The word diabetes conjures up fear for many people. What is needed to combat this fear is knowledge that can help you to control the illness. Compilations of tips like the ones you’re about to read will be very encouraging. They are a powerful tool you can use to fight diabetes.
Check all the foods you eat for the “glycemic index”, which is a number that shows you exactly how your blood sugar levels will be affected. Having a low GI number is important if you are trying to manage your diabetes.
Diabetics have to watch their carbohydrate intake, and bread is a major player in a typical American’s diet. Try to find a bread with at least 5 grams of fiber AND protein per slice so that eating it is validated by the nutrients it’s carrying. Also avoid preservatives as they’re not healthy either.
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!
Find out if your health insurer will help you quit smoking after your diagnosis of Diabetes. Many insurance companies provide all sorts of resources for policyholders who want to quit smoking as it will save them money both on the health claims you make and any home insurance claims for accidental fire.
Keep track of your Diabetic supplies and make sure you always have a backup. Obviously, keeping a huge stock of insulin isn’t feasible as it has an expiry date, but lancets and test strips don’t! Keep enough insulin on hand so that you know you’ll use it in time, but you also will never be left without it.
Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes five days a week. Not only will this help to get you fit, it will aid in lowering your A1C level. The ideal level is lower than 7 percent. Use this tip to help keep your A1C level in this targeted range.
A Diabetic will need more than just a physician on his health care team. You should ask for a referral to an endocrinologist (they’ll help you with your insulin), a registered dietitian or nutritionist, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, a dentist, and a podiatrist. Once you have them all on your team you’ll be ready to fight Diabetes head on!
To make sure your blood sugar levels don’t spike or plummet without you realizing it, check your blood sugar regularly and log the results. It’s very common for people to experience dramatic changes in their blood sugar with no initial symptoms. Carefully tracking your levels will help you avoid serious health problems like kidney failure or strokes.
Find out what your blood glucose target levels should be and ensure that you’re meeting them. Diabetes control means knowing what you’re up against, so keep a journal with your goal numbers listed so you can easily see how well you’re doing every day. Once you have your blood glucose under control you’ll feel immensely healthier!
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.
Women, especially when in their teens and early twenties, may experience significant fluctuations in their blood glucose levels in the week immediately leading up to their menstrual period. Monitor your levels frequently during this time, then make any necessary adjustments in your insulin dosages and urinary ketone measurements, as this can prevent further spikes.
Give yourself a constant reminder of why taking care of your diabetes is so important. Keep your mind on the better parts of your life, what prevents you from enjoying them and what you are able to do about it. Keep your focus on your priorities, and let those ideals encourage you towards diabetes management.
To keep your fingertips from cracking when you check your glucose levels, clean them with an anti-bacterial soap. While using alcohol to clean your skin may be your first instinct, it has a drying effect that makes your fingertips more susceptible to cracking. Anti-bacterial soap will ensure your hands are free of bacteria without drying them out.
With diabetes, it is important that you consult with professional help right away. This is important because there is plenty to be learned about the disease that only someone who specializes in it will know. Other than paid doctor visits, there are also toll free numbers that you can call for guidance.
If you have diabetes, then you should consider trying the guar gum supplement. Research has shown that guar gum can help lower your post meal blood sugar if you take the supplement in between your meals. It could also help reduce your cholesterol because it is really high in fiber.
Ask your insurance agent if your coverage will pay for equipment to monitor your blood glucose. Many companies do pay for this, but don’t advertise the fact. Having your own glucose monitoring equipment at home is a great way to keep on top of your diabetes. Just be sure to take good care of your equipment so you will always have accurate results.
If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before consuming alcohol. While alcohol has been known to lower blood glucose, it is not a safe method, as it does so erratically. Alcohol interferes with your liver’s ability to raise glucose in the blood, and this could lead to hypoglycemia.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you may feel a little more encouraged. There is much that you can do to control diabetes. A community of people willing to share information is how diabetes sufferers from around the globe can learn from one another about proper ways to manage their disease. Use this information to help you with the disease.