Life can be sweet, with diabetes
Issue 08
Summer 2013
min 20 work-outs! that everyone can do.
How to be a
happy diabetic Delicious party food.
Free! Take one now
Great advice from our experts.
SLM08_Cover.indd 1
www.sweetlifemag.co.za
2013/10/07 11:17 AM
Let your numbers tell the story
Start your own successful story of accurate blood glucose monitoring with the Accu-ChekÂŽ Active system. 20 million users in over 100 countries have trusted this system over the last 12 years1. The easy-to-use Accu-Chek Active system has an all new design, with loads of supportive features to add meaning to your diabetes management. Accu-Chek Active System Preference Study. October 2012 *Data on file
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2013/09/30 9:08 AM
I love November: the one time everyone wants to talk about diabetes.
EDITOR
This November, we’ve put together a fantastic issue full of easy, practical ways to live a healthy, happy life with diabetes. If you’re ready to make a positive change to your health, you’ve come to the right place!
Mark Peddle
And if you need inspiring, look no further than our cover star, Abdullah Khan, who shows us how to start a diabetes support group. Whip up some yummy party food with our simple recipes, and get in shape in 20 minutes with our easy ways to get active: it’s all right here.
Bridget McNulty
ART DIRECTOR PUBLISHER Claire Barnardo
ADVERTISING SALES TFWcc - Tessa and Anthony Fenton-Wells
CONTRIBUTORS Abdullah Khan, Caroline Gardner, Daniel Sher, Genevieve Jardine, Jeanne Berg, Nicole McCreedy, Sarah Hall. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to Sweet Life if you want to have the magazine delivered to your door: you’ll find all the details at www.sweetlifemag. co.za/subscribe
Box 52301, Kenilworth 7745. Tel: 021 761 2840. Fax: 021 761 0442. Cell: 082 320 0014. Email: tessa@tfwcc.net
And if you’re looking for a healthy meal plan (aren’t we all?!) you can download one for FREE at www.clicks.co.za/sweetlife
PO Box 12651, Mill St, 8010. Tel: 021 469 4714 Email: info@sweetlifemag.co.za
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
COPYRIGHT
Happy National Diabetes Month! And happy holidays too - we’ll see you again in 2014 for another year full of delicious ways to make life sweet, with diabetes.
Published by The Editors Publishing House CC. Copyright The Editors Publishing House CC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor.
Until next time,
COMPETITION RULES
Bridget McNulty Editor
Welcome
Happy National Diabetes Month!
Winners will be randomly selected and notified by telephone or email, and must agree to have their names published online. Prizes are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Diabetic South Africans
PS: Want to make sure you get your free copy of Sweet Life every quarter? Find your nearest Clicks Clinic on page 4.
sweet_life_mag
The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Sweet Life. Always consult a specialist before making any changes to your diet or medicine.
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How to get your Sweet Life
1
Sweet Life is available FREE at Clicks Clinics and local support groups.
2
Or you can SUBSCRIBE to get 4 copies a year delivered to your door for only R99 - visit www.sweetlifemag.co.za/subscribe to sign up!
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Or read it online at: www.sweetlifemag.co.za/magazine-2
Find your nearest Clicks Clinic below:
Community
Western Cape
BLUE ROUTE Tokai BAYSIDE Blouberg CANAL WALK Milnerton CAPE GATE Brackenfell CAVENDISH CONNECT Claremont CONSTANTIA EDGEMEAD GARDEN ROUTE MALL George GLENGARIFF Sea Point GOLDEN ACRE Cape Town GUGULETHU HERMANUS KENILWORTH CENTRE Kenilworth LANGEBERG MALL Mossel Bay LONG BEACH MALL Noordhoek MELKBOSSTRAND MOUNTAIN MILL Worcester N1 CITY GOODWOOD OUDTSHOORN PAARL PINELANDS PLUMSTEAD PROMENADE Mitchells Plain SOMERSET MALL Somerset West SONEIKE Kuilsriver Stellenbosch TYGERVALLEY Bellville VANGATE MALL Athlone WEST COAST VILLAGE Tableview
Gauteng
Alberton ATTERBURY Faerie Glen, Pretoria Balfour Park Highlands North, JHB BROAD ACRES Broad Acres BROOKLYN MALL Niemuckleneuk, Pretoria CARNIVAL MALL Dalspark, Brakpan CENTURION CENTRE Centurion, Pretoria CLEARWATER MALL Roodepoort Columbine Square Columbine, JHB CORNWALL VIEW Elarduspark, Pretoria CRESTA CENTRE Cresta, JHB Eastgate Bedfordview Edenmeadow Edenvale FEATHERBROOK CENTRE Gezina Galleries Gezina, Pretoria JABULANI MALL Soweto, JHB JACARANDA CENTRE Rietfontein, Pretoria KEY WEST SHOPPING CENTRE KILLARNEY MALL Killarney KOLONADE CENTRE Montana, Pretoria Lakeside Mall Benoni Lambton Germiston MAPONYA MALL Soweto, JHB MALL @ REDS MENLYN RETAIL Newlands, Pretoria MONTANA CROSSING Montana, Pretoria NORKEM MALL, Kempton Park NORTHGATE Honeydew, Randburg RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD Vanderbijlpark ROSEBANK PHARMACY Rosebank, JHB
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Eastern Cape
BEACON BAY East London GARDEN ROUTE MALL GRAHAMSTOWN Grahamstown GREENACRES Newton Park, PE KING WILLIAMS TOWN KNYSNA MARKET SQUARE BITAU Beaconway MOFFAT PARK Moffat Retail Park SUNRIDGE VILLAGE Sunridge, PE VINCENT PARK East London Kabega Park PE WALMER PARK Walmer, PE
Swaziland
BHuNU MALL Manzini THE Gables Ezulwini SWAZI PLAZA Mbabane
BAYSWATER PHARMACY Bloemfontein BETHLEHEM DIAMOND PAVILION Kimberley DYNARC WALK Langenhoven Park FICHARDT PARK PHARMACY Bloemfontein GOLDFIELDS MALL Welkom LIBERTY MALL Welkom LOCH LOGAN Bloemfontein MIMOSA MALL Bloemfontein MOOI RIVER Nelson Mandela Drive VRYBURG Market Street
Meet the whole panel at:
AMAJUBA Newcastle BLUFF Wentworth Durban GATEWAY Umhlanga Rocks Hibiscus Mall Margate LA LUCIA Durban LADYSMITH LIBERTY MIDLANDS MALL Pietermaritzburg MALVERN Queensburgh, Durban MEERENSEE MUSGRAVE CENTRE Musgrave PAVILION Westville, Durban PINETOWN Pinetown, Durban Southway MALL Seaview SHELLY BEACH Victoria Road Pietermaritzburg Westville MALL Westville
Mpumalanga
ERMELO HIGHVELD MALL Witbank KLIPFONTEIN Witbank MIDWATER CENTRE Aerorand NORTHVAAL SECUNDA WOODLANDS
North West
Free State
Meet some of our experts:
KZN
Community
SANDTON CITY Sandton, JHB SAN RIDGE SQUARE Midrand, JHB SELCOURT TOWERS Selcourt Southgate Mondeor, JHB The Glen Oakdene, JHB TOWN SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE WONDERPARK CENTRE Akasia WOODBRIDGE MALL
Genevieve Jardine is a
MAFIKENG POTCHEFSTROOM WATERFALL MALL Rustenburg Wilkoppies Klerksdorp
Limpopo
CYCAD Bendor, Polokwane STANDARD BANK SQUARE Polokwane POLOKWANE CBD Polokwane
Dr. Zaheer Bayat
dietician with her is a specialist endocrinologist sweetlifemag.co.za own practice in in Gauteng. Durban.
