FitSugar

Fried Foods Aren't the Only Thing to Blame For Type 2 Diabetes

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:27:25 PST

I keep a stash of Paula Deen's recipes on hand for when I am in the mood for some Southern fare, but I couldn't eat such a decadent diet all the time. And Paula agrees. She told Al Roker on Today,

"I have always encouraged moderation. I share with you all these yummy, fattening recipes, but I tell people, in moderation . . . it's entertainment. People have to be responsible. Like I told Oprah, 'Honey, I'm your cook, not your doctor.' You have to be responsible for yourself."

Although it's easy to assume a high-fat, high-calorie, butter-laden diet is to blame, the truth is, experts aren't exactly sure what causes type 2 diabetes. Age, weight, and activity level are huge factors in a person's risk, but the most important factor is genetics.

The good news is that prevention is in your hands. While foods deep-fried in oil and coated in butter may not specifically cause diabetes, devouring foods like that often can contribute to weight gain, which increases your risk for developing this condition. The best thing you can do is to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise regularly, especially if diabetes runs in your family.

Source: Getty, Flickr User delgaudm, and Flickr User star5112

The Fuss Over Paula Deen's Diabetes - and What We Can Learn From It

Susannah Chen — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:53:28 PST

Today, the food world's gone into hyper-discussion mode over the fact that Paula Deen reportedly has diabetes. This isn't a first - we've been hearing rumors of her diabetes for a while now - but she's also reportedly signed on to be the spokesperson for a diabetes drug from pharmaceutical company Novartis.

Paula Deen, who's been dubbed the Queen of Southern Cuisine, is known for her decadent Southern dishes and her liberal use of butter without pause to any concerns about health. "I really don't worry about it," she told a reporter in one interview. Yet with increasing concern over America's obesity epidemic, her push for exceedingly rich foods has faced more than a few tough questions.

"You know, we don't eat this [stuff] every day," she said, defending herself to an unconvinced Barbara Walters in 2009. Her mantra of licking the bacon grease spoon - in moderation, of course! - has faltered. Even the Cooking Channel's admitting to that, with the debut of Not My Mama's Meals, with a lighter, healthier bent on Paula Deen dishes.

And so it comes full circle. The expected announcement is bleak, yet clear: nobody, even a personality with rock-star status like Paula Deen, is immune to health consequences. It's time to face the reality that we can't routinely succumb to indulgences, even if they're "in moderation." With almond milk and quinoa flying off shelves, we're finally starting to realize that you can't have red velvet cake every day. Maybe once a week - if you eat a bit of kale on the side, too.

Studies Confirm Exercise's Disease-Fighting Benefits

Leta Shy — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:28 PDT

More reasons to exercise for your health! A few recent studies have found just how much adopting a regular exercise routine can help prevent and treat certain diseases.

A new report has found that there's a definite link to inactivity and Type 2 diabetes, even if you're otherwise healthy. The study, from the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, looked at 50 healthy and moderately active adults and found that once they reduced their activity level by half (without any other changes to diet or lifestyle) they had increased levels of blood glucose after eating, which meant they could be at risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. "Even in the short term, reducing daily activity and ceasing regular exercise causes acute changes in the body associated with diabetes that can occur before weight gain and the development of obesity," the lead researcher said.

Read on for more about just how important staying active is.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Talks Diabetes, Test Your Knowledge!

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:01:08 PDT

Despite a ban by Los Angeles' school administrators, Jamie Oliver found his way into one LA school in this week's episode of Food Revolution. While the Naked Chef wasn't allowed to set foot in the school's cafeteria, he did begin teaching culinary arts to 10 students who began their class by discussing the health issues in their families – namely diabetes. The most touching story came from a teen whose 13-year-old sister was just diagnosed with the disease. With childhood obesity on the rise, Type 2 diabetes is too. Take this quiz to see how much you know about this life-altering disease.

Take the Quiz

Were You Screened For Gestational Diabetes While Pregnant?

