Innholdsfortegnelse for Mar/April 2016 i Diabetic Living Australia

While working on a new issue, I like to cook as many of the recipes as I can. When my vegie fritters started disappearing faster than I could make them, I knew we had a cover star. The culprits were my daughter, who hates anything with eggs, and my son, who hates anything containing vegetables. ‘Huh, not bad,’ he grunted as he stuffed another one in his gob. Which is teen speak for ‘Mother, these are really quite delicious!’ Sometimes it’s good to try something new – you never know what will happen. Speaking of which, if you’re trying to get into shape, take inspiration from Get fit at any age (page 92). These legends were in their 50s, 60s and 70s when they took up new activities that transformed…

Find support online Want to connect with other parents or carers of type 1 kids? Follow the conversation by liking the Diabetic Living Facebook page at facebook.com/australiandiabeticlivingmagazine GET INKED IN Is your teen thinking of getting a medic-alert tattoo? Here’s everything you need to know about this new alternative to tags ‘Medic-alert tattoos are potentially lifesaving for people with diabetes and so have great merit,’ says Dr Adrian Lim, spokesperson for the Australasian College of Dermatologists. ‘The key concern is that tattooing creates a wound through extensive and consistent needle pricks. People with diabetes take longer to heal from wounds, so use a trained medical tattooist to ensure safe practices are adhered to.’ Dr Lim says tattoos in areas with poor circulation, such as the feet, are not recommended, as…

4 Change LIFE 1. TAKE IT Encourage everyone you know to take the type 2 risk assessment quiz. Find it online at Diabetes Australia or on our Facebook page. It only takes two minutes! 2. CHECK IT A high score may not mean you have diabetes, but you should see a GP, especially if you are in a high-risk category. See over the page. 3. SWAP IT A healthy diet will benefit the whole family and reduce everyone’s type 2 risk. Take charge by making smart switches, tweaking portions and cooking DL’s delicious meals! 4. MOVE IT Exercise makes your body work better and every little bit counts. Invite your family or friends to catch up for a walk or plan an active day at the park – it’s all…

How our food works for you see page 90 nutrition info PER SERVE 510kJ, protein 3g, total fat 5.2g (sat. fat 2.6g), carbs 15g, fibre 2g, sodium 99mg. • Carb exchanges 1. • GI estimate medium. Dark chocolate espresso tart Surprise ingredient: pumpkin This moist, rich-tasting dessert does away with the need for cream and loads of sugar, which cuts the kilojoules by about 70 per cent. Compared with a regular chocolate tart, it has 20g less fat (10g of it saturated fat) and 24g fewer carbs per serve. PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINS PLUS 20 MINS CHILLING COOKING TIME: 1 HOUR 10 MINS SERVES 12 (AS A DESSERT) 500g pumpkin, peeled and chopped Cooking spray 1 sheet Pampas 25% Reduced Fat Shortcrust Pastry, thawed 60ml (¼ cup) freshly brewed espresso…

How our food works for you see page 90 nutrition info PER SERVE 1340kJ, protein 22g, total fat 11.3g (sat. fat 4.6g), carbs 34g, fibre 3g, sodium 311mg. • Carb exchanges 2⅓. • GI estimate low. • Gluten-free option. Caramelised onion, kale and ricotta tart Crisp pastry with a heart of gold – it’s a slice of the good life. PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINS PLUS 20 MINS CHILLING COOKING TIME: 1 HOUR 35 MINS SERVES 6 (AS A LIGHT MEAL) 2 sheets 25% reduced-fat puff pastry or gluten-free puff pastry 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 4 brown onions, very thinly sliced 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp brown sugar ½ bunch kale, thick stem removed, finely shredded 2 Tbsp thyme leaves 8 x 50g eggs 160ml (⅔ cup) skim…

nutrition info PER SERVE 1610kJ, protein 25g, total fat 14g (sat. fat 5g), carbs 37g, fibre 5g, sodium 445mg. • Carb exchanges 2½. • GI estimate low. • Gluten-free option. Monday Beef, kale and pine nut pizza A Turkish treat meets an Italian classic in this fabulous mince-up. PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINS COOKING TIME: 20 MINS SERVES 2 (AS A MAIN) 1 Mission Italian Pizza Base or gluten-free pizza base 20g slice wholegrain sourdough bread or gluten-free bread, processed into crumbs 1 tsp olive oil 100g extra-lean beef mince 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 185ml (. cup) Mutti Passata 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 70g kale, thick stem removed, shredded 2 tsp pine nuts 2 Tbsp reduced-fat grated cheese 10g finely grated parmesan 1 tsp finely grated lemon…

