Is your wedding menu diabetes friendly? Here are some tips to make sure you have plenty of options for guests that may be diabetic.

o      Provide a fruit and vegetable display during cocktail hour
o      Provide a non-fat cheese tray during cocktail hour
o      Include a non-starch vegetable, like spinach or green beans, as a side dish
o      Offer a fish as one of your entrée options
o      Have calorie free diet drinks, like Coke Zero, available at the bar

For more information about diabetes and nutrition visit the American Diabetes Association website.
 
 
A: There are several types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

With type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.

Gestational Diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy -- usually around 28 weeks or later. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn't mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding blood glucose (blood sugar) levels while you're planning your pregnancy, so you and your baby both remain healthy.

To learn more about diabetes and American Diabetes Awareness month visit the American Diabetes Association website.
 
 
November is American Diabetes Month. If you are considering making a donation to charity in lieu of traditional wedding favors, consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes, a disease that effects over 30 million African Americans. To learn more about donating to the American Diabetes Association visit their website.