You may be stressed and uncomfortable when managing diabetes. If you’re living with diabetes, get yourself educated on this condition so you can learn different ways to relieve some symptoms. Advice, like what follows, is just what you need to get started.
Almonds are the perfect snack to not hurt blood sugar. Unsalted almonds contain a lot of protein, fiber, and other nutrients that are great for your body. 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.
Foods have a “glycemic index” number which says how much they will affect blood sugar based on what is in them. Diabetics should always look for foods with the lowest possible GI number.
If you have diabetes it is crucial that you learn to indulge in a healthy way. It is probably not necessary for you to ban sweets altogether. So long as your blood glucose level is at its proper level, having an occasional dessert will be fine. Eliminate some carbohydrates from your main meal if you want to eat desert!
Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you get some sort of sleep apnea test done as soon as you can. If you do have sleep apnea, seeking treatment in a timely manner is important if you want to remain healthy.
There are many other protein-packed foods you can eat, from dairy to eggs, beans to tofu. Look into other protein rich foods to keep variety in your diet and to keep yourself from packing on the pounds.
Find out what foods contain high amounts of glucose and raise blood sugar. 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, try to focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat.
There are a variety of cost efficient ways diabetics can lose weight, such a taking a jog or exercising at a playground. You can use cans or milk jugs as free weights and can turn the jungle gym at the local playground into a chin-up bar.
If you start to have vision problems, you need to talk to your doctor. There are a multitude of problems diabetes can cause with your eyes from cataracts to glaucoma to diabetic retinopathy, and these are all very serious. These problems need to be given care because if they worsen, they can turn to blindness.
If you suffer from diabetes, proceed with caution when receiving a pedicure. Diabetics often develop foot problems and infections, so you must be very aware of any puncture or cut you notice on your feet.
If you are afflicted with diabetes, six smaller meals can be better than three traditional ones each day. Eating small healthy meals, several times a day, will keep your blood sugar stable. Eating more frequently also helps to decrease the risk of binging, as you will feel more satisfied.
Smoking cigarettes is especially dangerous for diabetics. Smoking is really bad for those with diabetes because it has the ability to raise blood sugar dangerously high. If you have a hard time quitting, talk to your doctor about what methods you may use.
Glucose Levels
Move into the 21st century and save money on diabetes testing supplies and medications by buying from an Internet pharmacy. Many of these stores have discount auto-ship programs, so that you won’t be without your diabetes supplies.
One seasoning that’s great for diabetics is cinnamon. It won’t add calories, sodium, or sugar to your dishes, but it will add flavor. Cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness in certain foods without the added sugar that can raise blood glucose levels. Some studies indicate cinnamon actually lowers glucose levels while others do not, but it is a good spice to use anyway.
No matter how you are feeling, it is critical that you keep an eye on glucose levels and your overall diet. Low glucose levels will lead to dehydration, so keep water handy.
A common diabetic myth is that you have to avoid sugar. You don’t have to get rid of sugar in your diet, just watch your sweets intake. You may still celebrate with an occasional indulgence in a sweet treat. You can also limit other carbohydrate-heavy foods in your meal to accommodate the increase that you get from eating these sweets.
If you start to have vision problems, you need to talk to your doctor. Diabetics can experience some unique eye and vision issues in their lives. These conditions include cataract, glaucoma and even retinopathy that is specific to diabetics. It is very important that you have ongoing medical attention for these eye disorders because they can lead to blindness.
It is vital to know that, while gestational diabetes fades after delivery, you must continue to keep checking your blood glucose levels. Many people believe that your blood sugar will automatically go back to normal after you give birth, but this is often untrue.
Be consistent with exercise. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help your body manage insulin and glucose so that your blood sugar remains in its target range. For any diabetic, exercise is a vital part of one’s routine.
Urine Ketone
If you’re a person who likes to snack and a diabetic, it can be extremely difficult to fight the urge to eat a treat you see in your kitchen, or in vending machines. It’s important though, to stay away from the unhealthy choices and eat fruits or vegetables, or another complex carbohydrate.
Urine ketone tests are not the only ones you should use to detect your blood sugar levels. This urine ketone test has its limits. It can only indicate whether the glucose level in the blood is 200 milligrams or higher in the blood. The ADA tells us that diabetics should use finger sticks and blood tests for more accurate results.
Since you now understand the steps to take in order to alleviate some of the symptoms of diabetes, you are ready to raise the quality of your life. While these tips and hints can get you started on developing a plan to manage your diabetes, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the information that is available on this disease, so make sure to gain as much knowledge as you can about your condition in order to manage it to the best of your abilities.