Living with diabetes is often scary, and can make you feel hopeless. Using this advice will assist you in figuring out what is affecting you and how to deal with the symptoms diabetes causes. Following this advice will give you the best results.
Apples are so good for you if you’re diabetic! They give you something sweet to beat a sugar craving, and they’re high in fiber, which will help you keep your weight down. They don’t provide a large blood sugar spike after eating, so they can give you a ton of energy without causing you any health problems.
When you’re planning to go to a doctor’s visit, write down any concerns you have. It doesn’t matter how outlandish they may seem, it’s much easier to read them off a page (or PDA or tablet, whatever works for you) than trying to remember them. Every bit of information you gain will help you keep your health in check!
You will be able to deal with your condition more easily if you organize yourself. For instance, choose a spot to keep your insulin and meter, and make sure you put them there each and every night, so you know right where they are when you need them in the morning. Consistent testing should be a routine part of your day in order to avoid forgetfulness in recording your insulin levels.
To save money, the American Diabetes Association approves the re-use of testing lancets. These are the needles used by your glucometer to test your blood sugar. Re-using them does result in them becoming dull, so be sure to change them out when you notice the pain level of your testing rising. Never share lancets.
If you’re trying to keep your Diabetes under control, eating right is very important. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can help you eat healthy foods while not spending more than your budget allows. Root vegetables are best to eat in winter, while berries would be cheapest in the summer months.
It is important for anyone with diabetes to check their blood sugar regularly. How often you check your blood sugar depends on your doctor’s instructions, but it should be done. Checking your blood sugar allows you to see what foods raise your levels. This makes it easier to catch level spikes.
If you are feeling symptoms of depression, consult with your physician. If you become depressed it will have a severe impact on how you are managing your diabetes. You will lose interest in food, have a lower activity level and increase your stress levels. Targeting these symptoms early can avoid unwanted complications later.
Check your blood sugar levels regularly. It is possible to have dangerously high or low blood sugar without showing any symptoms. Having a persistently high blood sugar count can cause you to have an increased risk of developing kidney failure, circulation problems, heart disease stroke, and even blindness. Make sure you keep a record of your numbers as well, to watch for trends and sugar spikes.
If you’re diabetic, you need to eat and check your blood sugar regularly, even if you’re feeling sick or don’t have any appetite. Long periods of low sugar levels will make you dehydrated, so water and fluids are key at this time.
Many diabetics feel harassed by loved ones who are always inquiring about their blood sugars and testing habits. Instead of becoming frustrated or resentful, sit down with the other person and clearly identify what steps they can take in order to more effectively contribute to managing your condition. Chances are, the other person is not trying to irritate you, but instead is looking for ways to help out.
Get moving. Staying active can help reduce your risk for diabetes, and can help control the disease after diagnosis. An hour long walk every day is enough to make a significant impact. You can also increase your walking in everyday activities to boost the amount of exercise you get. Park farther from the store in the parking lot, and do an extra lap around the mall when you are out shopping.
Watch your feet. More than half of all foot and leg amputations performed in the U.S. are related to diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and loss of feeling in your feet, known as Neuropathy. It is important for diabetics to check their feet often. You should watch for red spots and swelling, and keep your feet cared for by trimming your nails and wearing comfortable and supportive shoes.
Watch out for liquid sugars. It is just as important for diabetics to watch what they drink as it is to watch what they eat. High-fructose corn syrup found in soft drinks is especially harmful to diabetics, and while fruit juices can be healthy, they can also cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar and should be consumed in moderation. Water is the best choice when you are thirsty, followed by unsweetened beverages.
When it comes to dealing with food and managing your diabetes, it may be wise to consult with a dietitian for tips on how to best prepare meals. Not only will they be able to let you know what foods to avoid, but they will give preparation tips to ensure that you are doing all you can to keep blood sugar in check.
When it comes to dealing with diabetes, it is important to know that medication can definitely help you but it is not always the cure for the disease. This is important because this medication can sometimes be extremely expensive and it may become frustrating if you do not see the results you expect.
While there may be other helpful tips to help you deal with diabetes, the information you have discovered today is surely going to be highly beneficial to you. Surely, you will have many uses for the information you have found here. Implement these tips and hints today to see how much they can improve your life.