FCS3-539: Understanding Diabetes

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | Jan. 24, 2025 (Major Revision)

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body changes food into energy. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, a simple sugar, which is released into our blood. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin in response to rising blood-sugar levels to help glucose get into the cells of the body. Think of insulin as a key to cells: When insulin is around, the glucose can enter. These cells use this glucose as energy. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or the cells can’t effectively use the insulin that is made. When there is insufficient insulin, glucose builds up in the blood rather than entering cells, which leads to high blood sugar. Chronically elevated levels of blood sugar have an impact on health. Medication and lifestyle changes are ways to manage blood-glucose levels.

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FCS3-574: Cholesterol 101

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | Oct. 15, 2024 (Major Revision)

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. Our bodies naturally make cholesterol. Foods we eat can also impact the levels in our blood. Cholesterol is needed for the body to function properly, but too much cholesterol in our blood can have an impact on our health.

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FCS3-555: Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | Oct. 14, 2024 (Major Revision)

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria and some yeasts, that may provide some health benefits. They also help to digest the foods we eat. “Probiotic” is a broad term for many different living organisms that can be found in foods, drinks, and supplements. The type and number of bacteria in our guts can change depending on our consumption of these items, in addition to other factors including health status, antibiotic and medication use, where we live, and even stress levels. Many of these probiotics found in food sources and supplements are like the bacteria found naturally in our bodies.

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FCS3-554: Family Mealtime: Using MyPlate for Our Plates

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | May. 23, 2024 (Minor Revision)

Family mealtime gives us the opportunity to communicate, strengthen relationships, and introduce healthy eating habits. MyPlate gives a guideline for building nutritious meals. Small changes over time add up. Here are some simple steps to begin.

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FCS3-553: Family Mealtime: A How-To Guide

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | Apr. 25, 2024 (Minor Revision)

Do you ever wish you had more time to talk, laugh and have fun with your family? There is a simple solution - the family meal. Everyone needs to eat. Why not find a time that all of you can sit down for a family meal? It is a perfect time to talk.

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FCS3-544: Diabetes and Cholesterol

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | Mar. 22, 2024 (Minor Revision)

People living with diabetes are at a greater risk of heart disease than people who do not have diabetes. This increased risk is linked to higher levels of blood cholesterol.

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FCS3-549: Diabetes and the Health Care Team

Ingrid Adams, Anna Cason | Feb. 1, 2024 (Minor Revision)

Diabetes is a disease that affects many parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, legs, and feet. As a result, a team approach to taking care of the disease can be helpful. When a team of individuals works together problems are identified earlier, and it is easier to reduce or prevent diabetes complications.