Don't fall into the rut of choosing the same vegetables for dinner!  This month's recipe infuses Cauliflower, the ONLY white food that is recommended for Diabetics. Cauliflower is low in carbs, and has no noticeable effect on blood sugar levels. This recipe is one that the family will definitely adore, and the leftovers are yummy as snacks - no reheating necessary!

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

Serves: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large head cauliflower, separated into florets
•  1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
•  1 tablespoon of thyme
•  1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
•  1/2 Indian black salt to taste

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a flat cast iron skillet (preferable) or a regular baking pan.
2. Place the olive oil, garlic, cayenne pepper, and thyme in a large ziploc bag. Add cauliflower, and shake to mix. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, no need to turn, the top and bottom will darken simultaneously.
4. Additional options include topping with Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

NOTE:  Indian Black salt (BKA Kala Namak) is a sulphurous salt that can be found at many Indian Markets, it is low in sodium and doesn't increase the sodium content in the blood.  Kala Namak has a strong smell reminiscent to cooked eggs.  

Nutrition:

Per Serving (about 7oz/204g-wt).
Calories: 118
Total Fat: 8.2
Cholesterol: 4 mg

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SFN Quiz

Multiple Choices

1. Which of the following is not a symptom/sign of diabetes?
1. weight loss
2. blurred vision
3. energy
4. increased urination
2. If an individual has body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9, he/she is considered
1. underweight
2. normal
3. overweight
4. obese
3. Which of the following is not a type of sugar?
1. glucose
2. triglyceride
3. sucrose
4. fructose
4. How many vegetables should a person with diabetes eat per day?
1. at least one serving per day
2. at least 3 servings per day
3. at least 4 servings per day
4. at least 6 servings per day
5. Are there any risks to exercising for people with diabetes?
1. no risk
2. it depends on the exercise
3. regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and your blood sugar level may get too high after exercising
4. regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and your blood sugar level may get too low after exercising
6. In what part of the body is insulin manufactured?
1. pancreas
2. liver
3. heart
4. kidney
7. What percentage of Americans, who are diagnosed with diabetes, take only oral medication?
1. 53%
2. 11%
3. 25%
4. 72%
8. What percentage of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have Type-2 diabetes?
1. 50% - 60%
2. 90% - 95%
3. 30% - 45%
4. 70% - 85%
9. What is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths?
1. lung disease
2. heart disease
3. kidney disease
4. heart disease
10. What percent of Americans with type 2 diabetes are properly controlling their blood glucose level?
1. 15%
2. 33%
3. 56%
4. 70%

True/False

1. Sugar-free and fat-free foods may have just as many carbohydrates as the regular product
2. The glycemic index is a measure of how fast carbohydrates trigger a raise in blood sugar
3. Diabetes is contagious
4. An estimated 6 million Americans have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes
5. The most common type of tests used to monitor diabetes are blood tests
6. Metabolic syndrome has nothing to do with type 2 diabetes
7. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may or may not experience one of its symptoms
8. Having type 2 diabetes does not increase your risk of cardiovascular disease
9. Losing as little as 10 to 15 pounds can help you better manage and control your diabetes”
10. People with diabetes should have a yearly comprehensive foot exam from a physician

A

Acesulfame-k

An artificial sweetener used in place of sugar. It is not metabolized by the body and does not contribute to calories and contains zero carbohydrates. Therefore, it has no effect on blood sugar levels.

Acetone

A chemical formed in the blood when the body breaks down fat instead of sugar for energy. If acetone forms, it usually means the cells are starved. Body produces acetone when the sugars cannot get into cells for energy. The body then tries to use other energy sources like proteins from muscle and fat from fat cells. Acetone passes through the body into the urine.

Alpha Cell

A type of cell in an area of the pancreas (Please see Pancreas). Alpha cells make and release a hormone called "glucagon." Glucagon functions in direct opposition to insulin. It increases the amount of glucose in the blood by releasing stored sugar from the liver. Amino Acids - the building blocks from which proteins are constructed.

Antidiabetic agent

A substance that helps a person with diabetes control the level of sugar in their blood so their body functions properly.

Aspartame

An artificial sweetener used in place of sugar because it has few calories. Also known as "Equal" and "NutraSweet."

Autoimmune disease

A disorder of the body's immune system in which the immune system mistakenly attacks itself. (Such as type 1 diabetes).

B

Background retinopathy

This is the mildest form of eye disease damage from diabetes. It can be associated with normal vision and often progresses to other forms of eye disease.

Basal rate

The amount of insulin (Please see Insulin) required to manage normal daily blood glucose fluctuations. Most people constantly produce insulin to manage the glucose fluctuations that occur during the day. In a person with diabetes, giving a constant low level amount of insulin via insulin pump mimics this normal phenomenon.

Beta cell

A type of cell in an area of the pancreas (Please see pancreas). Beta cells make and release insulin (Please see Insulin), which helps control the glucose level in the blood.

