Tag: Blood Sugar

When choosing healthier options at fast-food restaurants, you can enjoy the convenience while continuing to effectively self-manage your blood sugar. Image Credit: Conner Russell Fast food is convenient, affordable, and often part of a busy lifestyle. However, many fast-food meals are high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars and are served in large portion sizes, […]

Blueberries, yogurt, and whole grains are diabetes superstar foods that deliver fiber, protein, and antioxidants to support overall health and blood sugar management. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Managing diabetes is often misunderstood as requiring people to give up their favorite foods or follow complicated meal plans. However, many everyday foods, which can be […]

What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when an individual’s blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. If an individual has diabetes, their body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) enter into an individual’s cells, […]

This fact sheet is Part 1 of the Hormones and Chronic Disease series. Follow along each month to learn more about hormones and how they impact chronic disease risk, prevention, and management.   Introduction  Hormones are part of the endocrine system which includes various glands (pituitary gland, pineal gland, hypothalamus, parathyroid, thyroid, thymus, and adrenal gland) and organs […]

What You Need to Know Protein is one of the three macronutrients considered the foundation of the foods we consume and is a necessary component of a wholesome, well-balanced diet. Good-quality proteins include: Proteins are made of amino acids, which are often called the building blocks of proteins. Within proteins, there are non-essential amino acids […]

From the time an individual is in preschool through the elder years, “Eat your vegetables!” is a very common recommendation from health professionals and public health organizations. However, despite ongoing dietary guidelines recommending adults consume at least 2.5-3 servings of vegetables daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 20.3% […]

Carbohydrates and the Human Body All foods provide the human body with at least one of three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Of the three macronutrients, the human body prefers carbohydrates as its primary source of fuel for supplying the body’s cells, tissues, and organs with energy. Carbohydrates can come from many different foods, including: […]

Introduction Postpartum maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding and lactation increase a new mother’s energy and nutrient requirements, not only to produce breastmilk, but also to support her body and health during recovery from childbirth. Adequate nutrition influences the quantity of breast milk and ensures that infants receive the essential nutrients required […]

Chronic Health Conditions and Disability Chronic health conditions, such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes, tend to develop gradually and worsen over time. When chronic health conditions transition from an asymptomatic to a symptomatic stage, they can contribute to the onset of disability. Diabetes, for example, is a condition in which the body either does not […]

The world is filled with nature. Natural environments, ranging from forests and coastal areas to community parks, gardens, and even indoor spaces with plants, are an integral part of daily life. Beyond their aesthetic value, these environments are increasingly recognized as contributors to human health and wellbeing. Overview of Nature and Health A growing body […]

Lee en español What You Need to Know Polyphagia, also known as hyperphagia, is a medical term for excessive or insatiable hunger, even after a meal. This phenomenon is commonly experienced among individuals working to manage a diagnosis of diabetes and can present a significant barrier to effective diabetes self-management. Persistent feelings of hunger may […]

The Nervous System The nervous system is responsible for sending messages throughout the body via electrical signals. These electrical signals instruct our bodies to perform various tasks, such as walking, talking, thinking, and digesting food. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of nerve cells known […]

Sleep: An Overview Sleep is an essential component of human health and well-being. On average, individuals spend approximately 1/3 (33%) of their lives asleep, underscoring the critical role sleep plays in maintaining normal physiological and cognitive function.  Without sufficient sleep, the human body cannot sustain its optimal performance or maintain long-term health. This is because […]

Introduction Finding healthy food options at the store or at home can be challenging. Smoothies can be a great choice when you need something quick, easy, satisfying, and nourishing to fuel your body. When you think of smoothies, fruits and vegetables often come to mind. While fruits and vegetables are great foundations for a smoothie, […]

Diabetes – An Overview Diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts the amount of sugar in the blood. This is due to a breakdown in the body’s ability to use and/or produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and acts as a key to unlock the doorway to the body’s […]

Having water on hand is one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated in the summer. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank, 2020, Clemson Extension With warmer weather and longer days, the summer months provide more opportunities for outdoor activities. But before planning that trip to the beach or afternoon hike, make sure you are […]

Introduction Diabetes is a complex chronic disease that, when left untreated, can impact every part of the body. Often, one may hear older generations refer to diabetes as a “touch of sugar” or “sugar diabetes.” While these names for the condition of diabetes are technically inaccurate terms, they do in some ways describe a small […]

The kidneys are vital organs essential for survival, playing massive roles in waste management within the human body to support functions of all organ systems. To carry out their roles, the kidneys remove waste by filtering the blood and using the waste and extra fluids to produce urine. During this process, the kidneys remove acids […]

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), one of the most notable risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity. Obesity raises the risk for type 2 diabetes by increasing the body’s resistance to insulin, the hormone responsible for removing glucose (sugar) from the blood and delivering it to the body’s cells for energy. Additionally, […]

Plant-based dietary additives are becoming more popular as they’re affordable and offer less side effects than some traditional medications. One such plant being used is the prickly pear cactus, which is native to Central America and the Southwestern United States. In these regions, prickly pears have been traditionally used as herbal remedies for their potential […]