As difficult as getting a diagnosis of diabetes is, the condition is manageable, if you have the proper education. This article is packed with tips to teach you what you need to know about diabetes, and the right way to improve your health and manage your diabetes care.
Managing your everyday life in an orderly and consistent manner can make it flow with more ease. One idea is to establish a designated area for your glucose meter and testing supplies. When you are testing, do it at the same time each day, and keep a list nearby of the steps that must be completed so that you don’t skip any.
Many people have diabetes. You can make your life much easier to deal with and have less stress and shame due to diabetes.
Diabetes has increasingly become more prevalent in our society. Doing this allows ease in your life and also cuts down on the stress and embarrassment of having diabetes.
Sleep Apnea
You should test yourself for sleep apnea if you suffer from diabetes. Getting tested early for sleep apnea is advisable, as it may continue as a dangerous untreated health risk.
Walnuts make an excellent and nutritious addition to any salad. Consuming walnuts can help with diabetes management because they have monounsaturated fats, which can decrease insulin resistance in cells. Furthermore, walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 acids and antioxidants. They are nutritionally dense and delicious!
A pedicure can be dangerous if you have diabetes. Even a small cut can result in an infection for a diabetic.
Pop, ketchup, and many other sweet confections contain this item, so read the nutrition data and ingredients on the label, and put it back on the shelf if it does have corn syrup in it. In other countries this ingredient might be labeled as glucose/fructose.
Consuming a diet high in fiber can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Whole grains are low-GI foods, which reduces your risk of diabetes, while white foods are generally high-GI, which increases your risk. There have been quite a few studies that prove the point that those who choose whole grain will have a lesser risk of getting diabetes as opposed to those who do not.
You should have the ability to identify which foods are high in the glycemic index, which quickly elevates your blood sugar. This includes fruit juices and foods like bread, cereal and pasta. Processed foods and carbohydrates can been dangerous for diabetics. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits, meats and fish to your diet.
Blood Sugar
Know which foods have high GI values and can spike your blood sugar when ingested. This includes fruit juices and foods like bread, cereal and pasta. Eating processed food will do your blood sugar no favors. Fresh produce, high grain breads and cereals and healthy sources of protein are the best choices for diabetics.
If you are afflicted with diabetes, six smaller meals can be better than three traditional ones each day. Eating more frequently, but in smaller amounts, keeps your blood glucose levels more consistent. You will be more satiated and less likely to binge if your eating is more frequent.
Be sure to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and think you may have gestational diabetes. Untreated gestational diabetes can pose a risk to both you and your baby. Your doctor can advise you on how to eat and if you need any medication.
Don’t be surprised when you find your blood sugar levels soaring directly after having very low glucose. This happens because your body is releasing hormones to tell your body to use more sugar than necessary. The next time this happens, try cutting your normal meal in half and double check your glucose levels a half an hour later.
Blood Glucose
One flavorful spice that diabetics can use, that doesn’t contain sugar, sodium or calories, is cinnamon. In addition to its own unique flavor, cinnamon can enhance the natural sweetness present in some foods, without the addition of blood glucose raising sugar. Some even believe that cinnamon will lower blood glucose levels, but the jury is still out on that one.
If you have diabetes, and you like to snack, it might be hard to walk by the vending machines at work, or the wonderful tasting snacks in your pantry. It is critical that you ignore snacks and eat fruits, vegetables, or any other complex carbohydrate.
If you’re diabetic, you need to eat and check your blood sugar regularly, even if you’re feeling sick or don’t have any appetite. Drink a lot of water and other liquids if you aren’t eating. Low blood sugar can contribute to dehydration.
Some people think that diabetics can’t eat any sugar. However, this is an old wives’ tale. However, you will need to exercise caution and discretion when you do enjoy a small dessert. Don’t be afraid to indulge in your favorite desserts every now and then. Since eating sweets adds extra carbohydrates, it is best to cut back on other foods that contain carbohydrates when you have that special treat.
Healthy carbs are an important element of a diabetic diet. Diabetics will want to avoid diets that are extremely low in carbohydrates; these strenuous diets can deprive your body of fiber and nutrients. Carbohydrates provide fuel on which your energy level depends.
Don’t worry if your blood glucose levels spike right after treating a hypoglycemic episode. This can be caused by two things: You could be drinking or eating more because of the lower glucose or the lower glucose could be releasing hormones. In the future, cut the amount you’d normally eat in half, and wait 30 minutes to check your levels.
Clinical studies have proven that blood sugar levels are lowered by exercise, while sensitivity to insulin is heightened. Exercise is a healthy way to manage the levels of blood sugar. Aerobic training and resistance exercises produce the best results.
Diabetes can pose a risk for your feet. You must take great care of both of your feet; if you do not pay attention to them, you can lose them through amputation. If you’re diabetic and you follow these tips, your feet will be healthier.
If someone is still new to diabetes, it is essential that he or she quickly learn as much as he or she can about this condition. If they know everything available, they can properly care for themselves. Diabetes is best handled with knowledge and a sense of responsibility.
This often leads to a greater chance of your child getting diabetes, either when born or at a later time in life. Don’t curse your kid with this condition, and take care of your health today instead.
If you skip meals, your sugar levels are going to increase because your liver releases glucose to sustain the fuel your body needs when you aren’t consuming adequate nutrition. Eating a regular diet will help reduce the chances of this occurrence.
Don’t get stressed out. Being stressed out can actually cause your blood sugar levels to spike, so lowering your stress is important. Find some relaxation methods that will help you calm down, such as meditation or yoga. Try some breathing exercises. The best thing about these is they are portable.
Once you know how to manage your diabetes, you won’t fear it anymore. Information is the number one weapon you have in the fight against diabetes.
Give yourself a constant reminder of why taking care of your diabetes is so important. Keep your mind on the better parts of your life, what prevents you from enjoying them and what you are able to do about it. Make sure you remain focused on what is important, and use this as a motivational tool.