If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then you know that you must now live a little bit differently than you did before the diabetes. Along with checking your blood sugar regularly, a healthy diet is vital to managing your diabetes. This article will give you some tips for eating a healthy diabetic friendly diet.
Yogurt is an excellent way for a diabetic to convince their mouth that low-fat, sugar-free food IS enjoyable. Have a cup of non-fat yogurt mixed with seasonable fruit for breakfast with a high-fiber muffin and a glass of milk so that you’ll have enough energy to last you right through until lunch.
Keep track of your blood sugar levels in a log book, so you know where you’ve been and how you’re doing currently. If you can’t afford enough test strips to check multiple times a day, check at a variety of different times, so that you can get an idea of how your sugar is going throughout a typical day.
Skip the sauces and go for spices to lose weight and keep your Diabetes under control. Spices add a ton of flavor to any food without adding sugar, carbohydrates, or fat, so call on them when you’re cooking. Even a salad can be made zippier with simple vinegar, oil, and a handful of rosemary and oregano!
Find a free clinic in your area to have your Diabetes monitored if you can’t afford to visit your doctor every three months. You can call your local Diabetes association, ask at a local hospital, or inquire through your Health Department, to find out where the closest clinic is to you.
If you’re trying to keep your Diabetes under control, eating right is very important. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can help you eat healthy foods while not spending more than your budget allows. Root vegetables are best to eat in winter, while berries would be cheapest in the summer months.
If you notice that your urinary ketone levels are uncommonly high, this may indicate that your body is especially low on insulin levels. Your body is being forced to process sugar, rather than fat as fuel for your body from day to day, or as part of your fasting efforts. Consult your physician if ketone levels continue to rise as this may be indicative of a condition called ketoacidosis.
If you have Gestational Diabetes then the concept of “eating for two” needs to be forgotten. You’ll need to reduce your food intake to small amounts every few hours to keep your blood glucose levels in check over the long term of a day. Don’t forget to have a snack before bed to control overnight blood sugar!
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.
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.
It is important that you keep your feet clean if you are a diabetic. The feet are a common place on the human body for infections to develop. For a person without diabetes, these infections can be easily taken care of. For a diabetic, the treatment process is not as easy.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with IGT, or impaired glucose tolerance, should be especially vigilant in monitoring their lifestyle changes, including dietary, exercise, and activities. Losing weight and increasing your exercise routine can significantly lower your chances of progressing from impaired glucose tolerance to full-blown diabetes, therefore prolonging and enhancing your life.
When you have diabetes, foot problems are always a concern. Always make sure you are wearing the correct shoes so that you do not develop any of these problems. Shoes with proper ventilation are essential. The more air that gets to your feet the better circulation you will get. Sandals are important for summer weather.
If you are diabetic and you smoke it is important that you take the steps to quit smoking. Smoking causes your circulation to be poor, and a proper circulatory system is absolutely essential for a diabetic. Talk to your doctor for help quitting smoking, there are many aids to help.
Many people, once diagnosed with diabetes, quit eating sugar and think that is sufficient. But what most people don’t know is that fatty foods can be just as dangerous to diabetic patients. If a person cuts out sugary and fatty foods diabetes can actually be cured and a person can add many years to their life.
Diabetics should get plenty of light exercise for good circulation and weight control. Some great exercises for diabetics include light walking, swimming, jogging, and rowing. Yoga is also an excellent form of exercise for diabetics. It is important to get regular light aerobic exercise to increase circulation and support a strong cardiovascular system.
Keep protein bars on hand for those times when you need a quick snack to keep your blood glucose levels under control. There are bars or shakes on the market made specifically for those with diabetes and they can be used as a meal replacement. Don’t eat them along with a regular meal, however, and this could cause your glucose levels to rise.
As stated at the beginning of this article, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes then you are having to live a little bit differently than you did before the diagnosis. Eating healthy is an important part in keeping your diabetes under control. Apply the tips from this article and you will be on your way to eating a diabetes friendly diet in no time.