New Page 1

 

Diabetes Planner - Diabetes Menus Diabetes Recipes    Diabetes Planner Logo       

 

 

 

Natural Food Remedies for Diabetes Management

 

 

Follow your doctor's advice and be sure to have small frequent meals. Try and limit high glycemic, refined, or processed carbohydrate foods. Reduce salt in your diet by examining all food labels at the supermarket, before you make that final decision to purchase a particular product. Increase beans in your diet, which reduce the rise in blood sugar after meals and delay the drop in blood sugar later. Peanuts keep blood sugar levels down and you may like to consider having them as snacks instead of other types of processed foods. Buckwheat, millet, quinoa grains are all beneficial for your well being. Try and follow a traditional diet as much as possible.

 

Vegetables

Garlic – enhances the secretion of insulin, can help lower blood sugar, stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes thus enhancing absorption of nutrients

Green String Beans – rich in silica and hormones similar to insulin

Jerusalem artichoke – high in a starch called inulin, which does not break down in the digestive process to form glucose, which makes it an ideal food for diabetics.

Onions – contains quercetin which helps with diabetic retinopathy

 

Spices

Cinnamon -  Half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics,  according to a new study. The reduction of sugar levels,  can be produced just by soaking a cinnamon stick in your cup of tea, and may also benefit millions of non-diabetics who have a blood sugar problem, but are unaware of it. The discovery was first made by  Richard Anderson at the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. The active ingredient in cinnamon turned is a water-soluble polyphenol compound known as MHCP. In test tube experiments, MHCP mimics insulin, activates its receptor, and works synergistically with insulin in cells.  Powdered cinnamon may be sprinkled onto toast, cereal, juice,smoothies and other beverages. 

Juices

Raw foods stimulate the pancreas and increase insulin production. Juices are concentrated forms of vitamins and minerals in a form easy for the body to assimilate. 

Apple – Regulates blood sugar levels. Lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure.

Celery – helps to balance sodium and potassium levels, natural diuretic.

Cucumber – contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas to produce insulin. Aids in the elimination of toxins and uric acid through the kidneys.

 

Maintain blood sugar levels by eating 5-6 small meals a day with protein and fiber and a varied diet.  Reduce caffeine, soda, alcohol, cigarettes, white flour products and of course, sugar. Exercise moderately, at least 3 times a week. Our ancestors didn't hang in front of the TV set or drive all over the place. Think back to their years on this earth and try living a more traditional life style. Leave your car at home and walk as much as possible. Turn off the TV and learn new sports. Develop active hobbies which will help prolong your life. Stay away from too many processed foods and try out all kinds of native recipes.

 

 

 

 
MEDICATION ASSISTANCE
 
 

MEDICATION ASSISTANCE

Lilly Cares Program: Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285; phone: 1-800-545-6962; Web site: www.lilly.com

For diabetics who need but are unable to afford their insulin, Lilly offers a three–month free supply with the possibility of renewal. Eligibility determined by consultation with the individual's physician, who should phone Lilly Cares at the above number.

Lilly also offers the Lilly Answers prescription discount card -- providing significant discounts on selected medications to qualifying applicants. Phone: 1-800-795-4559

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc.: 100 Overlook Center, Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540; phone: 1-800-727-6500

For diabetics who need but are unable to afford their insulin, Novo Nordisk will provide free, one time only, three-month's supply. Eligibility determined by consultation with the individual's physician, who should phone Novo Nordisk at the above number.

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer offers the Pfizer For Living Share Card; phone 1-800-459-4156 or 1-800-717-6005; Web site: www.pfizerforliving.com. The Share Card allows qualified applicants to purchase any of Pfizer's covered medications for a substantial discount.

 

 
  A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods
Description:    Provides many recipes of interest to Native Americans incorporating foods that are distributed through Commodity Foods Programs. Also has information on food safety and food measurements.
Format:    Internet Source
Year Published or Produced:    2003
User Group:    Consumers, Professionals
Availability:    Availble in PDF format for viewing or printing through organization Web site.
Link:     http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/recipes/hhp/fdpir-cookbk_river1.pdf
 

 

 

 

 

http://www.westonaprice.org/traditional_diets/native_americans.html

Guts and Grease: The Diet of Native Americans by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig,

 
 

"Eat your vegetables" is a favorite saying of mothers everywhere -- not just parents of children with diabetes.  In fact, adding more vegetables to your meals is a great idea for everyone and the holidays are a perfect time to get started.  We all want to dress the table with plenty of tempting treats.  Often the menu’s vegetable section has the fewest options of all.  Vegetables are a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals.  Most vegetables are low in carbohydrates, making them great choices for children with diabetes.