Poached egg PREPARATION TIME: 5 MINS COOKING TIME: 5 MINS SERVES 1 (AS PART OF A MEAL) 3 tsp white vinegar 1 fresh 50g egg, at room temperature Step 1 Bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil over a high heat. Add vinegar. Reduce heat to medium, so water is simmering. Using a large metal or wooden spoon, create a whirlpool in water. Step 2 Crack egg into a small bowl and slide it into the centre of the whirlpool, as close to the surface as possible. Cook, without stirring, for 2-3 minutes for a soft-poached egg or 3-4 minutes for a firmer yolk. Step 3 Using a slotted spoon, transfer egg to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess cooking liquid. Serve. nutrition info PER…

GREEK is traditionally made by straining out the liquid whey, which leaves the yoghurt thick and creamy. Although some brands have a higher protein content than other types, they can also have a higher saturated fat content and lower calcium levels. Check the labels before buying. GREEK STYLE is not strained and usually contains thickeners such as cream, milk solids, gelatine or gums to create a creamy texture. POT SET is when milk and live cultures are added straight to the pot, so no thickeners are added.…

If you need to lose weight, reduce your salt or fat intake, or keep an eye on your carbs, just refer to the Nutrition Info box alongside each recipe. You can use it to track all of your nutritional requirements, as well as count your carbs and carb exchanges. You’ll also find out whether a recipe is low, medium or high GI, or gluten free. Easy! Alison Roberts, Food Editor (far left) Lisa Urquhart, Dietitian Serves 2 (as a main) We show whether a food is designed to be a between-meals snack, breakfast, lunch (a lighter main) or dinner (the main meal of the day). When we say, ‘as an occasional dish’, it should only be eaten as a treat, such as once a fortnight. Brand names We sometimes use…

What did life look like before type 2? Looking back, I had probably been dodging my diagnosis for a decade. I wasn’t swallowing litres of soft drink and eating takeaway food every night – in fact, it was quite the opposite. I made a point of cooking healthy meals every day, the fridge was full of first-class proteins and lovely fresh fruit and veg, and my daughter, Olivia, had one of the healthiest lunch boxes in town. It was the busyness of my life that eventually did me in. I actually think I stressed my way to diabetes. What kind of stresses did you have? There was no beginning or end to my days – my life was a continuous blur of rushing and deadlines and snatched hours of sleep,…

FITS IN YOUR POCKET ● Nipro TRUEresult Twist Easy to use and one of the smallest meters on the market. TALKS TO YOUR iPHONE ● iBGStar This meter connects to your iPhone or iPod Touch. It then transfers readings to the iBGStar diabetes manager app, where you can add further information such as meal markers, insulin doses given, the amount of carbs eaten and other factors such as exercise and illness. IDENTIFIES BGL PATTERNS ● OneTouch Verio IQ The Verio IQ alerts you to patterns of high or low BGLs occurring repeatedly at particular times of the day, making it useful for insulin users. ASSISTS WITH INSULIN ADJUSTMENT ● Accu-Chek Aviva Connect Bluetooth technology enables you to automatically transfer your BGL numbers to the Accu-Chek diabetes management app on a…

BROUGHT TO YOU BY It’s easy to ignore minor problems in your feet – after all, broken toenails, calluses, dry skin and scratches are a part of life. When you’re living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, however, it becomes a little more important to pay attention to your tootsies, as even small issues can become serious if left untreated if you already have nerve damage and/or circulation problems. Here, podiatrist Danielle Veldhoen, from Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, helps you stay on top of your self-care by showing you how to sidestep some of the most common foot problems. Q Why are my feet and ankles always swollen? There are many causes of swollen feet and/or ankles. It’s important to have your feet examined by a podiatrist or…

