Comme nous l’attendions, la belle saison: c’est l’heure des vacances, des pique-niques, des après-midi autour de la piscine et du bon temps!

Que diriez-vous de quelques idées pour profiter à fond de la vitamine D cet été?

Créez votre oasis de paix​

Après des mois entre quatre murs, direction la terrasse ou la cour! Et tant qu’à passer beaucoup de temps dehors, pourquoi ne pas réaménager votre espace extérieur à votre image? Il suffit parfois de fleurs parfumées, d’un jardin suspendu pour faire pousser vos propres légumes, d’un hamac pour contempler les étoiles la nuit, de mangeoires pour attirer les oiseaux et les entendre chanter le matin… laissez libre cours à votre imagination. Un petit point à garder à l’esprit: les longues soirées sur la terrasse riment souvent avec grignotage et alcool, une combinaison riche en calories pouvant élever la glycémie. Soyez vigilants!

Faites le plein de couleurs

Nous ne pensons pas au bronzage, mais bien aux fruits et légumes de saison! Vous ne trouverez pas meilleur moment pour vous régaler des saveurs d’ici et à bon marché. Ça tombe bien: les fruits et légumes sont d’excellents alliés dans la gestion du diabète étant donné leur teneur élevée en fibres, qui retardent l’absorption du sucre, font baisser le cholestérol et aident à gérer la tension artérielle. Pour dénicher des récoltes de première qualité, nous vous conseillons les marchés de producteurs et les kiosques de fruits et légumes sur la route. Vous pouvez aussi mettre la main à la pâte en allant aux fraises ‒ une activité qui plaira aux petits comme aux grands gourmands.

Été rime avec bouger!

L’hiver, on se trouve plein d’excuses: il fait froid, les trottoirs sont glissants, etc. Mais l’été, toutes les raisons sont bonnes pour bouger, et ce ne sont pas les choix d’activités qui manquent. Besoin de plus d’arguments? En plus de vous donner de l'énergie et de réduire le stress, l’activité physique vous permet de diminuer la résistance à l’insuline et de mieux gérer votre diabète… allez hop, on retrouve la forme!

Mais surtout, amusez-vous!

Trop souvent, on arrive à l’automne déçu de ne pas avoir assez profité de l’été. Cette année, renversez la tendance! Pourquoi ne pas jouer au touriste en découvrant et en redécouvrant votre province, votre région ou votre ville? Les possibilités sont quasi infinies: à vous d’en tirer le meilleur parti!

The warm weather is finally here: time to cut loose on vacation, go on a picnic excursion, or laze by the pool. Let the good times roll!

Here are a few ideas to help you get your proper dose of vitamin D this summer.

Create your own personal oasis  

After all those months of hibernation, the deck and the back yard are finally yours to enjoy! Since you’re going to be outside a lot, why not fix up your outdoor space just the way you like it? Plant a few fragrant flowers here and there, create a hanging garden and grow your own vegetables, set up your hammock to gaze up at the night sky, hang some bird feeders and wake up to birdsong in the morning… let your imagination run wild. There’s just one small thing to bear in mind: lazy evenings on the deck are often enjoyed with snacks and alcoholic beverages, a combination that is high in calories and can quickly elevate your blood sugar. Just make sure not to overdo it!

Colour your world

No, we’re not recommending that you take up tanning… we’re talking about seasonal fruits and vegetables! There’s no better time than summer to enjoy fresh, local flavours at affordable prices. Lucky for you, fruits and vegetables can be a great help in managing your diabetes: because they are high in fiber, they slow the absorption of sugar, lower cholesterol and help regulate your blood pressure. For the cream of the crop, we recommend stopping by the farmers’ markets and roadside fruit and vegetable stands. You can also roll up your sleeves and go berry picking—an activity the whole family can enjoy.

Get up and get active!                                                                                               

We all know the usual wintertime cop-outs: it’s freezing, the sidewalks are icy and so on. But all those excuses melt away in summer, when there is no shortage of physical activities to get out there and move. Not convinced yet? Here’s another angle: physical activity gives you energy, relieves stress, helps lower insulin resistance and helps you manage your diabetes. Ready... set... go!

And above all else, have fun!

Too often, autumn comes around and we’re stuck wishing we had gotten out and enjoyed the summer more. Let’s guard against that this year! Why not go on an adventure to discover or rediscover your province, your area or even your city? The possibilities are practically endless: it’s up to you to take full advantage!

