When living with diabetes, it may seem scary at times and that you cannot do anything about them. However, here is a guide to help you understand how diabetes affects you and what you can do in order to better manage the symptoms. Follow the advice applicable to your individual circumstances, and have improved results in your efforts against diabetes.
Check all the foods you eat for the “glycemic index“, which is a number that shows you exactly how your blood sugar levels will be affected. Select foods with a low glycemic index.
Almonds are a great way to curb your appetite and they won’t bother your blood sugar levels. Almonds without salt are quite nutritious, because of the protein and other good things in them. When you are craving a snack in the evening, keep a bowl in the living room so you can munch on them while you watch television.
Experiment with alternative sources of protein such as eggs and tofu instead of just eating meat. Change it up often to give your mouth a treat.
Walnuts add a touch of nutrition to your salad. These nuts contain monosaturated fats that will help your cells be more accepting to insulin, which will keep your diabetes under control. In addition, they contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, giving you an energy boost that tastes great.
Sleep Apnea
There is an abundance of protein-rich foods such as tofu, eggs, dairy products and beans. Try various things to keep you healthy and avert the boredom of a strict diet.
If you are a diabetic, you should get tested for sleep apnea right away. Getting tested early for sleep apnea is advisable, as it may continue as a dangerous untreated health risk.
Many foods contain corn syrup, so make sure to read food labels. Also, be aware that outside of the United States corn syrup may be listed as something else, such as glucose or fructose if you are in Canada.
Reduce your risk of diabetes by switching to a high fiber diet. High glycemic index foods, including processed foods and white bread, can raise your risk for developing diabetes, so you should eliminate these foods from your diet and replace them with whole grain foods. 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 will ensure your life will be easier to deal with if you stay organized. By having your supplies in the same location, and by eating and checking your levels at the same time, you can function like clockwork and worry less about serious complications. Make testing a routine and do it at the same time and in the same way so you never miss a step.
Glucose Levels
After treating lower levels of glucose, you should not be surprised to see your blood sugar actually spike. There are two reasons this can happen: either your body is releasing hormones in response to your low glucose levels, or you’re consuming too much to make up for your low glucose levels. When it next happens, reduce the amount you would eat or drink by half and then recheck your levels 30 minutes later.
If you take fast-acting insulin, be sure to take it up to 15 minutes prior to your meal. This may change depending on your prescribing physician’s instructions. Fast-acting insulins work very well to maintain blood sugars, but they must be properly dosed for the individual.
If you are hypoglycemic, you should always have gum or some other type of sugary food handy. Attacks from hypoglycemia can pop up any place and at anytime; therefore, it’s vital you are properly prepared in case one occurs. This is a potentially severe problem if you skip breakfast, so always eat a healthy breakfast and regular meals to reduce the risks.
To stay on top of your diabetes, remind yourself of what you gain by managing the condition. 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. Concentrate on the meaningful things in your life, and let them inspire and encourage you to remain proactive in the management of your disease.
Cinnamon is an ingredient you can eat sweeten your food with without any extra calories or sugar. Cinnamon helps you to highlight a food’s natural sweetness in place of glucose raising sugar. Research is indeterminate in deciding whether or not cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels, but it’s still a great spice for your diabetic diet.
Glucose Tablets
Research high glycemic index so that you can recognize them instantly. Stay away from high glycemic foods, such as cereal, breads, baked goods, and pastas. Processed food is bad for one’s blood sugar. You should snack on lean meats and fruits and vegetables instead.
For people who experience hypoglycemia, you might want to consult your physician on taking glucose tablets. Carry around some glucose tablets so that you can increase the level of sugar in your system, rather than relying on sugar foods that take a long time for your body to process.
Instead of totally eliminating foods you love, alter them so that they are healthier. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, it can be extremely hard to deal with following a strict diet. Many assume they have to stop eating these favorite foods entirely. Other people simply continue to enjoy their favorite foods regardless of the diet. A great idea is to make substitutions for your favorite dishes. Oftentimes, the forbidden ingredients can be replaced with acceptable options, making a meal healthy for diabetics, as well as anyone else.
There is a lot of useful information available about diabetes, but this information can really help you. Hopefully, you are already thinking of all the ways you can put these ideas to use. Try them today, and see for yourself just how much better you can be living.
If you have diabetes and love to snack, you may have a hard time resisting the vending machine snacks, or those snacks that you have around your own home. However, do yourself a favor and avoid such snacks in favor of complex carbs, like fruits and vegetables.