martes, 30 de agosto de 2011

5 Ways to Power Up with Veggies

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5 Ways to Power Up with Veggies

Five servings of vegetables a day may seem like a daunting dietary challenge. It can be make you feel like you're pushing a giant head up lettuce uphill, only to have it roll down again the next day.  It doesn't have to be that way.

Eating enough vegetables is much easier than you think. Just a half a cup of raw, cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables equals a serving. Other one-serving examples: Three-quarters of a cup of 100 percent vegetable juice, one cup of leafy veggies such as lettuce, or half a cup of beans or peas.

To motivate you to eat more veggies, there's a pretty simple equation: The more vegetables you eat, the less you'll weigh (and healthier you'll be). The reason? Vegetables are low in calories and are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other powerful nutrients that fight disease. You'll feel fuller and less likely to munch on other stuff that's not as good for you. And for people with diabetes, the low Glycemic Index (GI) of vegetables makes it easier to control your blood sugar, along with helping you maintain a healthy weight.

If you haven't been a veggie fan, here are five easy and delicious ways to eat more vegetables:

Be fruitful. Eat vegetables like they're fruit. Halve a cucumber, a whole tomato, and a stalk of celery, or a crunchy carrot. They're as pleasant to munch on as an apple. Another sneaky fruit-like vegetable is the broccoli stalk. Shave off the outside of the stalk and you'll be surprised at how juicy and tasty the inner part is.

Stack with lettuce. When having a sandwich, go easy on the meat and add more of the green stuff and tomatoes. The meat should be no higher than the thickness of a standard slice of bread. Then, pile on enough lettuce and other vegetable to make a towering sandwich of health. While your tower may be the height of the Empire State Building, you'll earn the svelteness of the Eiffel Tower.

Swap meat entrées. Exchanging a meat serving for a vegetarian one once a week means you'll also skip fat and cholesterol. And just so you won't miss the meat as much, make it a strong-flavored vegetable such as broccoli. Check the web for meatless recipes that make filling, robust meals from veggies and whole grains.

Start your day right. One reason we don't eat enough vegetables is that we think of them as a side dish to dinner. To change that attitude, try making a breakfast of scrambled eggs with sautéed veggies such as peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, or onions.

Boost a soup. When you have a low-sodium soup, stir in a bag of precut broccoli and carrots, either fresh or frozen, and you have a super-fast, easy lunch or dinner. As the soup simmers, it'll cook any frozen veggies. Plus, you'll boost the soup's nutritional value and fiber.

Diabetes Recipes

RecipeSpinach and Goat Cheese Omelet
Add a little European flair (and lots of veggies) to your breakfast with this French-style, folded omelet. As one of the fastest protein-rich meals you can make, this omelet is an excellent dish for solo dining and can use up any leftover vegetables you have at hand.

Serves 1

Ingredients:
2 cups baby spinach, rinsed
2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
1 tablespoon chopped scallion
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
Pinch of salt
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil 

Preparation:
1    Bring an inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Drop in spinach and cook just until wilted, about 30 seconds. Drain, press out liquid and chop coarsely. Or, place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with vented plastic wrap, and microwave at high power for 1 to 2 minutes. Place the spinach in a small bowl. Stir in the cheese and scallion.
2    Blend egg, egg whites, hot sauce, salt, and pepper briskly with a fork in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a 7- to 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Tilt the skillet to swirl oil over surface. Pour in egg mixture. Immediately, stir egg mixture with heat-resistant spatula or fork for a few seconds. Then, use spatula to push cooked portions at edges toward the center, tilting the skillet to allow uncooked egg mixture to fill in areas around edges. Sprinkle spinach mixture over the omelet. Continue to cook until almost set, and the bottom is light golden. The entire cooking process should take about 1 minute.
3    Use spatula to fold one-third of the omelet over the filling. Tip the skillet and, using spatula as a guide, slide the omelet onto a plate so that it lands, folded in thirds, seam-side down.

Per serving: 235 cal, 15 g fat (6 g sat), 4 g carbs, 20 g protein, 1 g fiber, 228 mg chol, 471 mg sodium

Tip of the Week

3 Low-Impact Exercises with High Calorie Burn

Here's a little secret those gung-ho, no-pain-no-gain personal trainer types don't want you to know: Burning lots of calories doesn't have to be all that hard.

Of course, exercise helps manage blood sugar and is an essential part of weight control. But, intense, body-wracking effort isn't required to burn calories. You can ease into exercise with some low-impact activities and still burn lots of calories. Here are three ways to stoke your inner furnace while keeping your knees, back, and muscles free from pounding. Shhhhhh! It's our little secret.