Heather Maddan — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:00:00 PST

Expectant women are usually screened for gestational diabetes during their 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. If the mom-to-be has other risk factors, she may be tested sooner. But, a new report revealed that not all impending mothers are undergoing the screening. It said:

A study of almost a million women suggests that about a third of pregnant women are not screened for gestational diabetes, and that the number now reported with the condition - about 135,000 cases a year, according to the American Diabetes Association- would almost double if recently proposed international screening recommendations, still under discussion, are confirmed in the coming months.

Additionally, it advised that women who have gestational diabetes should be tested in the postpartum phase since they are at risk for long-term diabetes. Were you screened while with child?

Do You Pay Attention to Your Foods' Glycemic Index?

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 03:47:14 PST

When it comes to losing weight a calorie is a calorie, but when it's time to just maintain, you might want to look at other numbers. A new study found that people who lost weight were less likely to gain it back over time if they followed a high-protein, low glycemic index diet.

As we all know by now, there are good carbs and bad carbs. The glycemic index looks at a food's ability to raise blood sugar: foods with low glycemic index levels are counted as 55 or less, and foods with a high glycemic index have levels of 70 or higher. High GI foods, like white bread, pasta and rice, boost your blood sugar and have been linked to a variety of problems (from acne to Alzheimer's as well as increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes), whereas low GI foods, like veggies, whole grains and legumes, prevent high blood sugar after meals and help you feel full longer.

Monitoring the glycemic load in food is critical for anyone on a diabetic diet. Do you pay attention to your foods' glycemic index?

Yummy Links: From a Novice Thanksgiving to Google's Thanksgiving

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:50:00 PST

Thanksgiving: a guide for beginners. - Chow
Whatever, Domino's! Papa John's one-ups with a double bacon, six cheese pizza. - Eater
Top Chef: Just Dessert's Yigit Pura will open a dessert shop in San Francisco. - Grub Street SF
How to make your turkey day feast diabetic-friendly. - Serious Eats
Must-make: crackly caramelized doughnuts. - Salon Food
With Red Delicious apples occupying 40 percent of the market, heirloom apples are a dying breed. - The Atlantic Food
Ina Garten's Thanksgiving recipes from Google. - Google

5 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:57:53 PDT

As he aged, my grandfather developed type 2 diabetes, and since the disease can be hereditary, I've become especially aware of ways I can prevent it. The condition occurs when your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or if your body doesn't recognize insulin and is unable to use it properly. If you're worried about developing type 2 diabetes, here are five things you can do to help prevent it.

Since obesity plays a big role in developing type 2 diabetes, maintain a healthy weight by eating appropriate portion sizes.
Get moving. Exercise not only prevents obesity, but it also improves your body's use of insulin.
Go for whole grains. Research shows that a diet rich in whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal can reduce a person's risk for type 2 diabetes.

For the last two prevention techniques, keep on reading.

Veggie Flower Arrangement Is a Cool Centerpiece - and Snack

YumSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:00:39 PDT

As a parting present to a friend, Sugar staffer (and OnSugar manager!) sabs creatively crafted a floral arrangement - made entirely out of fresh, edible vegetables! The result was a stunning centerpiece that, like a flower cake, would be a thoughtful (and edible!) gift for someone who avoids sugar.

I loved the idea so much that I had to ask sabs how she did it. Interested in making one yourself? Find out how when you read more

19-Pound Baby Sets Birth Weight Record . . . OUCH!

babysugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:36:01 PDT

How would you like to give birth to a 1-year-old child? Sounds pretty painful, right? Frightening as it may be,
that's essentially what an Indonesian woman did when she delivered a 19.2-pound infant measuring 24.4 inches. These stats are more normal for a kid celebrating his first birthday, and doctors attribute the massive body weight to the mother's diabetic condition. Thankfully, the newborn is healthy and showing a strong appetite. It is a good reminder to all expectant ladies to follow through with the glucose test, and especially for diabetic mamas to monitor their diets closely as it can clearly affect their growing child.

What's the heaviest birth weight you've ever heard?