The diagnosis of diabetes can seem quite scary at first but as you learn more, you realize that it can be managed. You don’t have to change your entire life. You can make adjustments and take better care of yourself but that is a good thing to do anyway. This article can help you develop the right attitude about diabetes and you.
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 make sure your blood sugar levels don’t spike or plummet without you realizing it, check your blood sugar regularly and log the results. It’s very common for people to experience dramatic changes in their blood sugar with no initial symptoms. Carefully tracking your levels will help you avoid serious health problems like kidney failure or strokes.
Many people think diabetics have to avoid all sweets, but this isn’t necessarily true. When planning a sweet dessert or snack, just make sure it is included in a healthy meal or with exercise. Your doctor can guide you with pointers to help you include desserts and snacks in your diet.
Try to avoid alcohol when you are diabetic. Even small amounts of alcohol, especially beer, can dangerously raise your blood sugar. Many doctors are in agreement that having a glass of wine once in awhile is okay for diabetics, just do not have more than one glass and do not drink it everyday.
To spot foods that may be an issue for you, keep track of what you eat in a log alongside of your glucose levels. After a while, you’ll be able to notice the effect that certain foods have on you. This is a much better way to spot problematic foods than an elimination diet, and can also show you what foods benefit your health.
Baking your own bread, canning your own vegetables, and even grinding your own flour is far more healthy than purchasing it at a store. You’ll also save a ton of money, and you’ll know what is going into the foods you eat. A diabetic has to be careful about every ingredient, and if YOU measured and put them all in there, it will make keeping track easy!
Eating out at restaurants or getting take out is not only bad for a Diabetic’s health, but also their checkbook. Save money and your blood glucose level by eating at home instead. You can find many copycat recipes online for all your favorite foods, and even healthier versions which are better for you.
To make sure you don’t suffer from diabetes-related complications, always get plenty of sleep. Studies have show that people suffering from sleep deprivation eat much more food, which will make it difficult to keep your diabetes under control. A good night’s rest will also help your body to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Join a support group for those with diabetes. It’s not because you don’t fit in anywhere else, it’s because talking to others with your condition will help you to feel that you aren’t quite alone in the world. Other people are going through what you are going through and a support group can help.
If you’re having trouble keeping yourself to a healthy Diabetic diet, don’t change things up. Have a chicken night, a fish night, a lentil burger night, etc. so that you know what’s supposed to happen on Thursday and can prepare for it. If you have something different every night you’ll still have variation, but having a schedule will make you feel much less stress and you won’t cave into temptation.
Do not eat meats that are high in fat if you have diabetes. These meats can raise your glucose levels which can cause many serious health problems. Most supermarkets sell lean meats that have the same taste but are healthier for your diabetes. Also, try to stick with low-fat dairy products.
When you are a diabetic you should make sure you are eating as many whole foods as possible. When shopping you should always buy fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid buying too many processed foods that contain ingredients that are bad for your condition. Avoid getting any foods with too much sugar such as sweets or soda.
To better control your diabetes, add more exercise into your daily routine. Exercise can help to control blood sugar levels, which is essential to any diabetes maintenance plan. It also promotes a healthy weight, which can make managing diabetes easier to do. Strive for at least twenty minutes of moderate exercise three or four times a week.
It is beneficial to keep a blood glucose monitoring system in your home if you are a diabetic. Most insurance companies will pay for your blood glucose monitoring system. To receive accurate results, make sure that you keep your equipment clean and in a safe environment. Doing so will ensure your results are accurate and your equipment lasts for a long time.
Having diabetes makes you prone to foot problems. If you don’t pay attention to the increased risks, you could be looking at even more serious problems, including possible amputation, in the future. Follow these basic steps to make sure your feet stay in good condition.
You have a sweet tooth, but you’ve just been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, what are you going to do? There are many artificial sweeteners that can take the place of sugar in our lives. We may have tasted diet soda and though that we couldn’t bare it. But with multiple tastes you begin to get used to the taste and before long you will find yourself enjoying these diet beverages as much as you enjoyed the real thing. Better still, try carbonated water with just a little fruit juice.
As stated earlier, diabetes doesn’t have to be a horrible way to live. It can actually lead to a better life because you are taking care of yourself. You just eat healthier and exercise a bit which are all things you should do anyway. By taking heed of the information in this article, you can have a winning attitude towards diabetes.