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SMART SOURCES
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The National Diabetes Information Clearing-house puts out a number of informative, reader-friendly publications, including Diabetes Dateline, a quarterly newsletter; The Diabetes Dictionary, an illustrated glossary of more than 350 diabetes-related terms; and several booklets addressing the needs of diabetes patients. All are available online at:
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www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic/htm
Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes: in Type I, or insulin-dependent diabetes, the body manufactures little or no insulin. Type I sufferers, who include children and young adults, often require insulin injections throughout their lives. Researchers don't yet know what causes this type of diabetes, but there is a tendency to inherit it.
Type II diabetes, or insulin-resistant diabetes, is much more common, particularly among inactive, overweight people over 40. These people produce some insulin, but not enough. Diet is both a direct cause and treatment for this form of diabetes; the best prescription is often improved eating and exercise, which often enables Type II diabetics to use more of their own insulin and balance their blood sugar with diet alone.
Both types of diabetes can be controlled by eating foods high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which cause a minimal rise in blood sugar levels; avoiding excess refined sugar; and eating frequent small meals. It's also important to consume enough vitamin B6, chromium, zinc, and magnesium; diabetics often have low levels of all four.
Smart Foods
Apples, bananas, dried beans, wheat germ, and other foods high in soluble fiber help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Whole-grain bread and cereal, pasta, corn, dried beans, and fruits and vegetables for complex carbohydrates.
Turkey, fish, walnuts, potatoes, avocados, red peppers, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables for vitamin B6.
Lean meat, shellfish, dried beans and peas, nuts,

 
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