In plain and simple terms, a diagnosis of diabetes means your body is no longer capable of creating and controlling insulin production. Although this is not difficult to understand, the treatment can be hard. This article contains some tips to make it a little easier.
Every food has a glycemic index, which is a number that shows how great of an effect that food will have on blood sugar levels, based on its ingredients. Keep in mind that foods with a lower glycemic index are better for a person with diabetes.
Having a child with diabetes can appear overwhelming, but you can work through it. The treatment of diabetes has advanced tremendously in the last few years, and your child can have a normal life if they take care of themselves properly. Keep in mind that diabetics are living into their 80’s, and the oldest diabetic is 90! Your child need not be the exception!
Due to the large number of diabetics, diabetes awareness has really grown over the past decade. This helps to reduce any shame or stress that accompanies the diagnosis, but it really just makes your life much easier.
Pop, ketchup, and many other sweet confections contain this item, so read the nutrition data and ingredients on the label, and put it back on the shelf if it does have corn syrup in it. “Glucose/fructose” is how this product is labeled in Canada.
If you’re not sure how you can afford your diabetes medications, try looking at online pharmacies. You even have the option of getting your meds sent to your door each month on time.
Instead of eating three square meals, eat five or six light meals daily as part of your diabetes management plan. It will be easier to stabilize your blood sugar levels if you have more frequent meals during the day. Eating more frequently also helps to decrease the risk of binging, as you will feel more satisfied.
Blood Sugar
Don’t get alarmed if your blood sugar rises right after a treatment for low glucose reaction. You could be experiencing a release of hormones triggered by your body in response to lower glucose. In addition, it’s possible that you are over-treating the low glucose by too much food or liquids. Try reducing your meal by about half the next time and then check on your blood sugar level about 30 minutes later.
If you are dealing with diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice that can be included in your foods because it does not add sugar, sodium or calories to your diet. Cinnamon will sweeten just about anything, while helping you manage your sugar levels. There is some debate about whether cinnamon can lower glucose levels, but it is not harmful and can enhance many dishes.
Rather than just giving up things you like, slightly change them. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, it can be extremely hard to deal with following a strict diet. It’s a common myth that to control your diabetes, you must give up your favorite foods. Others will eat their favorites despite the diet. Look for alternatives to your favorite dishes if they are unhealthy. Most recipes can be made to fit into a diabetic diet by simply substituting the problem ingredients with healthy alternatives.
It is important that, as a diabetic, you eat nutritional foods on a regular basis and check your glucose levels, even when feeling unwell and you have no appetite. If your blood sugar stays low for too long, you can become dehydrated, so drink fluids even if you don’t feel like doing so.
Smoking is bad for everyone, though it is a lot worse for a diabetic. Participating in this habit will open you to many bad health effects. Smoking can make a person resistant to insulin, and those who are not diabetic already may be at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Blood Glucose Levels
Do not rely solely upon urine ketone testing to measure your blood glucose levels. While this type of testing can show you if your urine has high ketone levels, that only lets you know your blood glucose levels are over 200 milligrams for each deciliter. The ADA tells diabetics to use better ways to test yourself, these can be testing strips or finger sticks.
Egg whites are a perfect breakfast choice for a diabetic. Egg whites have the protein you need to get started each day, and they are also low in fat and calories. Consider trying an omelet of egg whites, or you could have scrambled egg whites with ham.
An insulated bag for insulin storage is one essential piece of equipment for the traveling diabetic. Keeping your insulin in a bag that is insulated will maintain the proper cool temperature required for this medication.
Diabetics are at higher risk for problems with their feet than non-diabetics. Examine your feet for signs of problems regularly, as failing to do so could lead to a foot amputation. If you follow these suggestions, you can maintain good health for your feet despite your diabetes.
Diabetics have an increased risk of developing gum disease. Because of this, it is vital to make sure you exercise good dental hygiene. Because of this, you need to brush your teeth a few times per day and floss a minimum of once per day.
Do not allow living with diabetes to become a complicated thing. Focus on the tips you’ve read in this article, in order to make living with diabetes a simple day-to-day routine that you can easily incorporate into your life. If you can follow these tips, you’re on your way to wellness.
