LIVING WITH DIABETES
Finding the Right Foods

Diabetes educator April Popejoy teaches patients with diabetes about good eating habits at one of the Diabetes Education classes at St. Mary.

In the Diabetes Education Center at St. Mary Medical Center, patients learn how to get the most out of that disciplined workout. They also learn how to gain the upper hand over food cravings and old habits.

Knowing your way around the grocery store is a great way to monitor diet, especially for those with diabetes.

"The majority of your shopping time should be spent around the outside aisles," says April Popejoy, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at St. Mary.

What's located in the outside aisles? The dairy products, fresh meats and fruits and vegetables, which when eaten in the right portions, will help control diabetes.

"The amount of the different foods a person eats is the key to managing diabetes," Popejoy says.

Each person needs certain amounts of fiber, protein and fat. Of course, the kicker is to keep carbohydrates in moderation. All carbohydrates turn into sugar in the body; this sugar hits the blood sugar levels quickly, which is why managing diabetes is largely a matter of managing carbohydrates.

MORE COLOR, MORE GOODIES
While keeping carbs in moderation is important, it's not the sole answer to a healthy diet. Doctors recommend people eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. To get the most out of your fruits and vegetables, focus on their color.

"You want to look for things with a lot of bright colors," Popejoy says. "More color, more goodies."

For example, dark green romaine lettuce has more nutrients than iceberg lettuce. Bright-colored fruits and vegetables are also rich in antioxidants. These are real "goodies" for the body.

"Antioxidants are like little warriors in our food," Popejoy notes. "There are a lot of things they fight off."

A WOMAN'S PALM
At the butcher's counter, shoppers should estimate their meat intake based on the size of a woman's palm. This means three to four ounces of meat per meal. Try to stick with poultry and fish and only eat beef and pork three times a week – or less.

"You don't have to be a vegetarian to have a healthy diet," Popejoy says. "But you do need to limit the amount of animal fat you consume."

RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
St. Mary Medical Center's Diabetes Education Center has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education. It is the only diabetes education program in the High Desert recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognizes those programs that offer high-quality education services to patients. The recognition shows that the program has met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. These programs must have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide up-to-date information about diabetes management for participants.

Self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. This can prevent unnecessary hospital visits as well as some acute and chronic complications of diabetes.

To learn more about healthy eating choices, call the Diabetes Education Center at St. Mary at 946-8170.