Swimming. With the water to buoy your body weight, there's very little strain on your joints and feet. A slow pace will burn 476 calories per hour, but turn up the speed and effort and you burn up to 680 calories per hour. By comparison, a 150-pound person running 6 mph burns 680 calories. If you weigh more, you'll burn more; weigh less, burn less.

Cycling. It may surprise you, but pumping pedals is easier on the knees than running. And doctors often suggest riding a bike for back pain. For a moderate-effort ride of 12 to 14 mph, you'll burn 544 calories. Add a little bump of 1 to 2 mph increases that to the whopping 680 calories per hour.

Rowing. Even though you're sitting, rowing is a full-body workout, strengthening your core, legs, and back muscles. Because rowing engages so many muscles at once—but doesn't jar your body like running—it burns 476 calories per for a moderate effort, but for 50 percent more effort, you can burn 578 calories per hour.

 
Until next issue, here's to good health!
Neil Wertheimer
Editor in Chief, Reverse Diabetes



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This weekly newsletter is from Reverse Diabetes, a multimedia resource from Reader's Digest to help people with diabetes take control of their health. Look for Reverse Diabetes magazines at newsstands everywhere; Reverse Diabetes books wherever books are sold; and daily tips and conversation at www.Facebook.com/ReverseDiabetes.

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martes, 23 de agosto de 2011

Special Undercover Report: Diabetes & Your Love Life

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Special Undercover Report: Diabetes & Your Love Life

We're not a bunch of tittering teen-agers, are we? We can talk adult-to-adult, right? Okay, yeah, "tittering" is a funny word, go ahead and laugh. Get it out of your system, then let's get to the nitty gritty of the down and dirty. Yes, we're talking about sex – that wonderful, healthy and body-shaking enjoyable activity that we're often a little too embarrassed to talk about with our partners or doctors.

People with diabetes can enjoy fully satisfying sex lives if they understand a few things about how diabetes affects the body. A little conversation and information with your doc and partner can make your romantic encounters more successful and enjoyable. And furthermore, careful management of diabetes usually leads to better sex and more sex—because it's a physical activity and a stress-reducer. Here's how to hit the sheets with diabetes.

Use exercise to increase your libido. Here's further motivation to get your recommended daily dose of movement: Both men and women with diminished sex drive will benefit from routine exercise, experts say. Exercise improves your blood flow, which will improve the function and sensitivity of your sex organs. Stronger muscles, better aerobic capacity, and an improved self-image also will enhance your experience in the bedroom.

Check your blood sugar before making love. If your blood sugar tends to drop during physical activity or at nighttime, having sex in the evening can present a challenge. Before things get too heated up, check your blood sugar so that you're sure of your status. If your blood sugar is at the normal level or is already on the low side, you may need to adjust your insulin or eat something before or after sex—a robust session could make you hypoglycemic. If you have an insulin pump, consider unhooking it during sex.

Be careful after drinking. Alcohol and vigorous sex both lower blood sugar, and combining the two could cause a dangerous low. Be sure to monitor your blood glucose if you're having "a glass of wine and thou."

Seek a "bonus round" of sex. If your doctor says your body can handle the physical activity, ask your spouse for one extra session of sex per week or per month, depending on how active you already are. On average, people burn 250 calories per hour during lovemaking. This aerobic "workout" will do your cardiovascular system a lot of good, and it's one less bad TV show the two of you will be watching.

If your libido is flagging, ask yourself two questions. First: Does your reduced sexual desire apply to all situations at all times? If so, review with your doctor the possible medical sources of your diminished sex drive. Medications you're taking or hormone problems could be the culprits. If the answer to the first question is "no," ask yourself: Does the strength of your sex drive depend on the situation? Perhaps, marital or psychological counseling could help.

Massage your partner tonight; get a massage tomorrow night. The added relaxation may help to reduce your levels of stress hormones, which can drive up your blood sugar. And who knows where a massage might lead? Even if it leads nowhere, this kind of touch is nice way to connect with your spouse and show you care. A bonus for the massage giver: Your hands and arms get some exercise.

Be especially touchy if you or your partner has nerve damage. It's rare, but in some cases nerve damage reduces sensitivity in the genitals in people who have diabetes. Often you can compensate for this with additional gentle touching in the right places.

