a lot – and I looked them up on the internet.

Up came: diabetes. I read up on the

condition before going to the doctor, and then announced, “I have diabetes.” We took the necessary tests and my blood sugar was really high (18mmol/l), so I was put onto insulin tablets immediately.

Diabetes doesn’t run in my family, I’m not overweight and I do a lot of exercise, so I’m not a typical Type 2 case. I do have high blood pressure that runs in the family.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes I had already given up alcohol ten years before, but I was smoking 40 cigarettes a day, so I had to give that up too. After 31 years of smoking, I quit on the first try. Once I make up my mind about something, there’s not much that can move me.

How has diabetes changed your daily life?

I’m a lot more conscious of my eating patterns now. I never used to eat breakfast – I’d grab something on the run, snack in the afternoon, and then eat a big plate of food in the evening. I had to learn to be less flexible about food. Eat a regimented breakfast, lunch and dinner, look at my intakes and learn about low GI. I couldn’t have done it without my family – my wife Norma and son Danté have been the most amazing support.

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Inspiring

How do you balance a busy lifestyle with eating right and exercise?

After two years, I feel like I’m still in training wheels, I still fall off the wagon now and again! I always say: all the nice things that look good aren’t for diabetics, but diabetic food can also look good if you make an effort. I make sure to do an HbA1c blood test three times a year, which gives me a good idea of how I’m doing, and I keep a chart of my readings. I think I’m pretty on top of diabetes most of the time.

What’s the biggest challenge of living with diabetes?

Keeping to the discipline of medication.

I need to take Metformin three times a day, and I try to take it at the same time every day. I have my computer, cellphone and watch timers all reminding me when to take my pills!

The other challenge is that I don’t want diabetes to stop me playing sport. I coach a softball team and play softball myself, along with my wife and son, so it’s a family sport for us – that’s really special to me.

So far diabetes hasn’t slowed me down, and I want to keep it that way.

because I restructured and reorganised my life, so I now have more time.

What advice would you offer to other diabetics?

If you’ve just been diagnosed, don’t worry – it’s not as daunting as you think. It can become a lifestyle condition, you just need to adapt your lifestyle. Diabetes is part of who you are now, and denying it doesn’t make it go away.

What makes your life sweet?

Life itself! And my family, of course.

And laughter: the ability to laugh and create a laugh. I believe that people can live a long time if they can learn to laugh in the face of adversity. I like to use laughter as part of my medication.

How do you manage to focus on the lighter side of living with a chronic condition?

I never focussed on the darker side of diabetes! I’m a very positive person, I like being focussed on doing something well. In challenging times, I just take it in my stride and deal with life’s knocks as they come.

Is there anything diabetes has stopped you from doing?

No. Only smoking! I’ve actually been able to take on more daily life challenges since being diagnosed,

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Nothing beats the feeling of a great laugh. Claire Barnardo reminds us why laughter should be part of every day.

Laughter has been called the best medicine (apart from insulin, of course!)

And it’s no surprise why. Bursting into laughter relaxes the mind and body, and instantly lifts your mood. With such great benefits, there are plenty of reasons to keep laughing out loud.

Laughter in your body:

Positive outcomes:

• Increases your heart rate and oxygen, which gives you more energy.

• Normalises your blood pressure and improves circulation.

• Releases lots of feel-good hormones called endorphins.

• Activates the digestive and immune systems.

• Lifts depression and reduces stress.

• Laughter increases your selfconfidence and motivation.

• Brings people together.

• Encourages creativity.

• Improves your wellbeing, meaning you’re less likely to get sick.

• Helps you connect with your children.

• It’s free and can be done any time!

Lifestyle

LOL!

Finding light relief

“A day without laughter is a day wasted”

Need a quick fix? Here are some ideas.

• Watch a funny movie.

• Go to a local comedy show.

• Read the jokes section of the newspaper.

• Hang out with funny friends.

• Do fun or silly activities like putt putt or jumping on a trampoline.

Charlie Chaplin

Did you know?

Laughing is also a form of exercise. Twenty minutes of laughing a day can give you a gentle aerobic workout that’s much more fun than heading to the gym!