Faaiza Paruk
Bsc Dietetics (Hons) is a dietician in Joburg specialising in diabetes.
Jeanne Berg
is a diabetes educator,registered pharmacist and chairperson of DESSA.
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Questions from our blog www.sweetlifemag.co.za/community Can’t get blood sugar down! Hi! I wonder if anyone can advise me. I’m 27 (soon to be 28) and was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic in 2010. When I lived in South Africa, my average blood glucose would read between 5-7 and I would have occasional episodes of hypoglycemia. Since I moved to South Korea, I have had the opposite problem. My reading first thing in the morning before breakfast is 10-14! I eat Special K cereal with skim milk diluted with water for breakfast, a garden salad with no dressing for lunch and an average meal for dinner. I take Metformin 500 twice a day (I’ve been on that dose since I was diagnosed) and exercise regularly, but I can’t seem to drop my blood glucose to within healthy levels. I can’t really seek medical help because with my job, I can be deported if they find out I’m diabetic. How can I get my blood sugar down? - Kerissa
Q&A
REPLIES Elrica
Hi Kerissa, Just wondering if you eat snacks in between your meals as well? My dietician has me eat 7 times a day. Here are my thoughts: 1 – Find a doctor that specialises in diabetes, you might need your medication changed. I was diagnosed in August 2012 with diabetes, my medicine has changed since and now I’m on both Metformin and insulin. 2 – As far as I know, Special K is a no-no for cereal. Rather eat oats with an apple. See if a change in breakfast helps. 3 -Test 7 times through the day for 2 days and take that to your doctor’s appointment. Hope you can get it under control. I battle sometimes too, you are not alone!
Morne
I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for 11 years now, so I can give you some input. Good carbs as far as I know (low GI) are: oats not Oats So Easy, brown rice, sweet potato, rye bread. Healthy fats are good for your joints and lower the GI of a meal: fish oil/ omega 3 oil, 30g almonds, quarter avocado. Good proteins are handy for maintaining muscles. Also drink lots of water!
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www.facebook.com/DiabeticSouthAfricans Any parents of Type 1 diabetic kids out there who want to share advice? Some advice: the treatment of diabetes is not a perfect science. What works for one person may not work for the next. You need to make notes of what works for your child. This will take much of the guess work out of controlling your child’s blood sugar. Wayne
Q&A
Answers on Facebook
Hi. I’m also new to this. My little girl was diagnosed in May. She’s 2 and a half. Very scary and completely heartbreaking often. Kerry
There are LOTS of us – join the Facebook group: Kids Powered by Insulin to meet other parents. Tiffany
Never tell them they can’t do something because of diabetes. As a child, I was told that I couldn’t do many things because of my diabetes – I missed out on a lot. Elmarie
My daughter is 9 years old now and was diagnosed when she was 4. I would love to help anyone who has had to endure diagnosis – it was 3 months of pure hell and would have loved a shoulder to cry on or some tips to help. Georgina
Allow your kids to have a say and let them see the effects. Never wrap them in cottonwool! Let them live, learn and experiment! Isabella
Who’s your most inspiring diabetic? Our mom, Lina. Nerene and Ingrid.
My husband, who refused to go on insulin injections, lost 20 kg and his sugar dropped right down from 12 to 5. Even the doctors couldn’t believe he could do it!å Julieta
Janine is a T1D and a firefighter, plays hockey and she never turns anyone down who needs help! Rachel
Have a question of your own? Come and join the discussion today!
My dad. He’s had it for 22 years and is still going strong. He’s 60, fit and looks after himself. I envy his strength. Lebogang
My 6 year old daughter, Tasme, diagnosed at age 4. She handles herself with such poise, dignity and immense maturity. Jashika
Me, myself & I. Dorothy
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“Junk” food for diabetics
Ask the expert: Genevieve Jardine
From our community:
“M
Ask the Dietician
y favourite food isn’t very good for me… I love braais and chips, hamburgers and hot dogs. Is there any way to make these delicious foods better for me? Help!” Thabo Duma.
All of us like a bit of pleasure in life, and nothing beats a treat now and again. The attraction of junk food lies in its “quick fix” ability to satisfy food cravings. Unfortunately, what makes junk food so delicious is also what makes it unhealthy. Junk food is often high in kilojoules, bad fats and refined carbohydrates. Because it tastes so good, it’s also hard to stop eating: one biscuit might not be too bad, but 4 or 5 will cause an increase in blood sugar.
When relaxing with family and friends, you want to enjoy holiday food: take-outs, braais and easy meals. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy these times without feeling left out, or packing on the kilos!
Healthy take-out For take-out options, choose beef hamburgers with salad (no chips!) Or try grilled chicken breast, spicy rice, coleslaw and green salad. Choose water or a diet fizzy drink to go with your meal, and obviously skip the dessert. Try to avoid food that’s high in fat and refined starch and sugar – pizza, deep fried chips and sugary drinks are all a bad idea.
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Who said a braai couldn’t be healthy? Bring chicken or beef kebabs and braaied corn on the cob, with carrot salad and green salad on the side. These are a much better choice, and much lower in fat and carbs than boerewors and chops, garlic bread, pap and gravy or white bread rolls. And they’re just as delicious!
