Lighter Chicken and Leek Pie
We've slimmed down this chicken and leek pie so it still has all of the comforting goodness of the original, without the extra fat, calories and carbs.1 How? 1. Skip the bottom crust. This may seem like cheating—of course a single-crust pie will be easier on the carbs. But it also means you don't have to pre-bake the bottom crust or try cutting through soggy pastry when you reheat the leftovers. 2. Use a prepared top crust. Whether you prefer puff pastry or a regular short crust, a commercial crust is likely to be rolled out thinner than you could do on your own, saving time and...
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Hot Stuff
If you’re suffering from the heat, so is your equipment! Temperature can alter the results of blood glucose tests in a variety of ways—watch out for that! Loss of reliability Strips, insulin, insulin pumps and the like are sensitive to heat. That’s why it’s important to read storage temperature and usage condition instructions carefully. If necessary, ask your pharmacist for more information. If, for example, test strips or the glucose meter are not in proper working order and your test results are inaccurate, you won’t be able to calculate the amount of insulin you really need. Whether you’re insulin-dependent or not, you may not realize you’re slipping into hypo- or hyperglycemia before it’s too late. Insulin stays in the fridge! Insulin can be kept at room temperature—meaning, under 30°C—for a few days or even close to a month. (In any case, unless otherwise stated on the package, you should never use a product that’s been open for more than 28 days.) It’s better to keep it in a cool place before use so it doesn’t lose its effectiveness. Note that it mustn’t be frozen, either. When keeping a supply of insulin in the refrigerator, make sure the temperature remains between 2 and 8°C. If you inject a dose of insulin that meets your needs but your blood glucose remains high, it could be because the medication isn’t working as it should. In that case, don’t take any chances: change the vial or cartridge. Also, inspect your product before each use. If it appears to have changed colour or texture, replace it. What about insulin pumps? Don’t expose your pump to direct sunlight or heat; it might become obstructed, among other risks. Plus, the insulin in it might be denatured. Consider replacing it more often. A few tips Keep your blood glucose meter and all your equipment in a dark, cool and dry place. Don’t leave them in your car or in direct sunlight when going to the beach or the pool, for example. If you’ve got a long drive ahead of you, keep your equipment and medication in a cooler. Careful, though: insulin should never be in direct contact with ice or an ice pack. Another great solution: insulated pouches. Various carrying bags, containers and other accessories are also available to keep your equipment at the right temperature. If you’re travelling by plane, keep all your necessities in your carry-on luggage. They would get too cold in the hold. It’s especially important to keep your equipment with you in hot weather, since heat causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate. Remember to test it more often!
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6 secrets to enjoying weddings (without your numbers going crazy)
If June is supposed to be wedding month, then why are all of your August weekends booked with stag and stagette dos, and nuptials from morning to night? The trend has shifted, with more Canadian weddings taking place in August than any other month.1 You've already seen advice on managing diabetes at weddings and parties, so we'll skip the obvious (eat before you go! drink water!). Instead, here are some ideas for having fun without regretting it an hour later (or the next morning). 1. Raise your Champagne glass! You don't have to skip alcohol just because you have diabetes. Just keep it in moderation.2 Join in the toasts, then switch to something that doesn't go down quite so easily and ask the bartender to use a light hand. Sweet cocktails are notorious for being easy to toss back, and they're loaded with extra sugar. 2. Fool yourself with soda or tonic. If you tend to feel most comfortable with a glass in your hand (or if others want to see you with one at all times), have a soda water or diet tonic with a squeeze of lime. Try having one of these between each "real" cocktail—it looks and tastes about the same, without all the stuff you don't want. 3. If you love it, eat it. Of course, the converse is also true. If you don't love it, don't bother. We hate to say it, but wedding cake rarely scores a 10 on the flavor scale. (But if it does—enjoy!) If you're drinking alcohol or dancing, remember that you actually need to eat carb-rich foods to keep from going low2 (something the food police are unlikely to understand). 4. Set reminders on your phone. It's easy to forget to check your blood sugar when you're having fun, so set an alarm. Or three. Long, drawn out meals, snacking, dancing and alcohol can all have unexpected effects on your numbers, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. So check a few times. That way, you can make sure all attention stays on the bride and groom, and your blood sugar is in the right place when you finally go to bed. 5. Make sure your plus-one or wingman knows all. Unless you're attending with someone who knows you well, give your date or a friend a run-down of low blood sugar symptoms to watch for, as well as what to do if you seem out of sorts. This is especially important if you're drinking.2 Knowing that they can help may help you relax and have a better time, too. 6. Dance, laugh, cry and have a great time. That's what you're there for.
