Medical science has made some remarkable progress in the treatment of diabetes, and people are learning to live healthier, happier and more productive lives than ever with this condition. Still, many people are confused or remain in the dark as to how to best manage their diabetes. The suggestions presented in this article will help you learn more about steps that you can take to lead a healthy life as a diabetic.
Check the glycemic index to determine how much different foods will affect your blood sugar level. The lower a food’s GI number is, the safer it is for a diabetic to consume.
You must educate yourself on healthy indulgences if you are a diabetic. You most likely do not need to give up those sweet treats for the rest of your life. If your blood sugar continues to stay under control, you can enjoy dessert every now and then. Plan for desserts by removing an equal number of carbs from the main part of your meal.
Sleep Apnea
Get tested for sleep apnea if you suffer from diabetes. Treating sleep apnea can improve your overall health and help you manage your diabetes more effectively.
It is important to bring along high-sugar foods or chewing gum if you are hypoglycemic. Attacks from hypoglycemia can pop up any place and at anytime; therefore, it’s vital you are properly prepared in case one occurs. This is particularly the case when breakfast has been skipped, because the body is now seeking sugar.
If you are diabetic, talk to your physician if your vision is bugging you or there are any problems with it. Glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy can appear because of diabetes. You must attend to these problems right away to avoid possible vision loss and/or blindness.
People who snack a lot, including diabetics, have a hard time saying “No” when vending machines beckon. You need to do everything that you can though to avoid this temptation, and instead eat some veggies, fruit, or any other complex carbohydrate.
If you have diabetes, you must be careful about what you eat. The food you eat will change your blood sugar level almost immediately after you eat, so you need to monitor and log what you are eating. Depending on the amount of exercise you get, you may need more insulin for large meals, and less for small meals. If you monitor your meals and are careful with your diet, you can manage your blood glucose levels well.
Do not blame yourself for gestational diabetes. It is out of the control of the person it affects and is very, very common. Cancel negative thoughts and think positively about your child and yourself. This will go a long way toward lowering stress.
Favorite Foods
Instead of totally eliminating foods you love, alter them so that they are healthier. For most, the restrictive diet that is necessary to control diabetes is the most difficult part of dealing with the disorder. Many people believe they must completely get rid of many of their favorite foods. Others will ignore the diet restrictions and still consume their favorite foods. Look for alternatives to your favorite dishes if they are unhealthy. By adjusting some of the ingredients, many foods that are bad for a diabetic diet can become diabetic-friendly.
When you are ill or do not have an appetite it is important that you take great care of your health by eating the right foods, especially if you have diabetes. Keep the fluids up as well, in order to avoid dehydration.
While gestational diabetes typically goes way post-birth, you must stil have your glucose checked periodically. People believe that after you give birth, your issues with blood sugar levels magically disappear, but sadly that is not true.
Get some exercise regularly. This will help you process insulin and sugar while keeping glucose levels stable. Exercise should be a wonderful part of a diabetic lifestyle.
It is illegal for employers to not hire someone or fire an employee for a medical condition. Due to this, you do not have to tell them about your pre-existing medical conditions.
Egg Whites
Eating egg whites for breakfast is a wonderful idea for anyone suffering from diabetes. Egg whites are a low-calorie, low-fat food that will give you the protein you need to get going each morning. Make an omelet out of the egg whites, or scramble them up and serve with some sliced ham.
When traveling, keep your insulin in an insulated bag. Extremes of temperature, either too warm or too cold, can ruin insulin. Using an insulated bag will keep insulin at the proper temperature in any weather.
Have all of your needed supplies in one bag and ready to go. Also have smaller bags hidden around the house and car so that you have one no matter where you are. When you have all of your necessary supplies with you, you ensure that you have everything you need if there is a health issue.
Add a little vinegar to your meals. Adding just a bit of vinegar can keep your glucose levels from rising as quickly when you eat. Vinegar slows the speed of starch digestion, and can keep digested food in the stomach for longer.
Glucose Levels
Keep a consistent meal schedule. Keeping to a regular schedule, and not missing meals, keeps your blood glucose levels from bouncing around wildly. Adding this glucose to the average type 2 diabetic’s high glucose levels can provoke a steep rise in blood sugar.
Yes, it’s got sugar, but it also contains a lot of fat. Your body digests fat slowly, which means it will take longer for the chocolate to effect your blood sugar levels. Instead, get a fat-free sugar based snack to get your glucose up fast.
When you are able to understand the causes and treatments for diabetes, it will become less scary to deal with. This information is only as helpful as you allow it to be. Incorporate these tips into your day-to-day life, and you will soon see results.