Report pain during sex or cloudy urine to your doctor. High blood sugar compromises the body's ability to fend off bacterial invasion. If you feel pain during sex (especially for women) or have urine that's clouded or bloody, a burning sensation when you urinate, or constantly feel the need to urinate, talk to your doctor. You may have a urinary tract infection. Refrain from sex until the problem is resolved. 

Diabetes Recipes

RecipeOrange-Glazed Roasted Plums
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in fruits and is a delicious way to prepare fiber-rich stone fruits. To delightfully dance on your taste buds, the orange-scented syrup provides a delicate balance to the tart plums.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon grated orange zest or grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
4 medium plums, cut in half and pitted
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt

Preparation:
1    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
2    Combine the orange zest (or ginger), orange juice, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, add butter, and stir until melted.
3    Place the plums, cut side up, in the baking dish. Pour the orange juice mixture over the plums. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until the plums are almost tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
4    Baste the plums with the orange syrup and sprinkle with the almonds. Bake, uncovered, until the plums are tender and glazed, 10 to 15 minutes, basting once or twice. Serve the plums warm or chilled, drizzled with the syrup and accompanied by a dollop of yogurt.

Per serving (2 plum halves, 2 tablespoons syrup, 2 tablespoons yogurt): 151 cal, 4 g fat (1 g sat), 28 g carbs, 3 g protein, 1 g fiber, 6 mg chol, 25 mg sodium

Tip of the Week

Top 10 Power Fruits 

Of the hundreds of fruits out there, which ones give you the biggest nutritional bang for your buck? We bet on the ones with the most antioxidant power. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals—destructive molecules that damage cells. People with diabetes may have more free-radical damage than people without diabetes, raising the risk for heart disease and other health problems. Which fruits pack the greatest antioxidant punch? The good people at the USDA figured it out. Here are the Top 10.

1. Blueberries
2. Cranberries
3. Blackberries
4. Prune
5. Raspberries
6. Strawberries
7. Red delicious apples
8. Granny Smith apples
9. Sweet cherries
10. Plums

 
Until next issue, here's to good health!
Neil Wertheimer
Editor in Chief, Reverse Diabetes



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This weekly newsletter is from Reverse Diabetes, a multimedia resource from Reader's Digest to help people with diabetes take control of their health. Look for Reverse Diabetes magazines at newsstands everywhere; Reverse Diabetes books wherever books are sold; and daily tips and conversation at www.Facebook.com/ReverseDiabetes.

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Reader's Digest Association
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Copyright © 2011 Reader's Digest Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

martes, 16 de agosto de 2011

Organize Your Way to Better Health

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Organize Your Way to Better Health


Have you ever needed a specific tool, say, pair of needle-nose pliers, but the tool chest is hopelessly disorganized? Or does one of your co-workers have an office so cluttered that it's nearly impossible to find anything? That kind of lack organization leads to time-consuming frustration. On the other hand, a well-organized workshop or desk makes everything run more smoothly.

Your health is too important to be messy. Follow this handy checklist to clean up, reorganize, and streamline your household to help you manage your diabetes.

Consolidate supplies. Most of us just leave things where we last used them—which drove our moms crazy, plus no one could ever find the remote. To ensure your diabetes supplies are where you need them and properly stored, designated a special area in an easily accessible area. Because you'll store your test strips here, be sure the space is cool and dry, which is why the bathroom is not the best supply area. Also, make sure all family members know where the supplies are in case they need to access them for you.

Partition your pantry. It's a good idea to have a stash of snack bars for emergencies, so you're not caught without something to keep up your blood-sugar level if needed. Create a special section in your pantry that is only for such snacks. Make a strict hands-off policy for other family members.

Buy a pill caddy. Many folks who have diabetes take eight to 12 different medications, vitamins, and other supplements. Keeping track of that many pills is difficult, as is remembering which ones to take when. Pill organizers with flip-top compartments will help you wrangle your medications. You'll be able to tell at a glance which you have taken and which you have not.

Use a sharps container. These inexpensive puncture-proof containers have openings designed to let you drop in used lancets, insulin syringes, and pen needles without touching any of the unsanitary parts. They also lock for safety. Check on disposal, though, with your local refuse department. You may be able to take your sharps containers to a local hospital, too.

Give your fridge a makeover. We all do it—unthinkingly open the refrigerator and grab a snack. Reorganizing your fridge so those easy-to-grab snacks are a little harder can prevent unnecessary munching. Always keep a big pitcher of water in your fridge, so that'll be the first thing you see and want to grab. Make it more enticing with some lemon or lime slices. Another plus: Drinking lots of water guards against water retention and flushes impurities from your body, which is very important for those with diabetes.

