Diabetes isn’t something to be trifled with because it can negatively affect every system in your body and maybe even kill you. You can live a happy and healthy life with diabetes, but you must become educated about the disease and learn how to properly take care of yourself. This article presents many useful tips to help you manage your diabetes and live a healthy life.

Glycemic Index

TIP! The glycemic index is a number that all foods have. It lets you know how the food will affect your blood sugar.

Check the glycemic index to determine how much different foods will affect your blood sugar level. Keep in mind that foods with a lower glycemic index are better for a person with diabetes.

If you’re a diabetic, it is vitally important that you indulge your hunger cravings in a way that is healthy. Although, banning sweets altogether may not be necessary. Give yourself permission to enjoy an occasional dessert if your diabetes is properly managed and under control. Make room for sweets by removing the same amount of carbohydrates away from your meals.

Walnuts can be a nutritious way to boost the nutrition in your salad and help manage your diabetes. Walnuts are full of monosaturated fats. This makes your cells become more receptive to the insulin. Not only that, but walnuts are also great sources of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also tasty and boost your energy levels.

TIP! There are tons of protein options, include dairy, eggs and legumes. Try shaking up your routine so your taste buds do not die of boredom.

Reduce your risk of diabetes by switching to a high fiber diet. Eating more whole grain foods will reduce your intake of high glycemic foods like white bread and processed foods which will increase your your risk. Research has shown that those who eat more whole grains are at lower risk of getting diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

If you think you might have gestational diabetes, let your doctor know. Untreated gestational diabetes can pose a risk to both you and your baby. You might even have to take medication and change your diet significantly.

TIP! Make your life easier and more organized by doing everything the same way every time. Keep all of your equipment in the same spot at home and at work, so that you always know where to find your treatments in an emergency.

Being diabetic and a snacker can make it hard to stay away from the not-so-healthy snacks available. You should avoid giving in to this temptation. Instead, consume a food with complex carbohydrates like fruit and vegetables.

This raises the probability that your child will get either type 1 or type 2 diabetes at some point in his life. Do all you can to keep your child from developing this illness by taking proper care of yourself.

Diabetics who smoke need to try and quit. In addition to increasing your risk of lung cancer, smoking can cause a spike in your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. The highly addictive nature of nicotine can make quitting a very difficult process. Seek advice from your doctor.

TIP! Use caution when having a pedicure if you have diabetes. Because people with diabetes are likely to develop foot infections, even a small cut can have serious results.

You should take insulin that is fast-acting one to 15 minutes before eating a meal, unless a doctor advises you differently. Fast-acting insulins work very well to maintain blood sugars, but they must be properly dosed for the individual.

It’s vital that diabetics learn how to take care of their health and bodies. The article below contains some very useful ideas to help diabetics control their disease.