Hearing a diagnosis from your doctor that you have diabetes can be distressing, but having full information about the disease and ways to help manage it can help you create a more comfortable life. The piece that follows includes some great advice about managing diabetes and getting the right kind of care.
Make your life easier and more organized by doing everything the same way every time. For instance, when you go to bed at night, leave your insulin and measuring meter in the same part of the room so that you know where they are when you get up. When you are testing, do it at the same time each day, and keep a list nearby of the steps that must be completed so that you don’t skip any.
It’s not something that you should feel ashamed about, especially since it’s increasingly common. This helps to reduce any shame or stress that accompanies the diagnosis, but it really just makes your life much easier.
The risk of getting diabetes can be reduced by having a diet that is high in fiber. The consumption of whole grain foods reduces the consumption of the more high glycemic foods, such as white bread, and this can lower your diabetes risk. It has been widely researched and reported that those who eat a good portion of whole grains will have a lower chance of developing diabetes.
Always keep sugary gum or another form of sugar that is quick to grab and consume on hand when you are hypoglycemic. You have to be prepared, because a hypoglycemia attack can happen anywhere or any time. This definitely rings true if breakfast hasn’t been eaten yet, as your body still needs its sugar.
Diabetes Medications
Using an online pharmacy instead of a brick-and-mortar one can help you stretch your dollar when purchasing diabetes medications. Online pharmacies will also allow you to get monthly deliveries. This way you’ll always have the diabetes medications you need.
Research high glycemic index so that you can recognize them instantly. Foods like desserts, pasta and breads can all raise your blood sugar levels. In addition, these processed foods are bad on your blood sugar. Try eating fruits, veggies, meats, and fish instead.
If you are a diabetic who is addicted to processed foods, it can be tough to stop grabbing snacks from the cupboard or the office vending machine. It’s crucial that you avoid these unhealthy snacks, and instead fill up on fruit and vegetables.
Glucose Levels
If you are a diabetic, you need to carefully watch what you eat. Different food affect your glucose levels differently, so you need to closely monitor what you eat. Adapt your insulin injections to what you eat. If you carefully consider what you eat, your glucose levels can easily be managed.
Pregnant mothers should understand and take heart in the fact that gestational diabetes has not been caused by something they have done. It happens to people and it is something that is beyond your control. It’s important to keep stress to a minimum and keep your thoughts positive.
Don’t be alarmed by high blood sugar after treating a glucose reaction. In some cases, you might overcompensate for low blood sugar by eating too much, while in other cases your body might release hormones into your bloodstream when your sugar gets too low. These hormones can raise glucose naturally at the same time as you are raising it via eating. If you’re concerned about a spike after eating, try cutting your portion size in half to see how portion control affects your blood sugar level.
If you want to limit diabetes’ effects on your everyday life, then stop smoking. Smoking is bad for people in general, but it is even worse for those with diabetes because it can result in blood sugar being elevated to dangerous levels. If you have issues with quitting, talk to your doctor about options to help you stop.
Frequently remind yourself why it is so important that you keep your diabetes under control. Figure out what it is in your life that’s important to you. Is there something that prevents you from participating in those activities? Fix those problems first. Stay focused on what you find important and let that motivate the management of your diabetes.
Blood Sugar
Even though gestational diabetes generally goes away once the baby is born, you should still check your blood sugar with regularity. Many people think that you cannot still have blood sugar issues after birth, but this is false.
You need to work out regularly. Regular exercise will contribute to the stabilizing of blood sugar levels. Exercise is a big part of any healthy diabetic lifestyle.
It is important to not rely solely on the urine ketone test for checking your blood sugar. High ketone levels in the urine indicate only that your blood glucose is approximately higher than 200 milligrams per deciliter. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics use a finger stick and test strips. This provides a much accurate measurement for blood glucose levels.
It is against the law for an employer to bar applicants based on someone having an illness, such as diabetes. You have the right to not talk about any medical conditions at your job.
An insulated bag for insulin storage is one essential piece of equipment for the traveling diabetic. Insulin must be stored at a specific temperature; if you store it in a bag that is insulated, the temperature will remain consistent.
Diabetes doesn’t have to be scary, just educate yourself. By following the advice of this article, you should be armed with sufficient knowledge to face your fear, and effectively manage your diabetes.