Living and dealing with diabetes on a day-to-day basis requires that you change your diet, exercise, and even your sleeping habits. Use these tips and you’ll be armed and ready to deal with your diabetes.
Experiment with alternative sources of protein such as eggs and tofu instead of just eating meat. Don’t get into a rut and keep trying new things!
Walnuts add a touch of nutrition to your salad. They are a source of monounsaturated fats. These increase your cells’ receptivity to insulin, thus controlling your diabetes. Walnuts also contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an all-around great, healthy food.
Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to be tested for sleep apnea as well. Getting tested early for sleep apnea is advisable, as it may continue as a dangerous untreated health risk.
Move into the 21st century and save money on diabetes testing supplies and medications by buying from an Internet pharmacy. These stores also allow you to arrange for monthly deliveries of your drugs, so you never have to worry about running out.
If diabetes is a challenge for you, consider eating five or six smaller meals during your day, instead of the more traditional three meals. It will be easier to stabilize your blood sugar levels if you have more frequent meals during the day. Plus, by eating regularly you are less likely to have an eating binge due to being hungry.
Gestational Diabetes
You are not at fault for gestational diabetes. Pregnancy often causes gestational diabetes, and there is really not much you can do to prevent it if you are susceptible to it. Keep your stress levels down, and think positive thoughts about yourself and your child.
Don’t worry if your blood glucose levels spike right after treating a hypoglycemic episode. A high blood sugar level can be caused by two factors: hormones that stimulate the release of glucose into your bloodstream and the influx of glucose from your food. Together the two sources may overload your body with glucose. The next time that happens, consume half of what you would normally consume to correct the low glucose level, then monitor your glucose levels in half an hour to see if you need to take further action.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, fast-acting insulin should always be taken no more than 15 minutes before you eat. Fast-acting insulins can be a very effective for maintaining blood sugars, but only if they are properly dosed and timed for each individual.
Glucose Tablets
Glucose tablets can sometimes be beneficial to the person diagnosed with hypoglycemia. Carry around some glucose tablets so that you can increase the level of sugar in your system, rather than relying on sugar foods that take a long time for your body to process.
Smoking is a dangerous habit, but it can be extremely dangerous for a diabetic. If you participate in this habit, you will be opening yourself up to have a lot of bad health problems. Smoking causes you to be insulin resistant, and if you’re not already diabetic, you put yourself at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
It is imperative to keep checking your blood sugar routinely, even though gestational diabetes will usually resolve itself after the birth of your child. People think there is no way to still have issues with your blood sugar levels after you have given birth, but this is not true.
Take the time to exercise. Exercise decreases insulin resistance, which helps your body use glucose and insulin in a more normal way. Exercise can be very beneficial to someone with diabetes.
Egg Whites
Egg whites make a great breakfast if you have diabetes. You will get plenty of proteins, while avoiding fat and calories, if you eat egg whites. Try an omelet made of egg whites, or have scrambled eggs and ham.
If you’re a diabetic, it is important to keep your insulin in an insulated bag if you are going away for a while. Insulin should be protected from extreme temperatures. An insulated bag is your best bet for keeping it at the right temperature.
If you have diabetes, you should include some carbs in your diet. Low-carb diets are not always good for those suffering from diabetes because they often prevent the body from getting sufficient essential nutrients, including fiber. Be sure that you eat enough carbohydrates to maintain your energy level.
Regular exercise lowers your overall blood sugar, while increasing your body’s sensitivity to insulin. This helps your body keep blood sugar down to a healthy level throughout the day. Try doing aerobic exercises and resistance training to get the best results.
Getting a lot of physical activity is important if you suffer from diabetes, or if you are trying to prevent this disease in your body. Exercise is a good way to lose weight and to help your body process insulin more efficiently. A person with diabetes must remain active and avoid leading a sedentary life.
Keep your supplies in one area so that you will find them easier in an emergency. Have back up bags prepared and stored in other places just in case. Pack it with syringes, meter hooks, insulin and whatever else you may need so that you never want for these necessities.
You need to know a large amount of information about how to live with diabetes in a healthy manner. Do not let it overwhelm you or ruin your life. Apply the tips presented here in order to clear away that dark cloud, and to start living a life you can enjoy.