Many people with diabetes have trouble keeping their levels of blood lipids (fats in the blood) at healthy levels. If you have diabetes, have a blood lipid pro?le (cholesterol check; see page 25) done at least once a year, more often if your doctor recommends it. People with diabetes are more likely than the average […]
As many as two out of three people with diabetes have high blood pres- sure. The only way to know you have high blood pressure is to be tested. If you have diabetes, you should have your blood pressure checked every time you go to a doctor, or at least two to four times a […]
A major concern is to prevent coronary artery disease (the most com- mon form of cardiovascular disease), which can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor will work with you to make the lifestyle changes that will help you minimize your risk of heart attack. Your goal is to keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, […]
For a variety of reasons, diabetes is increasing in the American pop- ulation at an alarming rate, even among younger people. Most authorities place most of the blame on the increase in overweight and obesity, along with a sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is a serious disease in which the body does not produce or properly use […]
If you are overweight or obese, you and your doctor can start immedi- ately to bring your weight down. It’s not easy to con- template making major changes in your eating and exercise habits, but it is possible—and a positive attitude is a big help. Try to drink at least eight glasses of ?uid a day; […]
n the last 25 years or so, people in the United States have become pro- gressively more overweight and obese. Today, about 65 percent of Americans are considered overweight and about one-third are obese, and the numbers of obese and overweight people keep rising. To check if you are overweight or obese, see the body […]
Drinking too much alcohol can be harmful to your cardiovascular sys- tem in numerous ways: it can contribute to high blood pressure, raise your level of harmful triglycerides, and add empty calories that contribute to overweight or obesity. Excessive drinking or binge drinking can lead to stroke, diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), and disturbances […]
Food labels tell you a great deal about the contents of foods, and they are a big help in making reasonable choices to limit the fat, sodium, and cholesterol in the foods you eat. Both the ingredients list and the nutri- tion facts panel are useful. By law, the ingredients list is in descending order […]
Plant sources of protein and other nutrients, such as dried beans, peas, lentils, or soybean curd (tofu), can supplement your diet and substitute for meat, poultry, and ?sh. These foods are high in complex carbohydrates and are lower in saturated fats and calories than animal products such as meat. Eggs are a good source of […]
Of all the advancements made in our understanding of heart disease and how to prevent it, perhaps the greatest is the clear, consistent link between healthful eating habits, coupled with regular exercise, and the prevention of heart problems. By following some fairly simple guidelines about how to eat healthfully, you can substantially improve your overall […]
