Diabetes is an extremely serious, life threatening disease. Because diabetes is so serious, it is critically important that individuals who are diagnosed with the disease, educate themselves on the proper ways to care for their health, in order to ensure that they live long, productive lives. This article contains a number of tips for diabetics.
You can eat some almonds if you are hungry. This will not affect your sugar levels. Unsalted almonds are not only very healthy, but they contain protein, fiber and other essential nutrients. Stash some by your TV for a healthy snack while you’re watching your favorite show!
Restaurants tend to serve you HUGE portions, so be prepared before they even bring your meal! Bring your own reusable container, or ask the waiter for a doggy bag up front, and then put away the parts of your meal which are going to be too much for you. Getting rid of it before you eat will curb your temptation to finish it all.
It is possible to lower your blood sugar with exercise, so give it a try and see what it does for you. Make sure to test yourself immediately after you exercise to make sure your blood sugar has gone down to a level that is tolerable, otherwise you’ll have to take your insulin.
To increase your sensitivity to insulin, maintain an active lifestyle. Studies have shown that insulin has a stronger effect on those who engage in plenty of physical activity. This will make sure your blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range, and will make it easier for you to manage your diabetes.
Battling diabetes does not always have to involve expensive methods; try brisk walks in the park, jogging or reasonable fitness regimes. Try using the local school’s jungle gym after hours to do chin ups. Or, you can use common items at home as weights to lift.
Shopping at a discount grocery store can save you a LOT of money which you can then instead spend on Diabetic supplies. In fact, many discount grocery stores SELL Diabetic medications and supplies, which can cut your bills to even lower levels. Diabetes doesn’t have to put you out of house and home!
A Diabetic diet can include many “bad” foods as long as you reduce your portions. MANY studies have shown that people who live to a hundred eat a diet that is very restrictive on calories. This leads them to have healthy organs, strong minds, and a long, happy, vigorous life.
If you are feeling symptoms of depression, consult with your physician. If you become depressed it will have a severe impact on how you are managing your diabetes. You will lose interest in food, have a lower activity level and increase your stress levels. Targeting these symptoms early can avoid unwanted complications later.
Educate yourself. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a scary prospect, so seek out information in order to be prepared and know what to expect. You can look into a class at your local community college, or check with the American Diabetes Association, as they have a team of educators who hold informational meetings you can attend.
Cut down on simple carbohydrates. These foods, such as pasta and bread, cause your blood sugar levels to spike which may cause hyperglycemia and a need for more insulin; that may result in a hypoglycemic episode. Stick to complex carbohydrates such as whole grains in order to keep your blood sugar stable.
If you are diabetic, you need to be taking extra good care of your feet. More than half of all foot amputations are related to diabetes. Make sure you are cleaning them well, and not putting any extra strain on your feet. That means not standing for long periods of time, or doing anything to strenuous.
It is important that you keep your feet clean if you are a diabetic. The feet are a common place on the human body for infections to develop. For a person without diabetes, these infections can be easily taken care of. For a diabetic, the treatment process is not as easy.
Even though carbohydrates have a huge impact on a person’s blood sugar levels, a person who has diabetes does not have to totally avoid them. However, you should be wise about what types of carbohydrates you consume. Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain brown rice and rolled oats, cause you to stay full longer since they digest slowly. They also aid in keeping your blood sugar level more stable.
If you have laser eye therapy to correct eye damage caused by your diabetes, be careful how you exercise for at least a month after your surgery. In order to maximize the chances of full recovery, don’t do exercises that involve straining or increase of eye pressure, which could stress the blood vessels that were repaired. That means no weight lifting underwater diving or exercise routines that involve holding your breath.
Eat a healthy diet and control your weight in order to avoid developing Type II diabetes. People who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes, so keep your weight at an optimal level. Eat healthy foods and limit your intake of sugar, as diabetes develops when the body is unable to process sugar properly.
An important tip for diabetic patients is to always strive for a sufficient amount of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation or deficit can prompt carbohydrate cravings, resulting in excess pounds, heart disease and other potential health issues that can exacerbate diabetes. Therefore, those who are able to sleep for seven or eight hours nightly are likely to have fewer complications.
As was stated at the top of this article, diabetes is a very serious disease. It is crucial for people who are diagnosed with diabetes to learn as much as they can about the disease and to learn the proper ways to care for their body’s health. The helpful advice contained in this article is useful for all diabetics, as well as, their family members and loved ones.