Diabetic Digest - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Readers:

Christmas is a week from Sunday and, I don't know about you but, I'm ready to experience all that the holiday has to offer. I'm talking about food.

The best part of the holidays, other than friends, family, gift-giving, and mistletoe, is the food. Food is everywhere during the holidays, but remember don't over-indulge and don't neglect your health.

With all that happens during this time of year I often forget to eat or I overeat. I just can't seem to find the happy medium. This year I'm going to be smart and really keep a close eye on what, where and how much I'm eating. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy, I just need to be much more mindful.

The point is not to get too wrapped up in all that happens during the holidays. Your health is your number one priority. Just be safe and healthy this holiday season. It will make it all that much more enjoyable.

Regards,
Steve

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Questions? Comments? Email Steve


*-- Diabetic News --*
Pancreas study offers diabetes hope
(UKPA)

Research into a rare genetic disorder of the pancreas may speed up progress towards stem cell treatments for diabetes, according to researchers.

The study provides clues to how unspecialised stem cells might be programmed to become insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.

In pancreatic agenesis, the body is unable to produce a pancreas, which plays an essential role regulating blood sugar levels.

The new research links the disorder to a gene called GATA6, which appears to play a key role in the development of pancreatic cells.

Scientists identified a defective form of GATA6 in 15 out of 27 individuals with pancreatic agenesis.

Professor Andrew Hattersley, from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter, said: "This rare genetic condition has provided us with a surprising insight into how the pancreas develops.

"What is it that programmes cells to become pancreatic beta cells? Our study suggests that GATA6 plays a very important role in this process and we hope this will help the crucial work to try and make beta cells for patients with type 1 diabetes."

Type 1, or insulin dependent, diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body's own defences attack and destroy pancreatic beta cells. Patients have to inject themselves with insulin to stay alive.

Most patients with diabetes have the type 2 version which is linked to lifestyle and obesity. It produces a gradual decline as the body stops responding to insulin and beta cells slowly cease to function.

The new research is published in the journal Nature Genetics.

Original Article: Pancreas study offers diabetes hope


*-- Diabetic Recipe --*
Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl Cookies
Servings: 60
Prep time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total: 3 hours 38 minutes

Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 tablespoons liquid egg substitute
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup skim milk, warmed to room temperature
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
cooking spray

Directions
1. Cream margarine, sugar, vanilla, and egg substitute.
2. Add flour, baking powder, and 3 tablespoons of the milk. Stir to thoroughly mix.
3. Divide dough into 2 parts.
4. Add cocoa to one part, stirring until well blended.
5. Add vanilla extract to the other half.
6. Chill both halves for at least 1 hour.
7. Working on a floured surface, roll out each part to a rectangle about 3 inches wide and 18 inches long. Place chocolate part on top of white part, pressing together tightly with a rolling pin.
8. Brush the chocolate dough with remaining tablespoon of milk. Roll up like a jelly roll to make a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
9. Wrap in waxed paper and chill until firm, about 2 hours.
10. When you're getting ready to bake these: Preheat oven to 375°F.
11. Slice cookies 1/8 inch thick. Place on a non-stick cookie sheet that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
12. Bake for 8 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Information
Per 3-cookie serving: 85 calories (53% calories from fat), 2 g protein, 5 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrate, trace dietary fiber, trace cholesterol, 73 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 1 carbohydrate (bread/starch), 1 fat

Original Recipe: Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl Cookies

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