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The Healthy Community Alliance is a member of the New York State Diabetes Control and Prevention Coalition. A grant from the New York State Department of Health has enabled the Alliance to participate in Diabetes Control, Education and Prevention programs throughout the area. 

The Alliance program focuses on increasing community awareness of Type II Diabetes through education and outreach.
The Role of Genetics in Diabetes Exercise and Stress affect Diabetes

A New Strides in Treating Diabetes

Celebrating Culinary Diversity Recipes Submit Your Recipes

 

The Role of Genetics in Diabetes

You may wonder if you inherited diabetes from a family member or you may be concerned that you will pass the disease on to your children. Researchers have been studying diabetes incidence and hereditary factors for over 20 years. While some people are more likely to get diabetes than others, the pattern is not always clear.

Type 1 Odds

Just who is at risk for developing type 1 diabetes? Here’s what is known:

bulletIf an immediate relative (parent, brother, sister, son or daughter) has type 1 diabetes, the risk of developing type 1 is 10 to 20 times the risk of the general population; your risk can go from 1 in 100 to roughly 1 in 10 or possibly higher, depending on which family member has the diabetes and when they developed it.
bulletIf one child in a family has type 1, their siblings have about a 1 in 10 risk of developing it by age 50.
bulletThe risk for a child of a parent with type 1 diabetes is lower if it is the mother rather than the father who has diabetes. On the other hand, if the mother has type 1 and is age 25 or younger when the child is born, the risk is reduced to 1 in 25 and if the mother is over age 25, the risk drops to 1 in 100, virtually the same as the average American.
bulletCaucasians have a higher risk of type 1 diabetes than any other race. Whether this is due to differences in environment or genes is unclear.Even among whites, most people who are susceptible do not develop diabetes, therefore, scientists are studying what environmental factors may be at work. Genes influencing the function of the immune system are the most closely linked to type 1 diabetes susceptibility, regardless of race.

Type 2 Odds

Type 1 and 2 diabetes are different diseases with very different incidence patterns. One out of 9 Americans will develop it, and almost all develop it in middle age. Too many calories and a sedentary rather than vigorous level of activity is considered an important reason why type 2 is so common in the United States.
bulletBlacks, Mexican Americans and Native Americans have higher incidences than Caucasians.
bulletClustering of diabetes in families is more easily recognizable for type 2 than type 1. If one sibling develops type 2, their brother or sister’s risk is doubled (a 1 in 4 risk) that they will develop it, too. If a parent has type 2, one’s risk is also double the general population’s risk. While much more research needs to be done, it is speculated that if both of a child’s parents have type 2, the child’s risk of also developing type 2 may be as high as 50 percent.
While type 2 diabetes may have a strong genetic basis, it is influenced by environmental and behavioral factors. Obesity is a strong factor linked to type 2, particularly in young adults and those who have been overweight for a long time.

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New Strides in Treating Diabetes

An experimental mouth spray may one day allow diabetics to get their insulin via the inside lining of the cheek, rather than by injection, according to research presented by the manufacturer at a recent conference. Trials are being conducted in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

A new drug called GlucoNorm allows people with diabetes to eat whenever they want. Scientists are calling this a breakthrough. With other drugs, a strict meal schedule must be followed. GlucoNorm can be taken whenever the patient wants to eat. The drug helps regulate potentially dangerous peaks in blood-sugar levels after meals. It works on the pancreas and matches the insulin reaction of those without diabetes. GlucoNorm was recently approved in Canada.

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Exercise and Stress Affect Diabetes

Regular exercise protects women from diabetes

~~ Postmenopausal women who exercise regularly are about half as likely to develop diabetes as their more sedentary counterparts, study results show. The findings suggest that up to 8% of cases of diabetes in inactive older women might be prevented if they began regular physical activity.

You’ve heard it before: stress affects diabetes control

~~ In diabetes, fluctuations in blood sugar are influenced by psychosocial factors, not just biological ones. Everyday stresses and the way people with diabetes cope with them can directly influence the body’s regulation of blood sugar and may even affect compliance with treatment.

