If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of diabetes, your first step should be to see a physician to get properly diagnosed. Your next step should be working to manage your disease. If you have diabetes, the tips in this article can help you out tremendously in getting a grip on the affliction.
Apples are so good for you if you’re diabetic! They give you something sweet to beat a sugar craving, and they’re high in fiber, which will help you keep your weight down. They don’t provide a large blood sugar spike after eating, so they can give you a ton of energy without causing you any health problems.
Eating fresh, non-processed foods is an easy way for a diabetic to keep his or her weight in check and blood sugar stable. By shopping only the outside aisles of the grocery store you will find you’re not exposed to the processed sugary or carbohydrate-laden treats, that can lead to temptation.
Find out if your health insurer will help you quit smoking after your diagnosis of Diabetes. Many insurance companies provide all sorts of resources for policyholders who want to quit smoking as it will save them money both on the health claims you make and any home insurance claims for accidental fire.
Diabetes causes you higher blood-glucose levels, which also affects how much glucose is in your saliva. You have to take extra care of your gums and teeth to keep the rot and decay away. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure to see your dentist twice a year for cleaning.
Cut the trans fats out of your diet if you’re diagnosed as a Diabetic. Trans fats cause heart disease, increase fat around your midsection, and lead to healthy people developing Diabetes. If you stop eating this less-than-healthy item you can help reduce your chances of developing heart problems early in life.
To avoid developing a life-threatening infection, avoid going barefoot outdoors. People with diabetes are much more susceptible to developing infections from minor injuries and simply cutting your foot on a piece of glass could become a major ordeal. Instead, try wearing lightweight, waterproof shoes when you’re going outside in warm weather.
If you are the primary caregiver of a person with diabetes, you may need support also. You carry a heavy load caring for and making decisions for your loved one as well as monitoring their diet and lifestyle to keep them healthy. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Your doctor can recommend respite care to give you a break, or even a nurse to help with care. You don’t have to do it alone.
If you have Diabetes then it is important that you dry your feet carefully after a bath, shower, or a dip in the pool. Your feet will be more prone to getting infections, including fungal, so keeping them cool and dry can help prevent that from happening. Don’t forget in between your toes!
If you have a family history of heart disease, strokes or hardened arteries, you should be especially vigilant in controlling your blood glucose levels. Well-maintained levels can delay the onset of these and other medical conditions, and can also decrease your odds of developing these diseases as you get older.
If you suffer from Diabetes, a helpful tip is to eat bars or shakes especially made for Diabetics in between your meals when you are out. Doing this can keep your glucose levels even. However, you want to avoid having these in addition to your meals because that will cause your glucose levels to climb. Only use them as meal replacements!
To make sure the carbohydrates you consume don’t cause an issue for your body, eat them alongside protein. Protein will make sure your body absorbs the carbohydrates you eat slowly, which will help prevent dramatic changes to your blood sugar levels. Protein rarely increases blood glucose levels, and it’s a great way to balance carbohydrates out.
It is crucial that people with diabetes get a simple blood test known as an HbA1c test every three months. HbA1c tests show blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and can help your doctor control your diabetes. It is recommended that the HbA1c is kept at or below seven percent.
To keep your fingertips from cracking when you check your glucose levels, clean them with an anti-bacterial soap. While using alcohol to clean your skin may be your first instinct, it has a drying effect that makes your fingertips more susceptible to cracking. Anti-bacterial soap will ensure your hands are free of bacteria without drying them out.
To avoid sugar but still sweeten your food, ask about neotame. Neotame is an FDA approved sweetener that has been confirmed safe for sufferers of diabetes. Neotame is extremely sweet, so only a small amount needs to be used. This will allow you to curb your sweet tooth without jeopardizing your health.
When it comes to dealing with diabetes be sure that you organize any questions or comments that you have for a professional before meeting with them. This is important to make sure that your visit goes smoothly and to ensure that you get answers to all that you have questions about.
When you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to have a support system in place. This can be family or friends. Ask them to come to your appointments with you to better-understand how you will manage your condition. In addition, finding another person with diabetes to talk with might help.
You should watch what you eat. Your diet makes a huge difference in how your diabetes is managed. Cut out sugary drinks like soda and anything with refined carbs like junk foods and candy. You should try to eat more vegetables and fruits. Also choose healthy foods that contain fat.
Only a doctor can properly diagnose you, so never rely on this type of information for the purposes of disease diagnoses. However, you can also use articles like these and the tips contained within to fight against the disease. The above tips can help you lead a normal life with diabetes, so don’t take them for granted.