Changing your lifestyle is hard, because you have had the same routines for so long. However, those who have been diagnosed with diabetes will need to make these changes whether they like it or not. The following are several great ideas for managing your diabetes.
Look at the glycemic index on the labels of the foods you buy. This is an indicator of how this food will affect sugar levels. Don’t forget: Lower GI numbers mean that the food is better for someone with diabetes.
To satisfy your hunger without throwing off your blood glucose levels, snack on almonds. Unsalted almonds are filled with protein, fiber and many other nutrients that are very healthy. Keep a container or bowl of almonds handy by the television or computer so you have a handy snack whenever you need it.
There is no shortage of foods with lots of protein, including lean meats, dairy products, and vegan options like tofu. Try various things to keep you healthy and avert the boredom of a strict diet.
Having a kid who has diabetes can be very frustrating, but you will be able to deal with it. Proper treatments allow your child to live a normal life. The oldest diabetic is 90 years old. He was living before all the medical knowledge we currently have.
Many people suffer from diabetes. Understanding this will help you to feel more comfortable with your diagnosis and make things simpler for you.
If you’re diabetic, you must learn to indulge healthily. Eliminating all sweets from your diet may not be necessary, however. If your blood glucose level is under control, it is fine to eat desserts occasionally. You can add a dessert into your meal by removing carbohydrates that equal the dessert.
If you’re diabetic, be careful when you get a pedicure. Because people with diabetes are likely to develop foot infections, even a small cut can have serious results.
You’ll be surprised at the number of items containing corn syrup, so check labels, and be prepared to put back common items such as ketchup, sodas, sauces and sweets. If you buy food products in Canada, you will want to watch out for any food that is labeled with “glucose/fructose”.
Blood Sugar
Know which foods have high GI values and can spike your blood sugar when ingested. Breads, desserts, pastas, cereal, and even juices are products that are high in the glycemic index. Processed foods are also terrible for your blood sugar. Rather than consuming these terrible foods, eat fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Go to your doctor immediately if you notice anything wrong with your vision. Glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy can appear because of diabetes. Dealing with your condition is really important because failure to respond opens the door to the worst possibilities that include going blind.
Sometimes when you’re a diabetic, and you are tempted to snack, it is hard to resist the goodies that surround you. Pass up the Pop Tarts, though, and eat a veggie or fruit instead.
It is a good idea for diabetics to have five or six small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. Eating small healthy meals, several times a day, will keep your blood sugar stable. If you eat more often, you won’t get as hungry between meals — and you won’t eat as much.
Diabetics who smoke should stop immediately. Smoking is bad for your health generally, but it is especially dangerous for those with diabetes because it can spike your glucose levels dangerously high. If you have a hard time quitting, talk to your doctor about what methods you may use.
One of the myths associated with diabetes is that you must avoid sugar at all costs. However, you will need to exercise caution and discretion when you do enjoy a small dessert. You can enjoy smaller portions of those favorite sweets on certain occasions. If you’ll be enjoying some sweets, eliminate other carb containing foods to fit the sweets in.
Take a small insulated bag with your insulin and supplies, if you plan on traveling. Insulated bags protect insulin from spoiling due to temperature extremes.
Diabetics should include healthy carbohydrates in their diets. Removing all carbs from a diabetic’s diet is not healthy, as it cuts out many sources of essential vitamins, fibers, and minerals from their diet. Be sure that you eat enough carbohydrates to maintain your energy level.
Skipping meals can cause blood glucose levels to rise because the liver releases glucose to give your body the fuel it needs to function. This can negatively impact a diabetic’s health. Eating regularly and eating snacks with carbs could decrease glucose.
Learn more about ketoacidosis. This is an increase of acid in blood, and it will happen when blood sugar levels get very high. When fat is burned to produce energy, ketones are produced. Ketones are a byproduct which raise the acid levels in your blood. The worst case scenario can be a coma. Some symptoms are confusion, extreme thirst and breath that smells fruity. The way you can treat these symptoms is to take your insulin and increase your hydration levels. Ketoacidosis is dangerous and must be treated promptly, so monitor your blood sugar, use your insulin properly, and know the symptoms so that you do not hurt yourself.
Diabetes is not a disease that can typically be cured, although rarely it has been. It is important to remember when making changes to your lifestyle that these changes are for life. This information can help, however, it can help just so much. Don’t do half-measures.