Two primary kinds of diabetes exist, and both are potentially very serious. Arm yourself with information about diabetes, so that you have the best chance of preventing negative health consequences related to this disease. This article can show you some helpful tips to manage this disease.
Look at the glycemic index on the labels of the foods you buy. This is an indicator of how this food will affect sugar levels. The lower a food’s glycemic number, or GI, the better it is for the diabetic diet.
There are a number of other foods with protein that you can eat, including eggs, dairy products, beans and tofu. Try mixing it up in order to make your mouth interested.
If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, it can seem devastating, but the two of you can get through it! These days, many people have diabetes, and treatments have improved so much that children with diabetes can live quite normally. As a case in point, the oldest living diabetic is now 90, and he lived with diabetes without the benefit of modern treatments.
Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from diabetes, it is wise to undergo a test for sleep apnea as soon as you can. If you do have sleep apnea, start treatment right away to protect yourself from future health issues.
If you want to add a nutritious touch to your salad, throw in some walnuts! Walnuts are rich in monosaturated fats, which can help you manage your diabetes by improving the way the cells in your body process insulin. They also have omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which will give you energy.
Sodas, ketchup and many other processed sweet foods contain high fructose corn syrup, so read the labels on everything you are considering buying at the market, and pass on it if it contains this ingredient. Sometimes, this ingredient is labeled differently, depending on the country of your residence. In Canada for example, high fructose corn syrup is usually found on food labels as “glucose” or “fructose.”
The risk of getting diabetes can be reduced by having a diet that is high in fiber. Your risk will be increased by the intake of highly glycemic products, such as food that has been overly processed, rather than those made with whole grains. Research has shown that people who eat more whole grain foods have a reduced risk of developing diabetes.
If you have diabetes and like to snack, it might be difficult to go without quick snacks that you can just grab and go with. However, do yourself a favor and avoid such snacks in favor of complex carbs, like fruits and vegetables.
If you suffer from diabetes, consider getting checked for sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea can improve your overall health and help you manage your diabetes more effectively.
If you have diabetes and you smoke, try to stop smoking. Not only is smoking bad for everybody, it is especially bad for diabetics because it could raise your blood sugar to dangerous levels. If you have a hard time quitting, talk to your doctor about what methods you may use.
Sugar Levels
If diabetes requires you to limit sugar or sodium, a terrific way to add flavor to your diet is to use cinnamon. Cinnamon will sweeten just about anything, while helping you manage your sugar levels. It has not been proven that cinnamon can efficiently lower you sugar levels, but it cannot harm you.
Changing your diet can be a great way to help lower your risk factor of contracting diabetes, and switching out fats and sugars with fiber is a great place to start. Increase the amount of whole grain foods that you consume, and at the same time, reduce your daily intake of processed foods and white bread. Research shows that a diet high in whole grains can decrease the chances that a person will be afflicted with the disease.
If you are a diabetic and have problems with hypoglycemia, consider speaking with your physician about the pros and cons of glucose tablets. The tablets are simple to take wherever you go and help elevate your glucose levels quicker and more efficiently than foods with sugar.
Diabetes does not mean you have to avoid sugar. However, you will need to exercise caution and discretion when you do enjoy a small dessert. Portion control is key along with keeping the frequency of these treats low. Since eating sweets adds extra carbohydrates, it is best to cut back on other foods that contain carbohydrates when you have that special treat.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will contribute to the stabilizing of blood sugar levels. Every diabetic should find time for exercise in their day.
If you are hypoglycemic, you should always have gum or some other type of sugary food handy. You never know when you will feel the onset of an attack so it is important to always be prepared. This is even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
If you’re a diabetic, it is important to keep your insulin in an insulated bag if you are going away for a while. You want to make sure that your insulin stays at the correct medium temperature. Using an insulated bad will protect you insulin from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
These days, lifestyle management is key. The more you try to lead a regular life, the better chance you have of avoiding diabetes painful effects.