Ask the expert: Janine Grobler, Founder of LaughSA “Laughter keeps life sweet. It’s the best tonic for our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Look at yourself in the mirror.

Make eye contact, smile and laugh with yourself for half a minute.

Do you feel or look better than before laughing?”

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GUILT-FREE

GOODIES

Try our delicious range of all sorts of foods ranging from sweets to jellies, biscuits, jams, desserts and other scrummy goodies which you can find and purchase directly through www.delitefoods.co.za. Diabetic friendly and suitable for anyone who has a weight or heart problem or just wants a healthier lifestyle, will love these products!

Looking for the ideal gift for a friend?

Get Tantalize to make up a fantastic hamper of guilt-free goodies – simply visit our website to find out more.

Delite Foods Mar 2013 01.indd 1

2013/03/19 4:36 PM

Did you know that diabetics are more at risk of developing heart disease?

Here are the facts and what you can do about it.

What can you do?

Get tested! A risk assessment will check your blood pressure, lipids and lipoproteins and see if you need to be concerned.

2

Quit smoking!

If you are a diabetic smoker, your risk of developing CVD doubles.

Other risk factors also play a part: obesity, physical inactivity and a family history of CVD. If you have any feelings of numbness, confusion, blurry sight, severe headache or difficulty speaking, go to a hospital immediately. This could be signs of a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) – a warning sign for a stroke.

Changing your lifestyle can decrease your risk of heart disease (and improve your blood sugar!)

Time to get active…

1

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD includes both heart disease and problems with the circulatory system, including strokes.

Eat a heart-healthy diet. Cut down on saturated fats and avoid trans fats that raise cholesterol. Eat lean meat and choose a low fat diet as much as possible.

6

Type 2 diabetics are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

Eat plenty of fibre to help lower cholesterol.

Wholegrain breads, cereals, fruit, vegetables, oatmeal, beans and pulses are all full of fibre.

10

Healthy Living

10 fast facts about heart disease

Hypertension is an important risk factor for diabetics and CVD. Your blood pressure should not be over 130/80 – the ideal is 120/80. How to lower it? Drink less alcohol, don’t eat too much salt, keep at a healthy weight, exercise, stop smoking and visit your doctor regularly.

You can do it!

Ask the expert: Dr Vash Mungal-Singh, Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa “Although CVD is one of the most common complications of diabetes, good blood sugar control can make a big difference to your risk – you can reduce it by a massive 57%.”

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Take to the trail

Tired of pounding the pavement or looking for a fun way to get active? Trail running may be the sport for you.

More and more people are heading to the mountains, the veld and the forests to get away from the city, spend time in nature and run free.

Work It Out

More than a work-out Trail running is good for the body, mind and soul. It’s also good for the wallet – except for the price of running shoes, it doesn’t cost a thing. Trail running is different to road running because the ground you’re running on changes all the time and isn’t flat and hard like a road. It helps “proprioception”, our sense of balance and body awareness.

It also develops strength in muscles and joints, and gives you stronger ankles and hip joints. Softer surfaces

like grass, sand, and gravel are easier on the joints than tar. Trail running will help you burn more calories and shed fat faster as your body uses a greater amount of energy to use more muscles to move on the uneven surface.

Paying attention to each step you take will also distract your mind from your everyday To Do list (always a good thing!) Don’t forget to stop for a moment, breathe in the fresh air, and give thanks for where you are.

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Heading off-road Although there is less risk of injury with trail running than road running, it’s a good idea to include some exercises in your routine to strengthen your core, pelvic muscles, legs, knees and ankles to cope with the impact to these parts of the body. Follow a careful training programme where you can gradually build up your distance and speed. It’s important to be aware of your diabetic needs while you’re trail running, too. Don’t push yourself too hard in the beginning, and make sure you snack before you start running so that your blood sugar doesn’t go low while you’re on the trail.

Always carry something sweet on you as well.

?

When you’re trail running, it’s important to look where you’re going - vehicle tracks, puddles, logs and rocks are all obstacles that can trip you up, and low-hanging tree branches need to be ducked in time.

