Mauie Flores

A few months ago, I was able to find RiCo Corn Rice in the grocery shelves. I immediately bought a 1-kilo pack to try it because I saw on the label that it has a lower glycemic index. I remember asking my son if he'd like to try it and he said yes. I knew he would agree because he loves to try out "unusual things."

But you know, corn rice is not really new to me. As a young girl, I have already tried eating corn rice during the many summers I spent in the province. But RiCo corn rice is different because it's orange-colored. I remember eating white corn rice and its texture is softer and stickier.


RiCo corn rice is made of 100% Philippine-grown corn fortified with iron and calcium. According to the package, corn rice is:

• For controlled blood sugar level - It's best for diabetics and pre-diabetics because of its low glycemic index.
• For good eyesight - Corn contains the anti-oxidants beta-carotene and lutein.
• For increased energy - Corn rice provides adequate carbohydrates for energy as well as Vitamin B complex.
• Aflatoxin safe - These toxins are usually found in stored rice and are hazardous to health.

Cooking RiCo corn rice is quite easy and it's similar to cooking regular rice except that it needs a bit more water. When my mom saw this, she immediately told me that it would require more water even before she saw the package instructions. Again, it's based on her experience in the province. White corn rice, apparently, would not need extra water.

Some important things to remember, though:

1. The grains should not be washed to preserve its water soluble nutrients.
2. If a loose and fluffy consistency is preferred, RiCo rice corn should be cooked like pasta. Boil the water first, put the corn rice until it's cooked, then drain the excess water.

My cooked RiCo rice corn is a hit! I partnered it with grilled squid, much to the delight of my boys because they thought I cooked Java Rice, hehe... (Sosyal daw!) The husband did not know that it was rice corn until I told him that it was. It basically tastes the same as regular rice. Actually, it's yummier if you ask me.

RiCo corn rice is available in 1-kg, 2-kg, and 5-kg packs. The 1-kg pack I bought from SM Supermarket cost Php 70 while a 2-kg pack costs Php 125. I'm trying out new recipes using Rico corn rice so better stay tuned. By the way, recipes are available at yummyhealthy.ph.

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Living with diabetes is no joke. It takes so much effort to be able to manage our blood sugar levels effectively so as to avoid further health complications. Aside from having myself checked up often and checking my blood sugar regularly, I also take advantage of opportunities that I know can help me manage my diabetes easily. One such opportunity is the Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge.


The Abbot Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge is a free 12-week program that was specifically designed for people with diabetes.  It incorporates 1) a healthy meal plan; 2) exercise; and, 3) specialized nutrition with Glucerna® Triple care to help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels, reduce weight and waist line, and support heart health.

Click on the image for a better view.

The program has online and mobile versions that diabetics can easily use. Both contain lists of recipes and exercises, and other online tools that make diabetes management easy as 1-2-3.

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Smartphone and tablet applications are starting to play a significant role in diabetes care, and Power 20 recently launched with that in mind.

“It’s no surprise that doctors and patients are looking to smartphones to help fight diabetes,” said Arshad Chowdhury, founder of Power 20. “Today, 46 percent of Americans own smartphones, and one in 10 Americans has diabetes. The number of diabetics will more than double in the next 25 years so tools like Power 20, which can help control blood sugar levels through guided exercises, are arriving just in time.”

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I'm a sucker for gadgets. But don't get me wrong, I buy not because I want to fit in and be cool but because I fall in love with its features. Our iPad, for instance, has been very useful to me since Day 1. Since I'm the only one who's left at home most at the time, I'm the one who frequently use it.

We divided the iPad into three home screens to organize our favorite apps. Obviously, mine has the most apps. I have an app for almost everything! Of course, the first ones I downloaded are the ones that help me manage my diabetes.

Here are the ones that I currently use:

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November 14 is World Diabetes Day and this big event is celebrated every year. From 2009-2013, World Diabetes Day focuses on diabetes education and prevention which calls for understanding diabetes and proper diabetes care management not only by diabetics but also by their doctors, loved ones, friends, and their country leaders.