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Celebrating Culinary Diversity Recipes

These recipes offer a "sneak preview" of some of the recipes you can look forward to in the Alliance's "Celebrating Culinary Diversity" cookbook.
Cheesy Broccoli-Rice Casserole
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) low-fat condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) low-fat condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper
  1. In a large bowl, combine soups, milk, and sour cream
  2. Stir in cheeses, rice, broccoli, onion, 3/4 teaspoon of paprika, and pepper.
  3. Transfer to a 13 x 9 baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Sprinkle with remaining paprika.
  4. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
  5. Uncover and cook for 5-10 minutes longer or until rice and broccoli are tender.

Yield: 16 one-half cup servings.
Nutritional Information: Per serving: 194 calories; 291mg sodium; 14mg cholesterol; 27gm carbohydrate; 10gm protein; 5gm fat.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch; 1 meat; 1 vegetable.

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Angel Macaroons
1 package (16 ounces) one-step angel food cake mix
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups flaked coconut
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat cake mix, water, and extract on low speed for 30 seconds.
  2. Scrape bowl; beat on medium for one minute.
  3. Fold in the coconut.
  4. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove paper with cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Yield: 2 1/2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information: One cookie equals 89 calories; 164mg sodium; 0 cholesterol; 16gm carbohydrate; 2gm protein; 2 gm fat.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.

Source: April/May 1999 issue of Taste of Home

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Old-Fashioned Meat Loaf
2 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup minced onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute or 2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups low-fat roasted garlic pasta sauce

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; lightly coat two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2" loaf pans with nonstick spray
  2. In a large bowl, mix beef, oats, onion, parsley, eggs, salt, and 1 cup sauce.
  3. Divide mixture between loaf pans, slightly rounding top of each loaf.
  4. Brush tops with remaining 1/2  cup sauce and bake for one hour.

Makes 8 Servings
Nutritional Information: Per serving: 221 calories; 5.3g fat; 203 mg cholesterol; 1.6g fiber; 40.6g protein; 15.5g carbohydrates; 528mg sodium.

Serve your meat loaf with applesauce and easy Parmesan Oven Fries

  1. Slice two baked potatoes into long wedges.
  2. Place on a large baking sheet, coat with nonstick spray, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
  3. Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

Nutritional Information: Per serving: 67 calories; 0.9g fat; 35mg sodium

Source: These recipes are from Prevention Magazine

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Raspberry Bread Pudding
2 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) or nonfat milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups bread - cubed
1 pint raspberries (if you don't have fresh raspberries, use a 12-16 ounce bag of unsweetened frozen ones. Don't thaw.)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, egg substitute, and almond extract.
  3. Stir in bread and let stand 15 minutes.
  4. Carefully stir in raspberries.
  5. Coat an 8 x 8" baking dish with nonstick spray. Add bread mixture and lightly mist top with nonstick spray.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 9 servings
Nutritional Information: per serving: 143 calories; 1.4g fat; 2.8g cholesterol; 1.6g protein; 29.1g carbohydrates; 121mg sodium.

Source: This recipe is from Prevention Magazine

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Mediterranean Barley Casserole
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, defatted
1 cup quick cooking barley
1 package (10 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
1 jar (12 oz.) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
1/4/cup sliced black olives
4 oz. garlic-herb feta cheese, finely crumbled
1 jar (8 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons pine nuts
  1. Prepare oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sauce pan, bring broth and barley to a bowl over high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 10 minutes or until tender.
  3. Spread half the barley in a 2-quart casserole. Top with one-half of each: spinach, peppers, olives, and feta. Spread with remaining barley and spinach.
  4. Drain artichokes and reserve marinade. Scatter artichokes over spinach and top with remaining peppers olives, and feta. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Pour artichoke marinade over all.
  5. Cover and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 4 Servings
Nutritional Information: Per serving: 329 calories; 4.9g saturated fat; 20mg cholesterol; 6.5g fiber; 13g protein; 39.6g carbohydrates; 865mg sodium.
Diet exchanges: milk 0; vegetables 0.9; fruit 0; bread 2.1; meat 0.8; fat 2.4

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Lemon Coconut Cookies
1/2 cup reduced-calorie margarine
Liquid sugar equal to 1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded dry coconut
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
  1. Cream margarine in small mixing bowl.
  2. Add sugar substitute, egg, water, lemon rind, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat well until blended.
  3. Add coconut, mixing well.
  4. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  5. Add to creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly (on low speed if electric mixer is used.)
  6. Form dough into a roll, 2 inches in diameter; wrap in wax paper and chill until firm.
  7. Cut into 54 thin slices and place on a nonstick cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown.