Here are some tips for different types of terrain: Sand is difficult to run on, especially when it’s loose. Don’t run in a straight line, rather search for the firmest footing. The harder sand can usually be found on the very edge of the trail.

Muddy surfaces can be slippery, be careful!

Rocky trails mean you need to lift your legs higher to avoid tripping. Try to step lightly with a flat foot, so that if it’s not stable or you slip, you can quickly move your foot.

Forest paths can hide rocks and roots.

Be on the lookout and avoid stepping on them if you you can.

Ready to get started

Here are some of our favourite trails:

Cape Town

Tafelberg Road – 12km

Right at the base of Table Mountain, this old road is perfect for beginners. You can do some great short runs with a few hills that offer incredible views.

Johannesburg / Pretoria

Port Elizabeth Sacramento Trail – 8km

A popular roundtrip coastal trail between Schoenmakerskop and Sardinia Bay through the SchoenmakerskopSardinia Bay Nature Reserve offers stunning ocean views and some lovely fresh sea air.

Durban

Burman Bush Nature Reserve

has three hiking trails of about 2km each. But they criss-cross all the time, so you can easily get lost – it’s a good idea to run with a buddy. The paths can be as tough or gentle as you choose.

Owl’s Nest trail – 7 to 21km

A network of stunning trails about 20km outside Pretoria that wind through typical Highveld bush and open fields will make you forget you’re anywhere near a big city.

Keep your eyes open for an owl’s nest - the trail is famous for them!

Looking for runs in your area?

Take a look at www.nightjartravel.com/trail-running Want to see more of our favourite trails? Visit www.sweetlifemag.co.za/community

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Ask the expert: Nelfrie Kemp, Podiatry Association of South Africa Get the right shoes The most important tip when taking up any running is to buy the right shoes and make sure they fit properly.

Foot care is vital if you have diabetes.

When fitting a running shoe, choose a pair one size larger than your normal shoe size as your feet swell when you exercise. It’s a good idea to use sport

socks that are thick from toe to heel and fit you perfectly. This will help prevent pins and needles or a burning sensation in the feet. Choose ankleheight socks as secret socks can move and curl up under your foot, which can cause blisters. Always tie your laces, but make sure that it they are not tied too loosely or tightly.

Get more diabetic foot tips at www.podiatrist.co.za

Ask the expert: Sarah Hall, Biokineticist

Work It Out

Be aware • As well as the trail running, do some balance training either at home or in the gym by doing single leg exercises or balancing on wobble boards.

• Use your whole body while you are trail running: your arms for balance and support, your core to help draw your legs up for climbing the rocky parts, and a mid-foot to front-offoot strike with shorter, quicker strides for more control and adjustment.

• Pay close attention to what you eat and drink before and during the run, especially on longer runs.

Always have something sweet on you in case your blood sugar goes low, and never run alone.

• Know the route you are running by mapping the route on GPS or a map. It will give you a good idea of the height you may be climbing and the exact distance you will be covering. Remember to start with shorter routes and slowly build up distance.

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FutureLife_SLM05_Ad.indd 1

2013/03/20 12:32 PM

Savour the sun Make the most of the last of the warm weather with our wonderful Autumn picnic ideas. From budget-friendly to deliciously foodie, these are great recipes to pack up for a fun family day outdoors...

And they're good for you! Anyone for a picnic?

FOOD EDITOR: CAROLINE GARDNER PHOTOS: MARK PEDDLE

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Breakfast Breakfast jars 8g

1063kJ

fat

carb

12g 30g

GI

GL

45 13

per portion

energy protein

2T olive oil 1½ cups oats Finely grated peel of 1 orange 2t ground cinnamon 1T honey ½ cup sunflower seeds 2 cups plain low fat yoghurt 2 cups gooseberries / apples Preheat oven to 180°C. Toss oats with oil, spread on a baking sheet and toast for 10 mins.

Mix orange peel, cinnamon and honey through warm oats, then add sunflower seeds.

Spread out on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 15 mins or until crisp. Set aside to cool.

Divide mixture between six washed jars and top with yoghurt and fruit.