Although vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, some vegetables really belong in the "starch" section of the food pyramid.  Watch out for potatoes, corn, and other starchy vegetables because they are high in carbohydrate and raise blood glucose levels more than leafy greens and other veggie options.  Talk to your diabetes educator or dietitian if you have any questions about which vegetables fall into this "high carb" category.

For a complete listing of carbohydrate counts in foods, check out our book, The Diabetes Carbohydrate and Fat Gram Guide. The USDA also has an online Nutrient Database you can search or download to learn the carbohydrate counts and serving sizes for many foods. Click here to learn more.

Asparagus is a good vegetable choice because it is high in vitamins A and C, low in fat, and a good source of fiber.  Another great option is any type of squash.  Squash can be eaten year round because there are winter varieties as well as summer ones.  Summer squash has soft outer rinds (like zucchini).  Winter squash has hard outer rinds (like pumpkin).  Squash contains vitamin A, C, some B vitamins, iron and calcium.  Winter squash is especially high in vitamin A.  Whether you serve steamed or grilled zucchini (squash) as a side dish or as a main part of your meal, it's a very nutritious addition to your menu planning.

Also, a good rule of thumb with vegetables is that healthy meals are made up of colorful foods.  Bright colors in natural foods like tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and green vegetables mean they contain antioxidants -- food substances that help prevent disease.  The deeper the color, the more nutritious the food.

The next time you think you don't have the time to eat properly, remember that vegetables are among the most convenient foods around.  You can cook most vegetables in just a few minutes if you steam, stir-fry, or microwave them. "

http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/holiday-meals/veggies.jsp

 

 
 

 

Links to Sites on Diabetic Recipes

 
http://www.aaip.com/resources/diabetes.html   (NDN recipes and health info)

 

 
Preventing diabetes problems
 

Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Feet and Skin Healthy !


        a.. What are diabetes problems?
        b.. What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes?
        c.. How can diabetes hurt my feet?
        d.. What can I do to take care of my feet?
        e.. How can I get my doctor to help me take care of my feet?
        f.. What are common diabetes foot problems?
        g.. How can special shoes help my feet?
        h.. How can diabetes hurt my skin?
        i.. What can I do to take care of my skin?
        j.. For More Information
        k.. More in the Series
        l.. Acknowledgments
    

What are diabetes problems?
Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes problems. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar) can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.

This booklet is about feet and skin problems caused by diabetes. You will learn the things you can do each day and during each year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.

     
      High blood glucose can cause feet and skin problems.



What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes?
     Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out.
    
     Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor what activities are best for you.
     Take your diabetes medicines at the same times each day.
     Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book.
     Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
     Brush and floss your teeth and gums every day.
     Don't smoke.



How can diabetes hurt my feet?
High blood glucose from diabetes causes two problems that can hurt your feet:

  1.. Nerve damage. One problem is damage to nerves in your legs and feet. With damaged nerves, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs and feet. A sore or cut on your foot may get worse because you do not know it is there. This lack of feeling is caused by nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy (ne-ROP-uh-thee). It can lead to a large sore or infection.


  2.. Poor blood flow. The second problem happens when not enough blood flows to your legs and feet. Poor blood flow makes it hard for a sore or infection to heal. This problem is called peripheral (puh-RIF-uh-rul) vascular disease. Smoking when you have diabetes makes blood flow problems much worse.
    
      Make sure you wear shoes that fit well.
These two problems can work together to cause a foot problem.

For example, you get a blister from shoes that do not fit. You do not feel the pain from the blister because you have nerve damage in your foot. Next, the blister gets infected. If blood glucose is high, the extra glucose feeds the germs. Germs grow and the infection gets worse. Poor blood flow to your legs and feet can slow down healing. Once in a while a bad infection never heals. The infection might cause gangrene (GANG-green). If a person has gangrene, the skin and tissue around the sore die. The area becomes black and smelly.

To keep gangrene from spreading, a doctor may have to do surgery to cut off a toe, foot, or part of a leg. Cutting off a body part is called an amputation (amp-yoo-TAY-shun).



What can I do to take care of my feet?
  a.. Wash your feet in warm water every day. Make sure the water is not too hot by testing the temperature with your elbow. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes


  b.. Look at your feet every day to check for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or other problems. Checking every day is even more important if you have nerve damage or poor blood flow. If you cannot bend over or pull your feet up to check them, use a mirror. If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet.


  c.. If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them. Do not put lotion between your toes


  d.. File corns and calluses gently with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower.


  e.. Cut your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut toenails when they are soft from washing. Cut them to the shape of the toe and not too short. File the edges with an emery board.


  f.. Always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injuries.


  g.. Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters. Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that are too tight below your knee.


  h.. Wear shoes that fit well. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are bigger. Break in shoes slowly. Wear them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first 1 to 2 weeks.


  i.. Before putting your shoes on, feel the insides to make sure they have no sharp edges or objects that might injure your feet.


