It can be scary when you are first diagnosed with diabetes, though with the right knowledge, you can manage the disease successfully, and start living a much healthier life. Read on to find out how a few simple life choices can dramatically improve your health and reduce the effects of diabetes.

Almonds are a great snack to fill you up without affecting your blood sugar levels. Unsalted almonds are a nutritional goldmine where you can unearth nutrients, such as fiber and protein. Place a bowl of almonds next to your easy chair and munch on them while you are watching television.

Today, diabetes is a very prevalent condition which most people are generally very aware of. Don’t allow managing your diabetes to cause stress or shame in your life.

If you suffer from diabetes, proceed with caution when receiving a pedicure. Since diabetics are at an increased risk for foot-related complications, it is especially important to safeguard against possible fungal infections or cuts.

If you tend to get hypoglycemic reactions, make sure you carry sugary snacks with you. You have to be prepared, because a hypoglycemia attack can happen anywhere or any time. If you have skipped breakfast, this is definitely true because your blood sugar will already be low.

Blood Sugar

Learn to identify foods that have high glycemic indices and that can cause your blood sugar to spike. This includes fruit juices and foods like bread, cereal and pasta. Many processed foods also make it difficult to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Fresh produce, fish, and lean meats should be your main focus.

If you are with child and suspect that you are afflicted with gestational diabetes, you need to talk to your physician. Gestational diabetes requires you to act immediately to protect your health. A physician can offer guidance about dietary adjustments; he or she may also choose to prescribe medications to control your condition.

TIP! Be sure to consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and think you may have gestational diabetes. If you do have gestational diabetes and you choose to look the other way, you are not only putting yourself in harm’s way, but your baby’s health as well.

When you are experiencing diabetes, it’s a good idea to consume several small meals, as opposed to having three bigger meals. Eating frequent small meals improves your chance of keeping glucose levels stable. Eating frequently decreases the chance of binging because you will feel much more satisfied.

You are not to blame when you have gestational diabetes. It is something that just happens, and quite frequently you cannot control it. Keep your stress levels down, and think positive thoughts about yourself and your child.

To stay on top of your diabetes, remind yourself of what you gain by managing the condition. What are your hobbies? What would you undertake if you could? What’s holding you back? How can you get around those barriers? Concentrate on the meaningful things in your life, and let them inspire and encourage you to remain proactive in the management of your disease.

TIP! This increases the odds that your child will have diabetes at birth or develop it as he gets older. Don’t let your child suffer the brunt of your bad choices.

Alter each of your favorite foods or meals instead of crossing them off your list. Diets that are too restrictive can lead to great difficulty and failure. Many people mistakenly think they have to stop eating many of their most loved foods. Others may continue to eat foods that negatively impact their health. Taking a close look at the ingredients of your favorites, and adjusting them to meet your nutritional requirements is the best way to go. Many dishes can turn into diabetes-friendly meals by using healthier ingredients as alternatives when cooking.

Take the time to exercise. If you exercise regularly, you can ensure your body will effectively process glucose and insulin. Exercise can be very beneficial to someone with diabetes.

Blood Glucose Levels

TIP! Smoking is extremely harmful if you have diabetes. Smoking is a terrible habit for anyone, especially diabetics because it raises blood sugar.

Never rely only on urine ketone tests to measure the amount of glucose in your blood. If high ketone levels are found in your urine, all this will tell you is your blood glucose levels are higher than 200mg per deciliter. The ADA advises instead that diabetics rely on better and simpler methods of testing blood glucose levels, such as testing strips and finger sticks.

Egg whites can be an ideal breakfast for diabetics. Egg whites provide protein for energy, and limit calories while also being very low in fat. Make an omelet with them, or even scrambled eggs with some meat such as ham.

If you’re a diabetic, make sure you store your insulin in an insulated bag when you travel. Using this insulated bag, you’ll be sure the insulin is cooled properly.

Diabetics also have an increased risk of developing gingivitis so regular dental visits are important. Brush your teeth several times a day and floss every day as well.

Try to keep your levels of stress low. Individuals with diabetes are susceptible to rising blood glucose levels, particularly when they feel stressed or upset. Yoga and meditation can help you feel more relaxed. Learn more about breathing exercises: you can practice anywhere.

Become educated on ketoacidosis and learn how it happens. Ketoacidosis is the increased acidity in the blood that occurs when blood sugar is abnormally high. This creates ketones, which are acidic byproducts that raise the levels of blood acid. This can be very harmful and may even result in a coma. If you feel thirsty, confused and notice a fruity smell on your breath, you should be concerned. These symptoms can be remedied by taking insulin coupled with increased hydration levels. By being careful and monitoring your blood sugar levels, taking your insulin, and being cognizant of the various symptoms, you can be sure to prevent ketoacidosis.

TIP! It’s important to remember why you choose to keep your diabetes under control. Figure out what it is in your life that’s important to you.

Eat your meals at a regular time. If you skip a meal or wait too long, your sugar level will be dangerously out of control. Adding this glucose to the average type 2 diabetic’s high glucose levels can provoke a steep rise in blood sugar.

Rather than looking for new, healthy foods if you have diabetes, try making the foods you already enjoy healthier. Rest assured that you won’t have to avoid all of your favorite foods just because you suffer from diabetes. Research different ways to prepare these foods without the unhealthy ingredients. Lots of websites and cookbooks are out there for diabetes sufferers.

Diabetes doesn’t have to be scary, just educate yourself. By following the advice of this article, you should be armed with sufficient knowledge to face your fear, and effectively manage your diabetes.