Foodie serves: 6 average cost:

R38

(Healthy) Scotch eggs 678kJ

11g

fat

carb

10g 6g

GI

GL

52

6

4 pork sausages 250g chicken mince ½ onion, finely chopped 1 small carrot, grated 1 baby marrow, grated ½t each ground pepper and cumin 1T chopped parsley 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 cup wholewheat bread crumbs 3-4 large tomatoes, sliced Remove sausage filling and place into a bowl. Add chicken mince, vegetables, spices and parsley.

Divide mix into 10 portions and place into the centre of a piece of cling film.

per portion

energy protein

Budget serves: 10 average cost:

R32

Flatten the meat into a patty.

Dust peeled eggs with flour and place into the centre of the patty.

Pull the cling film corners together and shape the meat around the egg.

Dip each egg into the beaten egg and coat with breadcrumbs.

Cook in a lightly greased non-stick pan over a medium heat, until golden and cooked through.

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Lunch

Cold betroot soup and breadsticks Heat half the oil and cook onion, cumin, half the rosemary, chilli and garlic over a low heat until soft.

Blitz onion with the next six ingredients until smooth. Stir through yoghurt.

Preheat oven to 200°C. and unravel pastry. Mix the rest of the oil and rosemary with the garlic and pepper. Brush pastry with oil mix and dust with paprika.

Slice into 3cm wide strips. Twist and place on an oven tray. Bake until crisp and golden.

Serve one breadstick with each portion of soup.

serves: 6 average cost:

R29

energy protein 1806kJ fat

6g carb

29g 29g GI

GL

53 16

per portion

4T olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1T ground cumin 2T chopped rosemary 1 large chilli, seeds removed 1 garlic clove, chopped 3-4 beetroot, roasted and peeled 3 tomatoes, halved ½ large cucumber, peeled and chopped ¼ cup basil 1 cup vegetable stock Juice of 1 lemon Milled pepper ½ cup plain low fat yoghurt ½ packet brown puff pastry 1 garlic clove, grated Paprika

Foodie

Budget serves: 6 average cost:

R58

Spicy chicken wings and veg 1175kJ

24g

fat

carb

14g 12g

Heat oil in a pan and cook onion, tomatoes, spices and garlic over a low heat to form a sauce.

GI

GL

36

4

per portion

energy protein

Stir through lemon peel and juice and orange juice. Toss chicken wings and veg in sauce.

Preheat oven to 200°C.

1T canola oil 1 onion, finely chopped 3 tomatoes, roughly chopped 1-2T curry powder 1t ground cumin 2 garlic cloves, grated Juice and grated peel of 1 lemon Juice of 1 orange 12 chicken wings 6 baby marrows, roughly chopped 2 onions, roughly chopped 1 pepper, diced 1 cup butternut, chopped small Thread veg onto skewers.

Roast wings and veg for 45 mins to an hour, until cooked through and golden.

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Dinner

Pork con carne with sambals 1594kJ

28g

fat

carb

10g 39g

Heat oil and cook onion, spices, celery and carrot until soft.

Add pork, tomatoes, garlic and stock. Simmer until cooked through and tender (about 45 mins). Add lemon juice and simmer for 15 mins.

GI

GL

42 16

per portion

energy protein

Stir through coriander.

Toss salsa ingredients together.

Spoon con carne into pita breads. Top with salsa, yoghurt and chopped coriander.

Foodie serves: 6 average cost:

R62

1T canola oil 1 onion and 1 chilli, chopped 1T each ground cumin and coriander 2t ground cinnamon 2T dried origanum 3 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 carrots, grated 400g pork neck, diced, fat removed 5 tomatoes, diced 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 cup chicken stock Juice of 2 lemons ¼ cup coriander Salsa: 2-3 tomatoes, roughly chopped ½ packet spring onions, chopped plain low fat yoghurt and coriander to serve ½ wholewheat pita bread each

Frikkadels with spicy coleslaw 1060kJ

22g

fat

carb

15g 7g

1T canola oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, grated 1½ cups finely chopped spinach Ground pepper 400g beef mince 1 egg, lightly beaten Coleslaw: 2 carrots, grated 1 cup each finely chopped green and red cabbage 2T fat-reduced mayonnaise 3T yoghurt 1 chilli, finely chopped Juice of 1 lemon Lettuce leaves, to serve

GI

GL

39

3

per portion

energy protein

Budget serves: 6 average cost:

R40

Heat oil and fry onion and carrot until soft. Add spinach and cook until soft. Season with pepper and set aside to cool.

