Is Diabetes Affecting Your Hearing?

Tame blood sugar swings - in front of the TV! Find out how.
Thursday March 03, 2011
In This Issue: Is Diabetes Affecting Your Hearing? Scientific Proof That Grandma's Old-Fashioned Remedies Really Work! Jazz Up Your Chicken Massage Diabetes Away! Featured Recipe: Chicken and Sweet Potato Salad with Pineapple Salsa Is Diabetes Affecting Your Hearing? It's long been known that diabetes can cause serious damage to your blood vessels. This is why diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease in America. But did you know that the same type of diabetes-related blood-vessel damage can affect your ears, diminishing your ability to hear? Diabetes can cause nerve damage that diminishes hearing. And some research suggests that diabetes can cause a shortage of a type of protein important to ear health. Add it up and people with diabetes are about twice as likely to experience hearing loss as people of the same age and background who don't have the disease. "Hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes," the National Institutes of Health declared in a 2008 report. Chances are, you are reading this thinking, "My hearing is just fine." But is it? Believe it or not, it's rarely obvious to you if you're losing your hearing. For most people, hearing loss happens very gradually; to them, the sounds of the world still seem plentiful and relatively clear, even if their hearing is in decline. Loved ones and friends are often the first ones to notice your hearing loss, not you. There are a lot of myths surrounding hearing loss. The biggest is that you have to be "older" to have it. But most people with hearing loss are under 65 years old. And the percentage of younger people with hearing issues is getting larger, as modern audio technology and headphone use continues to increase. Do you frequently ask others to repeat themselves? Are you constantly turning up the TV or radio volume? Do you have trouble following conversations in loud restaurants or big groups? Do you think that people are always mumbling? If you answer "yes" to more than one of these questions, you might want be screened for hearing loss. People with diabetes should be diligent about getting routine hearing tests. At your next physical, ask your doctor to screen your hearing and even if you pass, share any concerns you may have. It can be easy to pass a hearing test in a quiet room but your day-to-day experiences are the real test.  SPECIAL OFFER Scientific Proof That Grandma's Old-Fashioned Remedies Really Work! The results are IN and they're astounding! In study after study, practical old-fashioned remedies are proving to be as safe and effective as today's prescription and over the counter drugs. For example, try taking GINGER the next time you're feeling dizzy. The right dose promises proven, side-effect-free relief. And, for minor burns, reach for HONEY, not new-fangled ointments. Recent studies show that honey heals burns quicker with less pain and scarring than many of today's popular burn creams. And that's not all... Find out how you can literally cure it all with 1,001 home remedies by clicking here now. Jazz Up Your Chicken Have some leftover grilled chicken? Don't succumb to food boredom by having the same thing for lunch tomorrow that you have for dinner tonight. Get creative! Here are three things you can do with that leftover chicken to keep you satisfied at lunch—for less than 500 calories. • Cut the chicken into strips, and combine with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black beans in a whole-wheat pita or wrap for a southwestern-style sandwich. Add a little salsa or some avocado slices for even more healthy flavor. • Dice chicken and toss with 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise, chopped apple, walnuts, diced onion, and a few generous shakes of curry and turmeric for a diabetes-friendly chicken curry salad. Serve with romaine lettuce for crunch. • Toss with whole-wheat penne pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and the sautéed veggies of your choice.    SPECIAL OFFER Massage Diabetes Away! One of the best ways to relieve tension and fight depression – both of which affect your blood sugar control – is to enjoy a relaxing massage at least 3 times a week. And, HERE is the easiest way to treat yourself to this ultra-relaxing, diabetes-fighting 'prescription'. You'll find it's much more affordable than fancy, high priced massage chairs and beds. Plus, once you have it, you'll be able to enjoy the healing benefits of a soothing massage as often as you want, wherever you want - even in front of the TV! What kind is this special 'massager' called – and how can you use to it to massage your diabetes away? Find out here. Chicken and Sweet Potato Salad with Pineapple Salsa This salad is a wonderful mélange of tastes. Slices of chicken and sweet potatoes are served on a bed of leafy greens and vegetables, with a chunky pineapple salsa spooned over the top. Ingredients Potato Salad 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch slices 4 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pinch each of ground cinnamon and cumin 4 cups mixed salad leaves 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 4 tomatoes, cut into thin wedges 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds 2 scallions, finely shredded Salsa 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped 1 small red onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 1/2 teaspoon mild chili powder Pinch each of ground cinnamon and cumin Juice of 1 lime Dressing 1 teaspoon sugar Juice of 1/2 lime 1 tablespoon canola oil Dash soy sauce Serves 4 Preparation 1    Cook the sweet potato slices in a saucepan of boiling water until just tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and leave to cool. 2    Poach the chicken breasts in simmering water (use the water from the sweet potatoes, if desired) until cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and leave to cool, then cut into 1/2-inch slices. 3    Put the chicken and sweet potato slices in a bowl and sprinkle with the cinnamon and cumin. 4    To make the salsa, combine the pineapple, red onion, red bell pepper, mint, chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. 5    To make the dressing, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large, shallow salad bowl. Add the salad leaves to the bowl, and toss to coat with the dressing. Arrange the chicken and sweet potato slices, the cucumber slices, and tomato wedges on top of the leaves, and scatter over the chopped cilantro, sunflower seeds, and scallions. Serve with the pineapple salsa, to taste.  Per serving: 479 cal, 9 g fat (1 g sat), 72 g carbs, 32 g protein, 9 g fiber, 67 mg chol, 107 mg sodium Until next issue, here's to good health! Neil Wertheimer Editor in Chief, Reverse Diabetes In the Next Issue: The Ultimate Diabetes-Fighting Fruit "Why Are You Rubbing CHOCOLATE on Your Face?" Move for Your Mood Food that Makes Women 30% Less Likely to Get Diabetes Featured Recipe: Chickpea and Pita Salad
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