It can be somewhat scary to be told you have diabetes, but if you have the right knowledge, you can manage the disease well and still live a healthy life. The piece that follows includes some great advice about managing diabetes and getting the right kind of care.

There are a lot of foods high in protein that you can eat, such as dairy, beans and tofu. Try making some meals from the recipes in diabetic cookbooks.

TIP! Foods fall on different places according to the glycemic index, a number that details how each food will affect glucose levels in the blood based on its chemical makeup. Diabetics should always look for foods with the lowest possible GI number.

Take the stress out of diabetes management by developing more consistent habits. One example of this might be putting your meter in a special place every time you are done using it, so that you don’t have trouble finding it next time you need to test. When you are testing, do it at the same time each day, and keep a list nearby of the steps that must be completed so that you don’t skip any.

Nowadays people with diabetes are everywhere. When you don’t force yourself to hide, you will take steps to fight the shame and stigma sometimes associated with diabetes.

Walnuts add a touch of nutrition to your salad. Consuming walnuts can help with diabetes management because they have monounsaturated fats, which can decrease insulin resistance in cells. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins for energy.

Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from diabetes, it is wise to undergo a test for sleep apnea as soon as you can. Getting tested early for sleep apnea is advisable, as it may continue as a dangerous untreated health risk.

Many online pharmacies offer steep discounts on popular diabetes medications. These services can deliver the medicine to your house every month, so that you do not forget.

TIP! Remember that diabetics must be extremely cautious when having a pedicure. People who suffer from diabetes are more likely to get foot infections, so it is important to be extra careful not to pierce or cut your skin.

Make a list of high glycemic index foods and learn to identify potential problem foods and ingredients. Bread, juice and pasta are very in high in terms of the glycemic index. Processed foods and carbohydrates can been dangerous for diabetics. Choose better foods, including fruits that are fresh and vegetables that are not canned, as well as seafood and meats.

People who snack a lot, including diabetics, have a hard time saying “No” when vending machines beckon. You need to avoid these and eat complex carbs like fruits and veggies.

Don’t be surprised when you find your blood sugar levels soaring directly after having very low glucose. This happens because your body is releasing hormones to tell your body to use more sugar than necessary. Keep checking your sugar levels and learn to adjust the quantity of food you need.

TIP! Many foods contain corn syrup, so make sure to read food labels. Watch out for “glucose/fructose” too; this is the Canadian term for the same ingredient.

If you suffer from diabetes and you are a smoker, you should try to quit. Smoking harms everyone, but it can spike blood glucose which can be hazardous for those with diabetes. The highly addictive nature of nicotine can make quitting a very difficult process. Seek advice from your doctor.

Alter each of your favorite foods or meals instead of crossing them off your list. One of the hardest things diabetics deal with is the constantly restricted diet. Lots of people think they have to eliminate the majority of the foods they love. Others will continue to eat their favorite, unhealthy foods. A great idea is to make substitutions for your favorite dishes. A lot of foods can be prepared in a way that is healthy for diabetics to eat.

As unhealthy as smoking is to a healthy person, it is even more dangerous for diabetics. Do not start smoking and if you already do, you should consider quitting. Smoking causes insulin resistance. If you aren’t a diabetic when you start, chances are you will develop type 2 diabetes within a decade of starting to smoke.

Employers cannot refuse you a job based on the fact that you have diabetes. You do not have to tell employers about medical issues during the hiring process.

Egg Whites

Egg whites are the best thing to have for breakfast, especially if you have diabetes. Egg whites are low in calories and fat, and are full of the protein your body needs to start the day. Some ideas include omelets with egg whites, or fried egg whites with some turkey bacon.

TIP! If you are a diabetic, you need to carefully watch what you eat. Blood glucose levels are affected differently by various foods, so it is necessary to keep close tabs on your food choices.

Make sure to take along an insulated cold bag to store your insulin supply when you travel. Insulin needs to be set at the right temperature, so an insulated bag will make sure that it doesn’t get too cold or hot.

Research has shown that blood sugar is positively affected by exercise, and physical activity can also increase your sensitivity to insulin, which is a natural way to keep your blood glucose levels in check. You need to engage in resistance training as well as aerobics to maximize your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.

Use some vinegar in the food you eat. Studies show that taking a couple of tablespoons of vinegar prior to eating can keep your blood sugar from spiking after your meal. Also, vinegar keeps starch from being processed as quickly, keeping food in the stomach for longer.

TIP! Do not be surprised if your blood sugar levels spike after treating a low glucose situation. There can be two reasons for this.

Look for some ways to make the foods you eat healthier. You might have diabetes, but that is no reason to give up all the foods you love. Identify ways to transform these foods into healthier options. You can find a lot of recipes online and there are many cookbooks made just for those with diabetes.

Diabetes doesn’t have to be scary, just educate yourself. Once you start using the powerful advice in the article above, you will have the tools you need to stay healthy while you control your symptoms.