World Diabetes Day 2012 carries the theme. "Diabetes: Protect our Future." Basically, this year's celebration gives special focus on children and young people as vital movers of the campaign against diabetes. Young people are educated on the warning signs and risk factors for diabetes. They are also reminded of the fact that healthy eating and regular exercise and physical activity can prevent Type 2 diabetes.

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Happy Diabetes Awareness Month!

It's less than two weeks to go before World Diabetes Day which is happening on November 14 and more and more people are becoming aware about diabetes. I really hope each diabetic gets diagnosed as early as possible because early diabetes management can make a difference.

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We freelancers work as hard as those employed in companies. I even believe that we work doubly hard to keep up with our deadlines and that means staying up until the wee hours of the morning. You know, as much as I would want to earn more money from my freelance jobs, I now make not to accept jobs that would require me to work late nights. Lack of sleep increases insulin resistance which Is the exact opposite of my diabetes management goals.

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It's only less than 40 days till November 14 which is World Diabetes Day! One of the main activities to watch out for is the World Diabetes Day Postcard Exchange program. This was created to help connect people affected with diabetes from all over the world. Handmade postcards will be sent in time for World Diabetes Day and the Diabetes Awareness Month.

Image courtesy of World Diabetes Day Postcard Exchange Facebook page.

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The American Diabetes Association is launching a new initiative in time for November, which is the American Diabetes Month. Starting October 1, 2012 the Association will ask people to share a personal image on the American Diabetes Association's Facebook page. The image will represent what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to them.

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My C-Lium Lose More, Live More journey has finally come to an end. The past six weeks of regularly taking C-Lium Fibre, exercising, and monitoring my calorie intake has greatly improved my health.

This photo taken during our initial weigh in at the Medicard Lifestyle Center last July 26, 2012.

For the benefit of those who read about my weight loss challenge with C-Lium, below are the highlights of the first four weeks. You can click each week title to read the full post.

• WEEK 1: The initial physical check-up and lab test done in July 26 revealed that I weigh 189 lbs and have a BMI of 37.2. Fasting blood sugar level was 5.2 mmol/L and LDL (bad cholesterol) level was 212 mg/dLwhich was 62 points above the normal range.
• WEEK 2: I started to dance an hour of Zumba everyday and monitor my calorie intake through the MyFitnessPal app (free for Android and iOS). My blood sugar and blood pressure showed signs of improvement.
• WEEK 3: I was introduced to the 4-minute MetaFIT exercise routine. I also started to do the cardio and strengthening exercises posted on the C-Lium Fibre website.
• WEEK 4: I and the other blogger ambassadors did CrossFit training together with C-Lium Fibre brand ambassadors, Angela Lupangco and Art Mendoza. Nadine Tengco, resident nutritionist and chef of Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition also taught us the right way to diet plus showed us how to make snacks using C-Lium Fibre.

We had our final weigh in and blood screening tests last September 7. I am so happy of results because I lost 6 pounds which means I lost a pound a week. My blood pressure that morning was 130/100 mmHG but it lowered to 120/90 mmHG by the time I was about to go on the treadmill. Then a few days after, the lab test results came in and it showed that from 5.2 mmol/L in July 26, my fasting blood sugar level went down to 4.8 mmol/L. Also, from 212 mg/dL, my LDL level went down to 204 mg/dL. Take note that I did not take my maintenance meds (Metformin, Simvastatin, and Amlodipine) in the six weeks that I was on this challenge.

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It's now the third week of the month-long C-Lium Lose More, Live More challenge. Unlike the first and second week, the changes I saw this week are minimal. My blood pressure and blood sugar level are maintained at normal levels, though. There's no remarkable weight loss but I lost 2 inches off my waistline once again. (You can read about my first and second weeks HERE and HERE.)

This week has been the most challenging so far in terms of dieting. The crazy monsoon rains place our town underwater once again and my sister, brother, their kids, and a cousin, evacuated their home to stay with us. The rains, the company of my siblings, and the warm food that we shared proved to be the perfect ingredients for a diet disaster. I found myself eating a cup of rice even for dinner. Tsk!

