One of the most important reasons that you should be doing everything you can to manage diabetes is because this disease can grow into other more serious ailments. For instance, diabetes can cause heart disease and even increase your odds of getting cancer. Use these tips to manage your diabetes.


Diabetics need to avoid ketchup like the plague. I know it’s tasty, I love it to death, but it’s so full of sugar both from the tomatoes and the high fructose corn syrup that it’s more of a curse than a pleasure. I like to replace it with yellow mustard as it has little to no sugar added.

Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes five days a week. Not only will this help to get you fit, it will aid in lowering your A1C level. The ideal level is lower than 7 percent. Use this tip to help keep your A1C level in this targeted range.

The key to a Diabetic diet isn’t necessarily cutting anything out completely, but instead is about counting up what is in that food item and eating it in an appropriate moderation. For example, having a slice of cake can be fine as long as you work it into your meal and have a smaller piece than you might have pre-diagnosis.

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.

Though this may seem like common knowledge for anyone who has ever taken medicine, many people for get to do it. As a Diabetic, you should always remember to take your medication! Only take medication prescribed by your doctor and only at interval that are safely prescribed for you.

A lot of people mistakenly believe that diabetics can’t eat any sugar at all. Although you don’t need to avoid all sugar, you can’t eat candy and cookies all the time if you’re diabetic. You can still have a small sweet treat every now and then, though make sure to keep it to a minimum. Sweets are usually packed with carbohydrates, so be sure to stay away from other carb-heavy foods on days that you know you’ll be eating dessert foods.

If you are diabetic, you need to be taking extra good care of your feet. More than half of all foot amputations are related to diabetes. Make sure you are cleaning them well, and not putting any extra strain on your feet. That means not standing for long periods of time, or doing anything to strenuous.

When you have diabetes, there are several ways that you can reduce your consumption of sugar. Instead of a sugar-laden soft drink, drink a serving of sparkling water. Substitute a bowl of frozen fruit for a bowl of strawberry ice cream. Instead of a slice of cake, enjoy a slice of cheese. Substitute a wedge of apple for a serving of apple pie.

To deal with the foot swelling that many with diabetes suffer from, always buy shoes one size larger and wider than you would normally wear. In the morning, pair your shoes with thick cotton socks, and switch to a thinner pair of socks when your feet swell later in the day.

To stay prepared for drops in your blood sugar levels, pack glucose boosting snacks in zip-lock bags. Carrying around some low fat trail mix or cashews will ensure you’re never stuck without a healthy snack to give you a boost. If you don’t carry a purse, small snacks can easily be stored in a pocket.

Look for high-fiber foods. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to eliminate breads and pastas from your diet. The problem is that most breads and pastas are made with refined carbohydrates ” making them high glycemic foods that you should avoid. These processed carbohydrates cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar. Instead, look for whole-grain varieties. You can find whole-grain breads and pastas right alongside their refined counterparts in the grocery stores. These carbohydrates are high in dietary fiber, which means your body takes longer to break them down ” and there is no sugar spike.

If you are planning to travel via plane, take additional precautions to protect your insulin during the trip. If your insulin is in a piece of luggage that is checked, you risk that it is exposed to especially hot or cold, even freezing, temperatures. Always keep it with you when you fly.

Being diabetic does not mean that you must fully give up your favorite sweets, but it does mean that you must be more diligent in selecting and consuming them. To compensate for a sweet splurge, you may need to step up your exercise program, reducing your dietary intake of another sweet food, or taking more insulin.

You have a sweet tooth, but you’ve just been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, what are you going to do? There are many artificial sweeteners that can take the place of sugar in our lives. We may have tasted diet soda and though that we couldn’t bare it. But with multiple tastes you begin to get used to the taste and before long you will find yourself enjoying these diet beverages as much as you enjoyed the real thing. Better still, try carbonated water with just a little fruit juice.

Diabetes is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Do not sneak off to a dimly lit, germ filled bathroom to give yourself an injection of insulin. Do it right where you are and there is a good chance that nobody will even notice what it is that you are doing.

Failing to manage your diabetes is going to lead to increased odds of heart disease and blindness and other life-altering and life-threatening ailments. Use the tips from this article in order to minimize the risks. Put in the effort now so that you don’t end up regretting your indecision later.