At Diabetes Ed Services, we are passionate about getting the word out on sugar! We even created a “Joy of Six” campaign, to raise awareness on the health risks of added sugar and the benefits of enjoying less. This awareness is not only important to the diabetes community, but for anyone looking to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

A recent study was conducted in Germany that measured the correlation between a parent’s knowledge of sugar count in food and childhood obesity. Findings concluded that parents who underestimated the amount of sugar in common food products, were more likely to have an overweight child.

In the United States 18% of elementary school age children are obese.

It is almost impossible to monitor a child’s diet completely, particularly with cafeteria lunches and sleepovers. The cause of childhood obesity is complex but one thing is clear; too much added sugar and obesity are strongly correlated. 

The study suggests that parents can help children stay at a healthy weight by addressing their sugar consumption.

Start by setting a sugar goal for the family. The World Health Organization and American Heart Association recommend up to 6 teaspoons a day (or 24 gms) of added sugar.
The entire family is encouraged to read labels, to stay on target and reduce added sugar consumption.

One strategy that can help, “parents (can) sweeten foods themselves. “Mix natural yogurt with fruit,” Dallacker says. “Parents who do this would hardly feel compelled to add 11 sugar cubes.”” 

Learn more – “Parents Aren’t Good Judges of Their Kids’ Sugar Intake” by The New York Times

Learn more about sugar intake, ways to avoid sugar and how to spot hidden high sugar offenders with our “The Joy of Six” resource page.

Download the Sugar Rush app from Fooducate to see how much sugar has been added to your food. Just scan the bar-code of any product and instantly see a breakdown of naturally occurring and added sugar. 

Full-fat dairy is typically thought of as being detrimental to health due to the high content of saturated fats. However, a new study begins to question this commonly known ideology.

A recent study conducted by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, challenges this popular opinion. The study reveals that whole-fat dairy does not seem to raise cardiovascular risk. Interestingly enough, some of the fats present may actually reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Until recently, governmental organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services have advised people to avoid full-fat dairy in order to steer clear of “bad” cholesterol.

However, after studying the fatty acids contained in full-fat products, “none of the three fatty acids examined correlated with the risk of total mortality. In fact, high circulating levels of heptadecanoic fatty acid were associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease.” In fact, adults with higher levels of fatty acids overall, were 42% less likely to die of stroke.

As consumers we are often fed conflicting opinions about diet, which can make staying knowledgeable about all the options seem overwhelming. However, as diabetes educators, we want to stay aware of the many changes and developments made in the nutrition world and how this new information can benefit our diabetes community. The question now is, should the dietary guidelines be revised?

This research was funded by NIH, read the full article here. “Serial measures of circulating biomarkers of dairy fat and total and cause-specific mortality in older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study”

To learn more, enjoy the summary article “Full-fat dairy may actually benefit heart health” by Medical News Today

We all know someone who has a hard time falling asleep without the TV on or spends at least an hour on their phone before bed.

Studies now find, that the less light and noise pollution the better! 

 A new study from Northwestern University finds that sleeping with the light on increases your risk of developing diabetes. Quality of sleep can have a major impact on health, from emotional to physical.

The researchers had a group of volunteers spend a few nights sleeping in total darkness and a few nights sleeping with bright lights overhead. They then measured multiple vitals such as brain wave activity and any physical movement. Also taking blood samples to measure melatonin and a glucose tolerance test in the morning. 

Results showed that even one night of sleep with the lights on had an effect on insulin resistance. Although this was a short study, they are going to look deeper into long-term effects light exposure can have on metabolic functions. 

Let’s spread the word about the importance of turning off the lights to improve sleep and the health of our communities! 

To learn more check out this article: “Light-on sleeping may increase risk of diabetes” by Xinuhuanet 

Written by: Anne Carter

A new bill was introduced into congress (HR 5768) designed to allow more hours and less financial burden for those seeking DSME. If approved, Diabetes Educators would be able to provide triple the yearly hours of diabetes education and hold classes in the community (see details below). We need to let our Congressmen know that we support this bill..