Mix onion mixture, mince and egg together. Shape into small balls, dust with flour and lightly

fry over a medium heat until cooked through.

Mix coleslaw ingredients together.

Place meatballs into lettuce cups, spoon in coleslaw and serve.

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2013/03/26 12:51 AM

Dessert Butternut brownies 543kJ

2g

fat

carb

8g 11g

1½ cups mashed butternut: steam and mash through a fine sieve ½ cup butter 2/5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½T mixed spice 3T brown sugar 1 extra large egg 1 cup cake flour Pinch salt 1 packet (100g) ground almonds

GI

GL

65

7

per portion

energy protein

Preheat oven to 180°C. Coat a 20cm x 25cm baking tray with cooking spray.

Place butter, cocoa, mixed spice and brown sugar in a small saucepan and melt over a gentle heat until smooth and completely melted.

Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Whisk egg until frothy, fold through cooled cocoa mixture.

Sift flour into a large bowl.

Add salt and ground almonds.

Fold chocolate mixture through dry ingredients.

Pour mixture into baking tray and bake for about 2025 minutes or until cooked through.

Set aside to cool, cut into squares and serve, dusted with cocoa.

Treat serves: 16 average cost:

R12

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2013/03/26 12:51 AM

Keep your kids busy with the lighter side of diabetes.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the do’s and don’ts of living with diabetes.

But it’s just as important to keep enjoying your life too! Hand over the magazine to your child and let them have some fun…

Crossword

Spot five differences

1

Kids

Fun and games

2

3

4 5

6

7

8 9

Down

2. What medicine do most diabetics take?

3. How many colours are there in a rainbow?

6. What’s another name for blood glucose?

8. What do you do if you think your blood sugar is low?

9. What animal is all black and white stripes?

1. What organ does insulin come from?

4. How many legs does a spider have?

5. Which fruit is the same colour as its name?

7. What kind of fizzy drinks are best for diabetics?

8. How many kinds of diabetes are there?

Ask the expert:

1.PANCREAS | 2.INSULIN | 3.SEVEN | 4.EIGHT | 5.ORANGE | 6.BLOOD SUGAR | 7.DIET | 8.TEST

Across

Jeannie Berg, Diabetes Educator “Diabetes can make a child feel different from other kids and that is one thing nobody wants. Navigating birthday parties and play dates is a skill that has to be developed by both parent and child.”

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2013/03/26 1:05 AM

PLANNING LUNCH

Apple and oat muffinS Make a batch and freeze the remainder for another day.

613kJ ENERGY

4g protein

7g fat

19g CARB

per serving

per serving

per serving

per serving

¾ cup (187ml) PnP No Name quick cooking oats (plus extra for topping) 1 cup (250ml) wholewheat flour 1 tsp (5ml) PnP cinnamon 1 tsp (5ml) bicarbonate of soda 1½ tsp (8ml) baking powder ½ cup (125ml) brown sugar 2 free-range eggs 1/3 cup (80ml) low fat milk ¼ cup (60ml) PnP canola oil 1 cup (250ml) grated apple

Inspired by you

3 Basic principles when planning a healthy lunch away from home

Makes 12 muffins

+

+

Preheat oven to 180˚C and line a muffin pan with paper cupcake cases.

Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl. In a separate bowl beat eggs, milk and oil together until smooth. Add apple.

Gradually add wet mixture to flour mixture.

Stir until combined.

Spoon batter into muffin tins and bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before removing muffins from tin.

Recipes and images courtesy of Fresh Living magazine

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A healthy packed lunch is vitally important as it can improve your blood glucose control, concentration and energy levels throughout the day!