If you’re looking for snacks for the festive season, here are some yummy options that are low GI and low-fat: Snack
Portion
(ave)
Energy Carbohydrate Fat (including sugar)
Popcorn (lite)
2 cups popped
636kj
15g*
7g
Dried fruit
2-4 pieces
381kj
21g
0g
Low GI biscuit
1 biscuit (30g)
440kj
15.3g
5.8g
Lite ice cream
½ a cup
389kj
15g
1g
Lite custard
½ a cup
548kj
9.3g
3.1g
Lean biltong
Handful (30g)
346kj
1g
2g
* Remember that 15g =
one carbohydrate portion.
healthy COMPARE
regular
Snack
(ave)
Portion
Energy Carbohydrate Fat (including sugar)
Chocolate
1 bar (50g)
1120kj
30g
15g
Energy bar
1 bar (40g)
739kj
22g
7g
Biscuits (with icing)
2 biscuits (33g)
676kj
30g
7g
Sweets (boiled)
125g packet
316kj
18g
0g
Potato crisps
1 packet (30g)
766kj
24g
12g
Ask the Dietician
Braai menu
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Partner’s Corner
“I
’m looking for some tips or advice on how to communicate better with my diabetic wife. She has Type 1 diabetes and when she goes low it’s sometimes hard for me to know what to do, and hard for her to explain how she’s feeling. Any tips?” Luke Jacobs.
Dear Luke, I think it’s really great that you are involved in helping your wife cope with her diabetes. The challenges faced by those who care about someone with diabetes are not often talked about, and very real.
Partners
Diabetes is riddled with valleys and waves, otherwise known as lows and highs, and this can be totally frustrating – as well as scary – both for the diabetic and their spouse. Good diabetes management limits the frequency of lows and highs, but there is no guarantee. And there are so many factors that can influence blood sugar that there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ diabetic.
So what now? First of all it’s important for you to be able to identify when your wife is going low. Sometimes, people who have had diabetes for a long time lose the ability to feel their lows – this is where you come in. Learn how to treat a low. Keep some glucose sweets or jelly beans with you so that you can help her if her blood sugar suddenly drops. Don’t be afraid to suggest she checks her blood sugar if you think she’s acting funny. The trick is to be diplomatic about this. The last thing a wife with diabetes wants is pity – and what woman can be responsible for being snippy when her blood sugar is at 3mmol/L? Good luck!
Ask the expert: Jeanne Berg, Diabetes Educator
“The challenges faced by those who care about someone with diabetes are not often talked about, and very real.”
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What’s the one piece of advice all diabetics should listen to? We asked our Panel of Experts… Here’s what they had to say: Faaiza Paruk, Dietician “Make small changes to your diet that could bring about a bigger change in your health. Swap white bread for low GI bread, for example, and leave off the butter.”
Dr. Joel Dave, Endocrinologist “Exercising, keeping to the right BMI and eating a good diabetic diet are all essential because these factors determine the amount of medication you need. It’s also important not to smoke, to take your medication properly and to visit your doctor regularly.”
Andy Blecher, Podiatrist “Always use a good diabetic foot cream. Examine your feet every day, especially if you have neuropathy. Check your shoes with your hands before you put them on to be sure there isn’t anything in them. Ensure your shoes fit properly and have enough space so that there are no pressure areas that could cause blisters or wounds.”
Dr Dale Harrison, Ophthalmologist
Healthy Living
The best diabetic advice
“Ask yourself: ‘Have I got diabetic retinopathy: Yes or No?’ The only way you can know that answer is if someone competent and trained has looked at your retina and given you the answer. So visit an ophthalmologist every year!”
Cheryl Meyer, Dietician “Focus on the good-for-you foods you want to include in your diet, rather than the things you want to limit.”
Anette Thompson, Podiatrist “Go to a qualified podiatrist for a thorough Diabetic Foot Assessment at least once a year. Ask questions and be informed.”
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diabetics,one one by
WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY
PHOTOS: MARK PEDDLE
Abdullah Khan may not be diabetic himself, but he’s certainly made a difference to every diabetic he’s ever met. This 45-year-old pharmacist and owner of Athlone Pharmacy started the Diabetic 101 support group to inspire his community. What is Diabetic 101? Diabetic 101 is a support group I started here in Athlone, two years ago. It started two years ago when I noticed an increase in the number of diabetics in my pharmacy. I think our ideas and attitude about diabetes are what the community needed. We educate people about the condition and motivate them to realise that with the right discipline, diabetes is not a debilitating illness. We serve as a medium to gain access to all types of information related to diabetes. The name came about because we wanted it to be a one to one support group. If you have a question about your diabetes, we have a pharmacist, doctor, dietician, physiotherapist and psychologist on board – you can speak to them one to one and get the right answers, and support. It’s Diabetic 101. Do you see a lot of diabetics at your pharmacy? Yes – and there are more every year. I see lots of chronic illness, but especially diabetes. The word is out that I’m a diabetic specialist!
Why do you care about diabetes so much? I’ve always had an interest in diabetes, I’m passionate about it. I love learning more about the condition and how to help people who have it. The more I get involved, the more I can help. I’ve learnt a lot about diabetes from the people I see, too. Community members will come in with complaints and if I don’t know the answer I’ll speak to my doctor friend and find out more. I’m now doing an advanced CDE course in diabetes and every day I learn more about how to deal with it.
Inspiring
Inspiring
Do you think being in a support group helps? Absolutely – this type of chronic condition really needs support. Because it is in many ways a lifestyle disease, it can be easy to feel down about it – many people feel like they’re alone, like it’s a death sentence. So it’s important to have motivation and support from others who know what it’s like to live with diabetes. 80% of the volunteers who run Diabetic 101 have diabetes, and 13
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we make sure we have specialists to talk on something relevant at every meeting – ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists; we’ve had all these specialists sharing their knowledge with the group. The other great thing about being part of a support group is that it can motivate you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Diabetic 101 has a walking group that meets every Wednesday. There are 15 to 20 people that meet every week to walk, and every year a group of us do the National Diabetes Walk together, in branded t-shirts. We’ve been lucky in that a lot of big diabetic role-players are willing to assist us. They recognise the need for small support groups.
Inspiring
I’ve always had an interest in diabetes, I’m passionate about it. What tips do you have for people who want to start a support group? It’s important to have a good support base so you don’t do it alone. You need to identify the need for a support group, because it’s a lot of effort and there must be enough people to make it worthwhile. I’d say starting with 15 to 20 people who participate every time is a good start. The most important thing after that is how enthusiastic and passionate you are – that’s what will make it a success. We do a lot of marketing: advertising in the local newspaper, word of mouth and posters in the library. We also SMS all the members two weeks before the meeting, so that they have it in their diaries. We offer free glucose
screening, free snacks and experts who speak about diabetes – we get it all sponsored. Everyone has to be on board for it to work well, it’s a team effort. What do you think is the biggest challenge of living with diabetes? You need to follow a very strict and disciplined lifestyle – taking your medication on time, eating a healthy diet and exercising often. Those are the three important points for diabetics, I think, and they’re not always easy to keep in balance. What advice do you have for diabetics who are struggling? It really helps to join a support group or at least speak to someone who is also diabetic. Meet up every month or two and just sit and chat about what it’s like to live with diabetes. It’s a different experience to speaking to a doctor – you can get support from someone who really understands. What makes your life sweet? If I can benefit someone else, I’m happy. If I can put a smile on someone’s face, that’s great. Visit Athlone Pharmacy at 29 Old Klipfontein Road, Athlone. (t): 021 697 1613.
