Being informed is so important when you, or a loved one, is battling diabetes. The following article contains valuable information in combating this potentially life-threatening disease. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to very severe complications.
Look at the glycemic index on the labels of the foods you buy. This is an indicator of how this food will affect sugar levels. The lower a food’s glycemic number, or GI, the better it is for the diabetic diet.
Experiment with alternative sources of protein such as eggs and tofu instead of just eating meat. Don’t let it get boring! Mix up the routine and keep your mouth at attention the entire time.
If you are diabetic, you need to learn to indulge in a healthy manner. You do not have to forget sweets completely. Eating desserts is not bad for you all the time if your blood sugar level is under control. Allow room for the after-dinner treat by cutting out carbohydrates from your entree.
Walnuts add a touch of nutrition to your salad. These nuts contain “good” monosaturated fats, which counter the insulin resistance caused by diabetes. In addition to being tasty and helpful in boosting energy levels, walnuts contain numerous healthy substances, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Think twice about getting a pedicure if you’re diabetic. Diabetics are sensitive to infection. So, you should be careful if there’s a cut or puncture there.
You can reduce your chance of developing diabetes by ensuring you eat a high-fiber diet. Choose whole wheat and whole grain foods over their processed counterparts, like white bread, which have a dangerously high glycemic index. It has been widely researched and reported that those who eat a good portion of whole grains will have a lower chance of developing diabetes.
Blood Sugar
Know which foods have high GI values and can spike your blood sugar when ingested. Foods with high glycemic indexes include pastas, cereal, breads, juices, and desserts. Processed foods also have a very bad effect on your blood sugar. Rather than consuming these terrible foods, eat fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Make sure you talk with your physician if you’re pregnant and feel you might have gestational diabetes. When you make the choice not to control such a powerful sickness, you are making the choice to no longer control your life and are putting your unborn child in serious danger. A physician can offer guidance about dietary adjustments; he or she may also choose to prescribe medications to control your condition.
If you take fast-acting insulin, be sure to take it up to 15 minutes prior to your meal. This may change depending on your prescribing physician’s instructions. These types of insulin will help to maintain blood sugar, as long as they are used properly and as directed by a physician.
Particularly when you don’t feel like it, you must pay attention to glucose levels, and keep your appetite up by consuming foods that will impact your health in a positive way. Make sure you keep up your fluid intake as dehydration can occur during prolonged low glucose periods.
Work out regularly. Exercise helps your body handle glucose and insulin more efficiently. Exercise can be very beneficial to someone with diabetes.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are a perfect breakfast choice for a diabetic. Egg whites have a very low amount of fat and calories, and they’re packed with protein that you need to begin the day in the right way. Egg whites make great omelets, or go well scrambled with some sliced ham.
When you have to deal with travel and diabetes at the same time, you had best get an insulated bag to carry your insulin. 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.
Exercise is a healthy way to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. Vary your workout. Incorporate aerobic exercise and strength training.
If you are diabetic, it’s important that your teeth receive attention to prevent gum disease. Brush a few times a day and floss daily.
Skipping meals could cause your blood glucose level to rise because your liver will release glucose to fuel your body when you are not taking in adequate nourishment. By making sure your meals are constant, while having snacks that contain carbohydrates, then the glucose released will be reduced.
Keep stress at bay. Diabetics can often experience an increase in glucose levels during times of stress. Yoga, meditation, Pilates, or even listening to soft music can help you avoid stress in your daily life. Breathing exercises are a wonderful way to calm yourself down, and there a variety of techniques you can try. These can be done anywhere, making them convenient, as well as easy.
Find out how you can make the foods you love to eat healthier. Even if you have diabetes, you can still eat all the food that you’re in love with because you don’t have to give anything up. Just get creative and challenge yourself to revamp the foods into something that fits your healthy requirements. Fortunately, there are hundreds of websites and cookbooks that offer recipes and cooking methods that are appropriate for the diabetic diet.
Do not leave your insulin far away from your side when traveling. Keep it near at hand. Checking insulin in the baggage compartment of an airplane will not only subject it to extreme temperatures, but it will also be inaccessible to you, particularly if the bags are lost. Keeping your insulin at room temperature is fine during trips as it can remain unaffected for about a month if not subjected to extreme temperature.
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.