    
      Take off your shoes and socks so your doctor will check your feet.
How can I get my doctor to help me take care of my feet?
  a.. Tell your doctor right away about any foot problems.


  b.. Ask your doctor to look at your feet at each diabetes checkup. To make sure your doctor checks your feet, take off your shoes and socks before your doctor comes into the room.


  c.. Ask your doctor to check how well the nerves in your feet sense feeling.


  d.. Ask your doctor to check how well blood is flowing to your legs and feet.


  e.. Ask your doctor to show you the best way to trim your toenails. Ask what lotion or cream to use on your legs and feet.


  f.. If you cannot cut your toenails or you have a foot problem, ask your doctor to send you to a foot doctor. A doctor who cares for feet is called a podiatrist (puh-DY-uh-trist).


What are common diabetes foot problems?
Anyone can have corns, blisters, and athlete's foot. If you have diabetes and your blood glucose stays high, these foot problems can lead to infections.

     Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin caused by too much rubbing or pressure on the same spot. Corns and calluses can become infected.
     Blisters can form if shoes always rub the same spot. Wearing shoes that do not fit or wearing shoes without socks can cause blisters. Blisters can become infected.
     Ingrown toenails happen when an edge of the nail grows into the skin. The skin can get red and infected. Ingrown toenails can happen if you cut into the corners of your toenails when you trim them. If toenail edges are sharp, smooth them with an emery board. You can also get an ingrown toenail if your shoes are too tight.
     A bunion forms when your big toe slants toward the small toes and the place between the bones near the base of your big toe grows big. This spot can get red, sore, and infected. Bunions can form on one or both feet. Pointy shoes may cause bunions. Bunions often run in the family. Surgery can remove bunions.
     Plantar warts are caused by a virus. The warts usually form on the bottoms of the feet.
     Hammertoes form when a foot muscle gets weak. The weakness may be from diabetic nerve damage. The weakened muscle makes the tendons in the foot shorter and makes the toes curl under the feet. You may get sores on the bottoms of your feet and on the tops of your toes. The feet can change their shape. Hammertoes can cause problems with walking and finding shoes that fit well. Hammertoes can run in the family. Wearing shoes that are too short can also cause hammertoes.
     Dry and cracked skin can happen because the nerves in your legs and feet do not get the message to keep your skin soft and moist. Dry skin can become cracked and allow germs to enter. If your blood glucose is high, it feeds the germs and makes the infection worse.
     Athlete's foot is a fungus that causes redness and cracking of the skin. It is itchy. The cracks between the toes allow germs to get under the skin. If your blood glucose is high, it feeds the germs and makes the infection worse. The infection can spread to the toenails and make them thick, yellow, and hard to cut.

All of these foot problems can be taken care of. Tell your doctor about any foot problem as soon as you see it.



How can special shoes help my feet?
Special shoes can be made to fit softly around your sore feet or feet that have changed shape. These special shoes help protect your feet. Medicare and other health insurance programs may pay for special shoes. Talk to your doctor about how and where to get them.



How can diabetes hurt my skin?
    
      Drinking fluids helps keep your skin moist and healthy.
Diabetes can hurt your skin in two ways:

  1.. If your blood glucose is high, your body loses fluid. With less fluid in your body, your skin can get dry. Dry skin can be itchy, causing you to scratch and make it sore. Also, dry skin can crack. Cracks allow germs to enter and cause infection. If your blood glucose is high, it feeds germs and makes infections worse. Skin can get dry on your legs, feet, elbows, and other places on your body.


  2.. Nerve damage can decrease the amount you sweat. Sweating helps keep your skin soft and moist. Decreased sweating in your feet and legs can cause dry skin.


What can I do to take care of my skin?
  a.. After you wash with a mild soap, make sure you rinse and dry yourself well. Check places where water can hide, such as under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes. 
        Keep your skin moist by washing with a mild soap and using lotion or cream after you wash.



  b.. Keep your skin moist by using a lotion or cream after you wash. Ask your doctor to suggest one.


  c.. Drink lots of fluids, such as water, to keep your skin moist and healthy.


  d.. Wear all-cotton underwear. Cotton allows air to move around your body better.


  e.. Check your skin after you wash. Make sure you have no dry, red, or sore spots that might lead to an infection.


  f.. Tell your doctor about any skin problems.


For More Information
    
Diabetes Teachers (nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other health professionals)

To find a diabetes teacher near you, call the American Association of Diabetes Educators toll-free at 1-800-TEAMUP4 (1-800-832-6874), or look on the Internet at www.diabeteseducator.org and click on "Find a Diabetes Educator."

