What comes to mind when you think about Valentines Day? Lots of Chocolate and Candy. Unfortunately Candy and Diabetes is a dangerous combination. So does this mean that a diabetic needs to miss out on that heart shaped box of chocolates? No way.


Sugar free candy has come a long way.
I can remember my grandfather, who was a diabetic and also a candy addict, eating these horrible tasting sugar free chocolates. I felt sorry for him, cos' I knew how much of a sweet tooth he was. I took one sample bite and I almost swore off Candies for the rest of my life. For a kid to turn down candy you know it has to be absolutely terrible.

Whether you’re diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes, finding candy that satisfies your tastebuds and yet doesn’t blow your blood sugar level out of whack can be hard. Fortunately, now there are good resources for diabetics, and the list of sugar-free candy choices is ever growing and improving. In fact, most major retailers carry sugar-free candy alongside the sugary stuff, and the internet is full of options for Diabetics with a sweet tooth.

Fortunately, there are a lot of options now


One of the better sites, www.diabeticcandy.com is particularly helpful. You can order almost any imaginable sugar-free treat from the site, including cordial cherries, pecan caramel nut clusters, licorice bites, jelly beans, and bridge mix. There’s even a “Kid’s Favorite” section to help parents with shopping for diabetic youngsters.

They have a great assortment of Valentine themed items including the traditional heart shaped box of chocolates that every girl needs to receive at least once in her lifetime. This site has really creative valentine gift baskets made for diabetics which include everything from jellybeans to saltwater taffy.

Amazon.com, Fudge House, Candy Direct, Old Time Candy also have diverse selections of sugar-free candy. Clearly, a diabetic with a sweet tooth has more options today than just a few years ago. Even Hershey’s has a webpage dedicated to explaining insulin resistance.

Diabetic Direct and 1-Stop Sugarless shop also have a wide range of sugar-free chocolates and candies to choose from, but that's not the end of their product lineup. Apart from their chocolates, they also retail a humongous variety of other sugar-free food products like Cookies, Desserts, Baking products and mixes, Cereals, Drink mixes, Pancake and Waffle mixes, Pastas, Sauces, Snacks, Soups, Syrups and other sugar-free Dishes.

So does sugar free candy taste just as good as candy with sugar?
No...not exactly, but they are still very good. And Diabetics still need to monitor their intake, because these sweets have carbohydrate content, which will increase one’s blood sugar. The difference is that the rate of absorption is controlled. But the fact that a diabetic is not harming themselves by eating it and they get to indulge in sweets on Valentines Day, even if in moderation, makes the sugar free candy a much better choice.

They are a very thoughtful gift...
I’m thankful not to have diabetes, but I’m also thankful that people who do can share my love of candy. What better way to show your Diabetic loved one how much you care for and support them having a healthy lifestyle than by taking the time to get them a healthy alternative this Valentines Day.

My girlfriend's sister has Diabetes and she loves chocolates, I think I'll gift a box of the special candies. I know she'll happily munch away on the stuff. Yep, seeing her sister make happy sounds with a box of chocolates sure will make my girl happier than any other gift I may give her. Happy Valentines Day!

You can buy sugar-free candy from:

• Amazon.com
• Fudge House
  
• Candy Direct
• Old Time Candy
• Diabetic Direct
• 1-Stop Sugarless Shop

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Did you know that there are many natural foods and supplements that you can take that will help lower your blood sugar level naturally? Diabetic patients are usually made aware of the countless pharmaceutical products that are available…but what if you want to naturally lower your blood sugar level?


First, let me just make one thing clear.
I am not saying that the use of pharmaceutical products to control diabetes is bad. My mother herself is taking Metformin, also known as Glucophage, and Glipizide, also known as Glucotrol, to regulate her blood glucose levels.

Right now taking these drugs is a must for her, but she is someone who hates taking any form of medication, as I am. If you knew me personally you would know that I’m the kind of person who would always look to avoid pharmaceutical medication whenever possible. I’m a big proponent of a more natural approach to treating diabetes and, as a matter of fact, any disease or medical condition.

What I have been finding more and more, to my eternal joy, is that there are foods and supplements that will naturally lower blood sugar levels. By incorporating these foods and supplements into your already diabetes friendly diet you are increasing your chances of a longer healthier life.

Natural Food And Supplements That Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon
Researchers have found that cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels naturally if taken daily. If you absolutely love cinnamon you can sprinkle the recommended six grams of cinnamon on your food throughout the day to achieve the desired effect. If you are not that big a fan of cinnamon there is another alternative…cinnamon capsules. This gives you the recommended cinnamon dose all in one tidy capsule.

Chromium
To help your body’s cells respond properly to insulin you can use Chromium. There are studies that are finding that people with diabetes have lower Chromium levels that people without the disease. So how do you add Chromium to your diet? Well it is a trace mineral so the best bet it to take a Chromium Picolinate dietary supplement.

Zinc
The mineral Zinc plays a huge role in your body’s production and storage of insulin. It is now being brought to light that people with diabetes have Zinc deficiency. You can go about increasing the Zinc in your diet by either taking a supplement or more better, by eating foods that are high in Zinc. This would include your lamb, oysters, pecans, almonds, chicken and sardines.

Salacia oblonga
Something interesting I read in a chance reading through a Diabetes Journal. Salacia oblonga is an herb that’s been used for centuries which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka. It binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. Ohio State University researchers saw insulin levels drop 23 percent and blood sugar levels drop 29 percent in patients who took a 1,000-mg dose of the herb. Absolutely Amazing!

Obviously, these are just a fraction of the abundance of natural foods and supplements that will lower your blood sugar level naturally, without any side effects. One thing that is essential is that you keep your doctor or health care provider up to date on any supplements that you are or will be utilizing as a natural way to lower your blood sugar. Always consult your doctor before taking anything. They will be able to help you safely figure out what does and does not work for you.

Although I must say that this reaffirms my belief in the saying,
"When in doubt, Go Natural!".

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