Wisconsin Lady's Webworld

On this page I will try to bring you the latest information on diabetes, as well as recipes, and self-help hints. The information I share with my visitors will come from my own experiences.

I first found out I was Type 2 diabetic when I had to have some blood work done. The doctor prescribed a diet and exercise regimen. This didn't seem to give me the control I needed, and am now on an oral medication. I must do glucose monitoring on a regular basis.

So far all is well, but I do a lot of reading and always look for the best diabetic recipes. These will include many categories including "goodies" These took on a whole new meaning after my diagnosis.

Canning and Freezing Without Sugar



With spring coming a lot of us will be getting garden fresh produce ready . It takes some special planning to can and freeze with the diabetic in mind. You may can and/or freeze without sugar, thus adding the variety necessary to spark up your meals year around.
Vegetables can be done following any good cookbook. Fruits canned without sugar will not hold their shape as well as those using sugar. Try to avoid using substitutes when canning fruits. Heating produces unwanted changes in taste. It may become bitter, due to chemical changes. If you must use substitutes, add just before serving.
To prevent discoloration of light colored fruit, use ascorbic acid or citric acid mixtures which can be purchased at the drug store. 1/2 tsp. ascorbic acid per quart of fruit.You may use sweetener for fruit spreads. Jams will be thinner, so pectin or gelatin may be used to prepare these, as jams require longer cooking without jelling agents. Make smaller amounts, and store in the refrigerator, or freezer.
Fruits and vegetables can be frozen and retain good color, flavor, and texture. Temperatures of 0 degrees or belowwill that will slow bacteria, mold, and yeasts and slow enzyme activity. Freezer compartments in refrigerators are rarely cold enough, and for long term freezing, a home freezer is recommended.
Choose first quality , fresh foods. Fruit should be ready to eat when frozen. pack dry with no sugar. If you must add substitutes, add when served. Vegetables are blanched in boiling water, chilled quickly in cold water, properly drained and packed dry, or with cold water. Peppers do not need to be blanched before freezing
Frozen foods keep about 6 to 12 months for best quality. Thaw in freezer containers in refrigerator. Do not refreeze.

Simple guidelines on what to eat and drink

  • Eat at about the same time every day. This helps your insulin or medicine keep your sugar levels steady.
  • Try to eat three times a day. Have a snack at bedtime if you're taking medicine or insulin. Avoid snacking, unless you are exercising or treating hypoglycemia.
  • If you are overweight, losing just a little weight, such as 5 to 15 pounds, can lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • Eat plenty of fiber. Green leafy vegetables and fruits are a good choice.Fiber helps slow down the release of sugar into your blood after eating, so it helps control your blood sugar level.
  • Eat fewer sweets, especially if you are overweight.
  • Be careful about beverages that have sugar in them. Fruit juices and non-diet sodas contain lots of sugar. Avoid putting sugar in coffee or iced tea. Drinking a glass or two of water with meals may help you feel less hungry and improve your sugar control.

Ask your doctor if he can help you find a dietician who can help you learn more about your diabetes. Use the tips above on what to eat and what to avoid.

Shopping Hints

When shopping with a diabetic in mind, there are many things we have to think about. It takes planning ahead. I find that if I have some idea what meals I am shopping for, I do better.
Meat exchange
Buy plain meats, not canned or frozen in sauces. Buy meats and fish without any breading. Also, with today's information on low fat-low cholesterol we have to avoid foods high in fat, such as hot dogs, sausage, spare ribs, and beef brisket.
Low fat exchanges include fresh fish, water-packed tuna, lowfat cheese, skinless chicken or turkey, round steak, and lean ground beef.
Bread Exchanges
Only plain cereals. No sugar coated or granola.
Only plain breads, no sweet breads or coffee cakes with frosting. Bread and crackers that are low in fat if you are concerned about weight gain, or high cholesterol. The high-fat breads include biscuits, pancakes, waffles, snack crackers, to mention just a few.
Fruit exchanges
Canned fruit must be packed in it's own juice or water. Even fruits in lite syrup absorbs sugar and can't all be rinsed off. Buy fresh fruits whenever you can. Fruit juices must also be unsweetened, not punches or fruit ades. And any frozen fruit should be unsweetened.
Fat exchanges
Choose reduced calorie mayonaisse, margerine, and salad dressings if weight is a problem, or if you have a cholesterol concern. A general rule is that these products have half the fat and calories of regular products.
Milk exchanges
But plain yogurt and add unsweetened, or fresh fruit.
Buy skim milk since it is less fat than whole or 2%.
Do not use sweetened condensed milk.
Do not buy ice cream or ice milk. They contain too much sugar.
Vegetable exchanges
Do not buy vegetables in sauces, or vegetables that are breaded.
Dietetic foods
Dietetic or "sugarless foods such as ice cream, cakes, and cookies contain flour and milk, both sources of carbohydrate and will affect blood glucose levels. Even though a product is sugar-free, it can't be used without limiting the intake.
Recipe of the day
FRENCH TOAST
Yield: 2 servings
Serving size: 2 slices
Exchanges:2 bread and 1 Medium fat.

    INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp. skim milk
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 4 slices of bread
  1. Beat eggs.
  2. Add milk and salt; beat until frothy.
  3. Dip bread into mixture, thoroughly soaking each slice.
  4. Place bread in non stick skillet and brown slowly; turn and brown other side.
POPSICLES
Yield: 3
Serving: 1 popsicle
Free food
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 (12 oz.) diet soda
  • 3 paper cups 3 wooden stir sticks
  • 3 (5 0z.) paper cups
  1. Pour soda into cups.
  2. Freeze until slightly set; add sticks.
  3. Freeze until hard.
  4. Peel away paper cup before eating.

    Especially good for the child with diabetes.

    Some excellent links to check out.


    Eli Lilly diabetic information

    Diabetes Home page

    Diabetes Mall

    Diabetes: The Invisible Epidemic

    Living with diabetes

    Alberta Austin austin@ez-net.com
    I Love to Get Mail

    January, 1998

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