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Hot Stuff
If you’re suffering from the heat, so is your equipment! Temperature can alter the results of blood glucose tests in a variety of ways—watch out for that! Loss of reliability Strips, insulin, insulin pumps and the like are sensitive to heat. That’s why it’s important to read storage temperature and usage condition instructions carefully. If necessary, ask your pharmacist for more information. If, for example, test strips or the glucose meter are not in proper working order and your test results are inaccurate, you won’t be able to calculate the amount of insulin you really need. Whether you’re insulin-dependent or not, you may not realize you’re slipping into hypo- or hyperglycemia before it’s too late. Insulin stays in the fridge! Insulin can be kept at room temperature—meaning, under 30°C—for a few days or even close to a month. (In any case, unless otherwise stated on the package, you should never use a product that’s been open for more than 28 days.) It’s better to keep it in a cool place before use so it doesn’t lose its effectiveness. Note that it mustn’t be frozen, either. When keeping a supply of insulin in the refrigerator, make sure the temperature remains between 2 and 8°C. If you inject a dose of insulin that meets your needs but your blood glucose remains high, it could be because the medication isn’t working as it should. In that case, don’t take any chances: change the vial or cartridge. Also, inspect your product before each use. If it appears to have changed colour or texture, replace it. What about insulin pumps? Don’t expose your pump to direct sunlight or heat; it might become obstructed, among other risks. Plus, the insulin in it might be denatured. Consider replacing it more often. A few tips Keep your blood glucose meter and all your equipment in a dark, cool and dry place. Don’t leave them in your car or in direct sunlight when going to the beach or the pool, for example. If you’ve got a long drive ahead of you, keep your equipment and medication in a cooler. Careful, though: insulin should never be in direct contact with ice or an ice pack. Another great solution: insulated pouches. Various carrying bags, containers and other accessories are also available to keep your equipment at the right temperature. If you’re travelling by plane, keep all your necessities in your carry-on luggage. They would get too cold in the hold. It’s especially important to keep your equipment with you in hot weather, since heat causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate. Remember to test it more often!
Read More 6 secrets to enjoying weddings (without your numbers going crazy)
If June is supposed to be wedding month, then why are all of your August weekends booked with stag and stagette dos, and nuptials from morning to night? The trend has shifted, with more Canadian weddings taking place in August than any other month.1 You've already seen advice on managing diabetes at weddings and parties, so we'll skip the obvious (eat before you go! drink water!). Instead, here are some ideas for having fun without regretting it an hour later (or the next morning). 1. Raise your Champagne glass! You don't have to skip alcohol just because you have diabetes. Just keep it in moderation.2 Join in the toasts, then switch to something that doesn't go down quite so easily and ask the bartender to use a light hand. Sweet cocktails are notorious for being easy to toss back, and they're loaded with extra sugar. 2. Fool yourself with soda or tonic. If you tend to feel most comfortable with a glass in your hand (or if others want to see you with one at all times), have a soda water or diet tonic with a squeeze of lime. Try having one of these between each "real" cocktail—it looks and tastes about the same, without all the stuff you don't want. 3. If you love it, eat it. Of course, the converse is also true. If you don't love it, don't bother. We hate to say it, but wedding cake rarely scores a 10 on the flavor scale. (But if it does—enjoy!) If you're drinking alcohol or dancing, remember that you actually need to eat carb-rich foods to keep from going low2 (something the food police are unlikely to understand). 4. Set reminders on your phone. It's easy to forget to check your blood sugar when you're having fun, so set an alarm. Or three. Long, drawn out meals, snacking, dancing and alcohol can all have unexpected effects on your numbers, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. So check a few times. That way, you can make sure all attention stays on the bride and groom, and your blood sugar is in the right place when you finally go to bed. 5. Make sure your plus-one or wingman knows all. Unless you're attending with someone who knows you well, give your date or a friend a run-down of low blood sugar symptoms to watch for, as well as what to do if you seem out of sorts. This is especially important if you're drinking.2 Knowing that they can help may help you relax and have a better time, too. 6. Dance, laugh, cry and have a great time. That's what you're there for.
Read More