Diabetes is a serious condition on its own, and can give rise to numerous secondary conditions and complications, even death. You can live a happy and healthy life with diabetes, but you must become educated about the disease and learn how to properly take care of yourself. In this article, you will learn numerous useful tips for coping with diabetes.
Almonds are a great snack to fill you up without affecting your blood sugar levels. If you choose the unsalted variety, you will get fiber and protein in a yummy package. Place a bowl of almonds next to your easy chair and munch on them while you are watching television.
If you want to add a nutritious touch to your salad, throw in some walnuts! These healthy nuts can help keep diabetes in check by providing you with mono-saturated fats. These healthy fats help the cells of your body be more open and receptive to insulin. Walnuts contain antioxidants, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins; no wonder they’re great for you to eat.
If you’re diabetic, be careful when you get 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.
Consuming a diet high in fiber can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The risk for diabetes increases with foods such as enriched wheat flour or white bread. Choose whole grain wheat if you want to lower the chance of contracting diabetes. Research shows that a diet high in whole grains can decrease the chances that a person will be afflicted with the disease.
If you’re hypoglycemic, you should carry sugary food or gum with you constantly. Hypoglycemia attacks can occur anywhere, and it is crucial that you are prepared for one. This definitely rings true if breakfast hasn’t been eaten yet, as your body still needs its sugar.
Switching from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy to one online can save you a lot of money on your diabetes medications. They even provide monthly deliveries which will ensure that you never have to remember to order a refill again!
If you’re a diabetic and you’re experiencing problems related to your vision, see to it that you consult your doctor. Cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be the result of uncontrolled diabetes. Dealing with your condition is really important because failure to respond opens the door to the worst possibilities that include going blind.
If you are suffering diabetes, its a good idea to enjoy several small meals throughout the day, instead of three substantial ones. This will help you stay in control of your blood sugar levels. Frequent meals also help to eliminate the risk of binge eating, since you will never feel ravenous.
Blood Sugar
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, use your fast-acting insulin up to as much as 15 minutes before eating a meal. Taking this type of insulin can keep your blood sugar under control, that’s why doctors prescribe it. However, your doctor needs to monitor your dosage and explain how long you should wait to eat after taking insulin. This is to ensure you don’t have a blood sugar drop after taking it.
One seasoning that’s great for diabetics is cinnamon. It won’t add calories, sodium, or sugar to your dishes, but it will add flavor. Cinnamon also helps draw out the sweetness in different foods without elevating blood glucose levels. Studies are mixed as to whether cinnamon can actually lower your glucose levels, but regardless, it is an excellent spice to add.
You might want to have a talk with your physician about glucose tablets if you have hypoglycemia. Tablets are a better option for raising your blood sugar level than eating high-sugar foods. Your body can absorb sugar from glucose tablets far more quickly than it can convert food into glucose. In addition, you can carry these pills with you so that you can take them whenever your sugar drops, even if you don’t have immediate access to food.
Smoking is dangerous and can be very dangerous if you’re a diabetic. When you smoke, you cause many complications to your health. 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.
Even though gestational diabetes often vanishes after giving birth, you should still check your blood sugar regularly. Many people are under the misconception that once you have had your baby, you will no longer have abnormal blood sugar levels.
Sleep Apnea
Diabetes sufferers may have various other health issues that could go unnoticed, like sleep apnea. This condition causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea causes you to be tired all day; if you have this symptom you may want to be evaluated.
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. A combination of resistance exercises and aerobic work outs will produce optimum results.
One way to keep diabetes from interfering in your day-to-day life is to get plenty of exercise. Not only will exercise help you lose weight, it can also increase your insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. With the benefits to blood sugar levels that exercise can provide, how can you afford to remain sedentary?
Keep your supplies organized and ready to go, keep extra supplies around so you are always able to take care of your diabetic needs whenever and wherever you are. Make sure your insulin, syringes and meter hooks are together so you’ll always be prepared.
It is vital that diabetics learn to manage their bodies to maintain their good health. This article contained useful information that any diabetic can use.