Qu’on se le dise : les aliments ne naissent pas tous égaux. Certains sont dangereusement séduisants, comme cette palette de chocolat qui vous fait de l'oeil depuis le comptoir. Et d'autres sont tellement sains et nutritifs ‒ mais savoureux, également ‒ qu’ils entrent dans la catégorie des « superaliments ». Leurs meilleurs atouts: un apport élevé en nutriments et en vitamines, et un faible indice glycémique. Mais qui sont ces formidables alliés dans la gestion du diabète?

1- Les haricots

Comme beaucoup de légumineuses, les haricots de toutes sortes regorgent de fibres alimentaires ‒ un avantage non négligeable pour celui ou celle qui vit avec le diabète. En plus de contribuer à la prévention des maladies cardiovasculaires, les fibres alimentaires aident à réguler la glycémie, à ralentir l’absorption du glucose et à diminuer le cholestérol.

2- Les noix

Elles donnent de l’énergie, apaisent la faim et contiennent des gras monoinsaturés, soit les « bons gras » qui permettent de réduire les risques cardiovasculaires. Fait intéressant: les noix permettent aussi de mieux contrôler la glycémie. Comme pour tout aliment, assurez-vous de respecter les portions recommandées.

3- Les tomates

Peu importe la manière dont elles sont apprêtées, elles vous apportent des nutriments essentiels tels que la vitamine C, le fer et la vitamine E.

4- Les agrumes

Faites le plein de vitamine C et de fibres solubles avec vos agrumes préférés ‒ pensez citron, lime, pamplemousse et mandarine! Il s’agit de très bons choix pour relever le goût de vos plats tout en limitant votre consommation de sel et de sucre.

5- Les poissons gras

Riches en protéines et en acides gras oméga-3, le saumon, le hareng, le maquereau, les sardines, le thon rouge ou blanc et la truite sont autant d’options qui apportent leur lot d’avantages pour la santé cardiovasculaire. De plus, ils aident à prévenir la formation de caillots sanguins.

6- Les grains entiers

Pourquoi? Parce qu’ils contiennent une panoplie de vitamines, de minéraux et de fibres, mais peu de gras saturés, ce qui cadre bien avec le plan d’alimentation recommandé aux personnes qui vivent avec le diabète.

7- Les légumes-feuilles vert foncé

D’excellentes sources de fibres et de vitamines, pauvres en calories et en glucides: à consommer sans modération. Voilà une bonne raison de trouver une place aux épinards, au chou ou au brocoli dans votre assiette.

8- Les patates douces

Elles remplacent délicieusement les pommes de terre, comportent un faible indice glycémique et ont une teneur élevée en vitamine A et en fibres.

9- Les petits fruits

Bleuets, fraises, framboises et compagnie partagent tous un point commun: ils regorgent d’antioxydants, de vitamines et de fibres.

10- Le lait et le yogourt faibles en gras

Leur apport en calcium, en nutriments et en minéraux font du lait et du yogourt de judicieux atouts dans votre alimentation. Ils représentent une bonne source de vitamine D, qui contribuerait à améliorer le contrôle de la glycémie et la sensibilité à l’insuline. Cela étant dit, les options faibles en gras sont à privilégier!

Super un jour, super toujours

Eh oui, vous connaissiez déjà ces « superaliments » ! Et maintenant que vous les savez pleins de bienfaits, pourquoi ne pas les redécouvrir en explorant de nouvelles recettes? Bon appétit!

It’s a fact: not all foods are created equal. Some are dangerously seductive, like this chocolate bar that’s winking at you from the counter. And others are so nutritious and healthy—as well as delicious—that they fall into the “superfood” category. Their best assets: a high nutrient and vitamin content and a low glycemic index. But who are these formidable allies in diabetes management?

1- Beans

Like many legumes, beans of all kinds are full of dietary fiber—a considerable asset for someone living with diabetes. In addition to contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, dietary fiber helps regulate blood sugar, slow glucose absorption and reduce cholesterol.

2- Nuts

They give energy, soothe hunger and contain monounsaturated fats—the “good fats” that reduce cardiovascular risk. It’s worth noting that nuts also help control blood glucose levels. As with any food, however, make sure you follow the recommended servings.

3- Tomatoes

No matter how you prepare them, they provide essential nutriments such as vitamin C, iron and vitamin E.

4- Citrus fruits

Stock up on vitamin C and soluble fiber with your favorite citrus fruits—think lemon, lime, grapefruit and tangerine! They’re excellent choices to add flavor to your meals while limiting your intake of salt and sugar.