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One week has already gone by from the first day I started my weight loss journey with C-Lium Fibre. It hasn't been that easy because sleeping in and not exercising has already become a tough habit to break. My initial lab test results really forced me to do something about my weight. I don't want to die of a heart attack! (For those of you who were able to read about my initial laboratory results, you can do so by clicking HERE.)


The past seven days, I did an hour of Zumba to exercise. My husband and I also walk and jog in the morning when it's not raining. Apart from the daily exercise, I also closely monitored my calorie intake. I make sure that I have enough fiber in every meal. Sometimes, I get to take C-Lium Fibre twice a day when I eat food that's been cooked in oil.

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I have a new glucometer, yey! Again, it's a gift from my sister. (She also gave me the old blood sugar monitor that I've been using since 2008.) Now, I'm using the Accu Chek Softclix. It generally has the same features as my old glucometer except that I find the controls of my old one more user-friendly.

Took me two pricks before I got enough blood.  Ahh, the hassles of breaking in a new glucometer!

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Lilly Diabetes announced a donation of $100,000 to the Diabetes Scholars Foundation scholarship fund. The Foundation will use the donation to fund college scholarships for students with type 1 diabetes as well as conference scholarships for families to attend the 2012 Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference in Orlando. Read more about it below.



INDIANAPOLIS, Ind./ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — Lilly Diabetes today announced a donation of $100,000 to the Diabetes Scholars Foundation (Foundation) scholarship fund. The contribution will support the Foundation’s mission to empower young people with type 1 diabetes to live their lives to the fullest. The Foundation will use the donation to fund college scholarships for students with type 1 diabetes as well as conference scholarships for families to attend the 2012 Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference in Orlando.

“We are committed to empowerment through education, and we are thrilled that Lilly Diabetes shares that commitment and is investing in the futures of young people with type 1 diabetes through this donation,” said Mary Podjasek, president, Diabetes Scholars Foundation. “Life with diabetes is never easy. Our founders’ goal was that – in this one small area of life – having diabetes could be an advantage.”

Supporting people with diabetes and their families through this donation is an example of Lilly Diabetes’ commitment to providing personal solutions for everyday life.

“In everything we do, we encourage people with diabetes to follow their dreams,” said Steve Sugino, vice president, Lilly Diabetes. “It's a priority for us to support these amazing young people as they prove over and over again that diabetes doesn’t stand in their way of achieving their goals.”

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With improper management of diabetes, women can experience greater hearing loss as they get older.

New research at the Henry Ford hospital in Detroit has revealed that if you are a female with diabetes and have not had the ability to maintain a healthy state with drugs, you have a greater chance of loss of hearing as you age.

Clinical Trials

A clinical study looked at women between the ages of 60 and 75 that have diabetes and were able to maintain a healthy state had less hearing loss than those patients who had poorly controlled diabetes. In fact, women who had the ability to manage their diabetes well had hearing ability comparable to non-diabetic female patients in the same age category.

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Back in 2008, routine blood test results revealed that I had high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or what is commonly known as the bad cholesterol. Since I'm diabetic, the cardio-internist who saw me prescribed simvastatin which I religiously took for a month. Fortunately, my cholesterol went back to healthy levels and I'm off simvastatin or any other statin up to now.

I recently read a post on Diabetes Self Management site which was about a study that showed how statins increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes in post-menopausal women by 48%. Then again, here's a surprising fact. In a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was revealed that only one cardiovascular event (meaning stroke or heart attack) in every 155 people taking statins in high doses is prevented. On the other hand, only one in 498 people taking high dose statins may develop diabetes.

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As a parent, I am most often concerned about the health of my son. His immunization schedule is updated even up to now that he's almost twelve years old. It gives me the peace of mind that he's protected from life threatening diseases. For so many years, I have grown accustomed to thinking that vaccines are for babies because they have weaker immune systems. But just recently, I learned that vaccines are also important for adults, especially for those age 50 and above. One such important vaccine is the one against pneumococcal disease.


Dr. Rontgene M. Solante, president of the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) attests that 88% of deaths of Filipinos age 50 and above are due to pneumonia. Moreover, these individuals who suffer from pneumonia may also experience paralysis, mental retardation, seizures, learning disabilities, and hearing loss.

