Diabetes is a difficult disease to live with, and it is not easy to manage. Not only must you make drastic changes when it comes to the food you eat, it also requires you to administer extensive maintenance and monitoring. Although dealing with diabetes is always going to be hard, there are a variety of ways to manage the condition. Read on to find some suggestions that will assist you in managing your diabetes.
If you’re looking for a salty snack but your diabetes is holding you back, look no further than a jar of olives! They’re a fruit, tasty, healthy, and fun to eat. You can cut them up and put them in salads, or even on a sandwich! I love to make a homemade submarine sandwich and sprinkle some on top. YUM!
If you lack comprehensive health insurance and are diagnosed with Diabetes, don’t fear. Many drug companies and supply manufacturers have programs that can give you either free supplies or a vast discount. You may need to have your doctor apply on your behalf, attesting to the fact that you are financially strapped.
Find a free clinic in your area to have your Diabetes monitored if you can’t afford to visit your doctor every three months. You can call your local Diabetes association, ask at a local hospital, or inquire through your Health Department, to find out where the closest clinic is to you.
If you suffer from diabetes and you are going to exercise, it is important that you check your blood glucose afterward. Strenuous activity can cause your body to burn off blood glucose and if your body does not have enough glucose, you can develop hypoglycemia. If your glucose levels are too low, try eating foods that have carbs to raise your glucose levels.
Even if you “only” have Gestational Diabetes, it is especially important for you to monitor your blood glucose levels. Your baby will be impacted by the slightest peak you might have as the insulin does cross the placenta, so make sure to keep your levels even so your baby will grow normally.
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.
You should take insulin that is fast-acting one to 15 minutes before eating a meal, unless a doctor advises you differently. This type of insulin is only effective if taken at the proper time and dosage for each person.
If you have diabetes, beware of certain diabetes supplements. People think these supplements will help control their diabetes symptoms when some of them can actually raise blood glucose or insulin levels. A good rule of thumb to follow when you have diabetes is to not take anything unless your doctor has approved it.
Smoking is a bad habit for anyone; however, it is especially dangerous for diabetics. Engaging in this destructive behavior will subject you to multiple health maladies. Smoking causes your body to become more insulin resistant than normal, and could cause type II diabetes if you don’t already have it.
It is crucial that people with diabetes get a simple blood test known as an HbA1c test every three months. HbA1c tests show blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and can help your doctor control your diabetes. It is recommended that the HbA1c is kept at or below seven percent.
To keep your fingertips from cracking when you check your glucose levels, clean them with an anti-bacterial soap. While using alcohol to clean your skin may be your first instinct, it has a drying effect that makes your fingertips more susceptible to cracking. Anti-bacterial soap will ensure your hands are free of bacteria without drying them out.
A great tip to handle your diabetes is to maintain consistent eating habits. Skipping meals can lead to overeating which in turn can lead directly to weight gain. This, as you know, is terrible for diabetes and is exactly the opposite of what you should be trying to do. Eat at the same times each day to keep yourself from getting hungry.
Being diabetic does not mean that you must fully give up your favorite sweets, but it does mean that you must be more diligent in selecting and consuming them. To compensate for a sweet splurge, you may need to step up your exercise program, reducing your dietary intake of another sweet food, or taking more insulin.
When dealing with a child that has diabetes, be sure to not let that be an excuse for your child to not participate in activities that he or she would have normally done, otherwise. This is crucial because despite having this disease, children cannot be deprived of their childhood. This includes activities, such as, participating in sports or play dates with other children.
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.
Know that being sick can affect your blood glucose level. Being sick stresses your body out, and when your body stresses out it creates more glucose. In fact, both physical and mental stress could affect it. So to help you monitor your levels, you should check your blood glucose level more often on days that you are sick.
You must carefully monitor the disease, and take care of your health by exercising and eating a proper diet. It may be difficult to deal with diabetes but these tips can make it easier. Stop struggling and start treating your diabetes as a normal part of life.