But why would the 64 year old Food Network star decide to announce her battle with type 2 diabetes now? She stated that she will be working (as a paid spokesperson) for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures medications for the treatment of diabetes. Ms. Deen also mentioned that she will be also working on a program called “Diabetes In A New Light”. Does that include lifestyle change? We will have to wait and see. A Today Show physician contributor briefly mentioned some of the risk factors for type 2, several of which were non-modifiable such as age and family history. Paula pointed out that she only eats her recipes in “moderation”, and that she is a “cook” not a “doctor”.

What is type 2  diabetes?

Over 28 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, 7 million of which are undiagnosed. Having a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight and having a family history of type 2 diabetes are all factors which can increase the risk of developing the disease. Certain ethnic groups such as African Americans and American Indians also have a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. The pancreas will continue to produce insulin in order to keep up with the high blood sugar levels, but due to the problem with insulin receptors, blood glucose remains high and continues to cause problems. So although people with Type 2 may start out with insulin resistance, eventually they will develop insulin deficiency. In order to control Type 2 diabetes, it is important to modify carbohydrate and calorie intake while increasing physical activity in order to promote weight loss. Weight reduction can help reduce the excess “belly fat” which increases the risk of insulin resistance. Healthy eating (and reducing consumption of simple/refined carbs), and increased physical activity are the cornerstones of diabetes management. In addition to proper diet and exercise, many people with Type 2 may also take oral medications or insulin.

Will this news mean that Ms. Deen can’t eat her own cooking? Will she modify her recipes to include lower carbohydrate choices? There is little doubt in my mind that she will not be promoting and eating as many as her deep fried donut recipes as previously seen on the food network. Of interest is her son Bobby Deen’s new cooking show called “Not My Mama’s Meal’s”. Paula will likely start to modify some of her recipes as well.

My suggestions for Paula Deen:*

Start Moving

Exercise is important for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. Start by taking a walk outside. Smell the outdoors in addition to the aroma in the kitchen.

Cut down on simple and refined carbs, and increase consumption of veggies, fruits, lean protein and whole grains

Eating fewer cookies, cakes and candies while consuming more lean protein, colorful fruits and veggies along with fibrous whole grains can help improve blood sugar control. Ms. Deen should consider cooking more fish dishes (rich in heart healthy omega 3′s) and cruciferous veggies (cancer fighting and heart healthy broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts). She can use more herbs and spices and less sugar and white flour to promote healthy eating.

Speak with a Certified Diabetes Educator

Managing your eating, exercise and medications while running a business and working on a TV cooking show can be overwhelming to manage. I hope Ms. Deen works with a CDE to help her improve her lifestyle while properly managing her diabetes.

Join diabetessisters.org

I am the volunteer lead CDE for diabetessisters.org. We encourage Paula to join forces with diabetessisters.org , Together we can improve the lives of women with diabetes everywhere. Paula, please write a blog for our site!

Although I have never made a Paula Deen recipe or dined at her restaurant, I have enjoyed watching her on TV. I admit that sometimes I can’t believe that she is cooking deep fried breaded steak and sugar covered chocolate fudge bars, but she is an endearing and welcoming cook.  I hope she treats the world to healthy creative lower carb recipes. What do you think of today’s announcement by Paula Deen? Please share your thoughts and comments.

* and for ALL people with diabetes or at risk for developing this disease.

Women with diabetes often feel depressed, lonely and isolated. DiabetesSisters to the rescue…. The organization is completely supportive and understanding of women who have diabetes or pre-diabetes. DiabetesSisters provides blogs from women who have type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. There is a Women’s Forum and incredibly innovative “Sistermatch Program”, which allows women to support other women who are struggling or learning from their diabetes (or everyday life). The site also offers a free Mediation & Appointment Reminder Program and e-Newsletter which focuses on everyday women with diabetes. I contribute articles to the site and answer “ask the expert” questions. Brandy is highly committed to working with volunteers who are expert in their specialties. There are CDEs who are accomplished in nutrition, psychology and pharmacy issues. We commit our time and resources because we believe in Brandy’s vision of improving women’s lives while providing education, support and compassion.

