DIABETES 'WAKE UP' CALL

By PW Nutritionist Aleena Khusro

Talk diabetes to me! American Diabetes Association Alert Day is all about highlighting the seriousness of the disease and educating people.

The statistics put out by the American Diabetes Association are most certainly alarming:
- About 34 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States
- The national cost of diabetes in the US in 2017 was more than $327 billion, up from $245 billion in 2012!
- An additional 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year!

Type 1 diabetes is unfortunately not preventable, however actions can definitely be taken against the development of type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause serious health issues and complications.

There is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet about type 2 diabetes, so here is a bit of myth busting to clear things up...

Myth: If my parents have type 2 diabetes, I will definitely have it

NO! Unlike type 1 diabetes, we are not born with type 2 diabetes. There is research that shows that many of us may be more genetically predisposed to risk of diabetes, but this is just a risk! You can easily prevent the onset of diabetes through the right diet and exercise.

Myth: I can’t prevent type 2 diabetes through dietary changes

You 100% can! Eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates, this means saying goodbye to tucking into your sweets and chocolate cupboards every day. Eating healthily is extremely important and so is keeping active. Try to have plenty of fibre from whole grains such as oats - the Protein World Slender Porridge is completely diabetic suited and is a great low carb source of fibre.

Myth: People with diabetes can’t exercise or play sports

The key to lowering risk of type 2 diabetes, is a healthy diet and exercise. Famous sports players that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes include women’s tennis player Billie Jean King and American Football player Kyle Love. Those with diabetes are highly encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle as keeping active reduces risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat grapes, mangoes or bananas

Although you should avoid high amounts of these fruits in your diet as they are densely packed with sugar, you don’t have to cut them out completely! Fruit is high in fibre, low in fat and full of vitamins and minerals.

Myth: Protein World products are not suitable for diabetics

They most certainly are suited to those with diabetes - we don’t leave anyone out! The Slender Blend, Slender Porridge and PW Pizza Mix are some of the top products loved by our diabetic customers!

Have a go at making these diabetic-friendly Slender smoothies!

Cherries & Berries Slender Smoothie:

Ingredients

• 4 scoops Strawberry Milkshake flavour Slender Blend
• ½ cup cherries (destoned)
• 1 cup raspberries
• 150 ml almond milk

Nutritional Info
• Calories 302kcal
• Sugar 11g

Method:
Whack all ingredients in your blender and blitz!

Strawberry & Kiwi Slender Smoothie:

Ingredients

• 4 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream flavour Slender Blend
• 6 strawberries
• 1 kiwi
• 200 ml almond milk
• handful of ice

Nutritional Info
• Calories 297kcal
• Sugar 12g

Method:
Whack all ingredients in your blender and blitz!

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