Wake Up! It’s Diabetes Alert Day!
Posted: March 27, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Diabetes Resources, Events, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff | Tags: American Diabetes Association Risk Test, diabetes alert day, kovler diabetes center, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes Leave a comment »
Diabetes Alert Day, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March, is a one-day, “wake-up call” asking the American public to take the time to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The Kovler Diabetes Center sees patients from around the world, treating them for every type and form of diabetes. But Diabetes Alert Day is a great reason to take pause and realize that everywhere around us is someone walking around with diabetes and doesn’t even know it. Of the nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes, a quarter – 7 million – has diabetes but is not aware. Another 79 million American adults have prediabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Unfortunately, people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease. While people with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms, such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs at the time that they develop the disease. Often, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, or nerve damage that can lead to amputations.
There are many simple ways to find out if you have or at risk for diabetes. First and foremost, see your doctor or healthcare provider regularly. Second, the American Diabetes Association has a simple online Risk Test that can assess your risk factors. It only takes a few minutes to complete!
Yesterday, one of our certified diabetes educators was invited to join WLS-TV in Chicago for a segment on Diabetes Alert Day. I invite you to watch it to learn more and to get a diabetes-friendly dessert recipe from celebrity chef, Michael Digby!
Many say diabetes is the disease of our lifetime. Kovler Diabetes Center is here for you, your families and our communities to help you live your best life with diabetes. Please visit our new website for more resources and information.
Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Six Easy Tips to Improve Your Diet
Posted: March 23, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Resources, National Nutrition Month, Nutritional Tips | Tags: diabetes and nutrition, healthy living, Julia Socke, kovler diabetes center, national nutrition month Leave a comment »In Chicago, we’ve been enjoying spring…even summer-like…weather throughout the month. And we’re not the only region breaking records! The warm temperatures, t-shirts and al fresco dining remind me that the real spring and summer are just around the corner. This is the time of year when it seems easier to make positive, healthy changes in our lives and in our diets, which is probably why it’s also National Nutrition Month. So here are some easy tips to live healthier…now and throughout the year!
1. Cut the fat.
On average, a serving of a fat contains around 100 calories, and these calories can really add up fast. Remember that even healthy fats have calories. Olive oil is very healthy…BUT, 1 tablespoon is 120 calories! Consider using a cooking spray to coat your pans so that you use less oil and to bake your food more often than frying it. Also try to use reduced fat cheese, sour cream and salad dressings.
2. Mix it up.
No one wants to be bored with what we eat. All recipes can be modified to be healthier. Draw on inspiration from favorite dishes when eating out, or even from recipes you see in magazines or on cooking shows. This will help to give you ideas so that you don’t get into a food rut.
3. Get moving.
So often, many of us make up excuses as to why we can’t exercise. The most common excuse is that we don’t have time. But there are always opportunities for more activity! Consider marching in place or walking around your home during commercial breaks when watching TV. Or you could even do some chair exercises or arm circles. Choose the stairs instead of the elevator, or park in the last spot of the parking lot to walk farther to your destination. If you take public transportation, consider getting off a stop or two before your normal stop so that you can walk more.
4. Quinoa, please!
If you have been trying to increase fiber in your diet but find that you are not a fan of other whole grains, give quinoa a try. Not only is it easy to cook, but it is a complete protein and is gluten free. Try substituting it for recipes that involve cous cous, rice or pasta. It can be found in most grocery stores.
5. Snack smart.
Snacking is not a bad thing! Snacking can be an opportunity to add more nutrition to our diet, as well as help prevent overeating at meal times. Choose snacks that are nutritionally dense and high in fiber. Examples include: veggies with hummus or a low fat dip, fruit, high-fiber granola bars, low-fat cheese, peanut butter on whole grain crackers or a handful of nuts. Beware of “boredom snacking,” as this can add too many calories to your diet.
6. Make fruit a regular part of your day.
Fruit is packed in nutrition and is high in fiber to help fill us up. Consider adding fruit to your oatmeal, salads or even substituting applesauce for oil when baking.