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*smith&nephew offers a comprehensive range of woundcare dressings for: • Pressure Ulcers • Diabetic Foot Ulcers • Cuts & Grazes • Burn Wounds • Surgical Wounds • Leg/Foot Ulcers
Logon to: www.woundwise.co.za for more information.
Show your support!
National Diabetes Month is this November – what better time to get involved in the diabetes community? Here’s what you can look forward to. Great ways 5 steps to starting your to get involved: own support group:
Lifestyle
• Join Sweet Life’s Facebook page, Diabetic South Africans, and meet other people living with diabetes: www.facebook.com/ DiabeticSouthAfricans • Get informed by reading our community blog, commenting and asking your own questions: www. sweetlifemag.co.za/community • Check out Kids Powered by Insulin for parents of diabetic children: www.facebook.com/groups/ KidsPoweredbyInsulin • Join a local support group. • Speak about diabetes – and what it’s like to live with it every day – to your friends and family. Diabetes education starts at home.
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If you don’t have a support group in your area and you want to start one, here’s what to do: 1. Spread the word: tell everyone you know with diabetes, post on our Facebook page and blog, and put up notices in the community and the local newspaper. 2. Find a suitable space that you can hold the meetings (for free). 3. Find a diabetes educator or a clinic sister who can answer questions at each meeting. 4. Get some diabetic-friendly snacks and free Sweet Life magazines (just ask us to send magazines!) 5. Meet once a month to support each another.
And finally, educate others too... Sometimes getting involved is as easy as being honest about what life with diabetes is really like. 2013/10/07 10:32 AM
What:
Celebrate awareness this month by putting on your takkies and walking the diabetes walk!
How to get involved?
Choose to walk 5km or 10km, and don’t forget to wear blue.
Johannesburg:
Durban:
When: Saturday 2nd November Where: Walkhaven, Plot 77 Zwartkop Contact: Wendy 079 509 6426
Date: Saturday 17th November Venue: The Amphitheatre, Cape Town: Durban Beach Front Date: Saturday 30th November Contact: Pat 082 499 5222 Venue: Grassy Area opposite SABC, Beach Road, Green Point Pretoria: Port Elizabeth: Contact: Margot 021 425 4440 When: Saturday 9th November Date: Saturday 23rd November Where: Voortrekker Monument Venue: North End Lake Contact: Alan 083 574 0959 Contact: Martin 041 367 2810
Changing Diabetes Cycle Relay
Lifestyle
National Diabetes SA Walks
When: 7th - 9th November 2013 What:
Both rookie and professional cycle teams will ride the 1259km from Johannesburg to George in 48 hours. Yes, that’s right – 48 hours! This cycle race is all about helping diabetics. Local and international teams (including many people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes) are raising funds for diabetic children from disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape, to make sure they have reliable access to the diabetes medication they need.
How to get involved?
Follow the team on Twitter: @Cycle4Diabetes and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ChangingDiabetesZA Remember that an active lifestyle and a healthy diet can help manage diabetes or even prevent it from developing... Get on your bike!
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Need to know:
What are PMBs?
Special Feature
Did you know that if you have diabetes and you’re a member of a medical aid, they have to – by law – give you certain benefits for free? We explain all you need to know about PMBs. If you’re a Type 1 or a Type 2 diabetic and you belong to a medical aid, you have the right to certain health services, known as Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). There are about 300 medical conditions where PMBs apply, and 26 of those are chronic conditions like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Your health is important PMBs were introduced to the Medical Schemes Act to protect members. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how healthy you are, or which medical aid option you are on (yes – even hospital plan counts!) Your medical aid has to provide minimum healthcare if you have a chronic condition – at no extra cost. You shouldn’t have to pay extra (over and above your monthly medical aid contribution) for certain medical services for diabetes. Because the government has made this law, it is also impossible for medical aids to charge you more or force you to lose your medical aid cover because you have a serious medical condition. When you can (and can’t) use PMBs What does this mean? A medical aid must pay in full, without any copayment from you, for the diagnosis, treatment and care costs of the PMB condition (your diabetes).
The medical aid cannot use your medical savings account or day-today benefit to pay for PMBs. Remember, though, that PMBs are subject to pre-authorisation (you have to register for PMB with the medical aid first), protocols (specific treatment and medication guidelines), and making use of designated service providers (hospitals, pharmacies and doctors that they have chosen). So you can’t expect your medical aid to cover the costs of your diabetes care unless you play by their rules, and you may not be able to get the same doctors and medicine as you had before. Sometimes, members will not have cover for PMBs from their medical aid. This can happen if you join a medical aid for the first time (without switching from another medical aid) or if you join a new medical aid more than 90 days after leaving the previous one. If this is the case, there is a waiting period, during which you won’t have access to the PMBs for any pre-existing condition for 12 months. Diabetes treatment and PMBs The treatment of diabetes focuses on the control of blood sugar levels. Treatment involves all aspects of your lifestyle, especially nutrition
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of other risk factors, like blood pressure and high cholesterol, is also very important.
Covered PMB treatments Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes qualify as PMBs and must be treated according to PMB regulations for diagnosis, medical management and medication. You can ask your medical aid about the following treatments that should be covered:
• Visits to your doctor (GP or specialist – if authorised). • Dietary and disease education. • Annual eye exam for retinopathy.
• Annual comprehensive foot exam. • Blood tests every 3 to 6 months. • Disease identification card or disc. • Home blood sugar testing.
How to get your Prescribed Minimum Benefits: Step
1
Register • Phone your medical aid and tell them you want pre-authorisation for diabetes PMBs. • They will ask for a code that your doctor will be able to give you. It is very important that you have the right ICD-10 code – this gives the right information about your condition and helps the medical aid to know what benefits you are allowed. ICD-10 code A PMB condition can only be identified by the correct ICD-10 codes. If you give the wrong ICD-10 code, your PMB services might be paid from the wrong benefit (like your medical savings account), or it might not be paid at all if your day-to-day or hospital benefit limits have run out.