Dietitians

To find a dietitian near you, call the American Dietetic Association toll-free at 1-800-366-1655, or look on the Internet at www.eatright.org and click on "Find a Nutrition Professional."

Government

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is part of the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about feet and skin problems, write or call the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 1 AMS Circle, Bethesda, MD 20892-3675, 1-877-226-4267 (toll-free); or see www.niams.nih.gov on the Internet.

To get more information about taking care of diabetes, contact

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3560
Phone: 1-800-860-8747
Fax: 703-738-4929
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

National Diabetes Education Program
1 Diabetes Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3600
Phone: 1-800-438-5383
Fax: 703-738-4929
Internet: http://ndep.nih.gov

American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 1-800-342-2383
Internet: www.diabetes.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005-4001
Phone: 1-800-533-2873
Internet: www.jdrf.org




More in the Series
The "Prevent Diabetes Problems" series includes seven booklets that can help you learn more about how to prevent diabetes problems.



  a.. Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
  b.. Keep Your Eyes Healthy
  c.. Keep Your Feet and Skin Healthy
  d.. Keep Your Heart and Blood Vessels Healthy
  e.. Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
  f.. Keep Your Nervous System Healthy
  g.. Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
For free single copies of these booklets, write, call, fax, or email the

  National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
  1 Information Way
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3560

  Phone: 1-800-860-8747
  Fax: 703-738-4929
  Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

These booklets are also available at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov on the Internet.




Acknowledgments
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse thanks the people who helped review or field-test this publication.

      For American Association of Diabetes Educators
      Lynn Grieger, R.D., C.D.E.
      Arlington, VT
      Celia Levesque, R.N., C.D.E.
      Montgomery, AL
      Teresa McMahon, Pharm.D., C.D.E.
      Seattle, WA
      Barbara Schreiner, R.N., M.N., C.D.E.
      Galveston, TX



      For American Diabetes Association
      Phyllis Barrier, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.
      Alexandria, VA
      Linda Haas, Ph.C., R.N., C.D.E.
      Seattle, WA
      Kathleen Mahoney, M.S.N., R.N., C.D.E.
      Drexel Hill, PA
      Randi Kington, M.S., R.N., C.S., C.D.E.
      Hartford, CT



      For Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
      Baltimore, MD
      Jan Drass, R.N., C.D.E.



      For Diabetes Research and Training Centers
      Albert Einstein School of Medicine Norwalk Hospital
      Norwalk, CT
      Jill Ely, R.N., C.D.E.
      Sam Engel, M.D.
      Pam Howard, A.P.R.N., C.D.E.

      Indiana University School of Medicine
      Indianapolis, IN
      Madelyn Wheeler, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A., C.D.E.

      VA/JDF Diabetes Research Center
      Vanderbilt School of Medicine
      Nashville, TN
      Ok Chon Allison, M.S.N., R.N.C.S., A.N.P., C.D.E.
      Barbara Backer, B.S.
      James W. Pichert, Ph.D.
      Alvin Powers, M.D.
      Melissa E. Schweikhart
      Michael B. Smith
      Kathleen Wolffe, R.N.



      For Grady Health System Diabetes Clinic
      Atlanta, GA
      Ernestine Baker, R.N., F.N.P., C.D.E.
      Kris Ernst, R.N., C.D.E.
      Margaret Fowke, R.D., L.D.
      Kay Mann, R.N., C.D.E.



      For Indian Health Service
      Albuquerque, NM
      Ruth Bear, R.D., C.D.E.
      Dorinda Bradley, R.N., C.D.E.
      Terry Fisher, R.N.
      Lorraine Valdez, R.N., C.D.E.

      Red Lake, MN
      Charmaine Branchaud, B.S.N., R.N., C.D.E.



      For Medlantic Research Center
      Washington, DC
      Resa Levetan, M.D.



      For Texas Diabetes Council
      Texas Department of Health
      Austin, TX
      Luby Garza-Abijaoude, M.S., R.D., L.D.

 
 
 

Healing Archives:

(click on these links to read them)

August: Eat fish & Stay Healthy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove - (Humishuma) (Christine Quintasket)- Okanogan - Salish 1888-1936

 

 

 
Subscribe to NativeAmericanVoiceForHealth
Powered by groups.yahoo.com
Sweet Grass Traditions

 

 

 

Home/BuffaloExchange/Healing/Spotlight/Recipes&Beauty/Crafts/Art/Language/Events
CelebratingCustoms/Education/TotaMaryAdvice/Music/Books&Films/Families/Politics

 

Copyright © 2005-2009 Sweet Grass Traditions  - all rights reserved