1. Plan ahead and be organised.

2. Pack regular snacks and realise your lunchbox has to usually keep you going from breakfast until dinner.

3. Buy sturdy containers and cooler bag that is big enough to accommodate the food without leaking or getting squashed.

2013/03/25 7:54 PM

Wholewheat veggie pasta salad Make a batch ahead of time and freeze, then simply defrost when needed.

1084kJ ENERGY

11g protein

5g fat

44g CARB

per serving

per serving

per serving

per serving

1 small sachet (200g) PnP neapolitana sauce 1 small carrot, diced 1 cup (250ml) PnP tinned whole kernel corn 1 cup (250ml) PnP tinned fresh garden peas 1 cup (about 100g) cooked PnP wholewheat organic pasta Heat sauce over a medium heat.

Add carrot and cook until tender.

Add sweetcorn, peas and cooked pasta and toss to combine.

Place a portion of pasta into a suitable container and pack into a lunchbox with a plastic fork and serviette.

Makes 1 serving Inspired by you

Health hotline

+

+

0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za

Contact Pick n Pay's dietician at the Helath Hotline with your nutrition-related queries.

Also go to www.pnp.co.za/healthcorner and chat to Terry Health Guru on the Pick n Pay Facebook page

What to include in a lunchbox: Protein-rich foods - Lean cold meats, chicken strips and drumsticks High fibre starches - Low GI seed bread, 100% rye bread, home-made popcorn, wholewheat pasta salad

SLM06_PNP_DPSFood_Ad.indd 2

Remember the dairy - Fingers of mozzarella cheese, low fat flavoured yoghurt, milk Vegetables and fruit are essential - Chopped fruit salad, a sugar free dried fruit bar, a small packet of raisins

Include ‘heart healthy’ fats - A small packet of assorted nuts or peanuts and raisins, Peanut butter on provitas, mashed avocado wit h lemon juice as a dip with vegetables Lastly, don’t forget fluids - water is the best drink!

2013/03/25 7:54 PM

Just Diagnosed

Always have your medication handy. No matter where you are or what you’re doing.

Diabetic diet: there is no specific ‘diabetic diet’, but all diabetics should eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, plenty of wholegrains, lean proteins, and as little sugar and refined / fried / fatty / junk food as possible.

Everything in moderation!

Blood sugar (or blood glucose): aim for balance – not too low (hypoglycemia), not too high (hyperglycemia).

The golden number for blood sugar readings is 7.0.

Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman has high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Like Type 2 diabetes, it can often be controlled with diet and exercise.

Juice is a great pick-me-up for a low. Try to carry a small juice box or some sweets on you at all times, just in case.

Ketones are acids that build up in the blood and urine when your body doesn’t have enough insulin. They can lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis and from there to diabetic coma. If you’re in good control, you don’t have to worry about ketones.

Carbohydrate counting lets people with diabetes eat a varied diet.

Each carbohydrate (which includes dairy and fruit as well as starch and sugars) has a specific value that can be counted to determine how much insulin to take.

Exercise every day, for at least half an hour. It doesn’t have to be difficult – just a walk around the block will do.

Family history plays a big role in diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Your genes determine whether or not you are at risk for diabetes.

HbA1c tests are important to have, every 3 to 6 months. They give you one number for the past 3 months that will tell you how good (on average) your blood sugar control has been.

Insulin needs to be kept cool – keep spares in the fridge. Insulin can last for 30 days at room temperature, but any longer than that is not ideal.

Lifestyle plays a big role in Type 2 diabetes.

Changing the way you eat, how you exercise and your daily stress levels can make a big difference to how well you feel every day.

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2013/03/26 1:00 AM

Meal plans are very helpful when you are first diagnosed because they give you an idea of how you should be eating. Ask your dietician for a meal plan, or simply use the recipes in this magazine.

Never allow yourself to feel like a patient. You’re going to be diabetic for the rest of your life – but if you look after yourself, it will be a long and happy life.

Positive attitude: you’ll feel better if you have a positive attitude towards diabetes. Getting depressed or angry won’t make it go away.

Quitting is not an option with a chronic condition. Just take it one day at a time, have a support group, and give yourself credit for trying.

