Information is your ally when it comes to diabetes. Look through the tips included below to discover how you can combat this serious disease. If you don’t get your diabetes under control from the get go, serious complications can develop.
Almonds are a great way to get some additional protein into your diet, and they don’t contain anything that will upset your blood sugar levels. Almonds without salt are quite nutritious, because of the protein and other good things in them. Keep some near the computer so you can munch on them while you work.
Do things the same way each time, and life will be easier and better organized. Place your insulin meter in the same location all of the time to ensure you can find it easier. Keep to the same routine every time you test so you never miss a step, and you don’t have to think twice about recording your levels.
Many people suffer from diabetes. Don’t allow managing your diabetes to cause stress or shame in your life.
If you have hypoglycemia, you need to carry a sugary food such as gum with you. Hypoglycemic attacks can happen at any time, and it is vital that you be prepared in the case of one. This is even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
Glycemic Index
You need to be aware of all foods that have high glycemic index, which can raise the level of blood sugar quickly in your body. Breads, desserts, pastas, cereal, and even juices are products that are high in the glycemic index. Processed foods also have a very bad effect on your blood sugar. Fresh produce, poultry and other lean meat are foods you should focus on to keep your blood sugars more under control.
If you are a diabetic who is addicted to processed foods, it can be tough to stop grabbing snacks from the cupboard or the office vending machine. It’s important though, to stay away from the unhealthy choices and eat fruits or vegetables, or another complex carbohydrate.
You should watch what you are eating if you have diabetes. All foods are different and you will have to carefully monitor what you eat, otherwise the blood glucose level in your body will be negatively affected. If you eat a large meal, it will require more insulin, while smaller meals will require less. If you watch your meals, you can actively manage your glucose levels.
This is linked with an increased risk that your child will be born with diabetes or develop the condition over time. Take good care of yourself so your child can stay healthy.
Remind yourself frequently of the reasons you are determined to properly manage your diabetes. Think about what you like to do in life, what’s keeping you from doing them, and what could help you do them. It’s important to pay attention to your priorities and let them drive your planning.
If you have diabetes, cinnamon is a great way to spice up your food without adding anything negative to it. The natural sweetness inherent in certain foods is accentuated by cinnamon without the need for adding sugar that can increase levels of blood glucose. Research is indeterminate in deciding whether or not cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels, but it’s still a great spice for your diabetic diet.
Individuals who battle hypoglycemia should consult a physician to inquire about the use of glucose tablets. Such supplements are simple to keep on hand, and are great for rapidly raising glucose levels in a healthier manner than sugars found in foods, which require longer digestion times.
Favorite Foods
Alter the foods that you love eating as opposed to eliminating them. One of the hardest things to do as a diabetic is to adhere to a strict diet. The good news, however, is that few foods are truly off limits to you. Other people simply continue to enjoy their favorite foods regardless of the diet. The better way is to alter the recipes for your favorite foods to make them acceptable. Many favorite foods are able to be diabetes-friendly simply by substituting healthier alternatives where appropriate.
Do not rely solely upon urine ketone testing to measure your blood glucose levels. Urine ketone testing is a blunt instrument; it can’t distinguish between levels of 200 mg/dL (high) and 500 mg/dL (critical, requires immediate medical attention). The ADA recommends that diabetics utilize testing methods that are more accurate, such as testing strips and finger sticks.
Employers are not allowed to refuse applicants for job positions just because they have diabetes. Thus, it is not necessary to inform anyone about your medical issues up front.
Sleep Apnea
When someone has diabetes, they are more open to getting a lot of other health problems which are easily undetected, for example, one serious problem that many are unaware that they have is sleep apnea. People who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing while they are asleep, interrupting oxygen flow to the brain. If you are feeling exhausted half way through the day, get tested for sleep apnea.
Diabetics do well when their diet incorporates healthy carbs. If your diet does not contain enough healthy carbs, your body is not getting the vitamins or minerals it needs. You will also have plenty of energy if you ensure that you consume plenty of carbs.
Information will always give you the best chance of winning any battle, and that’s especially true when dealing with something as dangerous and as unpredictable as diabetes. What you’ve just read here, are a collection of tips that you can use to empower you, when working hard to conquer the disease. Don’t waste time; get started today.
