Most people do not like the idea of having to prick their fingertips with needles, but this isn’t the main reason they are scared of having diabetes. It is usually the threat of complications like diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-induced eye disease, that scares people into taking their diabetes seriously. Don’t let diabetes get that far in terms of seriousness. Use this article’s tips to manage this illness.
To make a salad even healthier, add walnuts! Walnuts contain monounsaturated fats. These fats are great at helping to control diabetes. They taste great and boost your energy, and if that’s not enough, they contain omega-3, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
There are a lot of foods high in protein that you can eat, such as dairy, beans and tofu. Try making some meals from the recipes in diabetic cookbooks.
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.
Introduce more fiber into your diet so you can lower your risk of developing diabetes. Choose whole wheat and whole grain foods over their processed counterparts, like white bread, which have a dangerously high glycemic index. Many studies have proven that people who consume more whole grains have a lower risk of developing the disease.
You need to be aware of all foods that have high glycemic index, which can raise the level of blood sugar quickly in your body. Foods such as breads, juices, desserts, cereal, and pastas have high glycemic indexes. Processed foods are not good for your sugar levels. Instead, make the healthy decision to enjoy fresh fruits, frozen vegetables, and unprocessed fish and meats.
These days, diabetics are everywhere. This makes injections far more convenient than if you had to find a private place, and knowing that most people are comfortable with diabetic procedures should allow you to feel more comfortable too.
Gestational Diabetes
It is extremely important to be aware of and control gestational diabetes, so if you have any suspicion or indication of this condition, immediately consult your doctor. Untreated gestational diabetes can pose a risk to both you and your baby. A physician can offer guidance about dietary adjustments; he or she may also choose to prescribe medications to control your condition.
If you have diabetes, you have to be careful about what you eat. Different foods affect glucose levels differently, and you will need to carefully scrutinize your food choices. Depending on the amount of exercise you get, you may need more insulin for large meals, and less for small meals. If you monitor what you eat, it is much easier to manage your glucose and live a healthy life with diabetes.
You must educate yourself on healthy indulgences if you are a diabetic. It is unlikely that you have to withhold all consumption of sweet food. If you have your blood pressure under control, it is okay to eat desserts once in a while. Allow room for the after-dinner treat by cutting out carbohydrates from your entree.
Take your insulin as directed by your doctor. In general, you should take insulin no more than 15 minutes before you eat. Fast-acting insulin is extremely effective for maintaining blood glucose, but only if it is properly timed and dosed for each individual diabetic.
Give yourself a constant reminder of why taking care of your diabetes is so important. Figure out what it is in your life that’s important to you. Is there something that prevents you from participating in those activities? Fix those problems first. Stay focused on what is important to you so those things will keep you motivated to continue to manage your disease.
Cinnamon is a wonderful spice that any diabetic can use. Cinnamon will bring out the sweetness in your food without raising the sugar levels. Some researchers believe cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels.
Your doctor will do a regular screening for gestational diabetes. You are placing the health of you and your baby at risk if you do not control gestational diabetes. Your physician could prescribe medication that is safe for pregnant women and he could also give you advice on what to eat.
Rather than just giving up things you like, slightly change them. One of the hardest things diabetics deal with is the constantly restricted diet. Diabetics sometimes believe that they must totally give up the foods they love. Other people keep eating their favorites regardless of what their diet should be. The smart thing to do is to adjust your favored dishes with substitutions. You can often substitute an acceptable ingredient for an unacceptable one. The result may taste just as good but won’t be problematic for your diabetes.
Whether you feel like eating or not, you must continue to eat properly and monitor blood glucose levels. Drink a lot of water and other liquids if you aren’t eating. Low blood sugar can contribute to dehydration.
While gestational diabetes normally ceases to be a problem after giving birth, you should still get your blood sugar levels checked regularly. Do not assume your diabetes will disappear once you give birth.
Even if you have diabetes, if you are a snacker it can be difficult to resist the pick-me-ups you know are sitting on the kitchen counter, or in vending machines. It is critical that you ignore snacks and eat fruits, vegetables, or any other complex carbohydrate.
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.