Sometimes, living with diabetes and managing the disease can be very stressful. There is so much that you have to learn about living with the disease and managing it, on a day to day basis, so that you can survive and live a normal life. Guidelines like the ones here in this guide can aid you in doing that.
You can get a free blood glucose meter from your pharmacy just by asking. They usually have coupons or rebates so that you can get the latest model at no cost, the caveat is that you’ll be buying their brand of blood test strips for the rest of your life.
If you suffer from diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease, it is a good idea to eat a diet that is high in fiber. Fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans prevents diabetes by buffering the sugar or carbohydrates in your diet, keeping your blood sugar even instead of having it fluctuate.
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, 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.
Increasing your intake of magnesium is not only good for your heart, it can help your diabetes too! You can find lots of magnesium in fish, leafy greens, and nuts, so include those items in your diet as often as possible. Almonds are an excellent choice to grab as a snack any time.
If you have a family history of diabetes, prevention is very important. A great way to prevent diabetes is to increase your intake of fiber. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. Foods high in fiber increase your blood sugar control ability, which in turn reduces your chances of getting diabetes. Filling your plate up with foods high in fiber is an important way to prevent diabetes.
To avoid developing more serious health problems because of your diabetes, be sure to take any prescribed medication as directed. Keeping track of medication can be a challenge, but it’s vital to maintaining your health. If your medications have troublesome side effects, see your doctor immediately, and don’t discontinue the medication without their okay.
Following the USDA Food Guide Pyramid will help you to live healthier with diabetes. The food guide pyramid was developed as a guide for healthy eating for everyone. It works for people with diabetes, too. The shape of the pyramid tells you how much to eat of different foods.
Gestational diabetes can lead to Type II Diabetes later in life, so make sure the changes you implement during pregnancy continue after your baby is born. Having a healthy diet while breastfeeding is important, so keep eating cleanly throughout that time and afterward as well. Exercise will not only help you lose weight and tighten your skin back up, but it will also keep your blood sugar levels constantly normal.
Your sugar levels might spike if you have just treated a low glucose level. It may be caused by overcompensating with the food or drink you take or it can be a hormonal response of your body to combat the low glucose level. The next time, try to drink or eat half of what you normally do, then check the levels again after a half hour.
To make sure your family understands your needs, take the time to explain diabetes to them. Discussing your condition with them will give them valuable knowledge they can use to help you in a crisis. It will also make them aware of things they can do to help. You may even find that talking about your diabetes is very cathartic.
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.
It is crucial that people with diabetes get a simple blood test known as an HbA1c test every three months. HbA1c tests show blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and can help your doctor control your diabetes. It is recommended that the HbA1c is kept at or below seven percent.
For employers, turning down a job application because the prospective employee has diabetes is illegal. You do not have to tell employers about medical issues during the hiring process.
If you are diabetic, you need to be taking extra good care of your feet. More than half of all foot amputations are related to diabetes. Make sure you are cleaning them well, and not putting any extra strain on your feet. That means not standing for long periods of time, or doing anything to strenuous.
The number one way to ensure that you stay healthy, even though you have diabetes, is having a proper diet plan. Keep your disease under control by following a proper diabetic diet plan. There are many websites out there that are able to help you in developing a proper diet plan as well as finding the right doctor to work with you. Make sure to do your research and provide your body with enough nutrients to fight diabetes.
If you have diabetes, be especially diligent about keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Diabetes can make your heart and blood vessels extremely vulnerable to illness. If diabetes and heart conditions team up, you are all but guaranteeing yourself a stroke or heart attack. Staying healthy means incorporating exercise and nutritious food choices into your daily life.
Armed with the knowledge you’ve learned about diabetes, you’re now ready to start bettering your life. Be mindful of the fact that this article is only the tip of the iceberg of diabetes knowledge that you can find, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities for further learning.