If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, know that it is a serious medical problem that can cause many complications. In order to live a healthy, happy life when you suffer from diabetes, you must gain more knowledge about this condition and how you can properly treat yourself. The following article offers you a number of very helpful tips on diabetes.
Check the glycemic index to determine how much different foods will affect your blood sugar level. Don’t forget: Lower GI numbers mean that the food is better for someone with diabetes.
All food has a ‘glycemic index’ this is how much your blood sugar will be affected when you eat them. Remember, the lower the GI number, the better for a diabetic!
Simplify your life by developing your own daily diabetes routine. 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. When you are going to test your blood sugar levels, have a routine in place so you do not forget an important step, and you remember to write down the levels in a log.
Following a sensible diet without overindulging is important if you suffer from diabetes. It is unlikely that you have to withhold all consumption of sweet food. Give yourself permission to enjoy an occasional dessert if your diabetes is properly managed and under control. Make sure you eat less carbohydrates than you usually would to make room for your dessert.
Sleep Apnea
To satisfy your hunger without throwing off your blood glucose levels, snack on almonds. Unsalted almonds contain a lot of protein, fiber, and other nutrients that are great for your body. Keep some near the computer so you can munch on them while you work.
If you suffer from diabetes, it is wise to undergo a test for sleep apnea as soon as you can. If you have sleep apnea, get it treated as soon as possible to keep yourself healthy.
Use caution when having a pedicure if you have diabetes. Because people with diabetes are likely to develop foot infections, even a small cut can have serious results.
High fructose corn syrup is found in a surprising number of food products, so you should check the ingredients on most drinks or condiments before buying them. Watch out for “glucose/fructose” too; this is the Canadian term for the same ingredient.
Find healthier ways to indulge if you suffer from diabetes. Eliminating all sweets from your diet may not be necessary, however. 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.
It is important to bring along high-sugar foods or chewing gum if you are hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemic attacks can happen anywhere, and you need to be prepared. This is particularly the case when breakfast has been skipped, because the body is now seeking sugar.
Using an online pharmacy instead of a brick-and-mortar one can help you stretch your dollar when purchasing diabetes medications. They even have it set up so you can receive your medications monthly, this way you never have to worry about running out of the crucial supplies you need.
Diabetics must have their eyes checked on a regular basis to avoid serious vision disorders, so make sure you address any concerns or issues with your health care provider. Cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be the result of uncontrolled diabetes. Serious eye disorders that can lead to blindness are directly related to diabetes.
Take extra precautions when getting pedicures if you suffer from diabetes. It is easy for a diabetic to get a grave foot infection, so it is necessary to be careful when dealing with your feet.
Glucose Levels
Don’t worry if your blood glucose levels spike right after treating a hypoglycemic episode. It’s caused by 1 of 2 factors: your body is responding to low glucose and releases hormones, or you may be drinking or eating more than necessary to respond to lower glucose levels. Next time, eat or drink half the amount you would normally ingest, then check your levels after 30 minutes.
If you have diabetes and you smoke, try to stop. Not only is smoking bad for everybody, it is especially bad for diabetics because it could raise your blood sugar to dangerous levels. Consult your physician about available methods for terminating your smoking habit.
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 can use the jungle gym to do chin ups, or use canned goods and bags of heavy things for weight lifting.
It is essential that diabetics learn all they can about living with diabetes and how to take care of themselves to live a better life. This article provides good tips useful to all people suffering from diabetes as well as their family and friends.