You may get the sense that handling diabetes requires all of your time, leaving you little opportunity to research better ways to navigate the condition. However, locating fresh ideas for coping with diabetes can be quick and simple with the tips laid out below.
Try to keep a tight schedule in order to simplify your life and allow your body to get used to normal cycles. For instance, put your insulin and meter in the exact same place every evening so you know where it is in the morning. When you are testing your blood sugar, write down all your levels in a log.
Many items on store shelves have this ingredient, so make sure you’re choosing products without it before you put them in your cart. Most soda drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, but so does ketchup, so check the labels. When in Canada you will notice this product is called “glucose” or “fructose”.
If you consume more foods that are high in fiber, your chance of diabetes will decline. Consuming processed and overly refined foods with a high glycemic index increases your risk of developing diabetes; instead, eat foods that are made with whole grains. Research has shown that those who eat more whole grains are at lower risk of getting diabetes.
Hypoglycemics should always have hard candy and sugary gum available in case of a hypoglycemic attack. The effects of hypoglycemia can be much more dangerous than those of hyperglycemia, and it can rear its ugly head at any time. This is even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
Glycemic Index Foods
Make a list of high glycemic index foods and learn to identify potential problem foods and ingredients. For example, most juices, breads, desserts, cereals, and types of pasta are high glycemic index foods. Processed foods send your blood sugar on a roller coaster. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits, meats and fish to your diet.
There are a variety of cost efficient ways diabetics can lose weight, such a taking a jog or exercising at a playground. Do some chin ups at the playground or when you are at home lift some canned goods.
Being diabetic and a snacker can make it hard to stay away from the not-so-healthy snacks available. Replace unhealthy snacks with fruits or vegetables instead.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant mothers should understand and take heart in the fact that gestational diabetes has not been caused by something they have done. Pregnancy often causes gestational diabetes, and there is really not much you can do to prevent it if you are susceptible to it. It’s important to keep stress to a minimum and keep your thoughts positive.
Glucose tablets are a helpful course of action to take for those with hypoglycemia, provided you speak with a physician beforehand. They are portable and small, providing an excellent way to get needed glucose into your system more quickly than consuming foods with sugar.
Instead of depriving yourself of your favorite foods, look for ways to make them healthier. For most, the restrictive diet that is necessary to control diabetes is the most difficult part of dealing with the disorder. Many even believe that they have to completely eliminate all their favorite foods. Others may continue to eat foods that negatively impact their health. A great idea is to make substitutions for your favorite dishes. You can easily make many foods more diabetes-friendly by switching out problem ingredients.
Clearly, the tips you have just read represent a path to successful diabetes management, and can serve as a road to a happier life. Pick from the tips above, and you will be able to start feeling better today.