Here are some things you may not know for the change in season: 

1. We know that vegetables are healthy both for fiber and nutrient content. One thing you may not realize is that, according to a recent study, bitter vegetables seem to be more effective at helping to attain blood sugar control . According to research presented by Dr. Anne Cathrine Thorup at the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, proper vegetable selection can impact diabetes by reducing BMI, total body fat mass, HbA1c levels, and fasting glucose levels. 

 As a very basic definition, bitter greens are green, leafy vegetables that taste, well, bitter, because they contain chemical compounds known as glucosinolates. 

Many of these veggies are members of the Brassica family, also known as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale, among others. 

So, you may turn your nose at the broccoli on your plate, but it is packed with vitamins and nutrients, including potassium, calcium, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber, and even protein.   

2. Lifting weights for as little as three seconds a day can have a positive impact on muscle strength, a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has discovered.

Of course , we don’t want to advocate the three second rule-because building muscle takes time and effort.  The more muscle mass you have, the more efficiently you will burn sugars and calories.  It is also interesting to note that intense exercise can cause an initial rise in blood sugars because of the release of adrenalin, and the small tears in the muscle as it starts to build up.  This is often temporary, and in the end; as we stated-strong muscles burn fuel more efficiently.

3. Protein-does it affect blood sugars?

The science behind this is pretty complicated. As protein breaks down to amino acids, it stimulates the release of glucagon. This promotes glycogenolysis, the breakdown of glycogen (branched glucose molecules) stored in the liver.

Unlike carbohydrates, which are quickly broken down to glucose, protein-stimulated conversion of glucose takes place over several hours, and generally has a slower and less intense effect on blood glucose levels.

The amount of protein and carbohydrates that you normally consume may have an effect on how your body responds to a high-protein meal. This may be why low-carb dieters seem to notice more dramatic blood sugar spikes from protein.

On the other hand, those who regularly consume plenty of carbohydrates will likely experience less of an effect on blood sugars.  In that case, the blood glucose rise from protein will likely be smaller, and there may be less need to administer bolus insulin for protein. It may only be more apparent on  occasions when a very high-protein meal is consumed.

As we enter Spring-a season of renewal -we should make our best effort to eat more vegetables, enjoy lean protein with meals and snacks if we have no dietary restrictions, and make time to exercise for optimal health benefits. 

Stay well and remember that at TempraMed we are here to protect you and your insulin from damaging temperatures and to keep you safe.