We created this Carb Counting Quick Reference sheet based on the ADA handbook. With the holidays and New Year around the corner, this cheat sheet of the most common carbs with serving size is a perfect reference for people counting carbs. Plus, it is perfect for exam prep for the health care professionals.

If you are studying for the diabetes certification exam, this reference provides the most common 15gm carb sources and their serving size. One exception is the milk serving – this list was created for people with diabetes and was simplified – we have modified it to reflect the actual carb count of a serving of milk (12 grams, not 15 grams of carbohydrates).

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Learn more carb counting tips and tricks, and nutrition information in our Level 1 and 3 courses!

Start 2020 off right with Level 1 updates in January, Boot Camp (Level 3) updates in February and March, and a bundle to save on all the courses! We’re here to help make your New Year’s resolution a reality with great, on-demand videos, podcasts, handouts, extra resources, and practice tests to help you succeed at any diabetes certification exam.

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Experts are meeting with congress to encourage investigation of the relationship of human exposure to perfluoroakyl and polyperfluoroakyl (PFAS) on weight and osteoporosis.

Early studies have shown a link between greater PFAS exposure and increased risk for endocrine outcomes like BMI >30, but more research is needed specifically to examine factors like exposure timing,” Abby Fleisch, MD, MPH

Read More here – Endocrine Today Article

These commonly found chemical PFA substances are endocrine disrupting chemicals and may be the driving factor responsible for a variety of adverse health outcomes.

PFAS are a large and expanding group of man-made compounds that are widely used to make everyday products more resistant to stains, grease and water, according to the NIH.

PFAS can be found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpeting, to-go containers, cleaning products, drinking water, microwave popcorn, and even fire extinguisher foam. Toxic Free Future advises avoiding common packaged foods with grease repellent coatings (such as pizza and french fry boxes), avoid stain resistance treatments on furniture, and check personal care products for teflon, “fluoro” or “perfluoro.”

Toxic Free Future has created a fantastic educational flyer on PFAS, it’s sources, and easy alternatives:

For more tips on minimizing exposure to PFAS and what can be done about PFAS, you can visit Toxic Free Future’s website here. We also discuss PFAs in our recent FREE Webinar, Getting to the Gut. Click below to get started.

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Flu season is upon us! People with diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational), even when well-managed, are at high risk of serious flu complications, which can result in hospitalization and sometimes even death.

Many people are reluctant to get the flu shot. Help move them out of pre-contemplation to action with this informative and upbeat instructional video and song!

“The Flu Shot Song”

Is an educational and entertaining method to bring to light information about the Flu and the Flu Shot…through music!

“The Flu Shot Song” by Nurse Master Charlie, provides a general overview and the science behind why the flu vaccine works to prevent the flu; All while using the universal language of music!!!

This upbeat and informational video describes a quick history, along with transmission methods, differentiation, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the flu.

Flu Vaccines for People with Diabetes

• Injectable influenza vaccines (flu shots) are recommended for use in people with diabetes. The flu shot has a long, established safety record in people with diabetes.
• The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray vaccine, is recommended as an option for use in people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant. But, people with some chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes) should generally not receive LAIV.
• See the CDC Webpage for more info.

Nurse Master Charlie pictured at the CA AADE Meeting

Contact or follow Nurse Master Charlie

www.nursemastercharlie.com

Instagram: Nurse Master Charlie 

Facebook: Nurse Master Charlie 

YouTube: Nurse Master Charlie 

Twitter: Nurse Master Charlie 

Email: [email protected]

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This one-hour complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, the environment and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. You can either view the webinar for free, or to receive 1.0 CE, purchase the webinar below for just $19 (normally $29). 

Feedback from a recent participant:

“Beverly never disappoints! Great information presented so nicely. She is interesting and fun.”

“Fabulous webinar!! Great cutting edge information!”

Watch now for free (no CEs):

This webinar is completely free because we love sharing exciting information with our community! However, if you would like CEs you can purchase the individual course or as part of a series.

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A good night’s sleep is not only beneficial for the human host, our bacterial hitchhikers also love getting extra zzzzz’s.

Studies suggest a link between gut microbiota, sleep, and cognitive flexibility in older adults; a link between insomnia and depression; between chronic sleep disruption and insulin resistance; and a positive connection between lactobacillus casei and deep sleep.

These Sleepline infographics summarize this relationship in an easy to understand and share format.

Read Sleepline’s summary of these studies here.

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View our FREE On-Demand Webinar – Getting to the Gut, Meet Your Microbiome

This one-hour complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, the environment and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. Join us!

Gut Bacteria Resource Page & Printable Handouts

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“One in three Americans have Prediabetes but don’t know it!“

Help us raise awareness about diabetes this November by sharing the first step to prevention: prediabetes awareness and the fact it can be reversed. There is a great, FREE risk test and resources in English and Spanish for prediabetes below:

In a previous blog, we highlighted that many providers are not familiar with the diagnostic range for prediabetes and neglect to stress the importance of taking action to stop the progression to diabetes. In another blog we noted that many who receive an official determination of prediabetes are not referred to a diabetes prevention program.

The range for diagnosing prediabetes is an A1C is between 5.7 and 6.4% or if fasting blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dL.

Prediabetes risk factors include:

• Family History of Diabetes
• Over the age of 40
• Experiencing overweight
• History of gestational diabetes, diabetes, or high blood sugar when pregnant
• High blood pressure
• Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Native American descent

“Do I Have Prediabetes?” website has excellent resources on prediabetes, and diabetes type 1 and type 2 for both health care providers and people with diabetes or who are concerned they may have prediabetes. Read more here.

Here is a list of Diabetes Prevention Programs throughout the United States.

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Whether it’s the candy, the turkey, stuffing, or the desserts, the holidays are a difficult time for anyone to eat healthy and avoid weight gain. Experts suggest that the holidays are not the best time to set weight loss goals. Instead, a more realistic approach is to focus on enjoying special events and weight maintenance coupled with lots of good self-care.

Weight watchers, most dietitians, and health bloggers suggest several strategies to make healthier choices when tempted by holiday fare:

• There is no need to eat to be polite – save calories or points for favorite foods. If there is lots of pressure, have 1-3 bites of whatever family or friends are suggesting.
• Be prepared for extra calories: maintain regular eating routine for the whole week leading up to the big meal. On the day of, make sure to have breakfast, and if the big meal is in the afternoon, have a small lunch or snack to avoid over-eating at the party.
• Drink calorie free beverages and choose vegetables or other low calorie options first before digging into the richer food choices.

Some interesting, alternative strategies that people are reporting success with:

• Plating up with a smaller plate: it tricks our brains into thinking we are eating more, and on average this strategy decreases intake by 40% or more.
• Wear something fitted and fabulous: boost self-confidence with an outfit that makes the wearer feel great about how they look, but also keeps them aware of quantity of food consumed.
• Take a walk after the meal instead of sinking into a recliner or couch to burn a few calories and keep metabolism revved up a bit longer.

Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE!  Sign up below!

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