If you have diabetes, are you aware of what to eat or how much you need to exercise? Read this article to find out how you can adapt your daily life to stay in control of your condition.
The glycemic index is a number that all foods have. It lets you know how the food will affect your blood sugar. Keep in mind that foods with a lower glycemic index are better for a person with diabetes.
If you are diabetic, you need to learn to indulge in a healthy manner. You probably need not shun sweets entirely. Keep your blood sugar levels controlled and you can indulge on occasion. You can balance the consumption of desserts by not eating an equivalent amount of carbohydrates in your meal.
Sleep Apnea
If you are suffering from diabetes you should test yourself for sleep apnea. In the event that you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, following up on treatment options is essential to avoid the chance of serious complications.
Diabetics should be very cautious when going for a pedicure. People who suffer from diabetes are more likely to get foot infections, so it is important to be extra careful not to pierce or cut your skin.
Be sure to follow a diet that is high in fiber to reduce the chances of developing diabetes. This is a good way to replace high glycemic foods, such as white bread or processed foods by whole grain foods. Research shows that a diet high in whole grains can decrease the chances that a person will be afflicted with the disease.
If you are hypoglycemic, you should always have gum or some other type of sugary food handy. Hypoglycemia attacks can occur anywhere, and it is crucial that you are prepared for one. This is particularly the case when breakfast has been skipped, because the body is now seeking sugar.
If you’re not sure how you can afford your diabetes medications, try looking at online pharmacies. These stores also allow you to arrange for monthly deliveries of your drugs, so you never have to worry about running out.
Gestational Diabetes
Your doctor will do a regular screening for gestational diabetes. If you do have gestational diabetes and you choose to look the other way, you are not only putting yourself in harm’s way, but your baby’s health as well. You can take prescriptions that will not harm the baby and your doctor can help you set up a diet.
If you are a diabetic, you need to carefully watch what you eat. Different foods affect glucose levels differently, and you will need to carefully scrutinize your food choices. Larger meals will require larger insulin injections, while smaller meals require less. If you watch your meals, you can actively manage your glucose levels.
This means there is an increased chance of your child developing diabetes, either when born or as he or she ages. Don’t risk it – take care of your body and protect the health of your unborn child.
Smoking is not a habit a diabetic should start, or continue. Smoking is an unhealthy habit for everyone, but it can be especially dangerous for diabetics as it can cause elevated blood glucose levels. Your doctor can help you to determine the best way to beat your nicotine addiction.
Blood Glucose Levels
One flavorful spice that diabetics can use, that doesn’t contain sugar, sodium or calories, is cinnamon. Cinnamon also helps draw out the sweetness in different foods without elevating blood glucose levels. Some even believe that cinnamon will lower blood glucose levels, but the jury is still out on that one.
If you have hypoglycemia, speak to your physician about taking some glucose tablets. You can easily take these tablets with you wherever you go. In addition, your body can digest them much more quickly than any sweets you consume, so it takes much less time for your glucose levels to rise.
Even if you don’t feel well and don’t want to eat, you need to eat low-GI foods every few hours, as well as check your blood glucose levels. When your blood sugar is low for an extended period of time, you can become dehydrated. Take time to drink extra fluids if you suspect you are dehydrated.
There are a lot of things you need to know if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. The disease can be like a dark cloud in your life unless you can start clearing it away by learning to manage it. By using the advice you have learned throughout this article, you can take the steps to change your life and ultimately live comfortably with your disease.
