Diabetes comes in many forms, but they are all manageable and can be lived with. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can minimize the effects of diabetes as well. This article can help to educate you, and your loved ones about what diabetes means to you. Education is the best way to deal with diabetes.
A diet too high in protein can actually be harmful to diabetics. Some people think more protein is good, but studies have shown that too much animal protein can cause insulin-resistance, a factor in diabetes. Try to include proper amounts of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates to keep your diet healthy and well-balanced.
Find out if there are any public gardening areas near you where people grow their own produce. This is an excellent way for a Diabetic to get some exercise by doing weeding, watering, or planting new seedlings. Often you get to keep some of what you grow as well, giving you some wonderfully fresh and organic treats to enjoy when you get home!
Pressure on your feet can cause major damage to a Diabetic, so be sure to buy shoes that are exactly the right size and have cushioning for your feet. There are even special shoes made for Diabetics that have specific features which are of benefit to sensitive feet like yours.
Being diabetic and a snacker can make it hard to stay away from the not-so-healthy snacks available. 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.
You can reduce your risk of diabetes by losing weight. The more overweight someone is, the more likely they are to develop type 2 diabetes. If you are someone who is at risk, make sure to change to a healthier diet and start exercising more so that you can prevent this disease.
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.
Individuals who battle hypoglycemia should consult a physician to inquire about the use of glucose tablets. These tablets can be easily carried around and can increase your glucose level effectively and more quickly than other sugary foods, because these foods take time to digest.
Make wise decisions in your choices for treating to low glucose levels. If your levels are less than 70 milligrams per deciliter, the ADA advises you to consume a food or drink with about 15 grams of sugars. Opt for something that can easily and quickly be absorbed by your body, such as hard candy or jellybeans.
Closely monitor how much trans fat and saturated fat you are taking in. The trans fat in vegetable oils and fried products contribute to heart disease and severely affect patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, the saturated fat in red meats and other foods does the same thing. Eat these types of fats at healthy levels.
Managing your blood sugar when you are a diabetic can be a challenge. Some things to keep in mind are eating the same amount at the same time everyday. This will ensure that you keep the right amount of sugar in your diet so that you can be happy and healthy.
If your blood glucose level is low, you should not choose chocolate to help you increase the level. Chocolate contains fat and because of this, it takes longer for you body to absorb the food. Instead, you want to use something that has sugar but is low in fat to give you a sugar boost.
As a diabetic, it is very important that you get light, regular exercise to increase circulation and keep your weight down; however, avoid weight lifting or anything that involves straining, pushing or pulling. These activities increase your blood sugar level as well as your blood pressure and can cause complications.
Use glucose tablets or a couple of SweetTarts to treat your lows. As tempting as it may be to go to the fridge and eat everything that may help to recover from a low, you are sure to gain a few unwanted pounds and still have to wait a while for the food to bring your levels back up.
Check your blood sugar every day. Being conscientious with monitoring your blood glucose levels helps prevent nerve pain and allows you to see the impact that different foods have on your body. Talk to your doctor about what your target glucose range should be. Keeping your level near your target will help you feel your best each day.
You have a chronic, serious disease that can often have very grave complications, and it is therefore normal and only to be expected that you would sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed by your diabetes. Make sure that you take the time you need to process your own feelings and acknowledge them.
Studies indicate that people who regularly consume plenty of whole grains are at a lower risk of developing diabetes. Whole grains help to keep levels of blood sugar steady, in addition to providing numerous other health-related benefits. So when you’re trying to decide which type of pasta or bread to buy, make sure to grab the whole grain option!
When it comes to dealing with diabetes, one important point to consider is the fact that while you might not be able to afford a gym membership on your own to stay healthy, your employer might offer a discount. Your overall health is critical when it comes to diabetes.
You have already learned in the above article that diabetes can be a manageable condition. Education is the key to that, and the above article can help to educate you about the things that you need to know. By educating yourself and taking action, you will find that diabetes is something that doesn’t need to put a damper on your life.