An estimated 30 million people in the United States alone have some form of diabetes. It’s a disease that practically anyone can get. If you’re one of the 30 million, you should know that there are many ways you can work to manage this disease. Use the tips provided here to assist you in disease management.
Did you know that it is recommended that diabetics have a diet high in dairy? Studies show that dairy can help keep blood sugar levels from spiking, so having as much low-fat dairy as possible, can be a huge help to a diabetic. Have a tall glass of skim milk at breakfast and some cheese at lunch. It’s healthy and tasty!
Think about what you drink. Diabetics need to be careful of everything they ingest, so don’t forget to monitor the nutrition data and ingredients on the items your drinking. Juice, for example, is very high in sugar, so you should drink it in moderation. Milk can be high in fat, so stick to skim.
Eat foods rich in fiber. By eating fruits, vegetables, and grains you will improve your diet. You will lose weight and feel great. Fiber can help give you more control over your blood sugar and lower your chances of getting heart disease. Other sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, and beans.
Take a thyroid test! If you are diagnosed as Diabetic, find out if you’ve had your thyroid checked recently. Sometimes thyroid conditions can cause the pancreas to lower its production of insulin! So, getting a blood test to make sure that your thyroid is doing fine is a good idea – before you go on any medications for Diabetes.
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!
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.
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 feel that your medication is not working to control your diabetes, you may want to talk to your doctor about switching medications. There are a wide variety of different diabetic medications and what works for one person, may not work well for you. Or your dosage may need to be increased.
To keep your insulin resistance from increasing, always eat a good breakfast. Breakfast provides a kickstart to your metabolism that plays a crucial role in helping your body properly process insulin. Grabbing a quick snack instead of a balanced meal will make it hard to keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
Some people think that diabetics can’t eat any sugar. However, this is an old wives’ tale. This is incorrect as sugar does not need to be completely eliminated, however, you must be mindful about eating sweets. You may still celebrate with an occasional indulgence in a sweet treat. But when you do this it is wise to eat fewer carbohydrates, especially starches, with the meal. This will compensate for the carbohydrates in the dessert.`
If you are diabetic, you need to be taking extra good care of your feet. More than half of all foot amputations are related to diabetes. Make sure you are cleaning them well, and not putting any extra strain on your feet. That means not standing for long periods of time, or doing anything to strenuous.
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.
When you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to have a support system in place. This can be family or friends. Ask them to come to your appointments with you to better-understand how you will manage your condition. In addition, finding another person with diabetes to talk with might help.
A great tip for those dealing with diabetes is to select dietary carbohydrates with great care. By eating primarily those carbohydrates which can be broken down in a slower way energy levels will remain more consistent. Among the best choices are foods such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Diabetics are susceptible to numerous foot problems. You must take great care of both of your feet; if you do not pay attention to them, you can lose them through amputation. Following these guidelines can help keep your feet healthy even with diabetes.
When one has diabetes it is very important for them to monitor their blood sugar levels frequently through out the day. By doing this they will ensure that everything is as is should be or if they need to do something to regulate it. This is an important thing to do.
30 million is definitely a huge number for one country, but there is a bright side to such a large number. A number this large means that you’re far from alone. The tips you’ve read here were compiled by people who know what it’s like to have diabetes. You can take their advice and learn to thrive with this disease.