People with diabetes have long turned to UCHealth for help with controlling their blood sugar levels. The diabetes prevention program, accredited by the American Diabetes Association, aims to prevent or delay the disease process in adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
A new schedule is usually sent out in January, but as with all events that involve groups, most of the scheduled programs have been canceled due to the pandemic.
Patricia Kulbeth, a clinical nutritionist, says there is a schedule for virtual diabetes prevention classes. Telemedicine patient visits have been through Vidyo, she said, and soon diabetes education will do the same.
Colorado Springs readers get an insight into new dietary guidelines
Until the class starts, Kulbeth offers some tips. One of them is visiting the ADA’s “amazing” food website: diabetesfoodhub.org.
“It’s the best food website for diabetes patients ever,” she says. “And there are around 300 gluten-free recipes for these gluten-free patients. There are also instant pot recipes and slow cooker recipes. “
When you register on the website, you can access the myrecipes section to use the recipe library, create a menu and print out a shopping list. If you have a recipe that needs sugar and carbohydrate numbers, you can submit it on the website for analysis.
Kulbeth had other suggestions.
“Do you know your diet,” she said, “how many grams of carbohydrates are recommended per meal.”
It’s best to see a nutritionist to find out, but here is a general guideline from Kulbeth:
• For most women, keep 30 to 45 grams of carbohydrates per meal. This is two to three servings of carbohydrates.
• For most men, stay within 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates. This is three to four servings of carbohydrates.
• A serving of carbohydrates is considered 15 grams. This is the equivalent of a slice of most breads, ½ cup of potatoes, 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk, or half of a normal size banana.
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“Remember, carbohydrates are important in your diet,” she said. “Restricting diabetes does not mean avoiding it altogether. Just choose the types of carbohydrates wisely, in the right proportions, within an overall healthy diet. Avoid any eating plan that omits or almost completely omits healthy food groups. “
She suggested that they consider these healthy eating plans:
• The DASH nutrition plan is a flexible and balanced nutrition plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life.
• The Mediterranean eating plan is based on meals that focus on vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains with moderate amounts of dairy products, poultry, eggs and seafood. Red meat is only eaten occasionally.
• Choose My Plate is based on the Food Policy of the Department of Agriculture 2020-2025. visit myplate.gov.
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“Vegetables and non-starch protein foods contain little or no carbohydrates,” said Kulbeth. “So it is also helpful to fill them up.”
Contact the author: 636-0271.
Contact the author: 636-0271.