Unless you take control of your diabetes, it will take control of you. Don’t let it become the defining point of your life.

Regular checkups with your doctor are a must. You can’t afford to ignore any kind of illness, wound or infection.

Vegetables are a diabetic’s best friend. Make sure you eat fresh veggies and some fruit, every single day.

Wholegrains should be a big part of your diet. They’ll keep you and your heart healthy.

Obvious symptoms of diabetes include: constant thirst, needing to urinate all the time, constant hunger, extreme tiredness and blurry vision.

An A to Z of all you need to know if you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes:

Support is so important for people with diabetes.

Make sure you have a team of people who can help you deal with the condition, and join a support group or the Sweet Life community so that you’re not alone.

Types of diabetes: Type 1, usually diagnosed in young people and treated with insulin injections immediately; Type 2, known as a lifestyle disease because those at risk are often overweight and don’t eat a healthy diet; and gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnancy. eXtra care should be taken any time you feel unwell. Don’t push yourself if you don’t feel 100%.

You are the most important part of your diabetes care programme.

Treat yourself well!

Zzzz… Make sure you get enough sleep.

33

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2013/03/26 1:00 AM

Last Word “The earth laughs in flowers.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

SLM06_Last_Word.indd 1

2013/03/26 2:20 AM

WHY IS NEW SYMBIO-D SELLING SO WELL? An interview with Richard Asman, Pharmacist, one of the team members who helped formulate Symbio-D with a leading South African Endocrinologist.

Q.Who is buying Symbio-D and why?

A. More and more people are realising that their bodies are under attack from the modern lifestyle they lead. In particular their gut health is not able to work at the optimum level to combat the damage, excesses and deficiencies of a modern lifestyle and diet.

Remember, you literally are what you eat and no matter how hard you try to avoid today’s damaging foodstuffs, you can’t avoid them all.

So, we see a lot of people taking it to feel good, for general good gut health. And people are taking Symbio-D to detoxify and maintain their good health. We also have those taking it to protect themselves against lifestyle diseases, like cancer and heart disease, and the possible onset of diabetes and obesity.

Symbio D, through its combination of two capsules, a special Probiotic Blend and Omega 3, helps keep the gut in good health by reducing the effects that a modern diet and lifestyle can have.

Basically, by taking the two capsules everyday it keeps the gut working as efficiently as possible by boosting its anti-oxidant defences and correcting the imbalance in the intestinal flora.

Q. Is there anything else on the market like Symbio-D? A. No, not to our knowledge. Symbio-D was developed under strict clinical conditions with a leading Endocrinologist in South Africa. It is the first nutritional supplement clinically proven to show beneficial effects against the metabolic syndrome I have spoken about, and reduce the overall collateral damage of a modern lifestyle.

Q. How can we get more information?

A. You can email me on richard@peppina.co.za or go to the website: www.ambmarketing.co.za.

Our contact number is (011) 314 0445.

Q. How does Symbio-D work?

A. Basically the digestive system is the body’s super highway to good health. It carries the fuel the body needs to function properly. It transports nutrition from the mouth, through our stomach and ‘S Bends’ of the intestines, to the colon and then out the other end. The gut is a fundamental part of our immune system, keeping it healthy and in top condition translates into good health.

Combats the damage of a modern lifestyle

Novo Nordisk advert:Layout 1 2013/03/01 10:57 AM Page 1

Zandile Signoria Mzayifani Township entrepreneur, South Africa Zandile has type 2 diabetes

Zandile did not expect a diabetes diagnosis. She thought diabetes only affected older people, and did not understand its connection to unhealthy lifestyle. She is not alone: around half of the people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed, and this figure is higher in countries with limited access to care. Yet type 2 diabetes is directly linked to an unhealthy lifestyle and it is preventable.

Changing DiabetesŽ is Novo Nordisk’s commitment to listen harder, learn more and to look beyond treatment to better meet the needs of people and families living with diabetes. Changing DiabetesŽ is our unique approach to supporting individuals in actively self-managing their condition for a full life today, and a brighter tomorrow.

Discover more about our 90 year history of changing diabetes at novonordisk.com