Step
2
Special Feature
and exercise, but most people with diabetes also use medicine (usually insulin) at some point. Treatment
Your service will be pre-authorised After you have registered your chronic condition for PMBs, your benefits will be authorised and you can ask for your PMB schedule, which tells you exactly what you get for free.
This article was reviewed by: Alain Peddle, Head of Research and Development at Discovery Health Herman van Zyl, Principal financial advisor, HVZ Financial Consultants Rossouw van Zyl, Brokers, t/a Medinet, Authorised Financial Service Provider Michael A.J. Brown, Accredited Diabetes Educator, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Houghton
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Special Feature
The A to Z of PMBs Chronic Disease List (CDL)
A list of the 26 conditions (including diabetes) that qualify for PMBs.
Chronic Medicine
Medicine used for the long-term treatment (three months or longer) of a chronic condition. The chronic medicine must be used to prevent or treat a serious medical condition, to sustain life and to delay the progress of a disease. It must also be the accepted treatment according to treatment guidelines (protocols).
Co-payments The difference between the cover provided by the medical aid and the cost of the medical service – payable directly to the service provider.
Designated Service Provider (DSP)
Doctors and other health care providers who have been chosen to “provide its members diagnosis, treatment and care” for PMB conditions.
Emergency Medical Condition A medical condition that
needs immediate medical or surgical treatment.
Formulary
An official list of the medication that can be prescribed for the treatment of the 26 conditions on the Chronic Diseases List (CDL).
ICD-10 Codes
An international clinical code that describes a disease diagnosis. If you want to qualify for PMBs, you must be sure your doctor puts the correct ICD-10 code on all your forms.
PMB Medicine
Medicine for the treatment of the 26 conditions on the Chronic Diseases List (CDL) qualifies for PMBs, as long as you provide all the necessary information. This can be anything
from a diagnosis by a specialist to results of certain tests – your medical aid will tell you what you need.
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)
The minimum benefits that must be provided to all medical aid members. These include diagnosis, treatment and care costs for a number of conditions, including diabetes.
Protocols (Treatment Guidelines)
There is a minimum standard treatment for each PMB condition. Medical aids use these guidelines to come up with protocols (treatment guidelines) and formularies (lists of approved medication) to manage PMBs.
Want to find out more? Go to www.sweetlifemag.co.za/community for more information on the approved medication for chronic conditions.
20 16
SLM08_Special_Feature.indd 3
2013/10/06 11:00 PM
Your partner in Comprehensive Diabetes Care and Advice Clicks Clinics provide a range of diabetes services to help you stay healthy: • Glucose screening and monitoring • Foot Screening to check for foot problems • Blood Pressure & Body Mass Index screening • Collection of blood samples for HbA1C tests
PLUS
download our FREE Diabetes meal plan by visiting www.clicks.co.za/sweetlife
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Our Clinic Sister offers great advice on healthy lifestyle habits to help you manage your diabetes.
What is diabetes 1 • • • • • •
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or effectively use insulin. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin at all. 3 In people with type 2 diabetes, the body develops resistance to the effects of insulin. 3 Insulin allows glucose from food to enter the body’s cells where it is converted into energy needed by muscles and tissues to function.1 A person with diabetes does not absorb glucose properly and it stays circulating in the blood (hyperglycaemia) damaging tissues over time.1 High blood glucose levels can disrupt normal cell processes and can cause cell damage or oxidative stress and development and progression of diabetes and its complications. 2
Complications of diabetes 1,3 • • •
People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing a number of serious health problems.1 Over time, consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to diseases affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and have a higher risk of developing infections.1 Poor blood supply to the skin can lead to ulcers and makes healing injuries slow.3 Damage to the nerves of the skin makes repeated injuries more likely as loss of feeling can allow injuries to go unnoticed leading to serious infections, diabetic foot and amputations.1
Available at your nearest pharmacy.
Diabion - specifically formulated for diabetics
Diabion_NOV_Ad.indd 1
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Diabetic Foot 1 • • • • •
•
People with diabetes may develop a number of different foot problems as a result of nerve and blood vessel damage. These can easily lead to infections and ulcers which lead to an increased risk of amputation. People with diabetes carry a risk of amputation that may be 25 times greater than people without diabetes.1 However, with comprehensive management, a large portion of amputations related to diabetes can be prevented.1 People with diabetes must regularly examine their feet,1 be aware of how to avoid complications such as checking their skin for ulcerations, take special care to avoid foot infections and can benefit from their toenails cut by a podiatrist.3 A study demonstrated that a formulation with vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties had a positive effect on long-term diabetic complications.4
Diabion and how it helps diabetes Diabion is specially formulated for people with diabetes and therefore contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E; trace elements like zinc, selenium and chromium and co-factors like folic acid,vitamins B1, B6 and B12 to combat oxidative stress, assists in preventing long-term diabetic complications and improve qualities of life.
Take one capsule in the morning after breakfast References: 1. International Diabetes Foundation. What is Diabetes. Accessed 10 September 2013. Available from: http://idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/ what-is-diabetes. 2. Johansen JS, Harris AK, et al. Oxidative stress and the use of antioxidants in diabetes: Linking basic science to clinical practice. Cardiovascular Diabetology 2005;4:5. doi:10.1136/1475-2840-4-5. 3. Berkow R, Beers MH, et al. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Home Edition. Published by Merck Research Laboratories, N.J, USA. 1997;Chapter 147:717-721. 4. Olivares-Couchi IM, Medina-Santillan R, et al. Increase in human plasma antioxidant capacity with a novel formulation of antioxidant. prac West Pharmacol Soc 2003;46:45-47. Merck (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No.1970/004059/07. 1 Friesland Drive, Longmeadow Business Estate South, Modderfontein, 1645. Tel. (011) 372-5000, Fax. (011) 372-5252. DB.09.13.004
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Ask the expert: Sarah Hall, Biokineticist
Work It Out
Exercise made easy Who said getting fit has to be a big project? With these five 20-minute workouts, you’ll be on your way to getting active in minutes!
Let’s be honest: most of us have a lot of things on our To Do Lists, and exercising is not the one we want to do most! Our busy lifestyles often get in the way of our health, but how hard is it, really, to get active? Exercising can be easier than you think – there’s no need to run marathons or spend hours at the gym. In fact, a recent study* showed that just twenty minutes of daily exercise is enough to lose weight and control your diabetes better. Here are five simple ways to get active that only take twenty minutes to complete. We all have twenty minutes every day… Why not use them to feel great?
