A simple needle prick each day isn’t what creates the fear of diabetes in people. However, other conditions that can occur with diabetes, like the eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy, can be frightening. Avoid letting diabetes get to that level. Managing diabetes is not easy, but it’s possible and can effectively eliminate the need for medication.
Every type of food has a number that states its effects on blood sugar. This number is called the “glycemic index”. Don’t forget: Lower GI numbers mean that the food is better for someone with diabetes.
Almonds are the perfect snack to not hurt blood sugar. They’ll provide your body with important nutrients that it needs, like fiber and protein. When you are craving a snack in the evening, keep a bowl in the living room so you can munch on them while you watch television.
It is tough to be told that your child has diabetes, but there is so much you can do to make it easier for them. Diabetes is quite common, and there is no reason your child can’t maintain a high quality of life after being diagnosed. As a case in point, the oldest living diabetic is now 90, and he lived with diabetes without the benefit of modern treatments.
You can live a far simpler and lower stress lifestyle if you make habitual routines of the things you need to do for managing your condition. Keep all of your equipment in the same spot at home and at work, so that you always know where to find your treatments in an emergency. Keep to the same routine every time you test so you never miss a step, and you don’t have to think twice about recording your levels.
In modern times, you can find diabetics anywhere. Doing this allows ease in your life and also cuts down on the stress and embarrassment of having diabetes.
Following a sensible diet without overindulging is important if you suffer from diabetes. You will not necessarily have to give up everything sweet. If your blood sugar levels are under control, eating desserts occasionally is not a problem. Remove carbs from your meal to make room for dessert. Try to stick to equal amounts to make sure your entire meal stays balanced.
If you live with diabetes, it is critical that you find healthy ways to indulge. You will not necessarily have to give up everything sweet. 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.
Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to be tested for sleep apnea as well. If sleep apnea is a problem for you, then seek treatment as soon as you can to maintain a healthy and active life.
Sleeping well is especially important for diabetics and if you experience problems sleeping, it can be helpful to be tested for sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea, start treatment right away to protect yourself from future health issues.
If you live with diabetes, be extra careful if you have a pedicure. Since diabetics are at an increased risk for foot-related complications, it is especially important to safeguard against possible fungal infections or cuts.
Always keep sugary gum or another form of sugar that is quick to grab and consume on hand when you are hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia attacks can happen at any time, so you need to be prepared for that. Your body especially craves sugar in the morning, making breakfast a very important meal.
If you have diabetes and you happen to be experiencing some troubles in vision, you should speak to your doctor. There are many eye-related conditions associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. It is very important that you have ongoing medical attention for these eye disorders because they can lead to blindness.
Many different foods have this ingredient, including sodas, condiments, and most sweets. Read the labels carefully to avoid foods that contain it. When in Canada you will notice this product is called “glucose” or “fructose”.
Being diabetic and a snacker can make it hard to stay away from the not-so-healthy snacks available. But, it is quite important that unhealthy snacks are passed over for fruit or vegetables.
Meals Require
You should watch what you are eating if you have diabetes. All foods are different and you will have to carefully monitor what you eat, otherwise the blood glucose level in your body will be negatively affected. Large meals require large insulin injections but smaller meals require smaller insulin injections. If you are careful about what foods you do and do not eat, you will be able to better manage your glucose.
Learn the foods that have high glycemic indexes, as these can cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels. Breads, desserts, juices, pastas and cereals are some of the foods that have a high glycemic index. Processed foods are also terrible for your blood sugar. Instead, make the healthy decision to enjoy fresh fruits, frozen vegetables, and unprocessed fish and meats.
Your sugar levels might spike if you have just treated a low glucose level. 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 you find yourself in this situation, try eating or drinking less, and check your blood sugar again after thirty minutes.
Unless otherwise directed by your physician, you should always take fast-acting insulin between one to fifteen minutes before you sit down to eat your meal. 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.
You don’t have to eliminate your favorite foods from your diet, but you likely will need to modify how you eat them. A lot of people struggle with their diabetes-related diet restrictions. Some people overcompensate by cutting out some foods altogether. Some people will eat what they like in even if it is not a good decision. The best thing to do is look at what you like to eat, and make substitutions. In a lot of cases, substituting healthy ingredients for diabetes-unfriendly ones can make a great dish healthier, without compromising its flavor.
Even if you have diabetes, if you are a snacker it can be difficult to resist the pick-me-ups you know are sitting on the kitchen counter, or in vending machines. A piece of fresh fruit, carrot sticks or any complex carbohydrate is an energy-producing snack that is good for you. The chips, soda and candy will make your diabetes worse, so you should shun them.
As the introduction of this article mentioned, it’s the potential to go blind and other debilitating side effects associated with diabetes that really scare people. You can work past the fear and use the information you’ve learned here to ensure that you’re never a victim of these nasty complications.