Delicious Diabetes-Friendly Recipes: Enjoy Flavorful and Healthy Meals

Managing diabetes effectively requires careful attention to diet, but that doesn’t mean your meals have to be bland or uninteresting. We’ve compiled a diverse selection of recipes specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals with diabetes. These recipes are crafted to help maintain stable blood sugar levels while providing the flavors and variety that make eating enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, our list offers tasty and nutritious options to support your diabetes management journey. 

Broccoli and Shrimp Stir Fry: 

There’s nothing more satisfying than whipping up a healthy, tasty dinner in less than 30 minutes! This recipe calls for broccoli florets, but you can use 3 cups of any non-starchy vegetables you have on hand (like cauliflower, zucchini, snow peans, or cabbage). 

Full Recipe 

 

Italian Meatloaf 

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Italian Meatloaf! This classic comfort dish is infused with healthier alternatives, making it a viable option to better manage diabetes. Each bite delivers a taste of Italy that will leave you craving more. 

Full Recipe 

 

Grilled Salmon with Mango and Tomato Salsa 

Experience a burst of tropical flavors with this Salmon with Mango and Tomato Salsa! This dish features succulent, perfectly grilled salmon topped with a vibrant salsa of juicy mangoes, ripe tomatoes, and fresh lemon. It’s a refreshing and delicious combination that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise. 

Full Recipe 

 

Pineapple Chicken 

Treat yourself to the sweet and savory delight of our Pineapple Chicken! Tender chicken breast is paired with juicy pineapple chunks. This tropical twist on a classic favorite will transport your taste buds to a sunny getaway with every bite. 

Full Recipe 

 

Tailgate Nachos 

Loaded with layers of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, chicken, and all your favorite toppings, these nachos are perfect for sharing. Topped with fresh beans, tangy salsa, and diced bellpepper, they’re a winning combination that will keep everyone cheering for more. 

Full Recipe 

Healthy Dining Out Tips: Smart Drink Choices, Buffets, Restaurants, and Sides

Drinks 

When dining out, it’s important to choose healthy drinks: 

  • Opt for water or sugar-free beverages like unsweetened tea, coffee, light lemonade, or diet soda. 
  • Avoid sugary drinks such as regular soda, sports drinks, or sweet tea. 
  • If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink for women and two for men, and avoid sugary mixed drinks. 

 

Buffets 

Buffets can be challenging due to the abundance of choices. Here are some tips to make healthier decisions and avoid overeating: 

  • Limit yourself to one plate of food. 
  • Use the plate method to control portion sizes. 
  • If you want a second helping, go for a salad with a variety of vegetables and a low-calorie dressing. 
  • If you’ve eaten more than usual, skip the dessert area. 

 

Restaurants 

Eating out can lead to overeating, but you can stick to your meal plan by making healthy choices and controlling portions: 

  • Many restaurants offer healthier menu items, often marked with a symbol or listed separately. Choose from these options when possible. 
  • Ask the server not to bring free items like bread or chips to the table. 
  • If you do have bread or chips, count them as part of your meal. If you eat some bread, skip the pasta, corn, tortilla, or rice in your main dish. 
  • Start your meal with a salad or broth-based soup, then split an entrée with someone. 
  • Request all dressings and sauces on the side. 
  • Check the restaurant’s nutrition information, either on your phone or before you go. 
  • If your plate has more food than you usually eat, ask for a container and pack up part of the meal before you start eating. This way, you’ll have leftovers for another meal. 

 

Healthier Sides 

Many restaurants offer healthy side options, but if not, ask the server for alternatives: 

  • Choose a small salad or fruit instead of chips or fries. 
  • Ask for double the vegetables instead of the starch, especially if you had bread or chips before the meal. 

Understanding the Surge in Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Benefits, Usage, and FAQs

 

The recent increase in popularity of CGM’s has led to many questions arising.  

What is a continuous glucose monitor? 

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) might sound fancy, but it’s pretty simple. It gives you regular updates on your blood sugar levels, helping you cut down on fingerprick tests. 

  

Why do people with diabetes use them? 

Diabetes can be tough, especially with all the fingerprick tests. They can be annoying and sometimes painful. CGMs can’t completely replace fingerprick tests, but they can make them less frequent and give you more information to help manage your diabetes better. 

  

How does a CGM work? 

CGMs have a sensor that you wearon your body. This sensor measures sugar in the fluid around your cells, not your blood. The sensor sends this information to a smartphone or reader. 

  

How to properly place a CGM: 

The way you put on a CGM depends on the brand and model. Here’s a quick guide for some popular ones: 

 

Dexcom G6

 

  • Wash and dry your hands. 
  • Choose a spot on your lower back, upper buttocks (ages 2-17), or abdomen (18+). 
  • Avoid areas with scars, hair, tattoos, or irritation. 
  • Clean the spot with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. 
  • Put the sensor on your skin and press the button to insert it. 
  • Attach the transmitter to the sensor. 
  • Start the sensor on your device and wait two hours for it to warm up. 

DexcomG7

  • Follow the same site selection as Dexcom G6 but use the back of the upper arm (ages 2+). 
  • The G7 has an all-in-one sensor and transmitter, so you don’t need to attach a separate transmitter. 
  • Use the overpatch included with the sensor to keep it secure.

FreeStyle Libre 2 system

 

  • Choose a spot on the back of your upper arm. 
  • Clean the spot with an alcohol wipe and let it dry. 
  • Use the Sensor Pack and Sensor Applicator to apply the sensor. 
  • Activate the sensor on your reader and wait one hour for it to warm up. 

 

FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor

  • The process is the same as the FreeStyle Libre 2, but this sensor lasts 15 days and works with the Tandem® t X2® insulin pump. 

 

FreeStyle Libre 3 system

 

  • Choose and prepare the site like other FreeStyle Libre systems. 
  • Use the improved Sensor Applicator to apply the sensor. 
  • Make sure the sensor is secure and start using it. 

Are CGMs covered by insurance and Medicare? 

  • Yes, most insurance plans and Medicare cover CGMs. Many Medicare plans have no out-of-pocket costs, but you will need a prescription to get a CGM.   

How to see the glucose reading: 

  • CGMs display blood sugar levels in different ways. Some require scanning with your phone or reader, while others give automatic updates. 

What do glucose numbers mean for people with diabetes? 

Type 1 

  • Before meals: 70-130 
  • Two hours after meals: Under 180 

Type 2 

  • The above-listed numbers can also apply, but check with your doctor for your specific goals. 
  • Glucose rises after eating and is highest 1 to 2 hours after a meal or snack. Another target is for your glucose to not rise more than 50 mg/dL after eating. 

Why choose Glutality for your CGM needs? 

  • Glutality delivers reliable diabetes supplies, with a cost analysis showing significant cost savings in just the first year when compared to traditional diabetic care. 

  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will the price of Glutality’s services be covered by my insurance? 

  • The majority of Medicare and other health insurance plans cover remote patient monitoring. We’ll help you to confirm your insurance. 

How can I sign up for the remote patient monitoring service offered by Glutality? 

  • The enrollment process is simple! Simply fill out our online form or arrange a conversation with one of our enrollment specialists, and we will assist you with the procedure. 

How does Glutality function with various CGM kinds? 

  • Our program works with a number of CGM systems, including Freestyle and Dexcom. We guarantee smooth integration for precise and ongoing monitoring. 

After enrolling, what type of help can I anticipate? 

  • Our medical staff will provide you with continuous assistance, including routine visits and customized care plan modifications depending on your CGM data.