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For more than a year now, I've been using stevia as my sweetener. Since then, I have enjoyed my drinks and other food without the fear of spiking up my blood sugar. I remember, I've written about using can view the entry HERE) but I haven't really explained how great this herb is. I finally found the time to do some research and here's the info I got:

• The powdered form of stevia comes from the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). There are potted stevia plants already sold by commercial gardeners. In fact, my sister-in-law was able to buy one in Greenhills last December for only Php 50/pot.
• The stevia plant originated in Paraguay but our local farmers, particularly in Cavite, Antipolo, and Quezon, have started to cultivate stevia in small nurseries and farms.
• The leaves of the stevia plant has glycosides which explains its sweetness. I tried tasting a raw stevia leaf and it does taste sweet. Saccharine, actually, but I was told that it's safe for me because it has no calories.
• You can make your own stevia extract at home. Pick some leaves, wash, dry and pound them, then mix with purified water. Then just use a medicine dropper to add the sweet stevia water to your coffee or tea. You can also use alcohol (scotch or vodka) to soak your leaves in. You can find the steps HERE.
• Stevia sweetener can be used in cooking and baking. But since its 10 to 15 times sweeter than table sugar, you would have to do some experimenting in adjusting your recipes. (You can find a conversion chart HERE and HERE.) Also, keep in mind that your extract may have a tea-like or greenish color that can also affect the color of what you're cooking or baking.

I'm glad that stevia farmers and producers are already growing in numbers here in the Philippines. This has obviously reduced the price of stevia sweeteners. In fact, I recently bought the same brand of stevia sweetener for only 96 pesos a box when it was 150/box back in December 2010.

I hope I have covered more info about stevia this time around and that it has encouraged you to also use stevia.

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Today, November 14, 2011, is World Diabetes Day. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) focuses on "Diabetes education and prevention" since this is the third year of it's 5-year plan of action.


This year, I am guilty of not having participated actively in the campaign. I have been very busy with work that I failed to prepare for the Big Blue Test. Yeah, great, I ran out of test strips and all I got are blood glucose urine test strips so I wasn't inspired to share my test results online.

Nevertheless, I can say that I have been a "sweet" obedient diabetic this year. I'm glad that my husband's new company has provided us with free health insurance and that my clinic is part of their accredited list of health providers. I have visited my doctor regularly and, with her help, I was able to normalize my blood pressure and cholesterol. My proteinuria has also improved and it's because I've gotten rid of my hypertension. I've also started to dance by playing Just Dance on the Wii. I am still way above my ideal weight but I'm optimistic that I'll get there with just diet and exercise. No more diet pills this time because I love my liver so much. The only pills I'm taking now are Metformin, Oleia Soft Gel capsules, and vitamins.

I hope you can help me educate more people and prevent diabetes by clicking the banner under my blog header that says "Yes, I agree." Clicking the banner will automatically include you in the number of people worldwide who agree that all people with diabetes need essential care, no matter what age, race, or social status. You can also like the World Diabetes Day Facebook page to see how diabetics around the are celebrating this special event.


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“At first glance, D.I.A.B.E.T.E.S. is Difficult, Intense, Anxious, Bothersome, Everyday, Timely, Eerie, and Sugarfree. But as a whole, D.I.A.B.E.T.E.S. is Discovering Internal Abilities to Boldly Encounter The Earth with a Smile. Sometimes life can be hard (for everyone), but you can do anything you set your mind to even with diabetes. Nothing can stop you if you approach it with the right attitude!”

- Christine Burns, 19 years old from Sandy, Utah, USA, diabetic.

Christine will spend a day with Nick Jonas at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Los Angeles Walk to Cure Diabetes. She will also appear in the World Diabetes Day video with Nick to be launched on November 14, 2011 on www.NickSimpleWins.com. All of these she earned after winning Nick Jonas' and Bayer's "Simple Inspirations" contest.

Nick Jonas, who sang with his brothers in the famous teen boy band Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 13. Now 19, he is working with Bayer to inspire and educate young people with diabetes. On the site, you will see his blog where he writes about his life as a young person with a lifestyle that is not slowed by diabetes.


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