It's no secret many people are living with diabetes.  And it's also no secret that many people having difficulty controlling their weight. Is there a link between the two? You better believe it!
Diabetes is simply high levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood.
Good news: You can control it. With a healthy diet, weight management or especially weight loss, a healthy mindset and regular exercise, you are well on your way to living well with diabetes.
Bad news: You must take control or it will take control of you and your livelihood.
5 Ways to Live Longer and Healthier With Diabetes:

1. Plan meals and follow a healthy diet. Which one is best? Keto? Mediterranean? Low carb? South Beach? Answer: The one you stick to! It is way more important to pay attention to your calories, sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates intake.
2. Weight loss if you are overweight or obese (BMI>30) is key. This promotes overall better health, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol.
3. Being proactive. Don't wait for something to happen to make a change. Do it now! Whatever it takes- whatever you need to do, to learn or to adjust. Eat regularly, stick to a well defined schedule, and exercise regularly. There are complications of not controlling your blood sugar. Beware!
4. See your doctor as scheduled. Consult with your nutritionist as needed. Work with a health coach to further refine your habits and meet your goals.
5. Keep track and log your blood sugars so that you have valuable information about how your body responds to the foods you eat.

There are many ways to manage and live a healthy life with diabetes. Take some time to get educated so that you can live a longer, healthier life as you manage your diabetes and set some new goals. We are here to support you! How can we help you live better with diabetes?

How are YOU? Let's do a check-in. You have undoubtedly experienced many different emotions, thoughts, feelings this past week (or month or year) not only about the unknown impact of COVID-19 on our world but also the untimely death of George Floyd (and countless others) in the recent media. How can we continue to ignore or neglect the voices and needs of our fellow citizens whose voices have gone unheard for centuries? What does this say about us as Americans, as a country, as human beings?
It's time for us to do some soul-searching, to look within ourselves and recognize that no ONE is perfect and we all have our flaws. What makes one person more deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness than another in America?
I challenge you to dig deep and find ways to practice EMPATHY. This one word can transform our lives if we acquire the knowledge and have the courage to practice it.
Here are a few ways:

• Communication - Reach out and listen to people who are hurting, who may not necessarily have your same point of view, it will make a difference.
• Collaboration - Make a concerted effort to partner, work with, consult with a diverse group of people. Start with your team, your organization, your social group. 
• Change agent - Be a part of the solution and extend a helping hand where needed; or where you feel led or have an influence. Be a peacemaker and bridge the gap for positive change. A positive disruptor!

We all have a circle of influence. Big or small. Let's use it to elevate the voices of those who are no longer here to tell their story. And as an added benefit-- practicing empathy has a great tremendous effect on our health, happiness, our relationships and our spiritual wellness. Let's see others as we see ourselves!