Diabetes causes fear, not because of the tests or treatments, but because of the possible outcomes. More serious conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy or the risks of losing a leg, tend to scare people. Don’t let your diabetes get that far. The following hints and tips can help you manage and treat this serious condition.
Every type of food has a number that states its effects on blood sugar. This number is called the “glycemic index”. For diabetics, the GI numbers should be as low as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is crucial that you get tested for sleep apnea as soon as you can. To keep yourself in optimal health, it is critical that you treat any sleeping disorder you may have as quickly as possible.
Eating almonds can satisfy a snack craving without sending your blood sugar through the roof. Unsalted almonds contain a lot of protein, fiber, and other nutrients that are great for your body. Keep a bowl within easy reach so that you can grab a few anytime the hunger pains start to set in.
It will be hard if your child is diagnosed with diabetes but bear with it. Since diabetes is such a common disease, there are many available treatments to help your child enjoy a normal lifespan. The oldest known diabetic is in his nineties, and he was obviously born and living before modern medicine got to where it is.
If you do the same task the same way each time, your life will be more organized and easier. One idea is to establish a designated area for your glucose meter and testing supplies. When testing, keep track of it as a routine so that you don’t forget any steps. Also, try to jot down your numbers.
High fructose corn syrup is found in a surprising number of food products, so you should check the ingredients on most drinks or condiments before buying them. In foreign countries such as Canada, this can be known as a combination of glucose and fructose.
There are millions of diabetics in this world. This will reduce the stress and shame associated with the diagnosis, and just make your life easier.
If you are a diabetic, you have to learn to snack in a healthy fashion. You don’t need to eliminate sweets entirely. If you are carefully monitoring your blood sugars, the occasional dessert is acceptable. You can accomplish this by taking out an amount that is equal in carbohydrates from the main meal you eat.
Sleep Apnea
You can decrease the chance of developing diabetes by converting to a diet that is high in fiber. If you eat more whole grain bread and less white bread, you will lessen your blood sugar levels and will in turn, lessen your risk of diabetes. Research demonstrates that diets rich in whole grain are at lesser risk of suffering diabetes.
If you suffer from diabetes, it is wise to undergo a test for sleep apnea as soon as you can. If you receive a diagnosis of sleep apnea, pursue treatment quickly so that you can keep yourself healthy.
Try to be careful getting a pedicure if you have diabetes.. Because people with diabetes are likely to develop foot infections, even a small cut can have serious results.
If you consume more foods that are high in fiber, your chance of diabetes will decline. When you add more whole grains to your diet, you will reduce how much high glycemic foods you eat, such as white bread, and you should also reduce how much processed foods you eat because these will increase your risk. Evidence suggests that it is possible to reduce your risk for diabetes by eating a diet that contains whole grains.
Lots of methods of dropping weight and battling diabetes exist, ranging from workouts at a park to jogging. You can use the jungle gym to do chin ups, or use canned goods and bags of heavy things for weight lifting.
If you have bouts of hypoglycemia, always carry sugary foods such as gum with you to consume when needed. You should always be prepared because there is no way to know when you are going to suffer from hypoglycemia. This is even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
Using an online pharmacy instead of a brick-and-mortar one can help you stretch your dollar when purchasing diabetes medications. You even have the option of getting your meds sent to your door each month on time.
Sometimes when you’re a diabetic, and you are tempted to snack, it is hard to resist the goodies that surround you. It is important, though, that you bypass these snacks and eat a complex carbohydrate, such as fruit or vegetables.
If you’re a diabetic and you’re experiencing problems related to your vision, see to it that you consult your doctor. Diabetics can experience some unique eye and vision issues in their lives. These conditions include cataract, glaucoma and even retinopathy that is specific to diabetics. Fix these problems as soon as possible because they have the potential to cause blindness.
Watching what you eat is of critical importance when you have diabetes. Your blood glucose will react to different foods in different ways so it is important to monitor what you are and are not eating. Large meals will need larger doses of insulin to process, and small meals require less. If you are careful about what foods you do and do not eat, you will be able to better manage your glucose.
Smoking is not a habit a diabetic should start, or continue. Tobacco use is detrimental in general, but it poses unique risks to diabetics by pushing blood sugar levels higher. If you are struggling with quitting, talk to your doctor about some methods that might help you more.
Even if you do not feel hungry, you have to keep monitoring your food intake and make healthy choices. Drink a lot of water and other liquids if you aren’t eating. Low blood sugar can contribute to dehydration.
The chips and candy in a vending machine may seem to promise quick energy, but a diabetic should avoid these snacks. Keep these snacks out of your kitchen cupboard also. It’s important though, to stay away from the unhealthy choices and eat fruits or vegetables, or another complex carbohydrate.
Get regular exercise. Exercise aids your body in handling insulin, thus keeping your blood sugar stable. Exercising is important if you have diabetes.
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.