The diagnosis of diabetes can seem quite scary at first but as you learn more, you realize that it can be managed. You don’t have to change your entire life. You can make adjustments and take better care of yourself but that is a good thing to do anyway. This article can help you develop the right attitude about diabetes and you.
Skip the french fries and ditch the baked potato – it’s time to replace your carb-heavy side dishes with something that’s actually GOOD for a Diabetic. Salad! I’m not talking potato or pasta salad, they’re both carbohydrate disaster areas. Pick up some lettuce, shred some vegetables, throw on some tomato wedges and a nice light oil and vinegar dressing and dig in!
Read labels on the foods you buy to determine which foods are likely to cause your sugar to spike. While it’s easy to see in unprocessed foods where the sugar or other ingredients are, it’s not so simple with processed or packaged food. Read the labels and avoid items that have been known to interact with your sugar.
Diabetes causes you higher blood-glucose levels, which also affects how much glucose is in your saliva. You have to take extra care of your gums and teeth to keep the rot and decay away. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure to see your dentist twice a year for cleaning.
If you get hypoglycemia, it’s absolutely crucial you have gum or some type of sugary food always available to you. Hypoglycemia attacks can occur anywhere, and it is crucial that you are prepared for one. If you didn’t eat breakfast then this is especially true, as skipping meals will make your body crave sugar.
Take a thyroid test! If you are diagnosed as Diabetic, find out if you’ve had your thyroid checked recently. Sometimes thyroid conditions can cause the pancreas to lower its production of insulin! So, getting a blood test to make sure that your thyroid is doing fine is a good idea – before you go on any medications for Diabetes.
Choosing the right blood glucose monitor is an investment in your health, and as such, you should avoid using price as the deciding factor in your purchase. If you are tech-savvy, you might do well with a monitor that has online tracking capabilities and storage functions. If you have dexterity problems, look for monitors with easy-to-handle strips and operation.
Many people will tell you that “natural” sugars are safer for your Diabetes than refined sugar. However, sugar is still sugar. My Step-Mother told me I should put honey on my food as it’s perfectly fine… wrong! My blood sugar still spiked sky high afterward. Always double check the “medical” advice you receive from family and friends hen it comes to your diabetes.
If you have diabetes, you want to avoid overcooking your pasta. When your pasta is overcooked, it loses its form and releases glucose easier, which will elevate your blood sugar. You should aim to cook the pasta until it is fit to eat, but do not cook it anymore than that.
If you have diabetes, it is important that you learn to recognize high glycemic index foods. These types of foods will make your blood sugar rise very fast, which can be dangerous. If you are not sure which foods fall into this category, take your time when food shopping to read the food labels.
Most diabetics are significantly overweight, and this is injurious to your efforts at controlling the effects of diabetes. It is very important to try and have a consistently healthy eating plan in order to lose weight and maintain proper nutrition. Losing weight doubled with exercise can in some cases completely control the symptoms of diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you simply must start dieting and exercising regularly.
Cut down on simple carbohydrates. These foods, such as pasta and bread, cause your blood sugar levels to spike which may cause hyperglycemia and a need for more insulin; that may result in a hypoglycemic episode. Stick to complex carbohydrates such as whole grains in order to keep your blood sugar stable.
To stay prepared for drops in your blood sugar levels, pack glucose boosting snacks in zip-lock bags. Carrying around some low fat trail mix or cashews will ensure you’re never stuck without a healthy snack to give you a boost. If you don’t carry a purse, small snacks can easily be stored in a pocket.
To reduce your body’s insulin resistance, eat plenty of rye. Whole-grain rye is rich in fiber, and has been shown to naturally increase your body’s insulin secretion. This is directly linked to a lower insulin resistance, and helps to increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Try eating rye pasta with a food rich in lycopene, like tomatoes.
Keep a dietary journal. When you have diabetes, it is very important to keep careful track of not only what you eat, but how much, and when you consume them. While many people can remember what they ate that day, can you remember what you ate 2 weeks ago for breakfast? Keeping a food journal gives you a record of your food intake so you can spot patterns and better control your diabetes.
Watch your feet. More than half of all foot and leg amputations performed in the U.S. are related to diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and loss of feeling in your feet, known as Neuropathy. It is important for diabetics to check their feet often. You should watch for red spots and swelling, and keep your feet cared for by trimming your nails and wearing comfortable and supportive shoes.
As stated earlier, diabetes doesn’t have to be a horrible way to live. It can actually lead to a better life because you are taking care of yourself. You just eat healthier and exercise a bit which are all things you should do anyway. By taking heed of the information in this article, you can have a winning attitude towards diabetes.