It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month! Did you know that over 30 million people are diabetic? And according the CDC, 2017 National Diabetes Statistics Report, 7.2 million people are undiagnosed, 84.1 million adults 18 and over are pre-diabetic of which 23.1 million adults are 65 and older. These numbers are alarming, and knowing the risks and having a healthy diet can help manage diabetes and reduce other chronic illnesses. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by eating nutritious food, getting plenty of exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Know the Risks

Are your eyes blurry or do you have trouble seeing? Do you feel tingling in your hands and feet? Have you lost weight without trying? Take the Diabetes Risk Assessment and if you answer “yes” to several of the questions, please consult your doctor immediately. Also, consult with doctor or dietitian if you need a diabetic diet and/or meal plan.

Diabetes Risk Assessment test: Learn the signs of diabetes.

Eat Foods High in Fiber

Incorporate high-fiber rich food including whole grains such as quinoa, old-fashioned or steel cut oatmeal. Eating food from plant-based food is important as well, including avocadoes, nuts and seeds.

Control Portions

The Idaho Plate Method is a great tool to guide you in portion control and meal planning. The method includes making half of your plate non-starchy vegetables such as green leafy salad, spinach, broccoli, eggplant. One-fourth of your plate starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes. One-fourth protein such as fish or chicken baked. And a fruit and dairy. When purchasing vegetables, purchase fresh, frozen, or canned without added sodium, fat or sugar. Visit the Idaho Plate Method website for more information

Learn more about Diabetes management at the American Diabetes Association.

LSU AgCenter will hold “Dining with Diabetes” diabetes management classes in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes.

LSU AgCenter is offering the Dining with Diabetes program, this program helps adults at-risk for Type 2 diabetes, who are pre-diabetic or who have diabetes and their families/caregivers learn how to manage their condition through menu planning, counting carbohydrates, portion control and label reading. Participants have the opportunity to sample healthful foods using the concepts taught in class.

Washington Parishes Classes will be held at LSU AgCenter-Washington-1104 Bene Street, Suite B Franklinton, LA 70438 on Monday’s from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Classes start on November 18th, 2019 continuing December 2nd, December 9th, and December 16th.

The program costs $25 and participants are required to register on-line by November 14, 2019 to attend class. Register here for the Dining with Diabetes class.

Tangipahoa Parish: Classes will be held at LSU AgCenter-Tangipahoa-305 East Oak Street Amite, LA 70422 on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Classes start on November 14, 2019 continuing November 21st,December 5th, and December 12th. The program costs $25 and participants are required to register on-line by November 11, 2019 to attend class. Register here for the Dining with Diabetes program.

If you need special accommodations to register, please contact Keisha Fletcher, Area Nutrition Agent at (985) 839-7855.

Try this great Sweet Potato Pie Filling Recipe!

Ingredients

6 packets sugar substitute
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
3 large eggs
¼ cup evaporated skim milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Combine sugars, salt, nutmeg, and eggs.
3. Add milk and vanilla. Stir.
4. Add sweet potatoes. Mix well.
5. Pour into glass pie pan or pie shell.
6. Bake at 350º for 40-50 minutes, until knife inserted comes out clean.

Note: May top with 2 tablespoons non-fat whipped topping (adds 3 grams carbohydrate, 15 calories).

Recipe. Retrieved from University of Illinois.

CDC. National Diabetes Statistics Report.

Diabetes Risk Assessment.

The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.