Before (or after!) work It might be a part of everyday life, but walking is also a great way to exercise. Taking a walk is a simple and relaxing way to get your heart rate up. Beaches, rivers, forests and parks all make for a refreshing twentyminute walk, but a quick stroll through your neighbourhood can be just as enjoyable. Choose a time for your daily walk – twenty minutes before work, for example – and try to do it each day. Walk quickly and keep things interesting by changing where you walk from time to time. Join up with a few friends and it will make your walk even more fun. The expert: “It’s important to practise correct posture when you walk. Follow these tips: walk tall; imagine a piece of string pulling you from the top of your head, lengthening your spine; and use your arms so that you have more power.”
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At home We all make excuses to stay inside: it might be raining, you might have a lot of chores to do, or the TV might be calling your name. Don’t let this stop you from getting your twenty minutes of exercise – you can easily transform your household routines into a workout. When you’re talking on the phone, pace around the house or climb up and down stairs, rather than sitting down. What about your chores? Sweeping, mopping, scrubbing and washing can give you a great workout and a clean house at the same time. Feel like watching your favourite TV show? No problem – use this time to jog lightly on the spot, whilst gently punching your arms in front of you like you’re boxing. Just be sure to pull the curtains so your neighbours don’t think you’re crazy! The expert: “Treat this just like any other exercise session. Start with the easy tasks first, then stretch. Follow this with tasks that get your heart rate up, and then end with the chores that involve lifting things. Remember: if you are treating it as a workout, don’t forget to cool down and stretch at the end.”
On the weekend
How does exercise help diabetes? Exercise is recommended for most people, but an active lifestyle is especially helpful for diabetics. Why? Exercise can: - Help your body to use insulin better. - Prevent cardiovascular (heart) disease and other diabetesrelated complications. - Reduce stress and anxiety, which makes it easier to manage your condition. - Improve your blood sugar control.
If you’re looking for a simple way to exercise and have fun at the same time, dancing might be the answer. And what better time to dance than on the weekend? Listen to your favourite music, focus on letting loose and try to enjoy yourself – before you know it you’ll have worked up a sweat. If you know any ballroom steps, ask a partner to join you for twenty minutes – fast-paced dances like the swing, salsa or tango are all great for increasing your heart rate. If you don’t know any dance moves, make up your own! Nobody’s watching… The expert: “Dancing can be a great way
to challenge your balance and a useful way to become aware of any imbalances between the left and right side of the body.” 25
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On your way to work
Work It Out
Most people sit in a taxi, bus or car to get to work. Believe it or not, getting to work can be a great way to get some exercise! If you live close to your workplace, choose to walk, jog or cycle instead. If your home is too far away, get out of the taxi a few stops early, or park further away than usual. Using your morning commute to exercise can help you save time, and also make you feel refreshed for the day ahead. Choosing to walk home (or part of the way home) after work can help to burn away the day’s stress and clear your mind. The expert: “Buy a pedometer and track how many steps you take and the time it takes you to get from home to work. This is a great way to figure out how active you are during the day, and to encourage you to work on beating your own time and setting your own goals.”
In the office Quiet times at work are ideal for a quick workout: you can do an easy muscletoning routine while sitting at your desk. Start by tightening your three main muscle groups, one at a time (legs, stomach and arms). Begin with a deep breath and clench your legs for five seconds; then take a breather for ten seconds before tightening up your stomach muscles for five seconds. Take another breather, and finish by clenching your arms and chest, which you tighten by pressing your palms together as if you’re praying. Repeat this routine until twenty minutes are up for a quick and easy muscle workout... The expert: “Add a few arm and neck stretches as well! Hold your drawer, roll your shoulders back and down, and lengthen your spine while you sit.”
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Party ! d o o f
The festive season is just around the corner, which means lots of lazy lunches, delicious dinners and shared meals with friends and family. Here are some great recipes to cook for your next bring and share – so tasty that nobody will know they’re diabetic-friendly… FOOD EDITOR: CAROLINE GARDNER PHOTOS: MARK PEDDLE
Top tip:
Substitute chicken for the beef for an even leaner meal!
Inspired by you
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Look out for healthy tips from Pick n Pay’s dietician, Teresa Harris, to make these dishes even better for you! 29
2013/10/07 1:41 AM
Budget serves: 10 average cost:
R25
Quiche cups energy
protein
fat
carb
fibre
sodium
430kJ
7g
6g
6g
1g
80mg
1t oil 2 onions, finely chopped 4 cups spinach, finely chopped Salt and pepper 8 large eggs ¹/³ cup low-fat milk
per portion
breakfast
¼cup grated cheddar 1T dried Italian herbs 1 garlic clove, crushed 4 tomatoes, diced Juice of 1 lemon
method:
Heat a nonstick pan, add oil and gently fry 1 onion until soft. Stir through spinach and cook for a few minutes. Season and set aside. Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a muffin tray. Drain spinach of excess liquid. Whisk eggs and milk together. Stir through spinach and cheese. Fill muffin cups with egg mixture and bake until the egg mixture puffs, about 15 mins. Fry remaining onion, dried herbs, garlic, tomatoes and lemon juice over a low heat until soft. Mash with a fork and continue to cook into a thickened sauce. Loosen quiche cups and place on a serving platter or large plate. Serve topped with tomato relish.
Top tip:
Research has shown that a wholesome breakfast can help with weight loss – it makes you less hungry later in the day, which means you can resist constant snacking.
Inspired by you
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
30 24
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Vegetable rosti protein
fat
carb
fibre
sodium
488kJ
7g
7g
6g
2g
103mg
1 onion, finely chopped 1 small brinjal, grated 3-4 baby marrows, grated 2T flour 1 egg, beaten 2T canola oil
per portion
energy
Salt and milled pepper 4 large eggs ½ cup fat-free plain smooth cottage cheese ¹/³ cup basil, torn
Foodie serves: 8 average cost:
R34
method:
Mix together vegetables, flour, beaten egg, salt and pepper. Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan. Divide mixture into 8 and fry each rosti until crisp and cooked through. Set aside. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil over high heat and boil for 3-4 minutes for a soft-boiled egg. Peel eggs under cold running water (much easier to remove the shells!) Mix cottage cheese and basil together. Serve rostis on a platter topped with half an egg and a spoonful of cottage cheese.
