Hispanics learn ‘the recipe’ to manage type 2 diabetes and reach their A1C goal
(BPT) - Did you know that Hispanics are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes? U.S. Hispanics are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites, and diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death within the Hispanic community, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to highlight Hispanic culture, including family, food, music, art and traditions. This month-long celebration also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of important health topics affecting the Hispanic community.
Celebrity chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz is working with Merck on “Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas,”a program urging Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to know their A1C - average blood sugar level over the past two to three months - and to work with their doctor to develop a plan to set and attain their personal A1C goal.
“After struggling with type 2 diabetes for many years, my grandfather passed away from a stroke, one of the serious complications of diabetes,” says Moreinos Schwartz. “That’s why I’m passionate about empowering Hispanics to learn how to reach their blood sugar goals.”
The American Diabetes Association recommends many people with diabetes have an A1C of less than 7 percent to help reduce the risk of complications, such as heart disease and stroke. A higher or lower A1C goal may be appropriate for some people. Nearly half of people with diabetes are not at an A1C of less than 7 percent. So it is important that Hispanics learn more about what they can do to reach their A1C goal. Here are some important tips if you have type 2 diabetes:
* Ask your doctor what your A1C is and what the right A1C goal is for you
* Work with your doctor to come up with a personalized treatment plan, which may include diet, exercise and medication (if prescribed by your doctor)
* Talk about how often you should check your blood sugar
Diabetes is a progressive disease, and sometimes your treatment plan may need to change. If your doctor decides it is time to change your medication, it doesn’t mean you haven’t tried hard enough – many people need to adjust their treatment plans over time to reach their A1C goal.
If you have type 2 diabetes, be sure to work with your doctor to come up with a personalized treatment plan that is right for you to help you reach your A1C goal, or encourage a loved one with type 2 diabetes to do the same. Visit DesafiandoLaDiabetes.com for more information about Moreinos Schwartz’s story, the “Desafiando La Diabetes” program, bilingual resources and diabetes-friendly recipes.
Diet is an important part of an individualized diabetes management plan to help people with type 2 diabetes reach their A1C goal. Chef Moreinos Schwartz has shared one of her favorite diabetes-friendly recipes that the whole family can enjoy. In general, diabetes-friendly recipes are lower in sodium, carbohydrates, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. They are also higher in fiber compared with other dishes and include appropriate portion sizes. Delicious and good for you! ¡Buen provecho!
Mango, Smoked Salmon and Arugula Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon creme fraiche
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon canola oil
Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon kosher salt) and freshly ground pepper
5 ounces baby arugula
1 medium ripe mango, peeled, pitted and cut into thin strips
5 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into strips, preferably fresh
Directions:
1. Place the lemon juice, mustard, and creme fraiche in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well blended.
2. In a measuring cup with a spout, mix the two oils, then with the processor running, pour in a steady stream into the creme fraiche. Season with salt and pepper. This vinaigrette can be prepared up to three days ahead of time and stored in an airtight plastic container in the refrigerator.
3. Just before service, place the arugula in a large bowl and pour half of the dressing over the leaves to coat and toss. Be careful not to overdress the leaves or they will turn mushy quite fast.
4. Place the arugula leaves on individual service dishes and arrange the slices of mango and salmon on top and serve immediately. Store any extra vinaigrette in an airtight plastic container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe)
Calories 230; Fat 17 g; Saturated fat 4 g; Cholesterol 3 mg; Sodium 314 mg; Carbohydrates 14 g; Sugar 12 g; Fiber 2 g; Protein 10 g