One of the exceptional features of DiabetesSisters is the PODS (Part Of DiabetesSisters) meetups and gatherings throughout the United States. It’s an awe-inspiring way for women with diabetes to meet and support each other in communities throughout the country. Once you join DiabetesSisters, you can host or coordinate a PODS program in your area.

The conference for women scheduled for May 2012 in Raleigh North Carolina promises to be educational, empowering and awesome! Many issues specifically affecting women will be explored. There are also meetings for partners of women with diabetes, and “The Orange Walk”, to raise awareness of women with diabetes. Dr. Nat Strand (winner of the Amazing Race), will be a featured speaker. Please check out the site for registration.

Although I have many personal and professional commitments, I feel privileged to be the lead CDE for DiabetesSisters.org. I strive to help women who have diabetes improve their lifestyles and health. My hope is that someday soon there will be a cure for diabetes. For now, I’m proud to be part of DiabetesSisters.org. Please check out the organization and share your thoughts. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

1. Lose Weight (“This will be the year I lose weight”)
2. Exercise More (I”m going to get up every morning and hit the gym”)
3. Quit Smoking (“I will stop smoking January 1″)
4. Drink Less Alcohol (“My last drink will be New Year’s eve”)
5. Get out of debt/become financially responsible (“I”m cutting up my credit cards and saving money”)
6. Volunteer (” I want to help out the less fortunate”)

I believe the way to accomplish a goal is to break it down into simple and realistic steps. No matter what you want to alter (and improve in your current life), it starts with one small change. Whatever your resolution, take small “doable” steps and keep your goals realistic.

If you have a goal for 2012, take a small and realistic step towards achieving your dream. If you want to lose weight, start keeping a food journal to help figure out what you need to improve. If you need to stop smoking, make an appointment with your doctor today to discuss various options. Lean on family and friends when you can for support. I wish you a joyous, happy and healthy 2012. What will you do for yourself  in 2012? Please share your thoughts.

World Diabetes Day continues to be led by the International Diabetes Federation, and is supported by the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes UK, Diabetes Australia, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Diabetes South Africa, Diabetes New Zealand and the Diabetic Association of India. Check around your neighborhood for educational workshops, events and diabetes screenings. There are a number of fund raising events which are hosted throughout National Diabetes Awareness month. As a certified diabetes educator and advocate for my patients, friends and family who have diabetes, I support organizations who are focused on finding a cure for diabetes.

Take Action

The International Diabetes Federation (idf.org) is encouraging communities across the globe to GO BLUE! You’ll see buildings and businesses boost the blue color and symbol of diabetes awareness to unite us all in the fight against this disease. Let’s all get on board. The same way the red ribbon is a symbol of AIDS awareness, the blue symbol needs to become the unified symbol of diabetes awareness.

In keeping with the blue theme, Cherise Shockely (the founder of Diabetes Social Media Advocacy) encourages us all to wear blue each Friday during November, as well as on November 14th. It would also be awesome if NFL football players would wear blue during games each week. During October, NFL players wore pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Other advocacy groups wear red during February for National Heart Month. It’s time to increase awareness in large venues by getting behind the “blue” theme, during November.

Manny Hernandez (tudiabetes.org) is an incredible diabetes champion and resource. Manny and the diabetes Hands Foundation work together to promote the “Big Blue Test” (bigbluetest.org).  The idea is to test your blood sugar, exercise for 14 minutes, and then test again. With the broad reach of computer technology, Manny suggests that people with diabetes share their blood sugar numbers with each other online. Roche Diabetes Care will donate to a diabetes charity for each person who participates. What a great way to encourage blood glucose testing, and raise funds at the same time.

