Diabetes can be a very difficult disease to manage. Not only must you make drastic changes when it comes to the food you eat, it also requires you to administer extensive maintenance and monitoring. Although living with diabetes will never be easy, there are a number of things you can to improve the way you manage the disease. Here are some hints that will assist you in controlling the effects of diabetes.
Foods fall on different places according to the glycemic index, a number that details how each food will affect glucose levels in the blood based on its chemical makeup. Don’t forget: Lower GI numbers mean that the food is better for someone with diabetes.
Almonds are a great snack to eat between meals that will help to maintain normal levels of blood sugar. Unsalted almonds contain a lot of protein, fiber, and other nutrients that are great for your body. Keep a bowl of almonds around so you can snack on some while you relax.
If you are diabetic, you need to learn to indulge in a healthy manner. It is probably not necessary for you to ban sweets altogether. If you have your blood pressure under control, it is okay to eat desserts once in a while. It may be wise to anticipate an after-meal treat by eliminating a certain amount of carbs from your main course.
Diabetics must exercise caution when having a pedicure. You are more prone to getting a foot infection if you’re diabetic, so you need to try and be careful when you get a pedicure, especially if you get a puncture or cut.
Make sure to read the nutrition labels as many common foods contain this. If it has corn syrup, back to the shelf it goes. It can also be labeled “glucose/fructose”.
There are a lot of protein filled foods that you can try, including beans and tofu. Try mixing it up in order to make your mouth interested.
You can reduce your chance of developing diabetes by ensuring you eat a high-fiber diet. Eating more whole grain foods will reduce your intake of high glycemic foods like white bread and processed foods which will increase your 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.
If you are dealing with hypoglycemia, it is critical you have gum or some other sugar food on hand wherever you go. Hypoglycemia can attack anywhere, so you should always be prepared. It is particularly important to have some form of sugar with you if you tend to skip breakfast, because your body will have increased cravings.
Gestational Diabetes
These days, diabetes is much more common. By doing what makes you most comfortable you can reduce any stress or shame you feel about your disease.
Gestational diabetes is NOT YOUR FAULT! Pregnancy often causes gestational diabetes, and there is really not much you can do to prevent it if you are susceptible to it. Don’t let your stress overwhelm you, and keep your chin up when thinking about your kid and yourself.
Most diabetics need to take fast acting insulin a few minutes before eating. Check with your doctor to make sure this applies to you. Quick working insulin can help you manage glucose, but your doctor must set up the timing instructions and amount for you.
To improve treatment compliance, take a moment to reflect on why you take care of your diabetes. Keep your thoughts on things that you like to do in life, the obstacles that keep you from doing them, and how you can overcome that. Keep yourself focused on the things that are important to you and allow them to motivate you in your management.
Add walnuts to your salad to make it even more nutritious. Walnuts are a source of monosaturated fats. These fats make it easier for cells to receive insulin, making walnuts an easy way to fight back against diabetes. Walnuts also contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an all-around great, healthy food.
Adding Sugar
If you have diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice to eat without adding sugar, sodium or calories. Cinnamon can also accentuate the natural sweetness of some foods without adding sugar that may raise your blood glucose levels. While researchers are unsure if cinnamon is able to lower glucose level, it’s still a diabetic-friendly spice.
Urine ketone tests are not the only ones you should use to detect your blood sugar levels. If high ketone levels are found in your urine, all this will tell you is your blood glucose levels are higher than 200mg per deciliter. Rather, you should implement more accurate methods of testing, like testing strips and finger strips.
You can save a ton of money on prescriptions if you switch to an online pharmacy. Some websites let you set up an account and subscribe a monthly delivery system, so you always the supplies you need.
Diabetics can really benefit from eating egg whites for breakfast on a regular basis. Egg whites are low in fat and calories, and are packed full of protein, which helps get your day started off right. There are many dishes you can make with egg whites, including bacon and scrambled eggs, and egg white omelets.
People that suffer from diabetes will do better if they are eating healthy carbohydrates with their diet. Avoid very low-carb diets, as they deprive your body of much needed nutrients like fiber, minerals and vitamins. Consuming the right amount of carbs keeps your energy levels up.
Blood Sugar
Losing weight does not have to be expensive, and there are many fun activities you can participate in which don’t cost any thing at all, such as jogging or swimming in a lake. Do some chin ups at the playground or when you are at home lift some canned goods.
Exercising naturally lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity, which is the healthiest way to control your blood sugar levels. A combination of resistance exercises and aerobic work outs will produce optimum results.
Most people with diabetes develop foot problems. A diabetic should take special care of their feet, as not doing so can lead to amputations. Following these guidelines can help keep your feet healthy even with diabetes.
Consider getting some exercise as a means of preventing or treating diabetes. Exercise is a good way to lose weight and to help your body process insulin more efficiently. Because physical activity lowers blood sugar so effectively, you cannot afford to skip your exercise if you are diabetic.
It is important that you pay attention to the foods that you eat when you are diabetic. Different types of foods will affect blood sugar levels differently, so you will need to closely monitor your food intake. Eating a large meal may require a higher dose of insulin than smaller meals, if you have to use insulin. It is possible to actively manage glucose levels if you are careful about what you eat.
Keep your supplies handy so you always have them ready to treat sugar highs and lows. Fill your bags with syringes, your meter hooks and insulin to make sure you are always prepared.
You must carefully monitor your diet and condition. Diabetes can be difficult to deal with, but this article can make it easier. You will quickly adopt healthier habits and as your lifestyle becomes more adapted to your condition; you will not have to struggle so much.