Top tip:
To reduce fat, place the fried rostis on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil before serving. 1–2 eggs a day can form part of a balanced diet, boiled or poached is best. 25 31
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lunch
method:
Peri Peri chicken livers with cauliflower mash protein
fat
carb
fibre
sodium
757kJ
15g
6g 16g
4g
292mg
1 head cauliflower, broken into pieces 1 cup low-fat milk 1 cup chicken stock 1 clove garlic, crushed 1t oil 1 large onion, sliced 3 carrots, grated 2 cloves garlic, chopped
per portion
energy
Juice of 1 lemon 1-2 red chilli, chopped 2 tomatoes 1 can tomato onion mix 1 handful parsley, chopped 1T oil 2T flour 500g chicken livers
Simmer cauliflower in liquid and garlic until tender. Drain liquid and set aside. Mash cauliflower with potato masher and add liquid if necessary. Season with a little salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and fry onions and carrots until soft and cooked through. Add garlic, lemon and chilli and fry for a few minutes. Stir in tomatoes and tomato onion mix and simmer into a thickened sauce. Add parsley. Clean livers and dust with flour. Fry quickly in a hot pan: spread them out so that they brown nicely. Add sauce and simmer for an extra minute. Serve chicken livers with cauliflower mash and salad.
Budget serves: 8 average cost:
R50
Top tip:
Liver is rich in easily absorbed iron – great for those who suffer from low iron levels.
Inspired by you
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
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Dipping platter protein
fat
carb
fibre
sodium
997kJ
18g
7g 17g
5g
263mg
per portion
energy
Baby marrow hummus 1t olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2t ground cumin Milled pepper 1 chilli, finely chopped 4 baby marrows, grated ½ can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and mashed 1 tub fat-free plain smooth cottage cheese
Garlicky tzatziki ½ cucumber, grated and drained 1 cup low-fat plain yoghurt 2 garlic cloves, crushed ¼ cup chopped mint Milled pepper Juice of ½ lemon
method:
Mix all the ingredients together and spoon into a bowl.
method:
Heat oil in a nonstick pan and gently fry onion, cumin, pepper, chilli and baby marrows until soft. Set aside to cool. Mix chickpeas and cottage cheese into the baby marrow mix, and spoon into a bowl.
Foodie serves: 8 average cost:
R89
Spicy yoghurt guacamole 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced ¹/³ cup low-fat plain yoghurt 1 chilli, finely chopped Juice of ½ lemon
method:
Mash all the ingredients together and spoon into a bowl.
Top tip: A fabulous, low-fat dipping platter with all kinds of foods that are rich in fibre and other healthy nutrients. 27 33
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dinner
Stuffed bolognaise veg protein
667kJ
14g
fat
carb
fibre
sodium
6 g 11g
4g
204mg
2 whole tomatoes 2 green peppers 2 small brinjal 1t oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, grated 1 celery stick, finely chopped Milled pepper and a sprinkle of salt 1T dried mixed herbs 400g lean beef mince 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 can tomato onion mix 3T beef stock plus 2T water (diluted stock) ½ cup grated cheese
Budget serves: 8 average cost:
R55 Inspired by you
per portion
energy
method:
Cut a lid off the top of each tomato and pepper. Halve the brinjals and scoop out the centre. Set aside with the centre of each tomato. Heat oil in a pot and gently fry onion, carrots, celery, brinjal, tomatoes, pepper and herbs until soft. Add mince and garlic and fry until browned. Stir through tomato onion mix and stock, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until cooked. Preheat oven to 180°C. Spoon bolognaise into the hollowed out tomatoes, brinjals and peppers and place on a baking tray. Top with grated cheese and bake brinjals and peppers for 30 mins, tomatoes for 15 mins.
Top tip:
This recipe is full of nutrients and it’s low GI! Freeze leftover bolognaise for a quick dinner or tasty lunch.
Health hotline
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
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Beef satay with roasted chickpeas protein
1143kJ
23g
fat
carb
fibre
sodium
16g 11g
3g
259mg
per portion
energy
1 can chickpeas, drained, washed and dried 1T oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 2t each ground cumin and coriander 600g minute steak, sliced into strips 1 garlic clove, crushed 1T chopped thyme 1T olive oil 1 chilli, finely chopped Juice of ½ lemon Milled pepper Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes (to prevent burning) ½ cucumber, grated and drained 2 carrots, grated ¹/³ cup coriander, chopped Peanut sauce: ¹/³ cup smooth unsweetened peanut butter 2T low-sodium soy sauce 1-2 chilli, chopped finely Squeeze of 1 lemon ¹/³ cup warm milk Lettuce cups
Top tip:
Remember to limit red meat to no more than 500g a week, so that you aren’t eating too many saturated fats.
method:
Preheat oven to 180°C. Toss chickpeas, oil, garlic and spices together. Spread out on a baking tray and bake for 20 mins or until crispy. Whisk garlic, thyme, olive oil, chilli and lemon juice together in a bowl and season with pepper. Add steak strips and toss to combine. Thread beef on to bamboo skewers and set aside. Mix cucumber, carrots and coriander together with a squeeze of lemon, and spoon into a bowl. Heat a griddle pan until searing hot and cook satays on both sides. Blend peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli, lemon juice and milk together and drizzle over satay. Serve satay in lettuce cups with grated vegetable mix.
Foodie serves: 8 average cost:
R75
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dessert Festive fruit protein
838kJ
6g
fat
carb
10g 32g
fibre
5g 73mg
5T cocoa powder 2T castor sugar 3T milk ½ cup plain low-fat yoghurt 1 packet peanuts 3T desiccated coconut 1 pinch dried chilli flakes 1T castor sugar 2-3 apples, chopped into wedges 1 papaya, cut into chunks Handful of strawberries
Dessert serves: 8 average cost:
R34
sodium
per portion
energy
method:
Gently heat cocoa, castor sugar and milk. Take off the heat and add yoghurt. Heat a nonstick pan and toast peanuts, coconut and chilli until golden. Stir through castor sugar, then stir quickly to combine and place on greaseproof paper to cool. Bash with a pestle and mortar to combine flavour. Serve fruit on toothpicks with chocolate dip and coconut chilli peanuts. Yum!
Top tip:
This recipe has sugar, but a small amount of sugar shouldn’t be an issue for diabetics. A sensible serving size with a healthy, high fibre meal shouldn’t affect your blood sugar control.
Health hotline
Inspired by you
0800 11 22 88 healthhotline@pnp.co.za
36 28
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Inspired by you
Pick n Pay dietician Teresa Harris shares some of her favourite products healthy options that are delicious too!
PnP Fat Free PnP Olive PnP Chicken PnP Low Cottage Oil Livers Fat Milk Cheese When choosing When you Studies sug-
PnP Tomato and Onion Mix
An ideal healthy substitute for cream cheese. This is much lower in fat and just as tasty and creamy!
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
fats, your best options are unsaturated fats - like olive oil - that can lower your risk of heart disease.
choose protein and iron rich livers, remember to limit egg yolks and full cream dairy to keep cholesterol in check.
gest that dairy may play an important role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome, including diabetes.