No Cure…Yet

Today, there is no cure for diabetes. More research is needed to find a cure and to help educate people with diabetes and their families who need to manage the disease. As a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, I listen intently to my patients needs. Diabetes can be overwhelming, and as a health care professional I will continue to coach, educate and support my friends, family members and patients who have the disease. In particular, I like what the Diabetes Research Institute is doing to help with this scourge. Diabetes affects everyone differently, but we all need to unite behind the common goal of living a healthy life with diabetes and hopefully celebrating a cure in the near future. What will you do to participate in World Diabetes Day? Please share your thoughts and comments.

Many young women contact me because they are extremely frustrated with their inability to lose weight despite repeated attempts at restrictive  dieting. They share common complaints of  hair loss (on the head),  hair growth on their face, chest or stomach, low blood sugar episodes and weight gain around their belly’s. These young women have irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.

If left untreated,  PCOS can increase the risk of endometrial cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Women with PCOS often have high testosterone levels and suffer from insulin resistance. It can be managed with nutritional changes, medical intervention and a good dose of understanding from family and friends.

Insulin resistance  leads to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. These young women may experience intense cravings for carbohydrates as well as hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes.

  Sleep apnea, darkened skin patches, depression, anxiety and body image issues are all common symptoms of PCOS.  The good news is that losing 7-10% of  body weight can  reduce many symptoms of PCOS. But as we know, weight loss is not always an easy journey.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a  hormone (chemical messenger) that is produced by the pancreas after eating  food, especially carbohydrates. Insulin  SHOULD  take sugar (or glucose) out of the blood and into cells.  Insulin resistance causes cells to become less responsive to insulin  and  more insulin is needed  to move glucose (or blood sugar) into cells.  It’s common for women with PCOS to have a dramatic drop  in blood sugar (often late in the afternoon), and start to want  more  “simple” carbs (such as candy or cookies).  Eating more sugary foods (which have little nutritional value and a lot of calories) can lead to weight gain and INCREASED  insulin resistance. This process requires nutritional intervention!

Dietary Recommendations for PCOS

1. Reduce the amount  of  simple carbohydrates (such as cake, candy, cookies) that you eat.  Choose carbs such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains which provide vitamins, minerals and fiber.  ( I’m not suggesting a lower carb diet during pregnancy. Adequate carbohydrate is needed for the developing baby).
2. Carbs should not be eaten alone! Instead, combine them with lean protein or healthy fat (i.e. nuts or avocado).
3. Select lower glycemic index foods as they will cause a slower rise in blood sugar. The lower glycemic carbohydrates tend to have more fiber than the higher glycemic foods. Try to select whole grains that are unprocessed (i.e. quinoa).
4. Drink a minimum of 48 -64 ounces of water per day.
5. Increase intake of Omega 3 fats.
6. Eat a high fiber diet.
7. Try to eat every 3-4 hours.
8. Consume an adequate amount of Vitamin D. Ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level.
9. Eat phytosterols (found in almonds,walnuts, broccoli, brussel sprouts, whole grains, and flax seed). They compete with cholesterol for absorption and are generally heart healthy).
10. Use cinnamon. Although the studies are not conclusive, it may help to improve insulin resistance.
11. If you are considering other supplements (such as inositol), please discuss it with your doctor.

In addition to improving your diet, you MUST exercise.

Exercise lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.  Find some type of physical activity that you enjoy (both cardio, such as walking and strength training such as weight lifting). You can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you exercise. Don’t forget that exercise burns body fat and helps to control appetite. Find an exercise buddy and reap the benefits of physical activity today. Remember, if you are physically active, you have a greater chance of maintaining your weight loss.

As a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, I help people with PCOS put together the pieces of the nutrition puzzle. If you think you have PCOS, seek out the help of a doctor who can help manage your medical issues. How do you cope with PCOS? Please share your thoughts and comments.