Diabetes is a medical condition that should be taken seriously by anyone afflicted with it. However, it does not have to devastate your life, if you take the steps and precautions necessary to treat diabetes every day. By taking control of your diabetes, you can live a satisfying and fulfilling life.
Skip the french fries and ditch the baked potato – it’s time to replace your carb-heavy side dishes with something that’s actually GOOD for a Diabetic. Salad! I’m not talking potato or pasta salad, they’re both carbohydrate disaster areas. Pick up some lettuce, shred some vegetables, throw on some tomato wedges and a nice light oil and vinegar dressing and dig in!
While at work, try to get in as much exercise as possible to keep your Diabetes in check. Take the stairs to the next floor to use the washroom, or go for a brisk walk around the cubicles during a break. You can even pump some iron with a bottle of water when you’re on the phone!
If you feel someone is giving you unwelcome advice about diabetes, ask them to back off. If you do it politely they won’t be offended, and you won’t have to listen to them rattle on about things you either don’t care about or already know. If you have the knowledge to back it up then you’ll become the master of your domain!
To save money, the American Diabetes Association approves the re-use of testing lancets. These are the needles used by your glucometer to test your blood sugar. Re-using them does result in them becoming dull, so be sure to change them out when you notice the pain level of your testing rising. Never share lancets.
Cut the trans fats out of your diet if you’re diagnosed as a Diabetic. Trans fats cause heart disease, increase fat around your midsection, and lead to healthy people developing Diabetes. If you stop eating this less-than-healthy item you can help reduce your chances of developing heart problems early in life.
Treat yourself to a leg and foot massage once in a while to keep your circulation pumping. Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy, which can be painful and not reversible. Have your spouse put some lotion on your calves and give you a soothing rub to relieve your stress and help your feet stay healthy.
The website Act1diabetes.org can help Diabetics with low incomes swap out their Diabetic supplies for new ones. It’s free for people who can’t afford to pay even a discounted price for the service, so look into it if you are having problems financially or have a limited income at the moment.
You can control, prevent, or even reverse diabetes just through nutrition, healthy weight levels and exercise. There is no need for special diets. Just try to eat a healthy diet concentrating on vegetables, whole grains, fruits and good fats. That’s a healthy diet for everyone!
If you’re looking for a fitness class to help you lose weight to deal with your Diabetes, try the hospital! They often offer aerobics classes for people with various issues, like seniors or the morbidly obese, or regular fitness classes through outreach programs. Ask your doctor to find out if these are available to you or apply directly.
A great way to save money and still eat healthy is to plan out all your meals. If you can reuse a food bought in bulk multiple times, like a loaf of bread or a specific vegetable, you’ll be able to save money on the purchase. Plan out every meal to make the most of your grocery buys.
If you see ANY damage to the skin on your feet and you have Diabetes you must let your podiatrist know as soon as possible! He’ll be able to tell you what to use to keep it clean and free of infection, and prescribe you an antibiotic cream or gel if necessary.
If you struggle with diabetes, a great tip is to always include healthy carbohydrates in your diet. People with type 2 diabetes who eat a minimal amount of carbohydrates have very low energy and extreme headaches. You should aim to include healthy carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You will have more energy and less headaches.
If you want to choose a treat that might be high in sugar, go for an item that is also high in protein. For example, ice cream has a lot of protein to help you break down the sugar in it. Another option is cheesecake with a high fiber crust. Yogurt with berries can also be a great treat, especially if you use non-fat unsweetened yogurt like kefir.
Educate yourself. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a scary prospect, so seek out information in order to be prepared and know what to expect. You can look into a class at your local community college, or check with the American Diabetes Association, as they have a team of educators who hold informational meetings you can attend.
Monitor your blood sugar at the same time every day. This helps you to know your body and to better anticipate any change of schedule or any problem. In addition, you can better control your intake of sugar, if you know what your blood level is. Monitoring times should be as regularly as you like.
Alcohol consumption causes the body to have an excessively high intake of carbohydrates. This raises the blood sugar level in your body and over a period of time significantly increases your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. Routine alcohol consumption at high levels is severely detrimental to your health for many reasons including contributing to diabetes.
As stated earlier, you can be a proactive part of your treatment of diabetes. You have the obligation to yourself to make the best informed choices to minimize the negative effects of diabetes on your life. Following these tips will help ensure you have a lifetime of happiness, without being controlled by your diabetes.