Diabetes has quickly become one of the biggest global health threats. A lot of people are diagnosed to have it each day. Once you have been diagnosed, or already have diabetes, you can use this article to make some serious alterations to the way you live your life, this will help you manage diabetes and ensure it doesn’t go further.
Make your life easier and more organized by doing everything the same way every time. For instance, when you go to bed at night, leave your insulin and measuring meter in the same part of the room so that you know where they are when you get up. Come up with a routine for taking the test, this way you will not forget each step and also you won’t forget to keep a written track in your log of the level you are on.
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. Having a low GI number is important if you are trying to manage your diabetes.
Find healthier ways to indulge if you suffer from diabetes. You do not have to forget sweets completely. As long as you keep your sugar levels under control, you can eat dessert on occasion. Make room for desserts by eliminating an equal amount of carbohydrates from your main meal.
Reduce your risk of diabetes by switching to a high fiber diet. White breads and processed food items usually are high-glycemic and up your chances of diabetes, but if you make a habit of choosing anything with whole grains, you are unlikely to eat them. A lot of studies have shown that people who eat more whole grains are at a lower risk of diabetes developing.
You can find a lot of savings on diabetes medication by shopping online versus using the local pharmacy. These stores also allow you to arrange for monthly deliveries of your drugs, so you never have to worry about running out.
Almonds are the perfect snack to not hurt blood sugar. Consuming almonds can decrease the blood sugar surges that often accompany meals. Stash some by your TV for a healthy snack while you’re watching your favorite show!
Blood Sugar
Educate yourself so that you know which foods are most likely to cause your blood sugar to spike. For instance, bread, cereal, pasta or juices have a very high glycemic index. Many processed foods also make it difficult to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Instead, include meat, fish, veggies and low-glycemic fruits in your diet.
If you are a diabetic, you need to carefully watch what you eat. Your blood glucose will react to different foods in different ways so it is important to monitor what you are and are not eating. Larger meals will require larger insulin injections, while smaller meals require less. If you are proactive with your meals, you will be able to appropriately manage your blood glucose levels.
Walnuts make an excellent and nutritious addition to any salad. These nuts contain “good” monosaturated fats, which counter the insulin resistance caused by diabetes. They are also known for having many vitamins and minerals, along with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Besides having all of these wonderful benefits, they offer an energy boost, and have a great flavor.
Pregnant mothers should understand and take heart in the fact that gestational diabetes has not been caused by something they have done. It is out of the control of the person it affects and is very, very common. Keep your stress level low, and think positively about your baby and yourself.
When you are going to eat a meal, unless your doctor has told you otherwise, remember to take your fast-acting insulin about 1-15 minutes beforehand. This insulin helps your blood sugar stay at a proper level when it is used properly. But it needs to be dosed and timed out properly.
Smoking can have multiple disadvantages, but even more so for those inflicted with diabetes. Do not start smoking and if you already do, you should consider quitting. Cigarettes will make your body more resistant to insulin and can increase the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Diabetics should be very cautious when going for a pedicure. Diabetics are prone to bad foot infections, therefore you need to be especially careful of any cut or puncture you receive there.
One myth of diabetes is you need to avoid all sugar. Do not get rid of sugar entirely, simply stay away from foods too rich in sugar such as sweets. You may still celebrate with an occasional indulgence in a sweet treat. Since eating sweets gives you added carbohydrates, it is good to lessen other foods that are rich in carbohydrates when you eat your special treat.
Take the time to exercise. Consistent exercise makes the body better able to process glucose and insulin so that your blood glucose levels stay stable. Exercise is important for the diabetic to be able to enjoy life.
Regular exercise can help you to better manage your diabetes in two ways; by lowering your blood sugar levels and by increasing your insulin sensitivity. You should aim to do aerobic and resistance training exercises in order to achieve the most effective results.
If you get hypoglycemia, it’s absolutely crucial you have gum or some type of sugary food always available to you. 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 even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
Diabetics are prone to have many foot problems. Make sure that you take care of your feet because carelessness can result in amputations. These suggestions are the best way to keep healthy feet.
If you have diabetes, you must take excellent care of your teeth because you have an elevated risk of gum disease. Brush your teeth several times a day and floss every day as well.
While diabetes is a serious condition, receiving a diagnosis is certainly not something you shouldn’t be able to take in stride. By heeding the advice laid out in this article, you will be on the road to health and recovery, joining those who have already beaten diabetes.
There are a lot of free and low-cost ways to fight diabetes and lose weight, from walking to workouts at the local park. You could even use a jungle gym to do chin-ups, or use canned goods for weight lifting.