The Expert: Sylvia Klinger , spokesperson for Love One Today®
Registered Dietitian | M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., C.P.T.
Q: What is the difference between pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes? Can you prevent progression to type 2 diabetes if you have pre-diabetes?
Sylvia: Great question. Your pancreas has an important job. It makes insulin (a hormone) which helps move the glucose (sugar) from the food you eat out of your blood and into your body’s cells to provide energy. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, consider it a serious health warning that your body is not using insulin properly and the sugar level in your blood is higher than normal. As pre-diabetes progresses, the pancreas goes into overdrive to make extra insulin to try to move that excess sugar out of the blood. If not treated, unfortunately, type 2 diabetes develops as your pancreas slowly wears out and eventually becomes unable to make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
Type 2 diabetes is a challenging and life-threatening disease. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, please take action immediately. The American Diabetes Association advises that by following the appropriate treatment and lifestyle recommendations provided by health care professionals, many people with pre-diabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes or other complications1.
Hispanics are nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-Latino whites2. Being overweight is the biggest risk factor and I am sad to report that our community has the second highest age-adjusted rates of obesity in the country stated by CDC3. It makes sense that following a healthy diet and adding more activity to your daily routine can help prevent type 2 diabetes. In particular, healthy foods containing fiber, such as healthy avocados, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes because it adds bulk to the diet and can help keep you feel full faster and longer with fewer calories.
Q: I hear a lot about diabetes in the news. What are the symptoms? I feel great.
Sylvia: Diabetes is called a “silent” killer because so many people are walking around undiagnosed, not recognizing the early symptoms such as blurry vision, excessive thirst and urination, fatigue, increased hunger, dark patches on the skin. In fact, a new study from the CDC4 says that about 1/3 of Hispanics are pre-diabetic but only 7.5% (not even 10%) actually know it, the lowest awareness of all consumer segments. Risk factors such as family history, being overweight and having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol should put you on alert and asking your doctor for a blood test to check on your blood glucose levels. Fortunately, finding out early if you have diabetes can prevent serious complications.
Q: My doctor recently diagnosed me with pre-diabetes and it depresses me. I feel like all my favorite foods are off limits. Help!
Sylvia: Making healthier eating choices does not have to mean denying or giving up your favorite meals. Did you know fresh avocados are sugar free, sodium free, cholesterol free and are a good source of fiber? LoveOneToday.com has a gallery of healthy avocado recipes that your whole family can enjoy.
Try the Baked Red Snapper topped with Venezuelan Guasacaca Salsa — it has lean protein, is under 500 calories and you’ll finish your meal fulfilled and satisfied. Avocados are also a great post-workout snack. If you only eat a portion at a time, keep the fruit from going brown by sprinkling lemon juice, covering tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating.
1 “Complications.” American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/.
2 “Hispanic Health: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 18 Sep 2017. Web. http://www.cdc.gov/features/hispanichealth/index.html.
3 “Overweight & Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Aug. 2017, www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html.
4 National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017, National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf.
The Expert: Sylvia Klinger, spokesperson for Love One Today®
Registered Dietitian | M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., C.P.T.
Award-winning author and global nutrition entrepreneur founder of Hispanic Food Communications, a nutrition communications and culinary consulting company. She is relentlessly passionate about helping people fall in love with the process of creating and enjoying delicious but most importantly, nutritious foods.
