Diabetes doesn’t have to limit your life. You will have to make some changes and take better care of yourself, but you should do that regardless of whether you have diabetes. This article can help you take diabetes in stride and turn it into a positive lifestyle change and improvement.
If you want a fun way to exercise, take your kids to the park! You can play a game of soccer or basketball, or just chase them around on the playground. Tennis is also fun and you can play with kids of any age. Pick something they enjoy and you’ll enjoy it, too!
Pay attention to the feeling in your feet and hands by testing them once in a while. Go barefoot on the floor and see if you can feel the grout between the tiles. When you’re in the shower, drop something and step on it so you can see how well you feel it. Do the same when holding a pencil or pen. If you feel any loss of sensation, go to your doctor and let them know!
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.
You can find the most common Diabetic supplies and medications available at some grocery stores for a significant discount. This can help you keep your medical bills in check, leading you to be more likely to take your medications as instructed. Feel free to reuse your syringes a few times, that will also save you money.
The website Act1diabetes.org can help Diabetics with low incomes swap out their Diabetic supplies for new ones. It’s free for people who can’t afford to pay even a discounted price for the service, so look into it if you are having problems financially or have a limited income at the moment.
DefeatDiabetes.org helps people who are struggling financially to receive supplies which will help them keep their diabetes under control. You can get as much as 35% cash back on purchases through their store, and they have additional programs to give you even deeper discounts if you ask for help through their website.
Pregnant women should remain in contact with their doctor to facilitate early detection or prevention of gestational diabetes. If you are borderline diabetic during your pregnancy, cut back on your sugar and carbohydrate intake. Your doctor will be able to tell you what you should eat and perhaps give you some medications.
Baking your own bread, canning your own vegetables, and even grinding your own flour is far more healthy than purchasing it at a store. You’ll also save a ton of money, and you’ll know what is going into the foods you eat. A diabetic has to be careful about every ingredient, and if YOU measured and put them all in there, it will make keeping track easy!
You should take insulin that is fast-acting one to 15 minutes before eating a meal, unless a doctor advises you differently. This type of insulin is only effective if taken at the proper time and dosage for each person.
Understand that there is no single “magic number” when it comes to your A1C levels. However, you should aim to keep this number as low as possible in order to reduce your chances of developing complications from diabetes. Even slightly high A1C levels put you at considerable risk for stroke and cardiovascular problems.
To save you and your doctor time, write down all of your questions about your diabetes. This way you will be prepared ahead of time and will not forget to ask anything that is important. You are dealing with your health, so don’t be afraid to ask any question that you have.
When it comes to diabetes you want to make sure that you also are living a healthy lifestyle in other ways. This is important because you need your body to be in the best shape possible. Make every attempt to end bad habits such as smoking because it isn’t just about your blood sugar.
When you are a diabetic there is an increased risk that you will develop some sort of gum disease. Making regular appointments at the dentist and following his suggestions on proper oral hygiene will ensure that you will stay healthy in that regard. Proper flossing and brushing are essential parts of a daily routine.
Afraid of diabetes? Its time to start exercising. Not only will we get that body that we always wanted if we exercise, but also we will lessen our chance of getting diabetes. Every calorie we burn on that treadmill can add time to our life. If you are looking for reasons to exercise think of how much you can extend your life by dedicating that 30 minutes everyday.
When you have diabetes, there are times it may be easier to take a shot or pop a pill then to get moving. The truth is that along with a healthy diet, exercise is one of the best things you can do to take care of your body if you live with diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, take a class or meet with a specialist very early on. Education is key to managing your diabetes. Without it, you will never understand what works and what doesn’t. Classes are often available for free at your local hospital. A specialist can be found through a referral from your family physician.
As previously stated, diabetes doesn’t have to change your world for the worst. Diabetes is quite manageable and in some cases it can be reversible. Simple dietary changes and more exercise can make a world of difference. Your family can join you on the trip to better health. Use the information in this article to share with your family, and make the lifestyle change work for the entire family.