1 Good night, sleep tight If bad dreams are waking you up at night, it may be time to take action ‘If you have diabetes and are having nightmares, it usually means something needs further investigation,’ says DL GP Dr Gary Deed. Safeguard your slumber and improve the quality of your sleep by following these four preventative steps. Watch for hypos ‘In those living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes – especially people on insulin or some sulfonylureas – hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) may trigger adrenaline release, which can lead to nightmares,’ says Dr Deed. ‘Alcohol intake, especially in the evening, can increase the risk of these forms of hypos.’ In addition to having a few alcohol-free nights each week, you can protect yourself from night-time hypos by…

A fter a run on the beach this morning – part of the ‘new me’ campaign that is miraculously into its second month – I drifted aimlessly into a breakfast of coffee and a chocolate cupcake. And there it was, that diabetes double whammy: a lifestyle change promptly followed by a poor dietary choice. The cupcake thing may just be a blip on the radar that can be ironed out by good management, but the lifestyle change can bring on a tsunami of diabetic awkwardness requiring attention and assistance. Probably my first significant lifestyle change was back when Mum and I agreed it was time for me to inject myself and check my own sugars. Initially, I was falsifying results all over the shop (remember, meters didn’t record BGLs back…

TRIED AND TESTED NIRVANA ORGANICS STEVIA Looking for a lighter, naturally sweet alternative to sugar? Nirvana Organics Stevia contains no kilojoules or carbs, and just one teaspoon of the powder is equivalent in sweetness to 35 teaspoons of sugar. Buy it as a powder, tablets or liquid concentrate from health food stores or online at nirvanahealthproducts.com TREND ALERT CAMEL’S MILK Almond, rice, soy… camel. It’s the newest milk in town but this nutritious drink has been enjoyed in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia for centuries. It could also be beneficial if you have diabetes. ‘Early studies suggest camel’s milk may require less insulin due to a lower blood sugar response than cow’s milk,’ says DL dietitian Lisa Urquhart. Visit camelmilknsw.com for more.  Q ASK DR MARSH I’ve been…

Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 30 years ago, my ever-increasing insulin requirements and the birth of my twin boys saw my weight peak at 84kg. I tried everything to get my weight under control, including mainstream diets, but I was seen as ‘too high risk’. No one was willing to take me on! I felt like I was destined to remain a ‘heavy woman’ for the rest of my days. It wasn’t until I saw a girlfriend go through the program that I thought I would give Cambridge Weight Plan a try. From day one, I was totally supported by my consultant, Marianne. I loved her instantly and knew this was the right partnership when she took time out of her busy schedule to talk through my medical…

Take the next step towards a diabetes-free future with the DL Change4Life campaign Have you heard about Change4Life? Launched in our January/February issue, this ongoing campaign aims to raise awareness about type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is Australia’s fastest-growing condition, however it’s estimated that as many as 58 per cent of cases can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Now is the perfect time to urge your loved ones to take the type 2 risk assessment quiz and to book an appointment with their GP. STEP 1 Assess your risk today Type 2 has no single cause. Major risks include being overweight or obese, not getting enough exercise and eating a poor diet, but your risk is also increased if you: ● Have a family history of diabetes. ●…

Be a mindful muncher There is nothing wrong with having chocolate as part of a balanced diet. However, if you find yourself overindulging on a regular basis, it’s time to rethink how you eat. Rather than scoffing it down, savour each bite. Eat slowly, thinking about the smell, taste and texture, and you’ll find you’ll need less to feel satisfied. Practise portion control Although numerous studies have suggested that the antioxidants in chocolate – particularly dark chocolate – can have a positive health effect, it’s still a high-fat, high-sugar food, meaning that too much can lead to weight gain. Stick to an occasional 25g serve (the equivalent of four small squares), which has about 500kJ, 7-8g of fat, 4-5g of saturated fat and one carb exchange. Taste the difference When…

