When you have been diagnosed with diabetes, managing it can seem like an overwhelming task that has the potential to take over your life. You can find some fresh and new ideas on coping with diabetes in the following article.
Diabetes is currently a very common disease. Understanding this will help you to feel more comfortable with your diagnosis and make things simpler for you.
Many common foods and beverages contain this ingredient, including a variety of sodas, cereals, snacks and condiments. Make sure you carefully read the labels on any prepared foods before you purchase them. If they contain high fructose corn syrup, leave them on the shelf. “Glucose/fructose” is how this product is labeled in Canada.
Reduce your risk of diabetes by switching to a high fiber diet. Increase the amount of whole grain foods that you consume, and at the same time, reduce your daily intake of processed foods and white bread. Evidence suggests that it is possible to reduce your risk for diabetes by eating a diet that contains whole grains.
Learn which foods can raise blood sugar. High glycemic index foods are those that can raise your levels quickly. Some examples of foods with high glycemic indexes are cereal, desserts, juices, breads and pasta. Your blood sugars do not respond well to foods that are processed either. Choose better foods, including fruits that are fresh and vegetables that are not canned, as well as seafood and meats.
Gestational Diabetes
Be sure to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and think you may have gestational diabetes. You can damage the health of you and your baby if you do not seek treatment for your gestational diabetes. Your doctor can give you a prescription to help with the diabetes, and also help with a food plan.
You have to carefully choose the food you eat if you suffer from diabetes. You have to remember that different foods are going to have different effects on the level of glucose in your blood, which could make you sick. When you eat a bigger meal, you will need a larger insulin injection, and a small meal will require less. If you are careful about what foods you do and do not eat, you will be able to better manage your glucose.
You are not at fault if you acquire gestational diabetes. Pregnancy often causes gestational diabetes, and there is really not much you can do to prevent it if you are susceptible to it. Keep your stress levels down, and think positive thoughts about yourself and your child.
Diabetics who smoke need to try and quit. Smoking harms everyone, but it can spike blood glucose which can be hazardous for those with diabetes. If you have a hard time quitting, talk to your doctor about what methods you may use.
One seasoning that’s great for diabetics is cinnamon. It won’t add calories, sodium, or sugar to your dishes, but it will add flavor. Additional sugars in foods can boost your blood glucose to unhealthy levels, but cinnamon does not do this and it enhances natural sweetness in a lot of foods. Some studies have shown promising results when it comes to cinnamon, concluding that it can lower glucose levels. Results on this are mixed, but cinnamon is a fantastic spice regardless of its glucose benefits.
Even if you are feeling ill and experiencing loss of appetite, being a diabetic makes it especially important to take care of your body by continuing to eat healthy foods, and monitor your glucose levels. Because a low glucose level can also cause dehydration, you should drink water frequently.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are a perfect breakfast choice for a diabetic. They don’t have much fat and are low-cal, and they will get you off to a great daily start with their protein. Consider trying an omelet of egg whites, or you could have scrambled egg whites with ham.
Exercise can be an effective way to maintain healthy levels of blood glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity in you body. Vary your workout. Incorporate aerobic exercise and strength training.
Diabetics are especially susceptible to problems with their feet. Be sure to care for your feet properly, because amputation can become necessary if care is not taken. Following this advice can help ensure you keep your feet healthy even if you have diabetes.
Being diabetic often means you are at greater risk for many conditions and complications, one of which is gum disease. For diabetics, oral care is of the utmost importance. Be a maniac about brushing your teeth after each meal, and floss before bed.
Increased Activity
Getting a lot of physical activity is important if you suffer from diabetes, or if you are trying to prevent this disease in your body. Exercise increases your insulin sensitivity so that insulin more efficiently converts blood sugar to energy. In addition, you may lose weight due to your increased activity level. Losing weight also helps prevent diabetes or reverse diabetic symptoms. So, because your blood sugar responds better with increased activity, if you are diabetic you cannot get by with being sedentary.
Make sure you eat your meals at the same time every day. Eat at least three meals a day and don’t skip any. When you delay or skip meals, and you’re diabetic, your blood sugar numbers can get out of control. If you have type 2 diabetes, your naturally high level of sugar will be combined with the glucose released from the liver in a dangerous spike.
Look for some ways to make the foods you eat healthier. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat your favorite foods. Just get creative and challenge yourself to revamp the foods into something that fits your healthy requirements. There are websites and cookbooks out there that have many recipes for diabetics.
So you see, the new ideas in this article may be what you are looking for in order to manage your diabetes a bit easier and still enjoy life. Use whichever tips you can that apply to you, and start improving your health today.