Like I said, these are all very simple steps toward healthier living. Stay tuned for more National Nutrition Month tips on our blog, Twitter handle or Facebook page.
Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator
The Kovler Diabetes Center
Kovler Dietitian Encourages You to “Get Your Plate in Shape”
Posted: March 19, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Resources, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff, National Nutrition Month, Nutritional Tips | Tags: Get Your Plate in Shape, healthy eating, Julia Socke, kovler diabetes center, national nutrition month Leave a comment »Registered Dietitians play a vital role in educating the public about healthy nutrition. With alarming rises of obesity and diabetes in our country, our role is as important as ever. National Nutrition Month is dedicated to spreading our message to help people make more informed nutrition choices and develop better habits to lead healthier lives. This year the theme is “Get Your Plate In Shape.” Below are some tips on how we get our plate in shape and improve our nutrition.
1. Make ½ of your meal vegetables.
Vegetables are low in calories and are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. The fiber in vegetables will fill you up faster so that you won’t need as much of the higher calorie foods at your meal. Remember not to add a lot of oil, butter, margarine, or dressings to these veggies as those calories can add up quickly. Add more veggies to soups, pasta sauces and sandwiches. Frozen vegetables are just as good as fresh vegetables, so have these available in your freezer for convenience if you can’t make it to the grocery store.
2. Skip the juice.
The calories in juice can add up fast. Eight ounces of juice contains 50% more calories than if you ate the whole fruit. Eating the whole fruit is far more satisfying since the fiber and water content help to make you feel full. The whole fruit also does not spike the blood sugar as fast as juice.
3. Don’t fall victim to portion distortion.
Trade in your current plates, bowls and cups for smaller ones. A lot of us eat with our eyes…not our stomachs! Portions at restaurants can be HUGE – at least double, if not triple, the portion we should be eating. Consider asking your server for a take-home container to arrive at the same time your meal does. Before you taste your food, divide up half of it and put it the container. This way you have controlled your portions better and also have another meal for the next day. Or, order one entrée to split between you and the person you are dining with.
I’ll continue to share some easy tips throughout the rest of National Nutrition Month, and you can also visit our website for more information. And I’d like to know…what are some of your tricks for staying healthy?
Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator
The Kovler Diabetes Center
Kovler Welcomes a New Team Member, Recognizes Dietitian Day
Posted: March 14, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Diabetes Resources, Events, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff, National Nutrition Month, Nutritional Tips | Tags: Certified Diabetes Educator, Julia Socke, kovler diabetes center, national nutrition month, Registered Dietitian Day Leave a comment »
Julia Socke, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Kovler Diabetes Center
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest member of the Kovler team, Ms. Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE…a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. It only makes sense to make this introduction on what is also National Nutrition Month AND Registered Dietitian Day, “commemorating the dedication of RDs as advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world!”
Throughout her career, Julia has worked with patients of all ages with various dietary needs. Her areas of focus include diabetes, adult and pediatric weight management and community nutrition.
“The Kovler Diabetes Center is one of the most well-respected diabetes centers in the Chicagoland area. I feel honored to be a part of such an amazing center. In the short time I’ve been at Kovler, I’ve witnessed firsthand the exceptional teamwork between our physicians, nurses, MAs, coordinators, and Certifed Diabetes Educators that makes Kovler the special place it is, ” said Julia.
As a member of our team, Julia will act as both a diabetes educator and the outreach coordinator, supporting Kovler’s satellite clinics and working with both children and adults to effectively manage their diabetes. Additionally, she will participate in various nutrition and diabetes lectures and events and is a member of both the Chicago Dietetic Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Julia also enjoys spending as much time as possible with friends and family. And as a former athlete, she stays active in organized volleyball leagues and loves trying new restaurants around Chicagoland.
