People who receive the terrible news that they have contracted diabetes usually become instantly concerned, and rightfully so. This daunting sickness can be very hard to control and can lead to some really nasty issues if not treated properly. If you’re suffering from diabetes, you need to read this article.
Yogurt is an excellent way for a diabetic to convince their mouth that low-fat, sugar-free food IS enjoyable. Have a cup of non-fat yogurt mixed with seasonable fruit for breakfast with a high-fiber muffin and a glass of milk so that you’ll have enough energy to last you right through until lunch.
Stress can wreak havoc on a Diabetic’s mental health, but it will also cause problems physically as well. Try to do stress-relieving activities like exercise, yoga, or deep breathing exercises at the end of the day or during any situation that is particularly stressful to keep yourself calm, cool, and collected.
Diabetics can have problems in their eyes due to their condition, so make sure you go to the optometrist for testing at least once a year. Many optometrists have special machines, which can look inside your eyeball to check for the typical damage of a diabetic, and can sometimes diagnose your disease before you even have symptoms!
To increase your sensitivity to insulin, maintain an active lifestyle. Studies have shown that insulin has a stronger effect on those who engage in plenty of physical activity. This will make sure your blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range, and will make it easier for you to manage your diabetes.
DefeatDiabetes.org helps people who are struggling financially to receive supplies which will help them keep their diabetes under control. You can get as much as 35% cash back on purchases through their store, and they have additional programs to give you even deeper discounts if you ask for help through their website.
To make sure you get the most out of your doctor’s appointments, write down questions before the appointment. A doctor is a great resource to anyone suffering from diabetes, and you should make sure to take full advantage of their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask for lots of information. Your doctor will be happy to help you better manage your condition.
If you’re having trouble keeping yourself to a healthy Diabetic diet, don’t change things up. Have a chicken night, a fish night, a lentil burger night, etc. so that you know what’s supposed to happen on Thursday and can prepare for it. If you have something different every night you’ll still have variation, but having a schedule will make you feel much less stress and you won’t cave into temptation.
To sate your sweet tooth without putting your health at risk, cut any unnecessary carbohydrates from your diet. Reducing your carbohydrate intake can be enough to make a small cookie or a slice of pie okay. Talk to your doctor about your diet and see how many carbohydrates you’d have to cut in order to enjoy your favorite sweets.
Give yourself a constant reminder of why taking care of your diabetes is so important. Remind yourself of life’s enjoyments, what is stopping you from enjoying those things, and how you can work around those blocks. By staying focused on what’s most important, you’ll remain motivated in your diabetes management.
Learn what foods have a high-glycemic index sweet like cookies, sugar-laden soft drinks, as well as carbohydrate filled breads. Cereals, and pastas are all high-glycemic index foods. These foods can cause your blood sugar to rise very quickly, usually referred to as a spike. Stick to the perimeter of the store, with fresh produce and meats, and avoid heavily processed foods.
If you have diabetes, it is important that you learn to recognize high glycemic index foods. These types of foods will make your blood sugar rise very fast, which can be dangerous. If you are not sure which foods fall into this category, take your time when food shopping to read the food labels.
It is crucial that people with diabetes get a simple blood test known as an HbA1c test every three months. HbA1c tests show blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and can help your doctor control your diabetes. It is recommended that the HbA1c is kept at or below seven percent.
When you are diabetic your insurance will normally pay for blood testing equipment you can use in the privacy of your own home to manage your condition. Make sure you go over all of the manufacturer’s directions to ensure that you are properly taking care of your very important equipment.
Don’t allow your diabetes to become something that’s too difficult for you to control. A lapse in your treatment will bring out those nasty complications with the disease. Remember to use the above tips to help control your diabetes. It’s going to take some effort, but anything worth doing will require effort.