Biosynthetic insulin

Genetically engineered human insulin (Please see Insulin). This insulin has a much lower risk of inducing an allergic reaction in people who use it, unlike cow or pork insulin. Synthetic insulin works to cover meal time increases in sugars, and produce longer acting insulin which cover sugars between meals and when fasting.

Blood glucose monitoring or testing

A method of testing how much sugar is in your blood. Home blood glucose monitoring involves pricking your finger with a lancing (Please see Lancet) device, putting a drop of blood on a test strip and inserting the test strip into a blood glucose-testing meter that displays your blood glucose level. Blood sugar testing can also be done in the laboratory. Most large recognized organizations recommend blood glucose monitoring numerous times during the day. Most recommend a glucose check first thing in the morning before eating and a sugar check two hours after meals.

Brittle diabetes

When a person's blood sugar level often shifts very quickly from high to low and from low to high.

C

Cerebrovascular disease

Damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a stroke. People with diabetes are at higher risk of cerebrovascular disease.

Charcot foot

Foot complication associated with diabetic neuropathy that results in destruction of joints and soft tissue. Also called "Charcot's joint", "neuropathic arthropathy", and "neuropathic joint disease".

Conventional Therapy

A system of diabetes management practiced by most people with diabetes; the system consists of one or more insulin (Please see Insulin) injections each day, daily self-monitoring of blood glucose, and a standard (or prescribed) program of nutrition and exercise. The main objective in this form of treatment is to avoid very high and very low blood sugar.

D

Dawn phenomenon

A rise in blood sugar levels in the early morning hours.

Diabetes mellitus

A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use dietary carbohydrates (eg, sugar, starch, ...) as it should. Caused by lack of insulin (Please see Insulin), inability to respond to insulin, or both.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

A severe, life-threatening condition that results from high blood sugar, dehydration, and acid build up that needs emergency treatment. DKA happens when there is not enough insulin and cells become starved for sugars. An alternative source of energy called ketones becomes activated. The system creates a build up of acids. Ketoacidosis can lead to coma and even death.

Diabetogenic

Causing diabetes; some drugs cause blood sugar to rise temporarily. Other causes it to rise permanently; if so they have caused diabetes.

E

Edema

Collection of fluid in the tissues of a part of the body. Diabetics often have edemic feet due to the impaired circulation in them.

F

Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG)

The preferred method of screening for diabetes. The FPG measures a person's blood sugar level after fasting or not eating anything for at least 8 hours. Normal fasting blood glucose is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL. A fasting plasma glucose greater than 100 mg/dL and less than126 mg/dL implies that the person has an impaired fasting glucose level, but may not have diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes is made when the fasting blood glucose is greater than 126 mg/dL and when blood tests confirm abnormal results. These tests can be repeated on a subsequent day or by measuring glucose 2 hours after a meal. The results should show an elevated blood glucose of more than 200 mg/dL.

Fructose

A type of sugar found in many fruits, vegetables and honey. Fructose is used to sweeten some diet foods, but this type of sweetener is typically not recommended to diabetics because it could have a negative effect on blood sugar.

G

Gestational diabetes

A high blood sugar level that starts or is first recognized during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, there is an increased need for nutrients for the developing baby. Additionally, hormone changes during pregnancy affect the action of insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Usually, blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes can increase complications during labor and delivery and increase the rates of fetal complications related to the increased size of the baby.

Glucose tolerance test

A test to determine if a person has diabetes. The test is done in a lab or doctor's office in the morning before the person has eaten. A period of at least 8 hours without any food is recommended prior to doing the test. First, a sample of blood is taken. Then the person drinks a liquid that has sugar in it. Two hours later, a second blood test is done. If the results of the fasting or first blood test are abnormal yet still not high enough to be considered in the diabetes range, then the person is said to have glucose intolerance. A fasting blood sugar greater than 126 mg/dl is considered diabetes. If the 2 hour blood test is abnormal but still not high enough to be considered in the diabetic range, this too, is considered an abnormal glucose tolerance. If the two hour test result shows a blood sugar greater than 200 mg/dl, the person is consider to have diabetes.

Glycated hemoglobin test (HbA1c)

This is an important blood test to determine how well you are managing your diabetes. Hemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. The test provides an average blood sugar measurement over a six to twelve week period and is used in conjunction with home glucose monitoring to make treatment adjustments.

H

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar. This condition is fairly common in people with diabetes. Many things can cause hyperglycemia. It occurs when the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it does have.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar. The condition often occurs in people with diabetes. Most cases occur when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose in your body.

I

Insulin

A polypeptide hormone, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas (Please see Pancreas), that regulates the metabolism of glucose and other nutriイents.

Insulin reaction

Another term for hypoglycemia (Please see Hypoglycemia) in a person with diabetes. This occurs when a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin, eaten too little food, or has exercised without eating extra food.