You’ll be hearing from Julia throughout National Nutrition Month and beyond, as she’s an incredible resource for the diabetes community and for our patients. On behalf of the entire Kovler crew, we welcome Julia to our team!
Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Click here to learn more about our team of educators at the Kovler Diabetes Center.
Kovler Sponsors “Care to Cure” Brunch
Posted: March 12, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Events, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff, Patient Stories | Tags: ADA, Annie Meyers, Care to Cure Brunch, Chicago Bears, Kolver Diabetes Center, Roberto Garza Leave a comment »
Earlier this month, the Kovler Diabetes Center was a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association’s 8th Annual “Care to Cure: A Sunday Brunch” at the United Club in Solider Field. More than 300 guests were hosted by special guests Ryan Baker, Sports Director at CBS2, and Roberto Garza of the Chicago Bears. Garza, whose grandfather has diabetes with significant complications, shared his personal connection to diabetes and how as a community we could work together to STOP diabetes.
Another special guest was the 2012 Local ADA Youth Ambassador, Annie Myers. Diagnosed at the age of 7, she is the “face” of our fight against diabetes! During her speech, she made it clear that diabetes isn’t going to stop her and that it’s “not a death sentence.”
Pictured are Katrina Sondermann, Daphne Ortiz, Ryan Baker, Peggy Hasenauer, Roberto Garza, Rachel Lieberman and Julia Socke
The silent auction brought in $25,000 and included a Firefighter helmet of a unit from September 11th and Brett Michaels concert tickets with VIP access. Guests also raised another $26,000 in special funds for the ADA’s camp program, which will help send 30 kids to camp this summer!
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center is proud to be a part of events like “Care to Cure,” raising critical funds in the fight against diabetes and helping to give children living with diabetes the opportunity to attend the ADA’s camps.
Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Please click here for more information on upcoming community events with the Kovler Diabetes Center.
Recognizing World Kidney Day
Posted: March 8, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Diabetes Resources, Events, Nutritional Tips | Tags: Chronic Kidney Disease, KidneyMobile, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, World Kidney Day Leave a comment »Today is World Kidney Day, a day reserved to remind us all to preserve the health of our kidney from common disease and toxins that injure them. The most common cause of kidney failure in the world is diabetes, a disease especially prevalent in the Westernized world. About half the patients around the world on dialysis have lost kidney function because of poor blood pressure and glucose control associated with diabetes. Patients need to know that once kidney function is lost from diabetes it can’t be restored, so prevention is the order of the day.
Patients with diabetes should ask themselves the following questions, and if positive, should be especially vigilant about preserving their kidney function:
A) Does you have a family history of kidney disease?
B) Is my blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg?
C) Is my HbA1c above 7%?
If all 3 are true you are at very high risk for sustaining kidney damage and should get screened.
Photo credit: www.kidneymobile.com
That said, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) is encouraging you to “Protect and Prevent on World Kidney Day.”
They are partnering with Advocate Christ Hospital, Olive Harvey College, Chicago Family Health Services and Takeda today to draw attention to the need for early prevention and screenings through the nation’s only educational mobile unit, the KidneyMobile®, a custom motor coach offering free mobile education,screening and referral services to Illinois communities. The screeings will include: blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, waist circumference, urinalysis, diabetic foot checks and a blood draw to test for early signs of CKD. (Click here to learn more about today’s event.)
The NKFI’s press release explains that, “More than 26 million Americans (that’s approximately 900,000 Illinoisans!) have CKD, and millions more are at risk but most don’t know it. CKD, the ninth-leading cause of death in the U.S., often develops slowly with few symptoms, and many people don’t realize they are sick until the disease is advanced and requires dialysis or a transplant.”
“Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that a few simple lifestyle changes may slow the progression of CKD and can reduce the chances of developing it,” said Kate O’Connor, CEO of the NKFI. “Knowing the risk factors and controlling the major ones, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, may prevent kidney failure. Regular physical activity and a diet low in fat and salt can make a big difference in reducing risk and preventing complications.”
