I love you so much, I baked you a heart attack!

So... November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 14 has been designated World Diabetes Awareness Day. It isn't full of fun ideas like squeezin boobies, or dressing up, or sending cards or any of those other Awareness gimicks! It isn't funny or sexy or anything... But it affects so many people... including children. 

Many people think that diabetes is something that cant touch them cause they are young or they think they eat right or get enough exercise "chasing their kids around".... WRONG!

Common symptoms of diabetes include...

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Increased hunger

Weight loss

Tiredness

Risk factors include...

Obesity

Lack of exercise

Unhealthy diet

Family history

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Ethnicity- there are higher rates among Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans

Diabetes leads to so many things...

Blindness- Number 1 cause of "acquired" blindness in the US

Kidney damage- Number 1 cause of kidney disease in the US

Nerve damage-neuropathy

Foot problems that can lead to amputations

Increased risk of infection and slow healing sometimes leading to amputations

Heart and vascular problems- huge contributor to the Number 1 cause of death in the US- Heart disease and Stroke

Gum disease

and more...

All people need... 

30 minutes or more of exercise at least five days a week.

Healthy foods- high in fiber and low in sugar, fat and salt.

Water, Water, Water!!!! Choose water as your usual drink and other beverages as a treat.

A healthy weight is importaint however... belly fat is the key... keep it slim... big indicator of health for diabetes and heart disease .

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and is one of the major causes of premature illness and death worldwide!!!! And is the seventh leading cause of death in our own country!!!! And we are a nation that seems to survive on salty, fatty, over-sweetened, convienice foods!!!! I find it very ironic that this particular issue rears its head  right before the holidays. Think about it... Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas cookies, fudge, brownies, candy canes, Christmas feasts, etc... all these no-no's for a person with diabetes.

If you are diabetic, or diabetes runs in your family you are probably aware of the challenges that you face when creating healthy meals and such this time of year... or any time of year for that matter.

Lets keep a few things in mind this holiday season... These holidays exist so we can spend time with our loved ones... Lets show them our love by keeping everyone healthy... Cause I know that it just wouldn't sound right to tell a family member that you love them so much you baked them a heart attack, or you missed them so much you made them some injection inducers!!!

Remember... you can still have your favorites... reduce the sugar... replace oil with apple sauce in some recipies for baked goods...

And if you cant make it any healthier... try making smaller portion sizes...

And as I am sure your mother always said.... Eat your Veggies!!!! Just remember... a little butter or dip goes a long way....

As I took the time to compile this I am reminded of my Nana who suffered with this disease... and I know i never want to go through that.... I am taking the pledge to be mindful of this when i am cooking... not just this holiday season... but every day... We will have pie... we will have goodies and hot chocolate.... But we will do it SMART!!! And I hope you will too!!!