Last week in Washington, D.C., Coach Beverly carved out a few hours from her family vacation to meet with Congressman LaMalfa, requesting his support to expand Medicare access to diabetes education! He asked a lot of good questions and plans to speak with Congressman Tom Reed, who cosponsored this important bill (HR5768).

HR 5768 cannot pass without the support of our Diabetes Education Community! Click here to send a letter to your congressional representative urging them to support and become a co-sponsor of HR 5768. 

Below is an example of a letter Coach Beverly wrote to Congressman LaMalfa. You are welcome to copy and personalize this letter or write your own to send to your representative! Thank you for your consideration.

“Dear Congressman LaMalfa,

My sincere appreciation for taking the time to hear about the importance of supporting bill HR5768, co-sponsored Congressman Tom Reed.  As I mentioned, 45% of people in our district have prediabetes and another 10% are living with diabetes.

The majority of people living with diabetes are 65 and older and they need more help, from Diabetes Educators like myself, to keep healthy with diabetes and prevent complications like heart attack and stroke.

As a matter of fact, 30% of Medicare dollars are spent on treating diabetes complications.

Unfortunately, in my Diabetes Clinic in Paradise, CA, we have to deny many needed appointments to many people struggling with their diabetes, due to the very limited hours allowed by Medicare.

Studies show diabetes education works. Meeting with a diabetes specialist reduces complications, hospitalizations and helps keep our community healthier.

As a constituent and Diabetes Educator I want to let you know that we need more time and less barriers to provide effective Diabetes Self-Management Training.

To improve diabetes care and increase access, Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act (HR 5768) to Congress on May 10, 2018. 

You may read the full text of the bill here. 

HR 5768 will significantly increase Medicare beneficiaries’ access to DSMT services by:

• Expanding access to Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) services by permitting physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners who are not directly involved in managing an individual’s diabetes to refer them for DSMT services.
• Allowing the initial 10 hours of training during the first year to remain available until used and allowing 6 additional hours of DSMT services during the year in which the initial 10 hours are used.
• Allowing 6 additional hours of DSMT each year after the initial 10 hours are used.
• Removing the restriction related to coverage of DSMT and Medical Nutrition Therapy services furnished on the same day.
• Excluding DMST services from Part B cost-sharing and deductible requirements.
• Revising the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to allow DSMT services to be furnished in a community-based location.
• Establishing a 2-year demonstration of virtual DSMT, potentially paving the way for future Medicare coverage of virtual DSMT services.

This bill proposes more hours and reduces barriers to access. As diabetes educators, we know first-hand, how important the passage of this bill is to improve the quality of peoples’ lives.

On behalf of all Diabetes Educators and people living with diabetes, I am sincerely urging you to support or co-sponsor this urgently needed legislation.

Thank you for representing the 1^st district of this beautiful state. I appreciate your hard work and dedication making sure your constituents have the best life possible.

Sincerely,

Beverly Thomassian

You can reach out to your congressman too! It’s easy! Click this link to learn more and send your letter of support: “Bill to Expand Access to DSMT Introduced to Congress”

Bill to Expand Access to DSMT Introduced to Congress on May 22, 2018.

On May 10th, Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act (HR 5768) to Congress. You may read the full text of the bill here. 

HR 5768 will significantly increase Medicare beneficiaries’ access to DSMT services by:

• Expanding access to DSMT services by permitting physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners who are not directly involved in managing an individual’s diabetes to refer them for DSMT services.
• Allowing the initial 10 hours of training during the first year to remain available until used and allowing 6 additional hours of DSMT services during the year in which the initial 10 hours are used.
• Allowing 6 additional hours of DSMT each year after the initial 10 hours are used.
• Removing the restriction related to coverage of DSMT and Medical Nutrition Therapy services furnished on the same day.
• Excluding DMST services from Part B cost-sharing and deductible requirements.
• Revising the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to allow DSMT services to be furnished in a community-based location.
• Establishing a 2-year demonstration of virtual DSMT, potentially paving the way for future Medicare coverage of virtual DSMT services.