Go to the big board. Buy a dry-erase board or calendar from an office supply store and put it in a very noticeable place in your home. By using a very simple system of hash marks or Xs, you can keep track of days you exercise and track servings of fiber-rich foods you're eating. Aim for at least eight servings a day. That organized, visual reminder is a simple way to help motivate you to eat better and exercise.

Relocate the television. When your television is in the kitchen or dining room, it's easy to mindlessly eat. Plus, studies have shown that the more time people spend in front of the TV, the more likely they are to be obese. If you can, pair your TV with a treadmill or stationary bike. If you're gonna watch, watch while working out.

Diabetes Recipes

RecipeChicken Breasts with Peaches & Ginger
Squeezing more fruit into your diet has never been simpler or more delicious. Here, sweet peaches, accented with fresh ginger, dress up a simple chicken sauté. Vinegar in the sauce balances the flavors and helps lower your blood-sugar response to the meal.

Serves 4


Ingredients:

1 bunch scallions, trimmed
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 teaspoons canola oil
3 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup no-sugar-added peach juice or nectar, or apple juice
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 large peach, peeled and sliced (1/2-inch wedges)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water

Preparation:
1 Chop the scallions, keeping all of the white portions and 1/4 cup of the green portions separately.
2 If the chicken pieces are large, cut them in half lengthwise so that you have at least 4 pieces. Place the chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet into a 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
3 Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
4 Add the vinegar and sugar to the skillet. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook, swirling the skillet, until the syrup turns dark amber, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the scallion whites, peach juice, and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up any caramelized bits in the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Add the broth and peaches. Return to a boil. Cook, turning the peaches from time to time, until tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Mix the cornstarch and water. Add to sauce. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer gently until the chicken is heated through, about 1 minute. Garnish with the remaining scallions.

Per serving: 223 cal, 4 g fat (1 g sat), 17 g carbs, 28 g protein, 1 g fiber, 67 mg chol, 275 mg sodium

Tip of the Week

4 Dangers of "Sugar-Free" Snacks

Can you eat "sugar-free," "low-carb," and "diabetic" candies, cookies, and desserts to your heart's content? The surprising answer is no. You'd think sugar-free foods like candy and soft drinks would have less impact on blood-glucose levels and waistlines than regular candy or soft drinks. But it's not that simple. Here's why.

There's still "sugar" in 'em. The sweeteners they contain—called sugar alcohols—have half the calories of sugar. Under food-labeling laws, products containing sugar alcohols are permitted to call themselves sugar-free.

Carbs raise blood sugar, too. While sweeteners like maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol may not be sucrose (the technical name for regular sugar), they do contain carbohydrates, each gram of which can raise blood glucose just as much as sugar does.

Beware the bloat. Those sweet treats can also cause intestinal distress—from bloating and gassy rumbling to diarrhea.

Calories still count. The products they're in often have just as many calories as regular treats. Our advice: Pay no attention to "sugar-free" claims on the packaging. Look instead at a product's total carbohydrate count and calories. Then go enjoy a piece of fresh fruit!


Until next issue, here's to good health!
Neil Wertheimer
Editor in Chief, Reverse Diabetes



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-- 759 Secrets for Beating Diabetes





This weekly newsletter is from Reverse Diabetes, a multimedia resource from Reader's Digest to help people with diabetes take control of their health. Look for Reverse Diabetes magazines at newsstands everywhere; Reverse Diabetes books wherever books are sold; and daily tips and conversation at www.Facebook.com/ReverseDiabetes.

View our Privacy Policy.

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Have questions, comments, or suggestions? Email the editors today. Just click here!

Reader's Digest Association
750 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Copyright © 2011 Reader's Digest Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

martes, 9 de agosto de 2011

3 Penny-Pinching Tips for Controlling Diabetes

Diabetes Newsletter
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How to Enjoy an Active, Sporting Life


People with diabetes have scaled mountains, trekked across nations, won professional tennis matches, and much, much more. Exercise has oodles of benefits, from controlling blood sugar to trimming your waistline. But what might be a fun, enjoyable activity for one person might seem like drudgery to the next.

Is some sort of specific health concern stopping you from stepping out? No worries. There's a sport or activity that will pump you up but still keep you safe. The key is finding one that suits your interest and health needs. Once you click on the court, in the field, or on the links, you'll discover a whole new world. What's even better: When you find a sport you enjoy, you'll be more likely to exercise—and to reap those sweaty benefits. First, be sure to check with your doctor or health-care professional before starting any new physical activity. To get yourself in the game, following these guidelines to find the best sport for you.

