American Diabetes Association
From LoveToKnow Diet
With approximately 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or nearly 7% of the American population, with diabetes, it is a blessing to have the American Diabetes Association as a source of information and support regarding diabetes. Furthermore, since it is estimated that nearly 6.2 million people have the disease yet are not diagnosed, the association is a critical link for reaching out and servicing all those possibly inflicted with the disease.
Background and Mission
The American Diabetes Association is a non-profit health organization serving each state throughout the country. It was established in 1940 and continues to be run by volunteers. Its board of directors includes specialists in the field of diabetes, including doctors and dietitians. There are certified public accountants, along with a variety of other experts in professional fields. The association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Services
The three main areas of focus include:
- Reseach
- Information
- Advocacy
Research
The American Diabetes Association monetary support grew from $18 million in 1999 to $40 million in 2005. The money directly funds several research endeavors deliberately aimed toward the treatment, cure, and prevention of the disease. Projects are occurring in several states across the country, many in conjunction with the National Institute of Health. These studies look at specific aspects that may play a role in diabetes, including genetics, cell biology, and immunology. Along with these areas, research is continually being conducted on the educational and behavioral impact of living with the disease.
There is an application process for receiving grant money from the association for research studies. Guidelines for conducting a study, as well as all the necessary forms, can be found at the American Diabetes Association website.
Information
Whether you need statistics, management tips, referral sources, or meal plans related to diabetes, this organization has it all. You will find information and educational literature at the Diabetes Learning Center. The center offers help with everything from eating choices and monitoring blood sugar levels to assessing your care team members and emotional affects you may encounter. In addition, there is information about the risk factors associated with acquiring diabetes, the prevention of the disease, and the necessary steps to take when first diagnosed. All of this information is available in English or Spanish.
Advocacy
The association is involved with many government departments and maintains a strong position for gaining support. Due to its firm mission, the American Diabetic Association is undoubtedly the force behind many strides achieved in the investigation of diabetes.
American Diabetes Association Membership
Virtually anyone can become a member of the association. At this time, for $28 a year, an individual can enjoy the many benefits of being a member. These include a subscription to the association’s monthly magazine, Diabetes Forecast, updated information on local events and activities, the latest information on treatment and technological advances, and access to a toll-free hotline for questions, concerns, and resources. Furthermore, participants receive discounts on publications such as cookbooks, educational guides, meal planning tools, videos, and the annual supply guide.
For professionals, the fees vary for membership. As of this time, dues ranged from $135 to $310 for physicians, and $80 to $158 for other providers. There is an application process for this group in order to join.
Other Perks
When you visit the American Diabetic Association’s website, be sure to check out the following areas:
- Diabetes Risk Test
- Message board
- Live question & answer
- Nutritional tips
- Recipes
- Weight loss and exercise advice
- Newsletter
- Education
The association offers programs of training in diabetes care. You can view all the details or request information via this direct link.
Comments
Hi Joel,
Dates are 103 on the glycemic index. This number indicates how fast a food is likely to raise your blood sugar. If you're experiencing low blood sugar, you would choose to eat a carb that will raise your blood sugar quickly. If your blood sugar tends to spike after eating dates you'd want to choose something with a lower glycemic index. The impact a food has on the blood sugar depends on a variety of factors including ripeness, fiber and fat content, time of day, blood insulin levels, and recent activity. Use the Glycemic Index is one tool available to help control your diabetes, but it is best to talk over specifics with your doctor.
-- Contributed by: Donna SundbladHi - I am interested in the use of fresh or dried dates in cases of low sugar (instead of taking some chocolate or orange juice). I di insulin and sometimes get low sugar. I know that dates have high sugar content. Can you help me with this or point me the right way to find some papres on this. I have searched the web without much success. Thanks
-- Contributed by: Joel BermanHi Vera,
Remember that a diabetic diet does not necessarily mean a ‘sugar free’ diet. Sugar can be included if it is part of a balanced, healthy diet. However, it is wise to cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Recipes for dietetic desserts abound on the internet as well as in numerous cookbooks. Plus stores in the U.S. offer a variety of dietary delights appropriate for the diabetic diet. Check with your health care provider for guidance as to what to eat and what not to eat. Here's a bit of info that may help you know what you'd like to ask:
Many manufacturers produce sugar free treats that can be enjoyed on the diabetic diet. However, read food labels. Start with the list of ingredients. Watch for heart-healthy ingredients like:
- Whole-wheat flour
- Soy
- Oats
- Monounsaturated fats like: olive, canola or peanut oils
Of course you want to avoid ingredients such as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil and sugar. What some people don't realize is that sugar goes by many names when it comes to ingredient lists. These names include:
- brown sugar
- buttered syrup
- cane-juice crystals
- cane sugar
- caramel
- carob syrup
- corn syrup
- corn syrup solids
- date sugar
- dextran
- dextrose
- diatase
- diastatic malt
- ethyl maltol
- fructose
- fruit juice
- fruit juice concentrate
- glucose
- glucose solids
- golden sugar
- golden syrup
- grape sugar
- high-fructose corn syrup
- honey
- invert sugar
- lactose
- malt syrup
- maltodextrin
- maltose
- mannitol
- molasses
- raw sugar
- refiner's syrup
- sorbitol
- sorghum syrup
- sucrose
- sugar
- turbinado sugar
- yellow sugar
Main ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This means the first ingredient on the list is the "main ingredient". So if sugar is listed within the first three ingredients it it's best to avoid it. Ingredients of lesser amount follow.
As for specific products produced with the diabetic diet in mind. Here are a few:
- Sweet'N Low Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
- Coboss Dark Chocolate Diabetic Bar (40 g)
- SugaSure Chocolate Almond Nutrition Bar
- Coboss Milk Chocolate Diabetic Bar (40g)
- Sugar Free, Milk Chocolate Pecan Turtles by A Bountiful Harvest
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