Yield 54 cookies, 4 cookies each serving
Diet Exchanges: Each serving may be exchanged for 1 bread and 1 fat.

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Red Beans & Sausage
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 pound turkey sausage, cooked and sliced
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 cup cooked rice (optional)
  1. In a saucepan, sauté garlic, green pepper, and onion in oil until tender, about five minutes.
  2. Add the next 5 ingredients, bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and cook for five to seven minutes until the sausage is heated through.
  4. Serve over rice if desired.

Makes six servings.
Nutritional Information: Per 2/3 cup serving: 231 calories, 627 mg sodium, 20 mg cholesterol, 29 mg carbohydrates, 14 g protein, 6 g fat. Per 2/3 cup serving: 231 calories, 627 mg sodium, 20 mg cholesterol, 29 mg carbohydrates, 14 g protein, 6 g fat.
EXCHANGES: starch, 1 1/2; meat, 1; vegetable, 1. 

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Layered Mac 'N Cheese Italiano
1 3/4 cups (15 oz) fat-free or part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 package (4 oz) light cream cheese, cubed
3/4 cup reduced sodium or regular chicken broth
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups (12 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 cups (28 oz jar) spaghetti sauce with mushrooms
3/4 cup (3 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

  1. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, whisk together ricotta cheese, cream cheese, broth, parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
  2. Heat until cream cheese melts and mixture is smooth, stirring frequently. DO NOT BOIL.
  3. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
  4. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and heat spaghetti sauce.
  5. Toss hot pasta with ricotta mixture and spread into a 13 X 9 baking dish.
  6. Spoon spaghetti sauce over top, covering pasta completely. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Makes 10 servings
Nutritional Information: Per 1 cup serving - 260 calories; 5g fat; 20mg cholesterol; 440mg sodium; 37g carbohydrates; 17g protein

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Spicy Oatmeal Cookies
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked
1 cup reduced-calorie margarine, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Liquid sugar substitute to equal 1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup raisins
  1. Combine oatmeal and melted margarine in a large mixing bowl; mix well.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla, and sugar substitute to oatmeal mixture; stir until well blended.
  3. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in another bowl.
  4. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to oatmeal mixture; blend well.
  5. Add raisins.
  6. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes.
  7. Drop 72 level teaspoons onto nonstick cookie sheet.
  8. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 72 cookies. Each serving of 2 cookies may be exchanged for 1/2 bread and 1/2 fat.

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Apple Tart

Vegetable cooking spray
4 medium apples peeled and cut into slices
2 eggs
1/2 cup low fat yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon. vanilla
1 tablespoon apple jelly
2 tablespoons apple juice

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Coat 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Arrange apple slices in two concentric circles, slightly overlapping each other in the pan.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, yogurt, honey, flour, and vanilla. Spoon over apple slices until all are covered.
  5. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
  6. In a small sauce pan, combine the jelly and juice over low heat. Brush evenly over tart and bake 10 minutes more until browned.

Makes 10 Servings
Nutritional Information: 96 calories per serving; 1.4g fat; 43.3mg cholesterol; 2.2g protein; 19.4g carbohydrates.
EXCHANGES: Milk 0; vegetables 0; fruit 1; bread 5; meat 0; fat 0.

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Submit Your Recipes

Have your gone through your recipes yet? Send us your favorite health recipe along with your name address and phone number. If we use it, you'll receive a free gift!

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For more information about any of the Alliance's Diabetes programs, email the Healthy Community Alliance at alliance@communityalliance.org