Information can become your most important ally when you receive a diagnosis of diabetes. Look through the tips included below to discover how you can combat this serious disease. If you don’t act upon these tips now, major complications will result as the disease progresses.
Diabetic children will find temptation around every corner, so it is up to you as their parent to give them something else to focus on. For example, the kids at school would offer my daughter candy, so we paid her for the candies she brought home. She could then use the money to buy a toy or clothing that she wanted.
You can get a free blood glucose meter from your pharmacy just by asking. They usually have coupons or rebates so that you can get the latest model at no cost, the caveat is that you’ll be buying their brand of blood test strips for the rest of your life.
Diabetics don’t have to give up that sweet tooth just because of their condition. There are many websites available that offer sugar-free recipes and ideas for cakes, cookies and other sweet snacks. Grocery and health food stores also have sections especially arranged for sugar-free and diabetic sweets.
To make sure you get the most out of your doctor’s appointments, write down questions before the appointment. A doctor is a great resource to anyone suffering from diabetes, and you should make sure to take full advantage of their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask for lots of information. Your doctor will be happy to help you better manage your condition.
Depression can have a devastating effect on diabetes patients and should be dealt with. If you notice your loved one is acting or feeling sad or depressed, encourage him or her to see a doctor for treatment. Also suggest a support group for diabetics to find the help and emotional support of others in the same position.
If you have diabetes, it is important that you include a certain amount of carbs in your diet. Diets that do not have carbohydrates or small amounts of it can cause a diabetic not to get the vitmains and nutrients that they need in order to control their diabetic symptoms.
If you have diabetes, beware of certain diabetes supplements. People think these supplements will help control their diabetes symptoms when some of them can actually raise blood glucose or insulin levels. A good rule of thumb to follow when you have diabetes is to not take anything unless your doctor has approved it.
To make sure the carbohydrates you consume don’t cause an issue for your body, eat them alongside protein. Protein will make sure your body absorbs the carbohydrates you eat slowly, which will help prevent dramatic changes to your blood sugar levels. Protein rarely increases blood glucose levels, and it’s a great way to balance carbohydrates out.
To make sure you choose the right carbohydrates, avoid white foods. White bread, pasta, or rice are all made from refined carbohydrates, which means they are also high glycemic index foods. Getting your carbohydrates from whole wheat products will ensure that your glucose levels stay stable, and that your body is able to digest them properly.
Plan in advance for any high-sugar foods you will eat. Have insulin on hand for any sudden increases in blood sugar levels, and make sure that you monitor your blood sugar levels afterwards. The important thing to do is to be aware of how you’re feeling at any point after the meal.
A great tip for those dealing with diabetes is to select dietary carbohydrates with great care. By eating primarily those carbohydrates which can be broken down in a slower way energy levels will remain more consistent. Among the best choices are foods such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
If you are a diabetic make sure that you have emergency supplies with you. Make sure to pack an extra glucose meter, insulin, lancet, test strips, syringes and wipes. Hypoglycemia can be treated with glucose tablets, and such tablets can be stored for quite some time. Keeping items such as this handy can ensure that you have a safe trip. An ideal way to carry these items is in a fanny pack.
As a diabetic, make sure you take your medications on time. Consult your physician for a time table to help calculate the appropriate times for you to take your medication. Physicians may instruct you to take your pills before you eat or if you are also taking insulin, you may be required to take your pills at least thirty minutes before.
Always being prepared in case of an emergency or unforeseen obstacle is important if you have diabetes. Always have at least three days of your diabetes supplies ready, and stored in a location that can be easily accessed in case of an emergency or disaster. This way, you will be prepared and not distressed should something occur.
If you are a diabetic, you need to stick to the American Diabetic Association diet and consume your meals on a regular basis. Aim for three meals a day with two healthy snacks in between. This will keep you feeling more satiated, give you more energy and maintain more stable levels of blood sugar throughout the day.
As a diabetic, you may have trouble with your feet. Be sure to take good care of them by examining them and cleaning them daily with soap and warm water. Wear cotton socks in white so that you can be sure they are clean. Never walk barefoot, and never wear badly fitted shoes. Be sure to see a podiatrist regularly to have your toenails trimmed.
Information will always give you the best chance of winning any battle, and that’s especially true when dealing with something as dangerous and as unpredictable as diabetes. What you’ve just read here, are a collection of tips that you can use to empower you, when working hard to conquer the disease. Don’t waste time; get started today.