Please be attentive to your health and preserve your kidneys.
George Bakris, MD, FASN
Professor of Medicine
Director, Hypertension Center
The Kovler Diabetes Center
The Kovler Diabetes Center is proud to support this important community initiative, and we encourage everyone to “protect and prevent” on World Kidney Day! Click here to learn about other upcoming community events that we’re offering the diabetes community.
Start Now: Healthy Eating Strategies
Posted: March 5, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Resources, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff, National Nutrition Month, Nutritional Tips | Tags: Amy Hess-Fischl, carbs, diabetes and nutrition, kovler diabetes center, national nutrition month Leave a comment »In honor of National Nutrition Month, I wanted to share some healthy eating strategies that you can incorporate NOW! Each tip is straight-forward and easy to implement.
1) Stop DRINKING your calories: Whether it’s regular soft drinks, juices, performance drinks or teas, we forget that 1 cup of any of these items can add an extra 100 calories. A can of regular soft drink = 150 calories, 45 grams of carbs. A typical 16 oz. glass will add an additional 50 calories and 15 grams of carbs, leading to extra calories we don’t need and an increase in blood glucose levels.
2) Do not skip meals, especially breakfast: One may think that by eliminating breakfast, we are also eliminating calories. Not true. By eating breakfast, we BREAK the FAST and our body’s metabolism kicks into gear, meaning we will burn calories. When we do not eat, it will still think we are sleeping and not burn many at all. In addition, our body may compensate and eat more calories throughout the day to make up what was lost, leading to possible overeating.
3) Remember CONDIMENTS have calories (and carbs) too. Always check the serving size for all condiments. 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce = 40 – 60 calories and 10 grams of carbs; 1 tablespoon of ketchup = 15 calories and 4 grams of carbs; 1 tablespoon of tartar sauce = 60 calories and 2 grams of carbs. We tend to underestimate our servings, so know what 1 or 2 tablespoons looks like, since it’s not as much as we think. We tend to eat 3 – 4 times the actual amount, adding far more calories (and carbs) than we presumed.
4) Learn to use the Nutrition Facts label: Focus on the serving size and total carbs when carb counting. When comparing items, focus on the serving size, calories, fat and total carbs. If you don’t know what a serving size looks like, measure it at home so you can better estimate when out.
Stay tuned next week, when I’ll post a blog about food myths for people living with diabetes. In the meantime, you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook throughout National Nutrition Month, or visit eatright.org for additional tips and resources.
Here’s to healthy eating!
Amy Hess-Fischl
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Program Coordinator of InTransit Program
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Doctors from the Kovler Diabetes Center Kick Off 2012 with Honors
Posted: February 29, 2012 Filed under: Events, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff | Tags: american diabetes association, chicago magazine top doctors, diabetes, dr. lou philipson, dr. roy weiss, kovler diabetes center, super doctors, university of chicago Leave a comment »I’m proud to announce that several doctors from the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center are receiving honors throughout the diabetes community…both locally and nationally.
Dr. Lou Philipson, Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center
Most recently, our director of the Kovler Diabetes Center, Dr. Lou Philipson, became the newest member of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Legal Advocacy Subcommittee. And in January 2012, Philipson was named one of Chicago Magazine’s “Top Doctors” alongside Kovler colleague Dr. Roy E. Weiss. Chosen by their peers, they were listed in the Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism section and were among 494 top doctors listed in 60 specialties.
And in February 2012, Philipson and Weiss were also named to Super Doctors Magazineas the top doctors in Chicago. Only five percent of Chicago doctors are recognized by Super Doctors. The selections for the esteemed list are made by the research team at Super Doctors, which is a service of Key Professional Media, Inc. Each year, the research team conducts a rigorous multi-phase selection
Dr. Roy Weiss, Chief, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
process that includes a survey of doctors, independent evaluation of candidates by the research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check.
