Even if your family does not have a history of diabetes, you can still get the disease. Unfortunately, it’s a very common ailment and it can affect practically anyone at any time. Learn more about diabetes and what you can do to control it by reading this informative collective of tips.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, it is important that you help them in changing their diet and exercise rituals. Support them by bringing them healthy treats, like fruit salad, instead of cakes or cookies. When you visit their house, why not go for a long walk with them?
Stress can wreak havoc on a Diabetic’s mental health, but it will also cause problems physically as well. Try to do stress-relieving activities like exercise, yoga, or deep breathing exercises at the end of the day or during any situation that is particularly stressful to keep yourself calm, cool, and collected.
Diabetics MUST visit their doctor regularly to keep tabs on their blood sugar, weight, and medications. Your physician might know of a new treatment that could be useful to you, or see something in your blood work that indicates there is a problem. Having your doctor weigh you will also give you an accurate measurement of how well you’re keeping your weight under control.
Don’t use alcohol swabs before an insulin injection. It’s actually unnecessary, as long as your skin, hands, and needle are clean. Alcohol swabs will dry out the skin, making it more likely that the injection site will stay open. This can actually increase the risk of an infection at the site.
If you’re having trouble finding organizations in your area that can help you get help with your Diabetes, dial 211. The United Way can point you in the right direction towards support groups and other organizations who will help you get discounted supplies and prescriptions so you can stay healthy.
To allow yourself to still enjoy your favorite foods, make simple substitutions. Collard greens can be made with turkey broth instead of ham hock, and ground beef can easily be replaced by ground turkey. Try purchasing a diabetes cookbook. You may find that you can keep on eating many of your favorite meals.
To avoid developing a life-threatening infection, avoid going barefoot outdoors. People with diabetes are much more susceptible to developing infections from minor injuries and simply cutting your foot on a piece of glass could become a major ordeal. Instead, try wearing lightweight, waterproof shoes when you’re going outside in warm weather.
Being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes does not mean you are lazy, fat, or nonathletic. There are many causes of Diabetes which don’t necessarily come from being overweight or not exercising enough, but all diagnoses mean that you’ll need to start watching what you’re eating and increase your exercise level.
Smoking cigarettes is especially dangerous for diabetics. Smoking is really bad for those with diabetes because it has the ability to raise blood sugar dangerously high. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit smoking.
While most people notice that they gain weight more easily as they age, this is often more severe in diabetics. As you get older, your body burns fewer and fewer calories following physical activity. If you are diabetic, it is especially important to decrease the amount of food that you eat as you invariably decrease your activity levels. This will lengthen your life and keep you more healthy.
To make sure your glucose and blood sugar levels stay stable, eat at the exact same times every day. When your body knows when to expect food, it will have an easier time processing it, and dramatic rises or drops will be less common. Try setting an alarm that beeps every time you need to eat.
Get enough sleep! It is important to get a sufficient amount of sleep if you suffer from Diabetes. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, which in turn could raise your blood sugar. If you find that you have tried everything to get more sleep, but nothing works, talk to your doctor for further options.
Be vigilant when monitoring your glucose levels. If your blood glucose levels are especially high before mealtime, this may be an indication that your liver is producing far too much glucose. Try taking your insulin 60 to 90 minutes before your meal, rather than 30 to 45 minutes beforehand. This will give your body’s insulin a head start needed to more effectively manage blood glucose.
Make wise decisions in your choices for treating to low glucose levels. If your levels are less than 70 milligrams per deciliter, the ADA advises you to consume a food or drink with about 15 grams of sugars. Opt for something that can easily and quickly be absorbed by your body, such as hard candy or jellybeans.
Take the time to exercise. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help your body manage insulin and glucose so that your blood sugar remains in its target range. Exercise is important for the diabetic to be able to enjoy life.
The amount of adipose tissue in a person is directly related to their chances of getting Type II Diabetes. Adipose tissue is the fat that congregates around our bellies and waists. If we can trim this down we can lessen our chances of being diagnosed with Diabetes. Remember, the skinnier we are the better our chances are of preventing Diabetes.
If you are a diabetic seeking exercise, make sure that you stay away from any exercises that require the weight lifting and pushing or pulling heavy objects. During this kind of exercise, blood pressure and blood sugar levels are raised which can lead to many harmful health factors. To be on the safe side, avoid such exercises and keep your lifting to a minimum.
Diabetes can strike you no matter who you are. If you have the disease, what’s important now is that you take the steps necessary to prevent it from getting worse. Once those complications arise from diabetes, there is no turning back. Work toward your ultimate health by using the tips above.