Diabetes is a prevalent concern in today’s society, as more and more people either have it or are at high risk of developing it. In order to keep up your own health and be good support for anyone you know who might be diabetic, it is helpful to know a few things about diabetes. Read on for some insights into managing this condition.
Diabetics must remember that cough lozenges are still candies! Try to buy herbal lozenges which are sweetened with honey, or options that have artificial sweeteners, to make sure that your blood sugar doesn’t spike while you have a cough or cold. We have to be so careful about absolutely everything we ingest!
When buying your Diabetes medicines, ask for as much as possible at one time. The fee that is added when the pharmacist dispenses your prescription is the same whether you buy 30 days or 90. Therefore, spreading that cost out over multiple days will also reduce the per-dose cost of your medications.
Using a log book to record your daily glucose test results can be very helpful in controlling your diabetes. It is important to notice trends in your blood sugar readings, so having a written record can help you look back and see patterns. Taking a written record to your appointments can also help your doctor to make treatment adjustments.
It is important that you know how to use your insulin pump. Many people do not get the proper amount of insulin because they are not using their pump correctly. If you do not know what you are doing, do not feel ashamed to ask your doctor or another health professional, for help.
Pressure on your feet can cause major damage to a Diabetic, so be sure to buy shoes that are exactly the right size and have cushioning for your feet. There are even special shoes made for Diabetics that have specific features which are of benefit to sensitive feet like yours.
Educate your family on what to do if your blood sugar drops or spikes to dangerous levels. A diabetic has to battle their disease with the help of family and friends, so ensure they know the symptoms to keep watch for in case you end up in a situation where you can’t control it yourself.
Even though your as big as a house, it’s important for women with Gestational Diabetes to exercise as much as possible. Even if you’re just doing yoga or going for a long walk, exercise will help you keep your weight to a reasonable level and your mind stress-free, leading to better health.
For people who suffer from diabetes, try to take a multivitamin with minerals, Vitamin C and Chromium every day. These have all been proven to help keep your blood sugar at a reasonable level. Just remember that these should be taken along with medications, not as a substitute for them.
To help you control your diabetes, write down the results every time you check your blood sugar. This will help you notice any patterns that may emerge. If your blood sugar seems to be low every day at 2:00pm, you can be better prepared at that time to deal with it better.
If you have type 2 diabetes, and the medication you are taking is not helping as well as you had hoped, don’t stress too much. Many diabetics need insulin, and they now make insulin pens that will control your blood sugar better than the syringes do. Make sure they are covered by your insurance company before getting one, because it does seem to be something insurance companies will not always approve.
By way of advice one of the best suggestions for a diabetic is to know themselves. You know better than anybody how your body will react to that small ice cream, or how low your blood sugars will get if you wait to long for your meal. Know yourself, and use that knowledge to more effectively manage your diabetes.
Even though carbohydrates have a huge impact on a person’s blood sugar levels, a person who has diabetes does not have to totally avoid them. However, you should be wise about what types of carbohydrates you consume. Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain brown rice and rolled oats, cause you to stay full longer since they digest slowly. They also aid in keeping your blood sugar level more stable.
While it may be tempting to save yourself time and energy by eating out a lot of the time, you should only eat restaurant foods in moderation when trying to keep diabetes under control. Eating at home is much more cost effective and you have total control over what goes into each dish.
Sleep apnea can often be overlooked in those with diabetes. In fact, those with diabetes often have many issues go unnoticed. This means that you stop breathing as you are sleeping. If you’re tired during your day, get checked for your sleep apnea.
When you have diabetes, it is important that you remain as active as possible. This is important to keep your overall immune system in as good as shape as possible as well as ensuring that you have a healthy circulation system. Park the car in a further away parking spot or take the stairs when they are an option.
An important tip for diabetic patients is to always strive for a sufficient amount of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation or deficit can prompt carbohydrate cravings, resulting in excess pounds, heart disease and other potential health issues that can exacerbate diabetes. Therefore, those who are able to sleep for seven or eight hours nightly are likely to have fewer complications.
As was stated earlier in the article, diabetes happens a lot these days. If you are currently suffering from it or you are concerned that you could develop it, keep these tips and tricks in mind. With the advice in this article, you can manage your condition or risk in a way that minimally impacts your life.