Diabetes doesn’t really scare people because of the thought of pricking the end of your finger every day. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, which is a disease of the eye linked to diabetes, bring about the most fear. Weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet are treatments that you can practice to prevent serious complications caused by diabetes. Use the tips in this article to manage the ailment.
The glycemic index of foods indicates how much the food item can affect glucose levels. The lower a food’s glycemic number, or GI, the better it is for the diabetic diet.
If you live with diabetes, be extra careful if you have a pedicure. Since diabetics are at an increased risk for foot-related complications, it is especially important to safeguard against possible fungal infections or cuts.
Make sure you always have gum or some other sugary snack on hand if you have hypoglycemia to worry about. As these attacks can occur at any time, it is very important to be ready for it. This definitely rings true if breakfast hasn’t been eaten yet, as your body still needs its sugar.
Online pharmacies can offer huge discounts on diabetes medications. Some websites let you set up an account and subscribe a monthly delivery system, so you always the supplies you need.
Gestational Diabetes
Go see a professional if you are expecting a baby and think you could have diabetes. Gestational diabetes requires you to act immediately to protect your health. If you do have gestational diabetes, your doctor can help you control it using both prescription medication and dietary changes.
Do not blame yourself if you develop gestational diabetes. It just happens to some pregnant women, and is often completely unavoidable. It’s important to keep stress to a minimum and keep your thoughts positive.
This means that your child is more likely to develop diabetes in the future. Decreasing your sugar intake will improve your health and your baby’s health.
Take your insulin as directed by your doctor. In general, you should take insulin no more than 15 minutes before you eat. These types of insulin will help to maintain blood sugar, as long as they are used properly and as directed by a physician.
Glucose Levels
If you are diabetic, cinnamon can add more flavor to your food without additional calories or sugar. Adding cinnamon in certain foods will make the natural sweetness come alive without the negative affects of sugar, which can elevate blood glucose levels. Studies are mixed as to whether cinnamon can actually lower your glucose levels, but regardless, it is an excellent spice to add.
You don’t have to eliminate your favorite foods from your diet, but you likely will need to modify how you eat them. Adjusting to a diet that will benefit your diabetes can understandably be a struggle for many people. Many people mistakenly assume that they will be forced to forgo their favorite dishes. Many people will eat their favorite foods whether they should or not. A smart way to solve your problem is by substituting components in your favorite meals. You can often substitute an acceptable ingredient for an unacceptable one. The result may taste just as good but won’t be problematic for your diabetes.
When you are ill or do not have an appetite it is important that you take great care of your health by eating the right foods, especially if you have diabetes. Long periods of low blood sugar can leave you dehydrated, so drinking a lot of liquids can help you through this.
One myth is that you have to avoid all sugars. 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. Plan carefully and balance your splurge with the other carbohydrates consumed that day, preferably by bypassing them.
Blood Sugar
It is important to not rely solely on the urine ketone test for checking your blood sugar. Elevated ketone levels only indicate that your blood sugar is higher than 200. The ADA tells us that diabetics should use finger sticks and blood tests for more accurate results.
Other conditions are sometimes linked to diabetes, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing. If you are feeling exhausted half way through the day, get tested for sleep apnea.
Having a diet with healthy carbohydrates is good for a diabetic. Diets that are very low-carb are bad for diabetics because they do not provide the body with necessary nutrients or fiber. Your energy levels will be enhanced with the proper amount of carbohydrates in your daily diet.
If you have diabetes, you need to know about the increased risk for foot problems. Being careless with your feet, such as walking around barefoot, can lead to complications which might have to be cured through amputation. These suggestions are the best way to keep healthy feet.
If you are diabetic, it’s important that your teeth receive attention to prevent gum disease. Always brush your teeth after every meal, and make sure you floss daily.
When you do, your liver compensates by releasing glucose and this can cause unacceptable blood glucose levels. You should eat regularly and snack if you need to to reduce your sugar levels.
As the introduction of this article mentioned, it’s the potential to go blind and other debilitating side effects associated with diabetes that really scare people. You can work past the fear and use the information you’ve learned here to ensure that you’re never a victim of these nasty complications.