One of the only good points of having diabetes is that even the worst particular type of this disease is treatable and not necessarily life-threatening. But you are still in charge of treating this disease and taking control of your life. If you need help or advice on some day-to-day things, check out this article.
Keep track of all the medicines you are taking for your Diabetes and any other condition you have in case you ever need to know. You should carry with you information on their names, dosages, and how often you are taking them in case something happens to you when you’re out, or a doctor you’re visiting requests that information.
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.
Make healthy choices when you go out to eat, but don’t go overboard. You don’t have to starve yourself on salads, but replacing the fatty fries that are served with steamed vegetables will make your meal less likely to spike your blood sugars. A Diabetic has to be careful, but doesn’t have to be anorexic!
Diabetics don’t have to give up that sweet tooth just because of their condition. There are many websites available that offer sugar-free recipes and ideas for cakes, cookies and other sweet snacks. Grocery and health food stores also have sections especially arranged for sugar-free and diabetic sweets.
When you are getting a pedicure be sure to be very careful if you have been diagnosed with diabetic. Diabetics are sensitive to infection. So, you should be careful if there’s a cut or puncture there.
Do not eat snacks out of a bag. By eating snacks directly from its container, you are more likely to overeat and create a spike in your blood sugar levels. Get a plate and put a small portion on the plate. Eat it slowly, savor the flavor, and don’t get more after you have finished.
Walmart and Costco both provide prescriptions at a discounted cost which can save you a lot of money on your Diabetes medications. They also have Diabetic supplies like monitors, lancets, test strips and syringes and they’re carried in bulk at Costco. You can also find pamphlets at both pharmacies with information on Diabetes.
To make sure you get the most out of your doctor’s appointments, write down questions before the appointment. A doctor is a great resource to anyone suffering from diabetes, and you should make sure to take full advantage of their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask for lots of information. Your doctor will be happy to help you better manage your condition.
Depression can have a devastating effect on diabetes patients and should be dealt with. If you notice your loved one is acting or feeling sad or depressed, encourage him or her to see a doctor for treatment. Also suggest a support group for diabetics to find the help and emotional support of others in the same position.
To tackle your diabetes head-on, assemble a medical team. In addition to your primary care provider, you should see other doctors like a ophthalmologist, an ophthalmologist, and even a registered dietitian. Make sure your team communicates with one another so that you can get the best possible care. If you’re concerned your insurance won’t cover other types of doctors, ask your general practitioner to give you a referral.
There are a variety of cost efficient ways diabetics can lose weight, such a taking a jog or exercising at a playground. You can use the jungle gym to do chin ups, or use canned goods and bags of heavy things for weight lifting.
If you’re diabetic, beware coupons! Most coupons to be found, are often, for items that aren’t healthy, like pop, crackers or chips. Do not use a coupon just because you have it! You might save 50 cents today, but the cost of medications to deal with an obesity-related illness later, will add up to much more.
Always have some sugar available, just in case your sugar level runs low. This could be in the form of glucose tablets, orange juice or candy. Instruct your family and friends about where your sugar is in case you ever have a hypoglycemic episode and need it right away. This way you’ll be able to bring yourself out of hypoglycemia without going to the hospital.
While most people notice that they gain weight more easily as they age, this is often more severe in diabetics. As you get older, your body burns fewer and fewer calories following physical activity. If you are diabetic, it is especially important to decrease the amount of food that you eat as you invariably decrease your activity levels. This will lengthen your life and keep you more healthy.
If you have type 2 diabetes, and the medication you are taking is not helping as well as you had hoped, don’t stress too much. Many diabetics need insulin, and they now make insulin pens that will control your blood sugar better than the syringes do. Make sure they are covered by your insurance company before getting one, because it does seem to be something insurance companies will not always approve.
If you want to lower your risk for getting diabetes, you have to remain active. Try talking a fast paced walk for 60 minutes each day. When you are not focusing on working out, make sure you are still active. Try to walk instead of drive and take the stairs instead of the elevator.
What you’ve learned via the tips above were a few ways by which you can control your disease. Control is the operative word here, and you must continue to work at applying this information if you’re expecting to experience any positive results. Stay motivated and remember to use these tips to help.