Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Diabetes Distress

What is Diabetes Distress People living with diabetes are at risk for developing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The stress associated with managing diabetes can become a significant problem and this stress can contribute to the development of psychological disorders. In some cases, people living with diabetes may experience what is known as […]

Key Tips for Safe Wound, Foot, and Skin Care

For individuals with conditions like diabetes and kidney or heart disease, proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and complications. Even minor cuts or scrapes can become serious if not treated promptly. This guide offers clear steps to clean and protect wounds, helpful tips to support your skin health, and signs that mean you […]

Summer Safety with Diabetes

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 […]

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, occurs when the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Gastric refers to the stomach, and paresis is a condition where muscle weakness or paralysis occurs due to nerve damage. The effects of gastroparesis are that muscles in the stomach do not move well or have impaired mobility, causing […]

Busy Body, Healthy Plate: Balancing Nutrition in a Fast-Paced World

Busy lives often result in less attention to balanced nutrition. However, there are many small changes that you can implement to make meeting your nutrition goals possible. The USDA gives some basic guidelines and encourages eating nutrient-dense foods across all food groups. A healthy diet includes vegetables, fruits, dairy, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy […]

Nutrition Recommendations for Diabetes

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 Role of the Gut Microbiota in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

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, […]

Prickly Pear and Diabetes

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 […]