Diabetes is one of those diseases that will not discriminate. People can be affected by this disease as a toddler and have to spend their entire life controlling their insulin levels and dietary habits, or it can strike you later in life. If you have diabetes, you need to read these great tips in the text below.
Diabetics have to watch their carbohydrate intake, and bread is a major player in a typical American’s diet. Try to find a bread with at least 5 grams of fiber AND protein per slice so that eating it is validated by the nutrients it’s carrying. Also avoid preservatives as they’re not healthy either.
Diabetics need to eat small meals throughout the day to keep their blood sugar from spiking, so try to plan out at least five eating times if you can. Start with a large breakfast (but make sure it doesn’t have too many carbs or a lot of sugar), then have a snack before and after lunch. Eating some nuts or seeds before bed keep your metabolism going overnight.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, it is important that you help them in changing their diet and exercise rituals. Support them by bringing them healthy treats, like fruit salad, instead of cakes or cookies. When you visit their house, why not go for a long walk with them?
You can make a sandwich into a lettuce wrap, or even use it on a burger as a bun, but have you thought of doing a hot dog wrap? If you buy preservative-free hot dogs for a once-a-month treat, wrap them in a piece of lettuce to make them a bit healthier!
If you feel the need for a side dish with dinner, skip the potato chips and reach for a bag of corn chips. Whole grain tortilla chips provide a ton of fiber while being really tasty. Dip them in salsa to get some vegetables, fruit, and a dose of vinegar, which will keep your blood sugar levels from spiking.
Diabetics must be careful during pedicures. Diabetes can increase your risks of getting foot infections. Make sure the tools are clean, and be extremely careful if you cut yourself.
To spot foods that may be an issue for you, keep track of what you eat in a log alongside of your glucose levels. After a while, you’ll be able to notice the effect that certain foods have on you. This is a much better way to spot problematic foods than an elimination diet, and can also show you what foods benefit your health.
Live a fun life. Don’t let diabetes get you down. You may have to watch your blood glucose levels, but you can still lead a full, enjoyable life. Have hobbies, to out with friends and even eat at a restaurant. Diabetes is a condition you have, but it isn’t you.
Be careful to not rely on diabetes candy bars and shakes too often. Although they are good for people on the go, they do not replace eating a meal. If you end up eating the candy bars or drinking the shakes too much, you could actually cause your blood glucose level to go too high.
To better maintain your blood sugars, drink only water. Most other beverages are high in sugar, and diet soda can lead to dehydration, which can also cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Carrying around bottled water and drinking it regularly will help you keep your blood sugar levels where they’re supposed to be.
Learning to eat right is an important factor in controlling diabetes. The key steps to developing an approriate diet is cutting back on refined carbohydrates, keeping portions sizes under control, establishing and maintaining a regular meal schedule, and consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Simply speaking, a diabetes-friendly diet is low in fats, high in nutrients, and contains a moderate number of calories.
Diabetes is known to be a cause of nerve damage in extremities particularly in the feet. Besides taking your Diabetic medications, you should therefore take extra care of your feet. Wash your feet on a daily basis and make sure to keep them dry. In addition, avoid walking barefoot and wear sneakers or slippers. At the very least, keep your socks on.
For effective diabetes control through diet, regulate the amount of food you eat. Avoiding overeating keeps your blood sugar from skyrocketing and causing problems, because the amount of food you eat affects how much sugar is in your blood. Don’t eat too little, either, though, because that kind of imbalance can also cause illness.
A crucial tip for diabetics is to shed excess pounds. Dropping extra weight is a great way to help the body use insulin properly, reduce blood sugar levels and regulate blood pressure. A beneficial side effect is the increased energy levels typically experienced by those who achieve significant weight loss.
If you have diabetes, it is extremely important to care for your feet on a daily basis. By doing so, you can detect any problems before they become serious. Nerve damage can cause a small wound to go undetected. It is very easy for wounds on the feet to develop infections, which can lead to gangrene if left untreated. Wash and dry your feet carefully every day, keeping an eye out for any cuts or scratches that don’t seem to be healing. Also look for signs of inflammation, such as redness or swelling, and black or blue areas that appear to be bruised, which can be a sign of poor blood flow.
Control when and how much you eat. Try to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day. Eating at the same time will keep your blood sugar regulated and make it easier to maintain. How much you eat is important because even if you eat healthy, but overeat, you can gain weight.
No matter when you contracted your diabetes, the more important point is that you begin today in trying whatever you can to fight the disease. You can get started on leading a normal life by using the tips you learned here. Never stop learning about diabetes and always remember to keep moving forward.