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diabetic-related stories

Diet Don'ts for Men, Appetite-Suppressant Foods and Diabetes Meal Planner - Links We Love

Diet & Weight Loss, Alternative & Green Health

We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

Guys, let's get this straight once and for all, it's time to stop overeating healthy foods -- and that's just one diet "don't" you're probably doing.

Why do we keep on letting ourselves fill up on empty calories? AOL Health's done the digging -- let's do the eating. Try these nine appetite-suppressant foods.

Whether you're counting calories, or just trying to maintain a healthy weight, you'll find nearly a month's worth of tasty menus in AOL Health's diabetes-friendly cooking guide.

Beauty Diet, Dining Out With Diabetes and How to Exercise for Better Sleep - Links We Love

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Alternative & Green Health

We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

Many of the foods that are good for your waist are also good for your body, looks and brain. Check out how to maximize these healthy foods from AOL Health's "Beauty Diet."

Dining out when you have diabetes doesn't have to be a disaster. Our restaurant guide will help you make smart food choices -- without sacrificing fun social eating.

Learn what moves to do -- and when to do them -- to get a better night's sleep in this photo slideshow of falling asleep tricks that actually work!

Weight loss a family affair for Queen Latifah

Celebs & Entertainment

Amidst the promotion fury surrounding her latest movie, The Secret Life of Bees (can't wait to see that that one!), Queen Latifah was recently on Oprah talking about not only the movie but her phenomenal weight loss over the last few months.

However, on the show, she revealed that she didn't do it alone -- her mother has since lost 20 lbs and her aunt has trimmed down by 36 lbs! Wow -- way to go Latifah family (or whatever they are called ... ? ). Apparently the whole family got in on the healthy changes, and rightly so, as many members of her family are borderline diabetic.

Take some advice from the Queen -- embarking on a diet and fitness plan with a friend or family member is a great way to ensure you stay motivated and stick to the plan.

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Losing weight after diabetes diagnosis has lasting benefits

Diet & Weight Loss

Recent research shows that people who are newly diagnosed with type II diabetes can gain better control over their health if they lose weight. While that isn't terribly surprising, what is surprising is that the benefits seem to last even if the patient gains back some of the weight. Losing some excess pounds helps people with type II diabetes better control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

In the study, more than 2,000 people recently diagnosed with type II diabetes were followed for four years. 12% of those patients lost a mean of 25 pounds. Other groups either gained weight or their weight remained stable. Within 36 months almost all of the patients who had lost weight had regained it. Surprisingly, those patients continued to have better blood sugar and blood pressure control at the end of the four-year study -- even though their weight had been regained.

Obviously, this isn't an argument for losing and regaining weight. Researchers don't know how long the benefits would last after the four-year mark. The best bet for people with type II diabetes (or anyone for that matter) is to lose their excess weight and keep it off for good.

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Broccoli may undo diabetes damage

Nutrition & Supplements

broccoliChris recently put broccoli on his list of death-defying foods for its preventative benefits against certain forms of cancer. But the benefits of broccoli don't stop there. Recent research from the UK shows that a compound found in broccoli may reverse heart blood vessel damage caused by diabetes.

The compound sulforaphane, found in broccoli, boosts the production of enzymes that protect blood vessels. In addition, it reduces certain molecules that can do cell damage.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to damaged blood vessels. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, are beneficial to heart health.

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Headed for the Outback? Try this

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements

I have fond memories of the Outback Steakhouse. Years ago, my hubby and I would dine there every Friday night. This was before kids, before budgets, before our bodies began to bulge. We don't eat out so often anymore. And we typically stray from the place where cheese fries tempt our taste buds.

We're going to the Outback tonight. It just so happens to be a Friday night. It won't be quite the same as all those years ago, though. We'll have two little boys with us, and not so much money to spare, and we'll definitely be watching what we eat. Nope, not quite the same. It'll be better.

We love that we get to tow our guys with us to dinner. At ages seven and almost-five, Joey and Danny are pretty well-behaved dinner companions. The budget? I like it. It makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something great, saving money for our future. And the eating part? I no longer crave the junk I once ate and so I'm looking forward to a healthy Outback meal. They have those, you know?

I've already checked out the Outback's Healthy Weight Loss menu -- I'm not trying to lose any weight at the moment but I figure these options will serve me well -- and I think I'm going to order the salmon, without butter and seasoning. I'll get the house salad without cheese and croutons and with tangy tomato dressing -- it has no fat -- on the side. I"ll have veggies too, minus the butter. Have you ever eaten Outback veggies? They're yummy -- and soaked in butter. I hope they're still good without.