How our food works for you see page 90 nutrition info PER SERVE 1891kJ, protein 28g, fat 14.8g (sat. fat 3g), carbs 47g, fibre 5g, sodium 489mg. • Carb exchanges 3. • GI estimate medium. • Gluten-free option. Fish souvlaki wrap Soak up the flavours of the Greek isles. Just one bite and you’ll be hooked! PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINS COOKING TIME: 10 MINS SERVES 1 (AS A MAIN) 100g firm white fish fillets, cut into cubes 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil Olive oil cooking spray 1 Vitastic Pittes pita bread or gluten-free pita bread 20g (1 cup) baby spinach leaves 1 small tomato, halved, thinly sliced ½ small Lebanese cucumber, peeled into ribbons 2 Tbsp Obela Premium Greek Style Yoghurt With Cucumber & Dill…

✓ PASSATA: You’ll hear a chorus of ‘bellissimo!’ around the table when you dish up meals made with this Italian favourite. This rich tomato sauce has about two-thirds the sodium of most pasta sauces and no added sugar. Use it in pasta dishes, soups and hearty casseroles. ✓ NO-ADDED-SALT CHICKPEAS: A nutritious powerhouse of low-GI carbs, protein and fibre, versatile chickpeas are a satisfying staple. No-added-salt chickpeas contain hardly any sodium (200mg per 100g less than regular canned chickpeas) and, unlike the dried variety, you don’t have to soak them the day before. Add them to curries, dips, salads and stews for a filling and delicious twist. ✓ MASSEL CHICKEN STYLE SALT REDUCED STOCK POWDER: Looking to slash salt but not taste? This handy product contains about half the sodium…

Remember to drink! In the heat of the day you can lose more than a litre of sweat per hour and, if unchecked, this can lead to high blood glucose levels (BGLs) and dehydration. ● Most people need two to three litres of water per day. ● Take regular drink breaks – water is best, but if you are exercising for longer than 60 minutes or take insulin you may need a sports drink. Check your BGLs before, during and after exercise. ● High and low BGLs can be dangerous during physical activity, so ask your care team for a plan to ensure you stay steady. ● Be extra careful if you take insulin or some diabetes medications, as they can play havoc with your BGLs during exercise. Pack a…

Tamar Valley Dairy Greek Style All Natural Yoghurt This full-fat yoghurt contains almost 10g of fat per 100g, but the thick texture makes it the perfect alternative to sour cream. It’s also high in protein and calcium. 542kJ and 5.2g carbs per 100g Black Swan Vanilla Bean Greek Style Natural Yoghurt Great for those who are sensitive to lactose, this is lactose free and does not contain added sugars, unlike many vanilla yoghurts. 410kJ and 13.8g carbs per 100g Nestlé Soleil No Fat No Added Sugar Vanilla Flavour Watching your weight and want to avoid high-kilojoule flavoured yoghurts? This fat-free choice uses vanilla and artificial sweeteners to satisfy your sweet tooth. 158kJ and 4.4g carbs per 100g Jalna Pot Set Berry Fruit Low Fat Creamy Yoghourt Made with low-fat milk,…

50s 60s 70s Haven’t pulled on a pair of running shoes since buying that Jane Fonda workout video in 1986? No worries! ‘It’s never too late to start,’ reassures DL exercise physiologist Christine Armarego. ‘In fact, research shows that the older and the less active you are, the more you have to gain by exercising.’ When it comes to diabetes management, regular exercise can help keep your weight and blood glucose levels (BGLs) in check as well as improving your insulin sensitivity. And the benefits don’t stop there. Exercise can also help protect you from osteoporosis, ease the pain of arthritis, improve your heart health, strengthen your muscles and even increase your life span. Whether you’re doing a spot of gardening, walking the dog or simply window-shopping, every little bit…

‘After resisting medication at first, my light bulb moment came when a blood test revealed that my BGLs were slightly high,’ recalls pam: ‘I realised then that diet and exercise weren’t going to be enough to help manage my diabetes, so I decided to try the tablets. ‘I experienced nausea on Diabex (metformin) at first, so my doctor adjusted the dosage. Now, instead of taking two tablets, I take one extended-release tablet in the evening and I no longer experience nausea. I don’t dwell on my diabetes and continue to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, with lots of regular exercise.’…

