It’s not easy to make lifestyle changes, especially if you’ve lived a certain way for most of your adult life. On the other hand, if you are afflicted with diabetes, then it’s critical that you start making some badly needed adaptations to your life with your health in mind. Here are some great tips you can use to cope with diabetes.
The glycemic index is a number that all foods have. It lets you know how the food will affect your blood sugar. Look for lower GI ratings if you struggle with diabetes.
Almonds are a great way to curb your appetite and they won’t bother your blood sugar levels. Unsalted almonds are filled with protein, fiber and many other nutrients that are very healthy. Always keep some almonds handy around the house so you always have them when you’re struck with the urge to snack.
Give yourself a scrumptious health boost by adding walnuts to your salads. The monounsaturated fats in walnuts can increase cell receptivity to insulin to help your body maintain good blood sugar levels. They also have omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which will give you energy.
Move into the 21st century and save money on diabetes testing supplies and medications by buying from an Internet pharmacy. Some websites let you set up an account and subscribe a monthly delivery system, so you always the supplies you need.
It can be difficult for diabetics to resist snacking on unhealthy foods. At all costs avoid this temptation, and try a fruit, or perhaps a veggie.
Eating several small meals a day instead of three large ones is a good habit for people with diabetes. Eating smaller, healthy meals frequently during the day helps maintain the stability of your blood sugar levels. You will be more satiated and less likely to binge if your eating is more frequent.
It is normal for your blood sugar level to spike in response to low glucose treatments. This may be caused by the low glucose itself, or it may be a result of excessive eating or drinking when you attempt to treat your low glucose levels. Try lowering the amount of food or drink by half and give your levels a check at 30 minutes.
Smoking cigarettes is especially dangerous for diabetics. Chemicals present in cigarettes can raise the level of sugar in your blood significantly if you are diabetic. If you have issues with quitting, talk to your doctor about options to help you stop.
Fast-acting insulin shots are usually best taken a few minutes before a meal. This type of insulin is only effective if taken at the proper time and dosage for each person.
To improve treatment compliance, take a moment to reflect on why you take care of your diabetes. Take a moment to consider how diabetes may be limiting you from doing what you love. Then, remember that there are ways to manage this chronic illness, and that there is hope yet to do these things again. Let your love of these things keep you motivated to manage your diabetes.
No matter how you are feeling, it is critical that you keep an eye on glucose levels and your overall diet. Keep the fluids up as well, in order to avoid dehydration.
Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, but diabetics who do it are begging for trouble. Having this habit only brings about detrimental health effects. Smoking makes you insulin-resistant, and if you’re not a diabetic, you could be at risk for type 2 diabetes.
A common misconception regarding diabetes is that sugar is not allowed in your diet. You need to remain diligent about keeping sweets to a minimum, but not completely gone from your diet. You could still savor a little serving of your favorite dessert on special occasions. Because consuming desserts adds additional carbohydrates to your diet, you should reduce other foods you consume that have carbohydrates when you eat this treat.
Even though gestational diabetes generally only lasts as long as your pregnancy, you need to keep checking your sugars until you can be sure that it is gone. It is thought by a lot of people that once you give birth your blood sugar issues go away, but this isn’t exactly the case.
You shouldn’t only rely on urine ketone testing as a means to measure blood sugar levels. If you have a high ketone level it will only show that blood glucose is higher than 200 mg per deciliter. The ADA suggest that diabetics use testing strips and finger sticks for more accurate testing.
In some rare individuals, their diabetes is actually cured. That means making some serious lifestyle changes, and those changes will be for life, not just a few months. Consider reading this article as a starting point for a healthier daily life. The rest is up to you.