Diabetes is a medical condition that can be hard to deal with. Diabetics have to make significant dietary changes, and also have to regularly monitor their health. While diabetes is challenging, there are a number of things you can do to better cope with this condition. Here are some great tips that you can use to help you stay healthy and manage your diabetes.
The glycemic index is a number that all foods have. It lets you know how the food will affect your blood sugar. Remember, the lower the GI number, the better for a diabetic!
There are tons of protein options, include dairy, eggs and legumes. Mix up your protein sources to keep from getting bored.
Simplify your life by developing your own daily diabetes routine. By having your supplies in the same location, and by eating and checking your levels at the same time, you can function like clockwork and worry less about serious complications. When testing, keep track of it as a routine so that you don’t forget any steps. Also, try to jot down your numbers.
You’ll be surprised at the number of items containing corn syrup, so check labels, and be prepared to put back common items such as ketchup, sodas, sauces and sweets. When in Canada you will notice this product is called “glucose” or “fructose”.
You can decrease the chance of developing diabetes by converting to a diet that is high in fiber. Consumption of whole grains will cut your intake of white bread and other high glycemic foods, which are not beneficial for you. There have been studies done that have shown that when people eat more whole grains, they have less of a risk of developing diabetes.
Make sure you keep some kind of sugar-based treat with you if you are hypoglycemic. It is vital to your well-being that you always stay prepared because your hypoglycemia can rear its head at any time. This is very true if you did not eat breakfast, since your body is demanding sugar.
Many online pharmacies offer steep discounts on popular diabetes medications. Many of these stores have discount auto-ship programs, so that you won’t be without your diabetes supplies.
Losing weight does not have to be expensive, and there are many fun activities you can participate in which don’t cost any thing at all, such as jogging or swimming in a lake. Try doing chin ups on the jungle gym, or lift weights using canned goods or fabric bags full of heavy items.
Gestational Diabetes
You are going to want to contact a doctor if you have gestational diabetes and are pregnant. If you don’t control gestational diabetes, not only your health, but your baby’s health, is in jeopardy. There are many safe medications you can take while being pregnant, and your doctor can not only provide those to you, but they can also give you advice on what foods are best to eat.
It is a good idea for diabetics to have five or six small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. By eating on a more regular basis, your blood sugar will be a lot more stable. This routine also will keep your hunger at bay, decreasing the urge to binge.
Smoking is not a habit a diabetic should start, or continue. In addition to increasing your risk of lung cancer, smoking can cause a spike in your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. Your doctor can help you figure out techniques to stop smoking, or prescribe medications to help reduce nicotine cravings if you are struggling to stop smoking.
Adding Sugar
If you have diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice to eat without adding sugar, sodium or calories. Cinnamon can also accentuate the natural sweetness of some foods without adding sugar that may raise your blood glucose levels. Some studies have shown promising results when it comes to cinnamon, concluding that it can lower glucose levels. Results on this are mixed, but cinnamon is a fantastic spice regardless of its glucose benefits.
Even though gestational diabetes often vanishes after giving birth, you should still check your blood sugar regularly. Some people think that testing blood glucose levels isn’t needed after giving birth, but they are wrong.
Always make time for exercise. Exercise helps your body handle glucose and insulin more efficiently. Exercise is a big part of any healthy diabetic lifestyle.
Diabetics can really benefit from eating egg whites for breakfast on a regular basis. Egg whites are well known to be low in fat and calories, and are bursting with protein so as to give the body a great kick start to the day. Consider trying an omelet of egg whites, or you could have scrambled egg whites with ham.
Add healthy carbohydrates to your daily diet. Low-carb diets are not always good for those suffering from diabetes because they often prevent the body from getting sufficient essential nutrients, including fiber. Keeping a good carb balance in your diet is also crucial to maintaining your energy level.
Blood Sugar
Studies show that exercising lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity, and that helps to healthily control your blood sugar. You need to engage in resistance training as well as aerobics to maximize your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
Do all you can to keep your stress level low. Individuals with diabetes are susceptible to rising blood glucose levels, particularly when they feel stressed or upset. Investigate a bunch of ways to take it easy and reduce stress, like prayer or exercise. You can also learn different exercises in breathing, which provide great benefits because you can do then anywhere.
Vinegar can help you keep blood sugar under control. After ingesting vinegar, your blood sugar will rise at a slower speed than normal, according to studies. This can be accomplished by having a couple tablespoons of vinegar prior to a meal. Vinegar does this by slowing starch digestion, and helps keep the food you eat in your stomach for a longer period of time.
You must maintain your health rigorously and keep an eye on what you eat. This article is here to guide you through managing your diabetes. Work hard to control your condition and make life less of a struggle!