Good Food
Healthy choices
Did you know? You can contact the Pick n Pay dietician at healthhotline@pnp.co.za or visit the Pick n Pay website Health Corner (pnp.co.za/healthcorner). Here you'll find all sorts of cooking tips, fabulous information on how to eat healthily, and specific dietary guidelines on conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Meal planning tips || Eat healthier || Healthy cooking || Your special diet || Eat well for your age || Manage your weight - all on Health Corner. 28
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Try our delicious range of diabetic-friendly treats - everything from sweets to jellies, biscuits, jams, desserts and more. If you thought you couldn’t indulge in a sweet treat any more, think again! Delite Foods has all kinds of yummy goodies that are not only suitable for diabetics, but anyone who has a weight or heart problem... Or just wants a healthier lifestyle. Take a look at the full range and shop online at: www.delitefoods.co.za These goodies are also available at most major retailers, most of the time.
win
3 x R150 hampers of Delite Foods.
Enter now at: www.sweetlifemag.co.za/win
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2013/10/04 1:02 AM
Looking for a holiday project to try on your own? Add a touch of sparkle with these festive place names... These mini Christmas trees are the perfect way to decorate your festive table this season – and tell everyone where to sit!
What you need: What to do: • Plastic cups (one per person) • Double-sided tape • Craft glue • Glitter glue • Green paint • Plastic gems / sparkles • White and gold paper or old wrapping paper • Scissors • A pen / marker
Kids
Oh, Christmas tree!
• Paint some of your cups green (some can be white) and leave them to dry for about 10 mins. • Using the glitter glue, decorate the trees to look like tinsel around a real Christmas tree. • Stick on plastic gems or sparkles as ornaments. • Cut out different-sized stars from the wrapping paper. • Write each guest’s name on a star, and tape them to the top of the trees. • Place the Christmas trees at each place setting. Ta da!
Peach and pineapple smoothie If you thought smoothies weren’t allowed, think again! As long as you use low-GI tinned fruit, these smoothies can form part of a delicious breakfast. 1 x banana 1 x 410g Rhodes Peach Slices in Fruit Juice, drained (keep the juice) 1 x 425g Rhodes Pineapple Pieces in Fruit Juice, drained (keep the juice) ¼ cup plain low-fat yoghurt 2 handfuls of ice
method:
Place the banana and the fruit into a blender. Add the yoghurt, half the ice and mix well. Add the remaining ice and blend till smooth, thinning the smoothie with a little fruit juice if needed.
How to resist treats? Go to www.sweetlifemag.co.za/community 39
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Just Diagnosed
Always have your medication handy. No matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Diabetic diet: there is no specific ‘diabetic diet’, but all diabetics should eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, plenty of wholegrains, lean proteins, and as little sugar and refined / fried / fatty / junk food as possible. Everything in moderation!
Blood sugar (or blood glucose): aim for balance – not too low (hypoglycemia), not too high (hyperglycemia). The golden number for blood sugar readings is 7.0.
Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman has high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Like Type 2 diabetes, it can often be controlled with diet and exercise.
Juice is a great pick-me-up for a low. Try to carry a small juice box or some sweets on you at all times, just in case. Ketones are acids that build up in the blood and urine when your body doesn’t have enough insulin. They can lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis and from there to diabetic coma. If you’re in good control, you don’t have to worry about ketones.
Carbohydrate counting lets people with diabetes eat a varied diet. Each carbohydrate (which includes dairy and fruit as well as starch and sugars) has a specific value that can be counted to determine how much insulin to take. Exercise every day, for at least half an hour. It doesn’t have to be difficult – just a walk around the block will do. Family history plays a big role in diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Your genes determine whether or not you are at risk for diabetes. HbA1c tests are important to have, every 3 to 6 months. They give you one number for the past 3 months that will tell you how good (on average) your blood sugar control has been. Insulin needs to be kept cool – keep spares in the fridge. Insulin can last for 30 days at room temperature, but any longer than that is not ideal.
Lifestyle plays a big role in Type 2 diabetes. Changing the way you eat, how you exercise and your daily stress levels can make a big difference to how well you feel every day.
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Meal plans are very helpful when you are first diagnosed because they give you an idea of how you should be eating. Ask your dietician for a meal plan, or simply use the recipes in this magazine.
Never allow yourself to feel like a patient. You’re going to be diabetic for the rest of your life – but if you look after yourself, it will be a long and happy life. Positive attitude: you’ll feel better if you have a positive attitude towards diabetes. Getting depressed or angry won’t make it go away.
Quitting is not an option with a chronic condition. Just take it one day at a time, have a support group, and give yourself credit for trying.
Unless you take control of your diabetes, it will take control of you. Don’t let it become the defining point of your life.
Regular checkups with your doctor are a must. You can’t afford to ignore any kind of illness, wound or infection.
Vegetables are a diabetic’s best friend. Make sure you eat fresh veggies and some fruit, every single day. Wholegrains should be a big part of your diet. They’ll keep you and your heart healthy.
Obvious symptoms of diabetes include: constant thirst, needing to urinate all the time, constant hunger, extreme tiredness and blurry vision.
An A to Z of all you need to know if you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes:
Support is so important for people with diabetes. Make sure you have a team of people who can help you deal with the condition, and join a support group or the Sweet Life community so that you’re not alone. Types of diabetes: Type 1, usually diagnosed in young people and treated with insulin injections immediately; Type 2, known as a lifestyle disease because those at risk are often overweight and don’t eat a healthy diet; and gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnancy. eXtra care should be taken any time you feel unwell. Don’t push yourself if you don’t feel 100%.
You are the most important part of your diabetes care programme. Treat yourself well!
Zzzz… Make sure you get enough sleep. 41
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Last Word “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Eleanor Roosevelt
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Novo Nordisk Sweet Life Magazine:Layout 1 2013/06/25 10:15 AM Page 1
Today, 371 million people have diabetes. By 2030, this could rise to more than 550 million. Across the world a lack of diabetes awareness, unhealthy lifestyles or inadequate access to healthcare mean that millions of people continue to lose their sight, require amputations or die prematurely because of diabetes-related complications. For 90 years, Novo Nordisk has been defined by moments that have led to fundamental improvements in the lives of people affected by diabetes, haemophilia and other serious chronic conditions. Today, the company has thousands of employees all over the world with the passion, the skills and the commitment to create more defining moments. What will your defining moment be? As the diabetes pandemic continues, the world needs more defining moments. Discover more about our 90 year history of changing diabetes at novonordisk.com or visit our Facebook page on Facebook.com/ChangingDiabetesZA.