If you’re suffering from diabetes, do you know the foods you should be eating, the amount of exercise you should be getting, and how much sleep you should be receiving? Using the tips here will help you to win your war with diabetes.
Make your life easier and more organized by doing everything the same way every time. For instance, keep your meter, journal, and insulin in one specific place so it will be easy to access in the mornings. When you are testing, do it at the same time each day, and keep a list nearby of the steps that must be completed so that you don’t skip any.
If you are diabetic, you need to learn to indulge in a healthy manner. You do not have to forget sweets completely. When you can effectively manage your blood glucose levels, you shouldn’t worry to much about sneaking in the occasional sweet treat. You can add a dessert into your meal by removing carbohydrates that equal the dessert.
Sodas, ketchup and many other processed sweet foods contain high fructose corn syrup, so read the labels on everything you are considering buying at the market, and pass on it if it contains this ingredient. If you live in or go to Canada, look for ‘glucose/fructose’ on labels.
Choose a diet containing lots of fiber. It is certain to lower your chances of developing diabetes. White breads and processed food items usually are high-glycemic and up your chances of diabetes, but if you make a habit of choosing anything with whole grains, you are unlikely to eat them. There are many studies that show that people who eat whole grains, and low-GI foods in general, get diabetes less often than those who don’t.
Online pharmacies can be a lot cheaper than a physical location for diabetic medication. You even have the option of getting your meds sent to your door each month on time.
Learn the foods that have high glycemic indexes, as these can cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels. Breads, desserts, pastas, cereal, and even juices are products that are high in the glycemic index. Your blood sugars do not respond well to foods that are processed either. Instead, include meat, fish, veggies and low-glycemic fruits in your diet.
If you’re a diabetic who enjoys snacking, it may be difficult to resist vending machine goodies. A piece of fresh fruit, carrot sticks or any complex carbohydrate is an energy-producing snack that is good for you. The chips, soda and candy will make your diabetes worse, so you should shun them.
If you are a diabetic, you should consider eating five to six little meals rather than three large meals everyday. Eating more frequently, but in smaller amounts, keeps your blood glucose levels more consistent. If you eat more often, you won’t get as hungry between meals — and you won’t eat as much.
Smoking is not a habit a diabetic should start, or continue. Chemicals present in cigarettes can raise the level of sugar in your blood significantly if you are diabetic. If you are having problems quitting smoking, ask your doctor for quitting methods.
Fast-acting insulin shots are usually best taken a few minutes before a meal. These types of insulin will help to maintain blood sugar, as long as they are used properly and as directed by a physician.
One flavorful spice that diabetics can use, that doesn’t contain sugar, sodium or calories, is cinnamon. Cinnamon helps you to highlight a food’s natural sweetness in place of glucose raising sugar. There is some debate about whether cinnamon can lower glucose levels, but it is not harmful and can enhance many dishes.
Smoking can be dangerous and especially if you are diabetic. If you choose to smoke, you will face a lot of health hazards. When you smoke, you increase your chances of being insulin resistant; if you don’t yet have diabetes, it can make your risk of getting type 2 disease much higher.
One of the myths associated with diabetes is that you must avoid sugar at all costs. You don’t need to eliminate sugar completely, but you have to be smart with sweets. Don’t be afraid to indulge in your favorite desserts every now and then. 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.
There are many pieces of information that can help you in your battle against diabetes. It has the potential to be a big weight on your shoulders. Take this advice and you will be in the best position to win the battle against diabetes.