Since 2006, the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center has been dedicated to excellence in clinical care, basic and clinical research, community engagement and education. Our mission is to deliver leading-edge care and develop innovative treatments and cures for individuals with diabetes throughout their lifespan. It’s both humbling and validating to see our doctors, including Philipson and Weiss, earn local, regional and national recognition and accolades for the work that we’re doing here at Kovler.
Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Dr. Lou Philipson Joins ADA Legal Advocacy Subcommittee
Posted: February 16, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Kovler Diabetes Center Staff | Tags: ADA Legal Advocacy Subcommittee, american diabetes association, kovler diabetes center, lou philipson, monogenic diabetes, top doctors Leave a comment »We are pleased to share with you a recent announcement from Mr. Alan L. Yatvin, Chair of the Legal Advocacy Subcommittee of the American Diabetes Association.
Lou Philipson, MD, PhD of the Kovler Diabetes Center
Friends and Colleagues:
I am pleased to introduce the newest member of the American Diabetes Association Legal Advocacy Subcommittee (LAS), Louis H. Philipson, MD, PhD, FACP.
Dr. Philipson, is Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center and Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago . He is an endocrinologist and a leading world authority on diabetes mellitus. In 2011, he was chosen one of America ’s Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report Magazine. His research focuses on the biophysical, molecular and genetic aspects of insulin secretion, and the genetics of diabetes.
Dr. Philipson was a co-discoverer of insulin gene mutations causing neonatal diabetes, a novel class of mutations causing diabetes through beta cell ER stress. These mutations are now known to be the second most common cause of permanent neonatal diabetes as well as rare causes of later onset diabetes. Dr. Philipson is also co-director of the Human Islet Transplantation project at the University of Chicago . He has served as principal investigator on numerous research projects and has been widely published in biomedical journals including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Science, Nature, Diabetes, American Journal of Physiology and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Clinically he focuses on type 1 diabetes and complicated type 2 diabetes, monogenic diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Currently President of the Chicago/Northern Illinois board of the American Diabetes Association and also a recent member of the National Board, he has been an invited speaker and presenter at scientific research conferences and symposia worldwide. Dr. Philipson also is the recipient of numerous awards including ADA Research Awards and the National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) Outstanding Scientist Award. Most recently he was named the 2011 recipient of the Samuel Eichold II Memorial Award for Contributions in Diabetes by the American College of Physicians.
In addition, Dr. Philipson has also been involved in diabetes advocacy efforts, serving as an expert witness in cases involving persons with diabetes in custody, along with involvement in issues concerning persons with diabetes in driving, education, employment and pilot certification. In 2010 Dr. Philipson testified in support of the Illinois Safe at School Legislation.
Please join me in welcoming Lou Philipson to the LAS.
The team at the Kovler Diabetes Center congratulates Dr. Philipson on his most recent appointment!
Love Your Loved Ones, Love Yourself
Posted: February 14, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Resources, Events, Nutritional Tips | Tags: Amy Hess-Fischl, certified diabetes educators, chocolate, health, Valentine's Day Leave a comment »
Today we celebrate Valentine’s Day…a holiday that embraces and promotes love, traditionally marked by chocolates, flowers, greeting cards and champagne. And while the reason to recognize February 14 has certainly morphed from its original purpose established back in 496 AD, it can nonetheless be a very pleasant and cheerful holiday for most.
But Valentine’s Day has the potential to be more than just a “Hallmark Holiday.” Why not use the occasion of expressing our love for other people to show love for yourself? I found a couple of online resources that can help you make healthy choices…not only on February 14, but throughout the year!
If you click here, you can learn more about the CDC’s recommendations for a healthy Valentine’s Day, along with some other really great resources.
Medical News Today also explains why, if you’re going to indulge in any chocolate for the holiday, dark chocolate is the way to go.
So whether or not you have a special someone with whom to celebrate this holiday, please take the opportunity to take care of your own health!
Amy Hess-Fischl
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Program Coordinator of InTransit Program
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Please visit our newly enhanced website for additional resources on managing your diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