5- Fatty fish

Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, red or white tuna, albacore and trout are all great options for promoting cardiovascular health. They also help prevent blood clots.

6- Whole grains

Why? Because they’re full of vitamins, minerals and fiber and low in saturated fat, which fits perfectly with the diet plan recommended to people living with diabetes.

7- Dark green leafy vegetables

They are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins, low in calories and carbohydrates—to be consumed without moderation. That’s a compelling reason to make room for spinach, cabbage or broccoli on your plate.

8- Sweet potatoes

These are a delicious replacement for potatoes, have a low glycemic index and are high in vitamin A and fiber.

9- Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and company all have one thing in common: they are chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.

10- Low-fat milk and yogurt

Their calcium, nutrient and mineral content makes milk and yogurt sound choices in your diet. They are a good source of vitamin D, which helps control blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. That being said, low-fat options are preferred!

Just super

That’s right—you already knew all of these “superfoods". And now that you know how full of benefits they are, why not rediscover them by trying new recipes? Bon appétit!

Understanding blood sugar levels and how it affects your body is very important. Regular checking of your blood sugar and knowing the signs of blood sugar that is too high or low can help you take action quickly. The goal is to help keep you safe and ensure your glucose levels are in range. In this article, we'll look at what hypoglycemia is and its symptoms.

Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood glucose drops too low. The body responds to low blood glucose with warning signs that may be different from one person to another.

Some warnings signs of low blood glucose include feeling:

•     Weak
•     Shaky
•     Sweaty
•     Irritable or confused
•     Hungry

Low blood glucose may occur if your meal or snack is delayed or missed. It can also happen after vigorous physical activity, or if too much insulin is given.

In a person not living with diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin when the blood glucose level falls below normal. With diabetes, insulin is put into the body through injections or a pump. Sometimes, insulin can be mistakenly used when blood sugar is already low. It keeps working even if the blood glucose levels are low or dropping.

With type 2 diabetes, some diabetes medications cause the body to make more insulin. If you take these medications without eating food, you can also have low blood glucose. If you’re not sure about whether your medication may cause these types of feelings, check with your healthcare provider. They can go through the medication with you so that you understand their effects. 

What causes low blood glucose levels?

• Not following your meal plan like skipping or delaying a meal.
• Too much exercise or exercising for a long time without eating a snack.
• Adjusting your insulin before exercise.
• Too much medication or a change in the time you take your medication.
• Stress.
• Side effects from other medications.
• Alcohol intake, especially without food.

How to treat low blood glucose

• If you feel any of the warning signs of low blood glucose, test immediately. In the event that you do not have a blood glucose meter, treat right away.
• Eat or drink fast-acting sugar such as:

Wait 10-15 minutes, check your blood glucose. If it is still low (less than 4.0 mmol/L):

•     Treat again with one of the fast-acting sugar mentioned above.
•     If your next meal is more than 1 hour away, eat a snack such as a sandwich or crackers and cheese.

Afterward, try to work out why your blood glucose went low. Identifying the reasons behind it can help you avoid it from happening again.

Why monitoring blood glucose levels

If untreated, hypoglycemia can cause serious effects, such as seizures or fainting.

Understanding why you might experience it can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations. Someone who is having seizures or who has passed out will need help from others. Reaching this severe stage of hypoglycemia will require fast treatment. Glucagon injections are used to treat hypoglycemia in situations like this. However, a doctor must prescribe glucagon and show you and your loved ones how to prepare and inject it.

Regular testing may help you avoid hypoglycemia. It is important to check your blood glucose often. Identifying and maintaining target levels of your glycemia will help you avoid spikes and drops in your blood glucose. 

​Qui n’a jamais entendu de « faits » tirés par les cheveux sur l’alimentation ou le diabète? À l’heure où nous sommes bombardés d’informations, il devient parfois difficile de séparer le vrai du faux… Aujourd’hui, démystifions 8 mythes parmi les plus répandus et les plus tenaces.

Mythe 1: Le diabète saute une génération

Faux. Le diabète ne fait pas de discrimination, et l’hérédité compte parmi ses principaux facteurs de risque.

Mythe 2: On peut guérir le diabète

Faux. En suivant les traitements appropriés et en adoptant de bonnes habitudes de vie, on peut toutefois contrôler le diabète et en prévenir les complications.

Mythe 3: Toute personne avec un surplus de poids développera éventuellement le diabète de type 2

Faux. L’embonpoint est un facteur de risque parmi tant d’autres. Beaucoup de personnes vivant avec le diabète de type 2 maintiennent un poids santé tandis que beaucoup de personnes en surpoids ne développeront jamais ce type de diabète.

