Diabetes Awareness

Join the Firehouse Cooking Challenge

During the month of November, firefighters invite the public to join TVF&R’s Firehouse Cooking Challenge and learn how small lifestyle changes can yield big results in the fight against Diabetes.

Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. An estimated 35% of adults have prediabetes, but only 7% are aware of their condition, according to Centers for Disease Control research. The good news for prediabetics is that even modest changes in diet and lifestyle can slash your risk of developing diabetes by 58%. These changes cannot only save your life, but preserve your quality of life.

Firefighters’ message is simple – being prediabetic or having diabetes does not prevent you from enjoying a wide variety of delicious foods that are healthy for diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Each of the recipes on this page has been submitted by a TVF&R fire station. They use easy-to-find ingredients, and have simple cooking instructions.

During the month of November, firefighters challenge the community to join them in trying these recipes out. We hope you'll discover they're easy to prepare the same well-balanced meals firefighters make at the fire station and thrive with or without diabetes.

What is prediabetes?

People with prediabetes have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. They are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, including heart disease, and stroke. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

How can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Research shows that modest weight loss and regular physical activity can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in people with prediabetes. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, which is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Getting at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity, such as brisk walking, also is important.

* TVF&R acknowledges that people with diabetes have individual dietary needs and tastes. It's important to work with your doctor for the best possible medical advice for your condition and discuss the option of accessing the skills of a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to develop a diet plan for individual needs. The recipes our firefighters have shared are meant to inspire healthy eating. Every effort has been made to cite sources of recipes that did not originate as our own.

Who Is likely to have prediabetes?

• People with the following risk factors are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes:
• 45 years of age or older.
• Overweight.
• Have a parent with diabetes.
• Have a sister or brother with diabetes.
• Family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
• Developed diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes), or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
• Physically active less than three times a week.