Insulin resistance

When a person's body will not allow insulin (Please see Insulin) to work properly in the body, even if the person takes very high daily doses of insulin. This condition can occur when a person is overweight and it often improves when the person loses weight.

Insulin shock

A severe condition that occurs when the level of blood sugar drops quickly.

J

Jet injector

A device that uses high pressure to propel insulin (Please see Insulin) through the skin and into the body.

K

Kidney disease (nephropathy)

In a person with diabetes, nephropathy is any one of several conditions caused by changes in the very small blood vessels in the kidneys. These changes cause scarring of the kidneys which can eventually lead to kidney failure. People who have had diabetes for a long time may develop nephropathy. An early sign of nephropathy is when proteins can be detected in the urine.

L

Labile diabetes

A term used to indicate when a person's blood sugar level often swings quickly from high to low and from low to high. Also called brittle diabetes. (Please see Brittle Diabetes).

Lancet

A fine, sharp pointed needle for pricking the skin. Used in blood sugar monitoring.

Limited joint mobility

A form of arthritis involving the hand; it causes the fingers to curve inward and the skin on the palm to tighten and thicken. This condition mainly affects people with Type 1 diabetes.

M

Macrosomia

Refers to abnormally large babies that may be born to women with diabetes whose pregnancies are not closely monitored. Macrovascular disease - A disease of the large blood vessels that sometimes occur when a person has had diabetes for a long time.

Mixed dose

A prescribed dose of insulin (Please see Insulin) in which two types of insulin are combined and injected at once. A mixed dose commonly combines regular insulin, which is fast-acting, with a longer-acting insulin. A mixed dose may be prescribed to provide better blood sugar control.

N

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum

A skin condition usually on the lower part of the legs. The lesions can be small or extend over a large area. They are usually raised, yellow, and waxy in appearance and often have a purple border. Young women are most often affected. This condition occurs in people with diabetes, or it may be a sign of diabetes.

O

Oral diabetes medications

Medications that people take to lower the level of sugar in the blood. Oral diabetes medications are prescribed for people whose pancreas (Please see Pancreas) still produces some insulin (Please see Insulin). These medications are not used in diabetes during pregnancy.

P

Pancreas

A gland, situated near the stomach, that secretes a digestive fluid into the intestine through one or more ducts and also secretes the hormone insulin.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

An abnormal condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart. People who have had diabetes for a long time may develop PVD.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst that lasts for long periods of time; may be a sign of diabetes.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids (Please see Amino Acids) linked together by peptide bonds and having a molecular weight of up to about 10,000.

Polyphagia

Excessive hunger and eating; may be a sign of diabetes. People with polyphagia often lose weight even though they are eating more than normal.

Polyuria

Increased need to urinate often; a common sign of diabetes.

R

Retinopathy

A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Small blood vessels that are sometimes harmed when a person has had diabetes for a long time.

S

Saccharin

An artificial sweetener that is used in place of sugar because it has no calories and does not increase blood sugar.

Secondary diabetes

When a person gets diabetes because of another disease, or because of taking certain drugs or chemicals.

Stiff hand syndrome

Occurs only in people with diabetes, where thickening of the skin on palm results in loss of ability to hold hand straight.

Sulfonylurea

Pills or capsules that people take to lower the level of sugar in the blood. These oral diabetic medications work to lower your blood sugar by making your pancreas (Please see Pancreas) produce more insulin (Please see Insulin).

T

Type 1 diabetes

A type of diabetes in which the beta cells (Please see Beta Cells) of the pancreas are damaged. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin (Please see Insulin), so glucose cannot get into the body's cells for use as energy. This causes blood sugar to rise. People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes

A type of diabetes in which the insulin produced is either not enough or the person's body does not respond normally to the amount present. When there is not enough insulin (Please see Insulin) or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose cannot get into the body's cells for use as energy. This causes blood sugar to rise.

U

Ulcer

A break in the skin; a deep sore. People with diabetes may develop ulcers from minor scrapes on the feet or legs, from cuts that heal slowly, or from the rubbing of shoes that don't fit well. Ulcers can become infected and should be treated promptly.

Urine testing

Checking urine to see if it contains ketones. If you have type 1diabetes, are pregnant and have diabetes, or have gestational diabetes (Please see Gestational Diabetes), your doctor may ask you to check your urine for ketones. This is an easy test done at home with a dipstick measure.

V

Vaginitis

An inflammation or infection of the vaginal tissues. A woman with this condition may have itching or burning or vaginal discharge. Women who have diabetes may develop vaginitis more often than women who do not have diabetes.

W

Wound care

Steps taken to ensure that a wound such as a foot ulcer (Please see Ulcer) heals correctly. People with diabetes need to take special precautions so wounds do not become infected.

X

Xylitol

A nutritive sweetener used in dietary foods. It is a sugar alcohol that the body uses slowly and contains fewer calories than table sugar.