Mythe 4: Les personnes qui vivent avec le diabète doivent manger des plats pour diabétiques

Faux. En général, un plan alimentaire pour personne vivant avec le diabète ne diffère pas du plan recommandé pour tous ‒ soit un régime faible en sel, en sucre et en gras (surtout en gras saturés et en gras trans), avec un bon apport de grains entiers, de légumes et de fruits. En plus d'être plus dispendieux, les plats pour les personnes vivant avec le diabète n’offrent généralement pas d’avantages concrets dans le contrôle de la glycémie.

Mythe 5: Lorsque l'on vit avec le diabète, les sucreries et le chocolat sont interdits

Faux. Même avec le diabète, on peut se faire plaisir. L’important, c’est d’en discuter avec son médecin ou son pharmacien, de privilégier les petites portions et de combiner les « pauses sucrées » à un plan d’exercice et d’alimentation santé. Les édulcorants représentent aussi une bonne solution pour trouver le goût recherché et ce, sans faire augmenter la glycémie.

Mythe 6: Les personnes qui vivent avec le diabète sont plus à risque de contracter la grippe, le rhume et d’autres maladies

Faux. Toutefois, on recommande aux personnes vivant avec le diabète de se faire vacciner contre la grippe, du fait que celle-ci, comme le rhume, complexifie le contrôle de la glycémie et peut entraîner des complications.

Mythe 7: Si le docteur vous prescrit de l’insuline, c’est que vous n’avez pas su bien gérer votre diabète de type 2

Faux. Le diabète est généralement progressif. Au départ, on peut souvent le contrôler avec des médicaments oraux, mais l’insulinothérapie peut s’imposer plus tard étant donné que le corps produit de moins en moins d’insuline au fil du temps. Quand c’est le cas, il faut voir le traitement comme de l'aide, et non comme un échec.

Mythe 8: Tous les gras sont à bannir

Faux. Les gras sont essentiels au bon fonctionnement de l’organisme, à la digestion et à l’absorption de vitamines, notamment les vitamines A, D, E et K. Tout est une question de calories et de portions si on ne veut pas voir les matières grasses se loger sur les cuisses, les hanches ou le ventre.

La conclusion?

Les mythes et les légendes alimentaires ont une belle vie avec l’omniprésence du Web et des médias sociaux. La clé pour faire la part des choses: douter… et s’informer!
 

Who hasn't heard far-fetched "facts" about diet and diabetes? These days, with the barrage of information coming at us from all sides, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we take a closer look at 8 of the most common and persistent dietary myths.

Myth 1: Diabetes skips a generation

False. Unfortunately, diabetes does not discriminate. Family history is actually one of the main risk factors for the disease.

Myth 2: Diabetes can be cured

False. While there is no cure, diabetes can be managed. By following the appropriate treatment and adopting a healthy lifestyle, people living with diabetes can avoid complications.

Myth 3: All overweight people will eventually develop type 2 diabetes

False. Surplus weight is one risk factor for diabetes, but there are many others. Lots of people living with type 2 diabetes have a healthy weight, and lots of overweight people will never live with diabetes. 

Myth 4: People living with diabetes have to eat food products designed especially for them

False. Generally speaking, the recommended diet for people living with diabetes is no different from what is recommended for anyone else—that is to say low in salt, sugar and fat (especially saturated and trans fats) and high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Food products designed for people living with diabetes generally cost more and don’t provide any concrete advantages when it comes to controlling blood sugar.

Myth 5: People living with diabetes can’t have sweets or chocolate

False. People living with diabetes can still enjoy sweets. But they should talk about it with their doctor or pharmacist, keep their portions small, and combine “sweet breaks” with an exercise plan and a healthy diet. Sugar substitutes are also a good way to satisfy that sweet tooth without throwing blood sugar levels out of whack.

Myth 6: People living with diabetes are more likely to develop colds, flus and other illnesses

False. However, it is recommended that people living with diabetes get their flu vaccination because the flu, like the common cold, does make it harder to regulate blood sugar and can lead to complications.

Myth 7: If a doctor prescribes you insulin, this is a sign that you haven’t managed your type 2 diabetes well enough

False. Diabetes is usually a gradual disease. In the early stages, it can often be managed with oral medication, but over time the body produces less and less of its own insulin, which may eventually result in the need for insulin therapy. In this case, you have to look at the treatment as a way to help, not a failure on your part.

