Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people. It is a disease that needs to be monitored by your doctor. But if you are receiving medical care for diabetes, there are also some great tips and advice in this article that can help you live a better quality of life.
Lemon juice is a tasty addition to any salad or even a glass of water, and studies show it can help you avoid a spike in your blood sugar after a meal. I like to make lemon juice ice cubes and let them melt in my drink, making it a little easier to drink.
If you’re going to go a non-traditional route for your diabetes treatment, continue to be under the supervision of a doctor. Make sure to visit him at least every 3 months, so he can check your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. He should also test your organ functions, at the intervals he sets for you.
Quit smoking. Try again if you’ve tried before. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels. Diabetes already have a problem with circulation to the extremeties; that’s what leads to vision problems and the need for amputations. Smoking increases these risks, as well as being bad for your health overall. Ask your doctor for some resources to help you quit.
Reduce or stop drinking caffeinated beverages to help lower your blood sugar naturally. Drinking caffeine, such as coffee or tea, releases the hormone adrenaline that is known to raise blood glucose levels. Limit the amount of caffeine drinks to fewer than four cups a day to lower your blood sugar.
If you’re Diabetic, don’t overeat simply because your sugar is low. A single pack of sugary candy or a glucose tab is a much safer and more controlled method of bringing your sugar level back up. If you overeat in reaction to a low, you’re likely to spike your sugar instead of bringing it back to normal.
Think about what you drink. Diabetics need to be careful of everything they ingest, so don’t forget to monitor the nutrition data and ingredients on the items your drinking. Juice, for example, is very high in sugar, so you should drink it in moderation. Milk can be high in fat, so stick to skim.
In addition to eating healthy foods, you should also remember to eat food regularly. Instead of eating huge meals two or three times a day like most people do, eat smaller meals spaced out through the day. Doing so will keep your blood sugar at normal levels and regulate hunger.
There really is not a diabetic diet. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you get 50 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fats, and 20 percent from proteins. Proteins work to stabilize blood sugars and to help you feel satisfied. Proteins also help your body to rebuild and provide nutrients your body needs not found in carbs and fats.
If you notice that your urinary ketone levels are uncommonly high, this may indicate that your body is especially low on insulin levels. Your body is being forced to process sugar, rather than fat as fuel for your body from day to day, or as part of your fasting efforts. Consult your physician if ketone levels continue to rise as this may be indicative of a condition called ketoacidosis.
Remove contributors to the complications of diabetes. Try to avoid unhealthy habits that will affect your heart health and chances for stroke. Smoking should be stopped at all costs, maintain a healthy blood pressure through stress management and salt control and evaluate lifestyle choices that can have less than favorable results.
If you suffer from diabetes, it is essential that you get a proper amount of exercise. Everyone needs exercise, but those suffering from diabetes definitely need daily exercise in order to keep blood sugar under control. If you struggle with finding time to exercise, then try walking during your lunch break, and always be certain to take the stairs when you can.
When you are diabetic your insurance will normally pay for blood testing equipment you can use in the privacy of your own home to manage your condition. Make sure you go over all of the manufacturer’s directions to ensure that you are properly taking care of your very important equipment.
Adding additional fiber to your diet may help to control your diabetes. Several scientific studies have shown that fiber has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Eating fiber can also help you to feel full and thus, lose weight. Healthy weight levels are known to be associated with positive blood sugar levels as well.
Write up some quick emergency instructions for you to keep with you at all times. In these instructions makes sure to describe your care regimen in case you are rendered unconscious or unable to speak. This can be of great help to those who have a serious diabetic condition and can go into shock.
If you have Diabetes, journal your eating habits and blood sugar levels. Do this every day, for every meal. The information contained in your journal can help to explain blood sugar spikes, or dips, throughout the day. It can also provide your physician with real life information that can be used for your on going treatment.
When you are managing diabetes, write down any questions you have before an appointment with your physician. This will help you to remember what you should ask, even during a rushed physical. Getting your questions answered will put you on the road to successful management of your health condition.
Control when and how much you eat. Try to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day. Eating at the same time will keep your blood sugar regulated and make it easier to maintain. How much you eat is important because even if you eat healthy, but overeat, you can gain weight.
Maintaining your health should always be priority number one. Without your health you don’t have much else. Using the tips in this article should give you an easier time dealing with and managing your diabetes. There is a lot of life left to live and you want to be able to enjoy it.