Diabetes really is something that needs to be managed. Managing your diabetes will affect your health as you grow older. This article give you solid advice on managing your diabetes in a way that will promote positive health and help eliminate some of the common problems those with diabetes often encounter.
If you love to have a sandwich, but can’t afford the carbohydrates that come with the bread, make a lettuce wrap! Diabetics who need to keep their weight in check will avoid eating the part of the sandwich which is bad for you, while having the fresh, crispy crunch of lettuce. It’s so tasty!
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.
Do not blame yourself if you develop gestational diabetes. In most cases, this condition does not appear for any specific reasons. You should try and keep stress levels low and try to think positive things about you and your child.
Many people will tell you that “natural” sugars are safer for your Diabetes than refined sugar. However, sugar is still sugar. My Step-Mother told me I should put honey on my food as it’s perfectly fine… wrong! My blood sugar still spiked sky high afterward. Always double check the “medical” advice you receive from family and friends hen it comes to your diabetes.
Make sure that your blood glucose levels do not get too low when taking medications for diabetes. It is common for certain medications to lower your blood sugar so low that a person can suffer from hypoglycemia. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about lowering the dosage of your medication.
Smoking can have multiple disadvantages, but even more so for those inflicted with diabetes. When you do this you open doors to more unhealthy habits and effects on your body. When you smoke, you increase your chances of being insulin resistant; if you don’t yet have diabetes, it can make your risk of getting type 2 disease much higher.
Urine ketone testing should not be your only way to test your sugar levels. High ketone levels in the urine indicate only that your blood glucose is approximately higher than 200 milligrams per deciliter. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics use a finger stick and test strips. This provides a much accurate measurement for blood glucose levels.
If you’re a diabetic, make sure you store your insulin in an insulated bag when you travel. 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.
Diabetes is known to be a cause of nerve damage in extremities particularly in the feet. Besides taking your Diabetic medications, you should therefore take extra care of your feet. Wash your feet on a daily basis and make sure to keep them dry. In addition, avoid walking barefoot and wear sneakers or slippers. At the very least, keep your socks on.
When dealing with a child that has diabetes, be sure to not let that be an excuse for your child to not participate in activities that he or she would have normally done, otherwise. This is crucial because despite having this disease, children cannot be deprived of their childhood. This includes activities, such as, participating in sports or play dates with other children.
Diabetes affects your risk of heart disease, so to lower this risk, consider taking an aspirin every day. Diabetics are at higher risk of heart disease because the platelets in their blood may tend to form clumps more easily, which can lead to heart attacks. Aspirin can counter this risk. Ask your doctor if you should add aspirin to your daily treatment routine, since you should avoid aspirin if you have conditions like bleeding ulcers.
Adding additional fiber to your diet may help to control your diabetes. Several scientific studies have shown that fiber has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Eating fiber can also help you to feel full and thus, lose weight. Healthy weight levels are known to be associated with positive blood sugar levels as well.
If your loved one, whether they be a family member or friend, has diabetes, it is up to you to make sure they are getting the care that they need. Often times people that have diabetes will not take care of themselves without proper support from the people most important to them in their lives.
If you have diabetes, it is extremely important to care for your feet on a daily basis. By doing so, you can detect any problems before they become serious. Nerve damage can cause a small wound to go undetected. It is very easy for wounds on the feet to develop infections, which can lead to gangrene if left untreated. Wash and dry your feet carefully every day, keeping an eye out for any cuts or scratches that don’t seem to be healing. Also look for signs of inflammation, such as redness or swelling, and black or blue areas that appear to be bruised, which can be a sign of poor blood flow.
Although monitoring your blood glucose levels and keeping them in the normal range can be a time-consuming process, it is well worth the effort. When your glucose levels are normal you feel more energetic and optimistic. Making the effort now also decreases the possibility of suffering side effects of diabetes such as kidney and eye diseases.
Using the above tips on diabetes will assist you on your road to wellness. While diabetes is a common medical condition, learning to manage it is up to you. Following good advice is something you need to get used to if you are not already doing so and it can really help you out as you age.