Immediately following a diagnosis of a diabetic condition, many people feel as if the walls are closing in on them. The tips below will help you learn how to manage your diabetes symptoms and function throughout your life in as normal of a way as possible. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine is something that no one else can do for you.
Look at the glycemic index on the labels of the foods you buy. This is an indicator of how this food will affect sugar levels. Having a low GI number is important if you are trying to manage your diabetes.
Experiment with alternative sources of protein such as eggs and tofu instead of just eating meat. Don’t let it get boring! Mix up the routine and keep your mouth at attention the entire time.
Many foods, such as eggs or beans, are packed full of protein and are great for someone with diabetes. Try different foods and recipes so that you don’t get bored.
If you’re a diabetic, it is vitally important that you indulge your hunger cravings in a way that is healthy. Although, banning sweets altogether may not be necessary. When you can effectively manage your blood glucose levels, you shouldn’t worry to much about sneaking in the occasional sweet treat. If you eliminate some carbohydrates from your meals, you will have more room to eat dessert.
If you get hypoglycemia, it’s absolutely crucial you have gum or some type of sugary food always available to you. Hypoglycemia attacks can occur anywhere, and it is crucial that you are prepared for one. This is a potentially severe problem if you skip breakfast, so always eat a healthy breakfast and regular meals to reduce the risks.
If you are in a large crowd, chances are there are many other diabetics in that crowd, too. This helps to reduce any shame or stress that accompanies the diagnosis, but it really just makes your life much easier.
Blood Sugar
Educate yourself so that you know which foods are most likely to cause your blood sugar to spike. Food that are high in glycemic indexes are pasta, cereal, desserts, juices and breads. Processed food is bad for one’s blood sugar. Instead, include meat, fish, veggies and low-glycemic fruits in your diet.
There are many free ways to work exercise into your schedule which is great for controlling diabetes, such as jogging around your neighborhood or doing some work outs at the park nearby. Go to the park and use the jungle gym to do chin ups. If you want to stay home, do some weight training with bags filled with heavy objects.
It’s crucial that diabetics get tested for sleep apnea right away. If you do have sleep apnea, start treatment right away to protect yourself from future health issues.
Diabetics should monitor their eating habits carefully. Different foods affect glucose levels differently, and you will need to carefully scrutinize your food choices. Larger meals will require larger insulin injections, while smaller meals require less. Take an active approach to dealing with your diabetes by managing your meals.
Diabetics should eat modest portions, more often — as often as six times a day, instead of three. When you eat often during the day, you will be able to better control your blood sugar. If you eat more frequently it also helps keep binging away and keeps you feeling satisfied.
Unless your doctor has given you different instructions, fast-acting insulin should be taken between one and 15 minutes before you eat. Fast-acting insulins can be a very effective for maintaining blood sugars, but only if they are properly dosed and timed for each individual.
Diabetics must exercise caution when having a pedicure. It is frequently difficult for diabetics to have successful healing of foot injuries. Even a small cut received during a pedicure could cause problems and complications.
Glucose Tablets
As a person diagnosed with hypoglycemia, make a point to consult with your physician about the possibility of taking glucose tablets. Tablets are a better option for raising your blood sugar level than eating high-sugar foods. Your body can absorb sugar from glucose tablets far more quickly than it can convert food into glucose. In addition, you can carry these pills with you so that you can take them whenever your sugar drops, even if you don’t have immediate access to food.
Smoking is bad for anyone, but it’s especially bad for diabetics. When you smoke, you cause many complications to your health. Cigarettes will make your body more resistant to insulin and can increase the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Switch to a diet high in fiber in order to lower your risk of developing diabetes. This is a good way to replace high glycemic foods, such as white bread or processed foods by whole grain foods. Many studies have proven that people who consume more whole grains have a lower risk of developing the disease.
The tips above should have given you a good idea of the little things you can do to manage your Diabetes and have a fulfilled life. There is no reason for you to live less of a life than you want to live. You are the only person who can control the type of life you have whether you have diabetes or not.