Remember, if you have any questions about diabetes, talk to the pharmacist at a People with medical conditions related to diabetes, such as high blood …
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Managing Diabetes: Living Without Limits
EnErgy Drinks:
Are They WorTh The hype?
Energy drinks seem to be everywhere–in advertisements, in the hands of celebrities, and in the soda aisles at your local market But are they worth the hype, and more importantly, are they safe for people with diabetes? The Short Answer: No Energy drinks–Red Bull, Monster, Adrenaline Rush and Venom to name a few–mostly consist of sugar or artificial sweeteners, like high-fructose corn syrup and caffeine Vitamins such as B vitamins or amino acids such as taurine are mixed in Other herbal stimulants are often included, such as ginsing and guarana Each serving packs about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, and some brands have far more The caffeine and stimulants in these drinks can raise heart rate and blood pressure, interfere with sleep and sometimes cause palpitations For people with diabetes, the sugar and high calories in energy drinks make them a poor choice Large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, like that found in energy drinks, can cause out-of-control blood sugar levels Because the caffeine acts as a diuretic, it can lead to dehydration and also affect
blood sugar levels People with medical conditions related to diabetes, such as high blood pressure and heart conditions, should especially avoid energy drinks Smarter Choices If your doctor says it is okay to have caffeine, you are better off with a cup of coffee or tea than an energy drink However, because any caffeinated drink can cause dehydration, the best choice of all is water Drinking water hydrates organs and skin, flushes out waste and toxins, helps you lose weight, keeps your immune system healthy and your joints lubricated and helps overall health If plain water does not appeal to you, try any of the following:
Lemon- or lime-flavored seltzer with a splash of cranberry juice Squeeze a fresh wedge of orange, lemon or lime into the water Herbal tea or green tea green tea has far less caffeine than regular tea or coffee Raspberry-flavored seltzer with a sprig of mint
If you must have an energy drink, be sure to add the calories and carbohydrates to your daily count, and only have one serving
Remember, if you have any questions about diabetes, talk to the pharmacist at a participating Diabetes Shoppe drug store As a center of diabetes care, your Diabetes Shoppe
offers the most comprehensive line of products and information available to help you better manage your diabetes so you can live without limits
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Managing Diabetes: Living Without Limits
Making thE ChoiCE
Because both of his parents had diabetes, Bob Schwartz understood from an early age that it was likely he too would someday be diagnosed with the disorder Still, when he received the diagnosis at age 40 after a routine physical, Bob was devastated Both of my parents died at relatively early ages–in their 60s When I was told I had type 2 diabetes, I was happily married, had two young children and both my wife and I wanted more children I was pretty depressed Choosing To Live Bob did not overcome his depression immediately, but he recognized that despite his diagnosis, he still had a life and a family that he loved I already had two young children, and I made the choice that I wanted to be around to have more I wanted to live His doctor strongly recommended that Bob make changes to his diet and his lifestyle, and so Bob began running, bicycling and working out regularly With his wife Loris help, he started watching the types of foods [he] ate
Reaching Out to Others With Diabetes Bob did more than just live with diabetes, he turned his diagnosis into a career–one that allows him to reach out and care for others with the same issues Six years ago, Bob and Lori co-founded the Agoura Hills, Califbased TenderFeet Diabetic Footwear Bob is the chief executive officer, and Lori is the chief operating officer As a person with diabetes, Bob, a certified pedorthist CPed, understood how important it is for people with
To Live And Work WiTh diAbeTes
the disease to have the right footwear Wearing a shoe that is too small or just the wrong type of shoe, can be life thre 
atening to someone with diabetes Today, Tenderfeet shoes are sold primarily through Good Neighbor Pharmacies Tenderfeet Diabetic Footwear also trains the people who sell its products how to fit therapeutic shoes correctly so they can be certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics Pedorthics Making the Most of Life Today, Bob works out for one hour three times a week before heading off to work On the weekends, he and Lori run three to six miles When they have enough free time, they also participate in athletic events, such as the
600-mile marathon bicycle ride that they did a few years ago– biking from San Francisco to Los Angeles to help raise money for the California AIDS Foundation For others diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Bob believes the best way to deal with their changing situation is to start to walk Do 10,000 steps a day Its so easy, you wont even know you did it Then start to walk a little faster Within a couple of months, youll find yourself trotting Before you know it, youll be jogging, Bob said In his own life, Bob has not let diabetes hold him back in any way When he thinks about his life including his family–Lori, his three children Brandon, 20; Matthew, 14; and Jessica, 13 –and Tenderfeet Diabetic Footwear, Bob says, I couldnt be happier
Remember, if you have any questions about diabetes, talk to the pharmacist at a participating Diabetes Shoppe drug store As a center of diabetes care, your Diabetes Shoppe offers the most comprehensive line of products and information available to help you better manage your diabetes so you can live without limits
LIVE WELL
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Managing Diabetes: Living Without Limits
The beneFiTs oF sWiMMing
Swimming is an excellent exercise, and
even better, it is an equal opportunity exercise that can be enjoyed by both children and seniors, regardless of weight and physical ability Considered a low-impact exercise, swimming will not harm joints, unlike running or step aerobics, both which can cause joint injuries Swimming tones and creates long, lean muscles It is an outstanding exercise for people with diabetes and several of the reasons why are listed here: Getting Started Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to speak to your doctor Once you and your doctor have decided that swimming is an appropriate form of exercise for you, follow these tips for safety:
Always wear a medical ID bracelet indicating that you have diabetes, and notify the lifeguard that you have diabetes Like any exercise, swimming can cause a drop in blood sugar Know the symptoms, and make sure you have juice or a snack nearby, just in case Wear swim shoes to protect your feet
Swimming is easy on the feet and will not cause foot injuries that could lead to foot ulcers Regular swimming can lead to lower blood sugar levels by building muscle, which helps regulate blood sugar
Test your blood sugar before and after any
exercise Start slow and work your way up When you first begin to swim as an exercise, start with a lap or two and gradually increase the distance Before and after swimming, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular or heart exercise This is especially important for individuals with diabetes who may be more prone to heart disease
Body weight in the water is only one-tenth of what it is on land, so weight is not a barrier to this type of exercise Individuals who are overweight or obese can still exercise by swimming under a doctors care without harming their joints Swimming uses all the major muscle groups, strengthening the body, which will help with balance and mobility when out of the water
Swimming has been proven to lower blood pressure especially in those with high blood pressure
Remember, if you have any questions about diabetes, talk to the pharmacist at a participating Diabetes Shoppe drug store As a center of diabetes care, your Diabetes Shoppe offers the most comprehensive line of products and information available to help you better manage your diabetes so you can live without
limits
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