Myth 8: All fats should be avoided

False. Fats are essential for proper functioning of the body, including digestion and vitamin absorption—especially for vitamins A, D, E and K. If you want to prevent fatty tissue from accumulating on your thighs, hips or belly, it’s a matter of managing calories and portion size.

What’s the bottom line?

The rise of the Internet and social media has been a great boon for diet myths. The best way to avoid being misled is to be critical of what you hear... and get the facts!

A diagnosis of diabetes should not diminish your child’s quality of life. You and your child will have additional responsibilities over the years, but the added self-discipline may work in your child's favour.

As a parent of an infant or toddler newly diagnosed with diabetes, your child’s diagnosis may affect you much more than it does your child. After all, your child is fully dependent upon you for all care, not just diabetes treatments. Even as your child begins walking and talking, diabetes will be a very small part of their world. Children live in the moment. The blood glucose test or injection that was so upsetting this morning has long since been forgotten.
For your own peace of mind, as well as your child's health, take advantage of every possible opportunity to educate yourself. Get involved in a local support group, where you can get to know other families facing the exact same issues every day. Be sure to take care of yourself. Diabetes is a day-by-day, sometimes hour-by-hour responsibility—if you're not careful, you can easily tire yourself out.

Talking With Your Child

Only you will know how much information to provide your child and when they will be ready to understand more. For a while, it may be enough for them to know that they have too much glucose in their blood and need insulin to let it out.
Still, it is a good idea to start talking about diabetes and your feelings early. Focus on the facts about blood glucose results and injections—even babies are attuned to the way we say things, which can reveal a lot more than the actual words we use.

Tips for Caring for Young Children

• Listen closely to your child. Are there things he or she doesn't quite understand?
• Choose words carefully. Do not call blood sugars or blood glucose readings "good" or "bad,"; instead use “high,” “low,” and “normal.”
• Congratulate your child on being courageous when the time comes to test or inject.
• Make testing and injecting times warm and loving. A cuddle after a blood glucose test can go a long way.
• Let the child participate by choosing a finger for testing, or rubbing the spot after testing.
• Rotate injection sites regularly.
• Get everything ready before the test. Make the process quick and calm. The less upset you get about it, the less upset your child will be, too.
• Work with your healthcare professional to outline an eating, testing, and medication plan tailored to your child.
• If possible, encourage your child to attend a diabetes camp where the child can interact with other children with diabetes and have staff knowledgeable about diabetes on hand. To apply for a camp online, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website and download the application form.

You may be surprised to learn that an entire diabetes community exists in Canada, and possibly in your area.

Consider getting involved with a local association or a support group. After all, who better to understand the diabetes-related issues you face than someone also affected by the disease or a healthcare professional who has in-depth knowledge on the subject?

A sense of community can improve your overall well-being, which means you may find the extra inspiration you need to stick to your eating, physical activity and blood glucose testing plans. You, in turn, might even be able to inspire someone else.

Lastly, don't forget friends and family when you need an extra source of support. While they may not have the medical knowledge that members of your local community possess, they have something just as important -- the love, affection and humor to help you get through many of life's challenges, large and small.

The following Web sites can help you find the information you need about the treatment and management of your diabetes.

• Diabetes Canada
• Diabetic Children's Foundation
• Diabetes Hope Foundation
• Diabetes Québec
• International Diabetes Federation
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• National Aboriginal Diabetes Association
• Public Health Agency of Canada 
• Schalifoux Diabetes

In gently, out under precise control.

Only Accu-Chek lancing devices feature Clixmotion® technology, the principle of dual-guided motion that helps prevent vibration and oscillations while lancing.^{1, 2}

In the skin, the lancet is brought to a gentle stop, referred to as Soft Stop, and then actively retracted immediately in a linear motion. This fast, controlled motion is noticeably easier on the skin.

Gentle through and through

Special cut of the lancet

Each Accu-Chek^® lancet has a tapered 3-sided cut with optimized angles - the result of exhaustive research. This special cut of the lancet and its smooth, polished surface mean that skin penetration is virtually friction-free and especially gentle.

Fast penetration speed

 The Accu-Chek lancet takes no more than about 2 milliseconds to penetrate the skin. This noticeably reduces the sensation of pain because the shorter the penetration time, the fewer nerve fibers are irritated.

Individual penetration depth settings

Individual penetration depth settings all Accu-Chek lancing devices feature variable penetration depths to suit individual skin types. The lancet can thus be set to penetrate only as deep as necessary. This stimulates fewer nerve fibers and minimizes tissues damage - making blood sampling gentle and easier on the skin.