● CHECK both your feet every day for things such as blisters, sores and hard skin. ● CLEAN your feet with soap and water. ● DRY your feet well, especially between your toes. ● MOISTURISE with a product such as Plunkett’s NS-8 Leg Care Cream. Avoid applying it between the toes, as excess moisture can lead to fungal infections. ● KEEP your toenails at a sensible length. ● WEAR clean socks that aren’t too tight around your legs, particularly if your ankles are prone to swelling. ● CHOOSE well-fitting shoes that are comfortable to wear and protect your feet from cuts and abrasions. ● SEE a podiatrist if you need advice or treatment for common foot problems. *These daily foot checks are recommended in addition to any other advice you…

Renowned chef and DL Change4Life ambassador Michael Moore shares recipes from his top-selling cookbook Blood Sugar. ‘Maybe the reason I became a diabetic was to tell people that they need to go and do something about it,’ says Michael, who has type 2. Banana and berry iced smoothie 3 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced Juice and zest of ½ lemon 1 tablespoon agave syrup 1 cup non-fat natural yoghurt 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup bran 1 punnet raspberries SERVES 4 1 Blend bananas with lemon, agave, yoghurt, milk and bran until smooth. Pour into a deep dish. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until semi-frozen for about 2 hours. 2 To serve, spoon balls of banana mixture and layer in tall glasses with fresh raspberries. Serve immediately. nutrition…

TYPE 1 ● A condition that occurs when the body’s immune system destroys insulinproducing cells in the pancreas, causing blood glucose levels to rise to dangerous levels. ● Treatment: Insulin by injection or with a pump. TYPE 2 ● Blood sugar levels rise because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t respond to insulin, known as insulin resistance. ● Risk factors: Family history, being overweight, or of an ethnic group prone to diabetes, such as indigenous people, those from south-east Asia, India and the Middle East. ● Type 2 can often initially be managed with diet and exercise, but most people will need medication, and possibly insulin, with time. GESTATIONAL ● This develops during pregnancy, but usually disappears after birth. These mothers have an increased risk of…

Introducing... Accredited Practising Dietitian, Northside Nutrition and Dietetics, Chatswood, NSW What is a dietitian? An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a universitytrained nutrition professional. APDs are experts in nutrition and dietetics (the prescription of medical diets). How can a dietitian help me with my diabetes? Eating well is an important part of managing diabetes. Your dietitian will help you learn more about how different foods affect your blood glucose levels (BGLs) and health, which in turn can help you gain greater control over your diabetes. How often should I see one? You should see a dietitian a few times when you are first diagnosed. After that, think of them as a long-term partner in your diabetes care. Their knowledge of nutrition is always expanding, new food products are constantly appearing…

Find your inner strength Diabetes makes us stronger people. Take each day as it comes and work with it. Live, love and learn! – Giuseppina Raco Everyday heroes My big, brave grandson was diagnosed with type 1 at five years old. He’s come so far, and his mum is a hero! – Sharon Harris MY GO-TO HYPO HELPER I changed to TRUEplus glucose tablets from jelly beans when I quit sugar. No fructose means no cravings, so they help stop me eating the whole pantry when I have a hypo! – Karen Kolleth Find us on facebook.com/australiandiabeticlivingmagazine Find great tips and recipe ideas by following @diabeticliving on Instagram…

In 1998, Renza Scibilia was a full-time music teacher who was planning her wedding and house hunting when she suddenly developed a severe thirst. She found herself slipping out of class every half an hour to go to the bathroom. ‘I’d down three litres of water and still be parched. I needed to go to the bathroom constantly,’ recalls Renza, now 42. ‘This all became very noticeable within a 10-day period, so I saw my GP. I asked if I could have diabetes, although I didn’t know much about it and it wasn’t in my family.’ Renza’s instincts were correct and she was diagnosed with type 1. The next day she saw an endocrinologist for her first insulin injection. ‘There was so much going on in my life – and…

