Not many people are frightened by the glucose test where a diabetic tests his or her glucose level by pricking a finger. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, which is a disease of the eye linked to diabetes, bring about the most fear. Don’t allow your diabetes to reach that point. Managing diabetes is not easy, but it’s possible and can effectively eliminate the need for medication.
There is no shortage of foods with lots of protein, including lean meats, dairy products, and vegan options like tofu. Mix up your protein sources to keep from getting bored.
Develop a “testing ritual” that you follow every time you test your blood sugar. Keep your testing supplies and medications in one place, and make sure you leave them there after you finish your routine. When testing, keep track of it as a routine so that you don’t forget any steps. Also, try to jot down your numbers.
Take the stress out of diabetes management by developing more consistent habits. As an example, keep your blood sugar meter and your insulin near each other and use them at the same time each day if needed. Make sure you routinely do everything you’re supposed to when testing.
It’s not something that you should feel ashamed about, especially since it’s increasingly common. This should reduce your stress and make life easier.
Sleep Apnea
If you are a diabetic, you should get tested for sleep apnea right away. In the event that you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, following up on treatment options is essential to avoid the chance of serious complications.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you get some sort of sleep apnea test done as soon as you can. If sleep apnea is a problem for you, then get treatment now, before it has a chance to impact your health.
If hypoglycemia is an issue, make sure you carry some sort of sugar food with you always, such as gum. Hypoglycemia attacks can happen at any time, so you need to be prepared for that. Skipping breakfast is a bad idea that makes attacks more likely, because your body will be especially desperate for sugar.
Using an online pharmacy may be more cost effective than physically going to the pharmacy in person. You can order diabetes medication or supplies on a monthly basis, so that you’ll get your new shipment each month before your prescriptions run out.
If you have diabetes, be extremely careful when having a pedicure done. You are more prone to getting a foot infection if you’re diabetic, so you need to try and be careful when you get a pedicure, especially if you get a puncture or cut.
Learn the foods that have high glycemic indexes, as these can cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels. For instance, bread, cereal, pasta or juices have a very high glycemic index. Processed foods and carbohydrates can been dangerous for diabetics. Stick to fresh and natural foods instead when grocery shopping for your diabetic menu.
Be sure to call and schedule a doctor’s appointment if you are having issues with your eyesight. There are many eye-related conditions associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. It is very important that you have ongoing medical attention for these eye disorders because they can lead to blindness.
It is normal for your blood sugar level to spike in response to low glucose treatments. This is because your body has responded by releasing hormones, or you have eaten or drank more than was needed when responding to the reduced glucose levels. In the future, cut the amount you’d normally eat in half, and wait 30 minutes to check your levels.
Make sure to read the nutrition labels as many common foods contain this. If it has corn syrup, back to the shelf it goes. The label in Canada is “glucose/fructose”.
If diabetes is a condition you have, cinnamon is a wonderful spice that you can use in your diet with inviting calories, sodium or sugar in. Cinnamon can bring about a sweeter flavor without adding sugar, which can raise the level of glucose in the blood. Some researchers believe cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels.
Ask your doctor about sugar pills if you have hypoglycemia. You can get a prescription for glucose in tablet form. The tablets are simple to take wherever you go and help elevate your glucose levels quicker and more efficiently than foods with sugar.
Smoking is extremely dangerous if you have diabetes. Engaging in this destructive behavior will subject you to multiple health maladies. Smoking causes your body to become resistant to insulin, and if you haven’t yet contracted diabetes, cigarettes grow your chances of doing so.
If you get hypoglycemia, it’s absolutely crucial you have gum or some type of sugary food always available to you. The effects of hypoglycemia can be much more dangerous than those of hyperglycemia, and it can rear its ugly head at any time. If you suffer from hypoglycemia, avoid attacks by never skipping meals.
A common misconception regarding diabetes is that the diabetic is not allowed any sugar. The key to keeping a little sugar in your diet is to use moderation when eating sweet items. Portion control is key along with keeping the frequency of these treats low. Because consuming desserts adds additional carbohydrates to your diet, you should reduce other foods you consume that have carbohydrates when you eat this treat.
You need to work out regularly. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help your body manage insulin and glucose so that your blood sugar remains in its target range. Every diabetic should include regular exercise in their weekly routine.
Egg Whites
Switching from a local pharmacy in your area to one that is online ends up saving you money on your medications. You can even set up monthly deliveries, so you never run out of the diabetes supplies you need.
Egg whites are a perfect breakfast choice for a diabetic. Egg whites have a very low amount of fat and calories, and they’re packed with protein that you need to begin the day in the right way. You can eat your egg whites scrambled, or even use them to make a delicious omelet.
Having a diet with healthy carbohydrates is good for a diabetic. Removing all carbs from a diabetic’s diet is not healthy, as it cuts out many sources of essential vitamins, fibers, and minerals from their diet. When you have the proper amount of carbohydrates in your diet, it ensures you body has the energy it needs.
Research has shown that blood sugar is positively affected by exercise, and physical activity can also increase your sensitivity to insulin, which is a natural way to keep your blood glucose levels in check. Vary your workout. Incorporate aerobic exercise and strength training.
Learn which foods can raise blood sugar. High glycemic index foods are those that can raise your levels quickly. This includes fruit juices and foods like bread, cereal and pasta. In addition, these processed foods are bad on your blood sugar. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits, meats and fish to your diet.
As the introduction of this article mentioned, it’s the potential to go blind and other debilitating side effects associated with diabetes that really scare people. You can work past the fear and use the information you’ve learned here to ensure that you’re never a victim of these nasty complications.