If You Have Heart Disease
Good for you: Moderate, nonstrenuous activity in moderate temperatures. Try mall walking, swimming, or cycling on a stationary bike.
Possibly unsafe: Straining and strenuous activity in very hot and humid weather or very cold weather. Avoid push-ups, sit-ups, and walking up steep hills.

If You Have Peripheral Artery Disease
Good for you: Aquatic exercise, cycling, and walking.
Possibly unsafe: Weight-bearing and high-impact exercise such as basketball and tennis.

If You Have High Blood Pressure
Good for you: Moderate aerobic and strength-training exercise. Walking, jogging, and stair climbing are fine.
Possibly unsafe: Straining and strenuous exercise, such as power-lifting with weights.

If You Have Neuropathy
Good for you: Moderate intensity, low-impact exercises in moderate temperatures. Swimming is a good choice if you have pain or burning in your feet.
Possibly unsafe: Strenuous, weight-bearing exercises such as step aerobics or hiking long distances, and working out in extreme temperatures.

If You Have Retinopathy
Good for you: Moderate, low-impact exercise with no straining during which you keep your head above your waist.
Possibly unsafe: Anything that involves straining, jumping, holding your breath during exertion, or exercising with your head below waist level. Examples: basketball, heavy weightlifting, and certain yoga poses.

If You Have Kidney Disease
Good for you: Light or moderate exercise such as walking or swimming, and high-repetition strength-training using light weights and doing more than 15 repetitions at a time.
Possibly unsafe: High-intensity, vigorous sports and lifting heavy weights.

Diabetes Recipes

RecipeTuscan Bean Crostini
Want to be the talk of your next party? Or, at least jazz up your next family dinner? Then, whip up these delicious, colorful snacks that can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

Makes 22


Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 thin baguette
3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper
Sprigs of fresh herbs for garnish

Preparation:
1    Heat the oil in a small skillet, add the onion and garlic, and cook gently until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
2    Meanwhile, place the cannellini beans in a bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork. Remove the pan of onion and garlic from the heat and stir in the mashed beans, yogurt, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper and mix well. Keep warm while preparing the toasts.
3    Preheat the broiler to high. Cut the crusty ends off the baguette and discard, then cut the loaf into 22 equal slices, 1/2-inch thick. Toast the bread slices on both sides under the broiler. (Toasts can be left to cool and then kept in an airtight container; when ready to serve, top with the bean mixture, cooled to room temperature, and garnish.)
4    Thickly spread some bean mixture over each slice of toast, top with a tomato slice, and garnish with fresh herb sprigs.

Per serving (one crostini): 45 cal, 1 g fat (0 g sat), 8 g carbs, 2 g protein, 1 g fiber, 0 mg chol, 66 mg sodium

Tip of the Week

3 Penny-Pinching Tips for Controlling Diabetes  

Who doesn't like saving a buck here and there? Especially nowadays, it's more important than ever to watch your dollars and cents. So, here are three tips that'll help keep expenses low while keeping your blood sugar in check.

1. Reducing medication. Can you reduce any of your meds? Perhaps, if you've been eating well and exercising religiously. If you've seen significant improvements in your blood-sugar numbers, check with your doc about a possible decrease, and a savings.

2. Compare test strip prices. Ever buy a really inexpensive computer printer, then discover the ink cartridges were absurdly pricey? Avoid the same sort of sticker shock when buying test strips by pricing them before purchasing a meter. Over time, you'll spend much more money on test strips than you will on a meter.

3. Verify with insurance. Before you buy supplies, find out which ones your insurance covers. Most companies limit the types of brands you can buy that are eligible for reimbursement or coverage.


Until next issue, here's to good health!
Neil Wertheimer
Editor in Chief, Reverse Diabetes



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-- Healthy Heart Miracle Diet





This weekly newsletter is from Reverse Diabetes, a multimedia resource from Reader's Digest to help people with diabetes take control of their health. Look for Reverse Diabetes magazines at newsstands everywhere; Reverse Diabetes books wherever books are sold; and daily tips and conversation at www.Facebook.com/ReverseDiabetes.

View our Privacy Policy.

Unsubscribe | Subscribe | Privacy Policy

Have questions, comments, or suggestions? Email the editors today. Just click here!

Reader's Digest Association
750 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Copyright © 2011 Reader's Digest Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

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