What do you believe is the most important change to make to your daily diet to prevent type 2 diabetes?
Dr. Nadeau points to large studies at the Harvard School of Public Health: Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes, and is striking people at younger and younger ages with rates skyrocketing globally. The good news is that it’s highly preventable.
- Keeping weight in check and being physically active can help prevent most cases of the disease.
- Choosing a diet rich in whole grains and healthy fats adds even more protection—skip the refined grains and sugary soda.
- Limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat — including bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats — can also help lower diabetes risk.
- Go for healthier protein sources instead, such as nuts, beans, poultry, and fish.
Source: The Nutrition Source, Harvard School of Public Health
What are some warning signs for diabetes and steps that can be taken to prevent or control it?
“Excess thirst and urination are the major signs. Weight loss often points to T1D and insulin deficiency.”
What do you think the benefits of continuous glucose sensors are?
The goal is to have freedom and control. I once recommended pumps before sensors but sensors have become so accurate and easy to use that I often recommend them first and move to a pump later. Integrated pumps and sensors are available and more are in development. Because of awareness of glucose levels, sensors allow for better control without the lows in a way that has never been possible.
Dr. Nadeau is an accomplished physician who brings extensive experience to the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center as Program Director, Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care and Endocrinologist at Hoag Medical Group. While he has many areas of interest, the majority of his recent work, research, and lectures focus on diabetes, obesity, and nutrition. Most recently Dr. Nadeau was named to Orange Coast Magazine’s exclusive list of Top Doctors of Orange County for 2015 based on peer physician research conducted by Castle Connelly Medical Ltd.
Highlights include:
- Board Certified, American Board of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
- Dr. Daniel Nadeau received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and also earned a master’s degree in nutrition from Tufts University School of Nutrition.
- He completed a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Vermont and an Internal Medicine residency at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont.
- Dr. Daniel Nadeau served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Tufts Medical School and Medical Director of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition at Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire and Eastern Maine Medical Center in Maine.
- He recently co-authored a book on nutrition entitled The Color Code: A Revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health. He is the recipient of the National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health.
- Recognized in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Nadeau has been named to Orange Coast Magazine’s exclusive list of Top Doctors of Orange County for 2015 based on peer physician research conducted by Castle Connelly Medical Ltd.