nutrition info PER SERVE 1611kJ, protein 40g, fat 10g (sat. fat 1.9g), carbs 31g, fibre 6.4g, sodium 266mg. • Carb exchanges 2. • GI estimate low. • Gluten-free option. Lemon and honey chicken Lighten up: Our version has 65 per cent fewer kilojoules, 85 per cent less fat and 90 per cent less sodium than the average takeaway equivalent. PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINS COOKING TIME: 10 MINS SERVES 2 (AS A MAIN) 1 tsp cornflour or gluten-free cornflour 80ml (⅓ cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 Tbsp honey 2 tsp salt-reduced soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce 3 tsp olive oil 300g skinless chicken breast fillet, trimmed of fat, thinly diagonally sliced 1 red capsicum, cut into short, thin strips 200g broccoli, cut into small florets 2 zucchini, halved lengthways,…

nutrition info PER SERVE 370kJ, protein 1g, total fat 3.4g (sat. fat 1g), carbs 13g, fibre 2g, sodium 205mg. • Carb exchanges 1. • GI estimate medium. • Gluten free. Date and chocolate brownies Start a deliciously fruitful affair with a delectable new favourite. PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINS PLUS 55 MINS STANDING AND COOLING COOKING TIME: 35 MINS MAKES 18 (1 PER SERVE AS A SNACK) 100g pitted dates, finely chopped 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 250ml (1 cup) boiling water Cooking spray 50g (½ cup) Nestle Plaistowe Premium Dutch Processed Cocoa, plus extra for dusting (optional) 80g (½ cup, lightly packed) dark brown sugar 120g tub unsweetened apple puree 80g light margarine 2 x 50g eggs, lightly whisked 50g (⅓ cup) Woolworths Free From Gluten Self Raising Flour 2…

GROCERIES 400g can no-added-salt chopped tomatoes 420g can no-added-salt chickpeas 250ml bottle Woolworths Select Portuguese Style Peri Peri sauce 200g (2 pack) Mission Italian Pizza Base 700g jar Mutti Passata 400ml can Trident Light Coconut Milk 65g pkt pine nuts 500g pkt polenta FRUIT AND VEGETABLES 2 punnets cherry tomatoes 1 bunch kale 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley 2 bunches basil 1 bunch rosemary 1 bunch coriander 100g baby spinach leaves 25g baby rocket leaves 1 small brown onion 1 small ripe avocado 1 large tomato 1 small zucchini 1 small eggplant 200g piece pumpkin 50g mixed salad leaves 2 pomegranates (or 70g seeds) 1 lemon 1 lime 150g green beans MEAT AND POULTRY 180g extra-lean beef mince 230g extra-lean pork mince 200g skinless chicken breast fillet CHILLED 500g pkt Woolworths…

The average Aussie eats 7.2kg of yoghurt a year, and for good reason: the white stuff can boost bone health, soothe your stomach and even reduce your risk of developing type 2 by 18 per cent if you eat a serve of about 250g a day. The good stuff Yoghurt is made from fresh milk fermented with live bacteria cultures. These are thought to help restore the body’s natural gut flora (the microorganisms that live in the gut) and benefit digestive health. There’s also increasing evidence that these bacteria play a role in metabolic health and may reduce the risk of obesity, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Yoghurt is one of the best dietary sources of calcium. It is also rich in protein and provides B-group vitamins, zinc and…

HOW TO... POACH PEACHES Versatile poached peaches are great as a snack, dessert or as part of a brekkie. And they’re super-easy to prepare! SERVES 16 (½ PEACH PER SERVE) 1 Using a small, sharp knife, cut a small cross in the base of 8 firm, ripe freestone peaches (buying this type of peach will make it easier to remove the stones in Step 4). 2 Put 1.5L (6 cups) water, 220g (1 cup) caster sugar and 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half, in a large saucepan with the scraped seeds and pod of 1 vanilla bean. Cook over a low heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves. 3 Add peaches and cover with a disc of baking paper slightly larger than the rim of the pan, pressing down slightly to cover…

TALK TO YOUR CARE TEAM ‘A personalised exercise program is the best way to start any new routine as it ensures you target what you want to achieve,’ says Armarego. ‘Talk with your GP or an accredited exercise physiologist before you get started, and check in regularly throughout your fitness journey.’ ‘Exercise acts as an insulin sensitiser – it helps your medication to work better, or in some cases may replace medication. These changes in medication need to be managed with your healthcare provider.’ TAKE IT SLOW ‘Fitness results usually take longer than we want,’ says Armarego. ‘Give your body time to adapt to exercise and to respond by getting fitter. ‘Some changes, such as improved BGLs, can be seen quickly, but changes in muscle mass and weight take more…

