November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. This year, Covid-19 has impacted the realities of diabetes in America. Nearly 40% of people who have died of Covid-19 have also had diabetes. While Type 1 diabetics are more at risk than the general population, those with Type 2 Diabetes are at an even higher risk. In addition, the pandemic has left many people without work and without health insurance, which threatens their ability to manage pre-existing conditions. At the food pantry, we aim to provide our community with resources and foods that encourage a healthy, balanced diet.
Research has shown that consuming fresh vegetables helps with blood glucose control, especially for those with Type 2 Diabetes. Did you know that almost 40% of the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry’s distributed pounds of food per month is fresh produce? Furthermore, this past month, we supported local providers, as our produce boxes contained fresh fruits and vegetables from a local Pennsylvania farm, Brian Campbell Farms.
Among the fresh fruits and vegetables available this month are two vegetables known to help be especially good for Type 2 diabetics: carrots and beets! According to Medical News Today, carrots are a low-to-moderate-GI vegetable that increase blood glucose control and can help prevent weight gain. Furthermore, beets are vegetables rich in nitrates, which are best for those with Type 2 Diabetes and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics, food is an important aspect of maintaining good control over blood glucose levels. The Pantry aims to have fresh and healthy foods available for clients to help them stay healthy and eat nutritious food!
