Diabetes comes in two primary types, and they’re both hazardous, and they can both do a great deal of harm. You need to have the right information to fight diabetes. Read this article, and find out some tips you can use to manage your life with this disease.
Exercise is a key lifestyle habit for a diabetic person. You need to get moving as much as possible to help keep your weight at a reasonable level and your organs in tip-top shape. Try to go for a long walk after dinner or take the stairs at work instead of the elevator.
While at work, try to get in as much exercise as possible to keep your Diabetes in check. Take the stairs to the next floor to use the washroom, or go for a brisk walk around the cubicles during a break. You can even pump some iron with a bottle of water when you’re on the phone!
Restaurants tend to serve you HUGE portions, so be prepared before they even bring your meal! Bring your own reusable container, or ask the waiter for a doggy bag up front, and then put away the parts of your meal which are going to be too much for you. Getting rid of it before you eat will curb your temptation to finish it all.
If you feel someone is giving you unwelcome advice about diabetes, ask them to back off. If you do it politely they won’t be offended, and you won’t have to listen to them rattle on about things you either don’t care about or already know. If you have the knowledge to back it up then you’ll become the master of your domain!
If you lack comprehensive health insurance and are diagnosed with Diabetes, don’t fear. Many drug companies and supply manufacturers have programs that can give you either free supplies or a vast discount. You may need to have your doctor apply on your behalf, attesting to the fact that you are financially strapped.
It is important to bring along high-sugar foods or chewing gum if you are hypoglycemic. Attacks from hypoglycemia can pop up any place and at anytime; therefore, it’s vital you are properly prepared in case one occurs. Skipping breakfast is a bad idea that makes attacks more likely, because your body will be especially desperate for sugar.
If you have Diabetes then it is important that you dry your feet carefully after a bath, shower, or a dip in the pool. Your feet will be more prone to getting infections, including fungal, so keeping them cool and dry can help prevent that from happening. Don’t forget in between your toes!
Being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes does not mean you are lazy, fat, or nonathletic. There are many causes of Diabetes which don’t necessarily come from being overweight or not exercising enough, but all diagnoses mean that you’ll need to start watching what you’re eating and increase your exercise level.
If you’re Diabetic, make sure you’re pairing your carbohydrates with a protein. This will help you digest the carbs in a more efficient way, leading to a lower blood-glucose spike once you’re done. For example, pair an apple with some cheddar cheese for a tasty snack that shouldn’t put you over the edge.
While it is very important to watch your intake of sugar when you are diabetic, you have to keep in mind that the amount of carbohydrates should be low, as well. Eating things like white bread, potatoes, flour, and white rice, can cause your blood sugar to rise fairly quickly.
Make sure that your blood glucose levels do not get too low when taking medications for diabetes. It is common for certain medications to lower your blood sugar so low that a person can suffer from hypoglycemia. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about lowering the dosage of your medication.
It is crucial that people with diabetes get a simple blood test known as an HbA1c test every three months. HbA1c tests show blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and can help your doctor control your diabetes. It is recommended that the HbA1c is kept at or below seven percent.
You shouldn’t only rely on urine ketone testing as a means to measure blood sugar levels. High levels in urine only indicate above 200 milligrams. Finger sticks or testing strips are recommended by the ADA and will give you a more accurate result.
People who suffer from diabetes should consult their doctor as to whether or not it is safe to drink alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to lower blood glucose, but it can do so in an unpredictable manner so it may not always be a safe product to use. Make sure you speak with a health professional to see if it is something that can have a pronounced effect on you.
When it comes to planning a diet for someone with diabetes, it is crucial to know what types of foods will cause blood sugar to rapidly increase. This is important because sugar management is the key component to dealing with diabetes. Stay away from pastas, sodas, and white breads.
If you are a diabetic, consider seeking the help of a nutritionist. A nutritionist is able to help you with problems as such as: what to eat, what you can’t eat, what diets to follow and what to eat as a bedtime snack. Nutritionists also provide assistance in answering questions you may have.
Consider alternative forms of administering insulin if you are diabetic. Daily needle sticks can be uncomfortable, and this discomfort can sometimes cause missed doses. An insulin pump might be a better option. Insulin inhalers should also be available soon. Discuss these alternatives with your physician to find the one that works best for you.
As is evident by this article, it all comes down to lifestyle management. Making healthy lifestyle choices will decrease your odds of developing severe complications related to your disease.