HR 5768 cannot pass without your help! Click here to send a letter to your congressional representative urging them to support and become a co-sponsor of HR 5768. 

Take action on HR 5768 today!

Economics and Diabetes; we know that other factors impact the risk of diabetes and GDM in women. Some of these factors include socioeconomic status and the environment. One in three women in the United States, especially single moms, are living in poverty or are right at the brink of it.

An estimated 1.3 million women of reproductive age have diabetes; about 500,000 of them do not know they have the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for most diabetes cases during this life stage.

Women of minority racial and ethnic groups are two to four times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to have type 2 diabetes. Reproductive-aged women with type 2 diabetes have fewer years of education, have lower income, and are less likely to be employed than women without diabetes.

Can we help stop diabetes before the risk is passed on to future generations?

As women consider the responsibility of bringing a new life into being, they often have a heightened sense of determination to take better care of themselves for the health of their baby.  Let’s tap into that motivation and find opportunities early on to promote healthy lifestyle before conception and throughout their lifetime.

Women have the potential to improve the Health Legacy passed on to future generations by being in their best health before, during and after pregnancy.

Health Care Professionals need to send a clear and encouraging message to girls and women that their health matters and that they are important coupled with resources and referrals to help women improve their health status.

Key Messages during different phases of life.

Message to girls and adolescents: Start building healthy habits today.

• Be active everyday. Limit screen time to 2 hours a day, engage in moderate intensity exercise daily.
• Eat healthy. Limit sweet drinks like soda and fruit juices and limit processed foods. See Joy of Six Sugar Pledge Resource Page
• Talk to girls about expected body changes over time. Encourage eating nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Refer to dietitians and community programs.

Message to Women of Childbearing Age –  Get active and eat a healthy diet to nourish your body

• Women’s health and nutritional status BEFORE conception is very critical.
• Regular exercise before conceiving is also important –“Greater total physical activity before or during early pregnancy is significantly associated with lower risk of GDM.”And the magnitude of effect was greatest during prepregnancy = 55% risk reduction in those with highest activity rates.” (ie brisk walk >2 miles).

Message to Women During Pregnancy – Keep active and eat mindfully.

Less than 30% of women gain the recommended weight during pregnancy. Gaining excessive weight increases risk of GDM by 50% along with having a large baby. Encourage eating a healthy, and balanced approach to meal planning.

• Try not to exceed recommended weight gain, keep active, and keep connected to health care team for recommended tests and checkups.
• Refer to community programs and registered dietitians to help women meet lifestyle goals.

Message to Women After pregnancy – There is so much you can do to improve the Health Legacy of you and your child.

• Keep active, eat healthfully, get glucose tested 6-12 weeks after delivery. 

Breastfeeding has amazing benefits:

• For children: breastfeeding decreases the risk type 1 and type 2 diabetes and Obesity.
• For mother: breastfeeding decreases the woman’s of future diabetes by 50%. Plus breastfeeding decreases blood pressure, risk of breast cancer and helps with returning to prepregnancy weight.

Health Legacy and Message of Hope: Celebrating and empowering women through improving access to care, education and targeted health messaging promises to improve the health of this generation and generations to come. 

For more info, listen to our OnDemand Women and Diabetes Webinar. Learn and Earn CEs from your computer.

Learn more with our May Diabetes Ed Newsletter!

According to an 2013 article in Diabetologia, despite remarkable improvements in life expectancy and a decline in cardiovascular mortality during the last few decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.

Women with diabetes have double the risk of death from heart disease than men with diabetes.

Women’s health has traditionally focused on sexual and reproductive health. Unfortunately, there is lack of awareness of CVD in women, among both clinicians and women themselves.

Yet we know that as many as six in every ten deaths from CVD are related to modifiable risk factors, even among women. See the nine risk factors that predict CV Disease in Women in the “Interheart Study.”

Key Message – As diabetes educators, we can raise awareness and advocate to treat risk factors and encourage women to take an active role in preventing heart disease through daily lifestyle changes.

Learn more via the May Diabetes Ed Newsletter!