The Outback offers other healthy menu versions. There's the gluten-free menu, the heart healthy menu, the diabetic menu, and the high protein/low carbohydrate menu. When you're in the market for a dinner out, check these out. And tell us what you'd order.

Want to know what you should not eat while dining out? AOL Body has the dirt on the 20 worst restaurant foods.

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Once-a-day insulin shot proves effective

Diet & Weight Loss

Researchers have found that, in patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin treatment, a new formulation that only has to be injected once daily controls blood sugar as well as the more typical three-shots-a-day formula. Not surprisingly, patients in the study were more satisfied with the once-a-day formula. (Seriously... who would want three shots each day if they could have only one?) There was no added benefit in insulin control, however.

For many patients with type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugar with diet, exercise, and oral medications. But for those that require insulin treatments a once-a-day treatment could be a welcome change.

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Put some honey on that burn

Healthy Habits, HealthWatch, Diet & Weight Loss, Alternative & Green Health

I remember a while back coming across research related to honey's efficacy in treating diabetic foot ulcers. The study, as best as I can recall, pointed to the powerful healing properties of honey and its ability to reduce the chance of infection. Not surprisingly, more recent studies on honey revealed additional healing properties, this time related to burned skin.

After analyzing fifteen separate studies, researchers from New Zealand found that burned skin covered with antibiotic ointment healed much more slowly than burned skin coated with honey. Honey not only soothes the pain of burned skin, but it also reduces inflammation and prevents further infection.

Being that the burned skin covered with honey healed about four days faster than burned skin covered in antibiotic creams, bringing a small jar with you on that sunny vacation your planning may not be a bad idea.

Diabetics urged to examine their own feet

Diet & Weight Loss

As many diabetics may know, they are prone to foot problems that can develop into serious enough situations that require limb amputation.

It's always wise to treat your feet like gold, since for all of us, motion is, well, kind of a requirement for any kind of daily living. For diabetics, extra-special care should be taken.

But, for those diabetics that do not know about keeping your feet in good shape, below are some tips to ensure your feet stay where they are.
  • Thoroughly wash your feet each day in warm -- not hot -- water. Make sure you dry them completely after washing.
  • Inspect your feet every day, looking for blisters, calluses, cuts, sores or any signs of redness.
  • For dry skin, apply lotion -- but never between the toes.
  • Gently file down corns and calluses with a pumice stone after washing your feet.
  • Cut your toenails regularly, and file the edges with an emery board.
  • Avoid walking barefoot, make sure shoes fit well, and always wear socks or stockings with shoes.

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How to feel your best as you age

Healthy Aging, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

One hundred years ago, only 3 million people in this country were aged 65 or older. Today, more than 36 million Americans are in this age group, and that number is expected to grow during the next 25 years to over 70 million as baby boomers age.

Regular physical activity, keeping the mind busy, and a healthy diet are key to healthy aging and physical independence. Not only does it keep the body strong, but keeping the body moving protects and improves your emotional and cognitive health and people who mentally challenge themselves, and stay connected with loved ones are less likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, short-term memory loss, and illness in general. Maintaining a healthy diet keeps the body and mind sharper. Avoid high sodium, sugar, and high fat diets. Stay away from smoking or heavy alcohol use.

Regular walking and aerobic exercise is proven to help manage depression, anxiety, and stress and maintains balance, strength, and flexibility, which are key to preventing injuries and falls. Challenging your intellect on a daily basis by reading, learning a new musical instrument or language, doing crossword puzzles, or playing games of strategy or cards with others will keep the brain active and developing and less likely to lose its power and memory. Eating healthy will maintain your weight, as well as keep a handle on developing diabetic, heart, or colon problems.

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One in five Americans don't know they have diabetes

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

To me this is a scary bit of news: one in five Americans is either at risk for developing diabetes or is unaware that they already have the disease. One in five? That's a high number!

The biggest risk factors for diabetes include being overweight, sedentary, older than 45, and having a family history of the disease. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, blurred vision, and excessive thirst -- although doctors warn that many people live without obvious symptoms until they develop more serious (and noticeable) complications like heart disease and nerve damage.

To help make sure you're not one of the 20% left in the dark, make sure you visit your doctor regularly to get screened as often as recommended -- and be sure to bring any strange symptoms or feelings to his/her attention right away. If you do have diabetes the sooner you know it the better.

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