Diabetes is a medical condition that can be hard to deal with. Diabetics have to make significant dietary changes, and also have to regularly monitor their health. Diabetes will never stop being challenging to manage, but there are a number of things you can do to deal with it. Here are some strategies and suggestions that you can use to manage and stay healthy while you deal with 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. Keep in mind that you want a lower GI number, this is better for diabetics.
Develop a “testing ritual” that you follow every time you test your blood sugar. As an example, leave the meter and your insulin supplies in the same location when you head off to bed each night, so you know exactly where they are in the morning. When you are testing, do it at the same time each day, and keep a list nearby of the steps that must be completed so that you don’t skip any.
Almonds are full of protein and can help regulate the release of glucose. Natural, unsalted almonds are healthy for you, as they are full of protein, fiber and healthy nutrients. Place a bowl of almonds next to your easy chair and munch on them while you are watching television.
If you do the same task the same way each time, your life will be more organized and easier. Don’t stumble around looking for items, such as insulin or associated equipment; have a place for it and keep it there. Let your testing become a routine and you won’t forget to do it regularly and to write in your log.
If your salad is lacking nutrients, give it a boost with some walnuts! Consuming walnuts can help with diabetes management because they have monounsaturated fats, which can decrease insulin resistance in cells. They also contain antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, plus they give you a major energy boost and taste great!
Think twice about getting a pedicure if you’re diabetic. Diabetes can increase your risks of getting foot infections. Make sure the tools are clean, and be extremely careful if you cut yourself.
Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from diabetes, as soon as you can, get tested for sleep apnea. If you receive a diagnosis of sleep apnea, pursue treatment quickly so that you can keep yourself healthy.
This can increase the chances of your child developing diabetes, either at birth or as he ages. Take care of your health now, and avoid cursing your children with this serious condition.
Many grocery store items contain this ingredient, so become label conscious. If you find HFCS on the label, pick something else. In Canada this item is labeled as “glucose/fructose”.
Smoking cigarettes is especially dangerous for diabetics. Smoking is especially harmful for a diabetic because it has the ability to raise blood sugar to a dangerous level. Your doctor can help you to determine the best way to beat your nicotine addiction.
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.
Always remember why it is important to you to maintain adequate control over your diabetes. Think about what keeps you from doing the things you love, and how you can change that. Stay focused on what is important to you so those things will keep you motivated to continue to manage your disease.
Lower the risk of getting diabetes by eating a diet high in fiber. To reduce your risks of diabetes, eat plenty of whole grains, and avoid foods with a high glycemic index, such as processed white bread. Eating whole grains more often has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Cinnamon is an excellent spice that can be added to foods if you are a diabetic, since it has no sugar, sodium or calories. Cinnamon will sweeten just about anything, while helping you manage your sugar levels. Although studies on cinnamon lowering your glucose levels are mixed, but regardless, it’s still a good spice to include in your meals.
Smoking is bad for everyone, though it is a lot worse for a diabetic. Having this habit will expose you to a lot of unhealthy effects. Smoking causes you to be insulin resistant, and if you’re not already diabetic, you put yourself at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
Healthy Carbs
Learn which foods can raise blood sugar. High glycemic index foods are those that can raise your levels quickly. Foods with a high carbohydrate or sugar content include breads, cereal and most fruit juices. Processed foods also have a very bad effect on your blood sugar. Stick to fresh and natural foods instead when grocery shopping for your diabetic menu.
Include more healthy carbs into your diet. If your diet does not contain enough healthy carbs, your body is not getting the vitamins or minerals it needs. Carbs naturally give you energy, that can keep you going throughout the day.
Diabetics can be more prone to problems with their feet. You must take great care of both of your feet; if you do not pay attention to them, you can lose them through amputation. Following these guidelines can help keep your feet healthy even with diabetes.
Diabetes requires careful analysis of your body and diet. Although diabetes can be a tough problem to deal with, this article provides some excellent advice that makes it less challenging. Build yourself a healthy, sustainable lifestyle in which effective management of your diabetes keeps it at bay.
Be sure to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and think you may have gestational diabetes. If you do not get in front of this condition, you are risking both the health of you and your child. Your doctor can give you a prescription to help with the diabetes, and also help with a food plan.