People who self-inject their diabetes medication know the importance of a high-quality needle for comfort and ease of use. There are many people who have had diabetes for a long time who are using the ‘longer needles’ (8mm or 12mm). These needles increase the risk of injecting your medication into a muscle, making your medication work too quickly and potentially causing low blood sugar1,2. Most healthcare professionals recommend 4mm, 5mm or sometimes 6mm needles for injectable diabetes medication3. Respected needle manufacturer BD has developed a new short pen needle which improves the fow rate of injectable diabetes medication, making it easier and faster for people with diabetes to inject their medication4*. The new BD Ultra-Fine™ 4mm Pen Needles with EasyFlow™ Technology glide into the skin, minimising the pain of self-injecting…

Regularly monitoring your BGLs is an important part of managing your diabetes, and is essential if you have type 1, gestational or type 2 diabetes treated with insulin or sulfonylureas (the only oral diabetes medication that can cause hypos). In the short term, checking your BGLs will reveal when your levels are too high or too low. In the long term, consistent monitoring can show you how factors such as food, exercise, stress and sleep affect your BGLs, which can assist you in achieving more stable numbers. To help you get more out of your meter, diabetes educator Dr Kate Marsh debunks some monitoring myths and shares her tried-and-tested tips for better accuracy. Q Replacing lancets is expensive! Will reusing the same one affect my readings? While it shouldn’t affect…

● SYMPTOMS Confusion, dizziness, hunger, sweating, headaches, moodiness. ● WHAT TO DO Give the person six or seven jelly beans, 150-200ml of regular soft drink or orange juice, three teaspoons of honey or three glucose tablets (5g each). If their BGLs don’t rise above 4mmol/L in 15 minutes, repeat and check again. Call a doctor or an ambulance if the person can’t cooperate, their levels stay low or they are unconscious.…

Through my life I have had a fire burning inside me, producing seemingly endless amounts of energy, resulting in a fearless confidence which pushes me to chase my (sometimes) wild dreams and to achieve the best results I can. From a very young age I could cook. It came to me naturally. I thrived on stress and achievement. So when it came to choosing a career, I naturally chose a dynamic industry where I could be creative. I chose to be a chef. Long hours, tough conditions and adversity were all part of the game. I was a lucky man, living my life doing what I loved to do. I still feel the same way and I often meet people in other professions who feel like me. They are nearly…

LOW-CARB WINNER Don’t confuse CORN THINS® with rice cakes, as CORN THINS® are made primarily from corn, so taste great – like popcorn squished into a crispbread. With 5g or less of carbohydrate per slice, CORN THINS® can be enjoyed by the whole family, including the kids. UNIQUE STYLE To see these and many other products, look for the Health Pride insert inside this issue or view online. These unique patchwork skirts are available from Health Pride for only $24.90. Call 1800 898 218 or (02) 9973 5400 or visit healthpride.com.au Patches vary from those shown. Each patch is unique! Overall colour tone is the same. SOFT, SILKY LEGS Your legs deserve some extra love! Restore and refresh hot, tired legs with NS-8 Leg Care. The quick-absorbing formula penetrates deeply…

‘I’ve had type 1 for 25 years. I am still human! I wish others saw that, too.’ – Jodi Kirker THERE ISN’T ALWAYS SUPPORT AVAILABLE My daughter was diagnosed with diabetes two weeks before starting kindy. When it came to educating her school, NSW Health just pointed them to an online portal run by Diabetes NSW. I had a complete lack of knowledge about diabetes and suddenly I had to educate the school, too.’ – Ney Angi Matti Editor’s note: Contact your local Diabetes Australia office to discover what resources are available in your state. ‘If people knew I didn’t do this to myself it would be a start!’ – Hollie Gill Equipment is expensive ‘My wife has a continuous glucose monitor and it has been a game changer. Since…