As difficult as getting a diagnosis of diabetes is, the condition is manageable, if you have the proper education. In this article, there are suggestions and advice that will provide guidance for you to make informed choices about your care and enjoying a more healthy life.
If your child is found to have diabetes, you may feel overwhelmed; however, taking it a day at a time will get you through. You child can have a long and fulfilling life because there are a lot of medications that make it easy to deal with diabetes. The oldest current diabetic is 90, and he was around prior to the medical wisdom that’s out there now.
You can live a far simpler and lower stress lifestyle if you make habitual routines of the things you need to do for managing your condition. For instance, choose a spot to keep your insulin and meter, and make sure you put them there each and every night, so you know right where they are when you need them in the morning. Make your testing routine so you always remember to write your levels down in your log.
Sleep Apnea
People with diabetes are at high risk for sleep apnea, so get tested right away. If sleep apnea is a problem for you, then get treatment now, before it has a chance to impact your health.
Choose a diet containing lots of fiber. It is certain to lower your chances of developing diabetes. Increase the amount of whole grain foods that you consume, and at the same time, reduce your daily intake of processed foods and white bread. Whole grain foods are not only good for maintaining diabetes, but they can also help to prevent development of the condition in children.
Blood Sugar
It is important to know the glycemic index of foods which can rapidly increase your blood sugar. Foods like desserts, pasta and breads can all raise your blood sugar levels. Eating processed food will do your blood sugar no favors. Instead, try to focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat.
There are a variety of cost efficient ways diabetics can lose weight, such a taking a jog or exercising at a playground. The jungle gym provides a place for you to try chin ups, and you can use canned goods or sacks filled with heavy items to practice lifting.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and notice a sudden change in your vision, you should immediately contact your doctor. Diabetics can experience some unique eye and vision issues in their lives. These conditions include cataract, glaucoma and even retinopathy that is specific to diabetics. Serious eye disorders that can lead to blindness are directly related to diabetes.
If diabetes is an issue for you, eat smaller meals more frequently, rather than having three larger meals every day. When you are eating frequently through the day, you avoid large blood sugar fluctuations. It will also help to keep you full, thus preventing any binges.
Gestational diabetes is NOT YOUR FAULT! It occurs often, and is not something you can control. Stay positive about your pregnancy to avoid adding stress to your problems.
Your sugar levels might spike if you have just treated a low glucose level. There can be two reasons for this. One, your body may be releasing hormones in response to low glucose levels. Two, you may be eating too much in response to the low reading. Try drinking or eating half your previous dose, then checking your blood sugar level 30 minutes later to see if the spike is smaller.
Glucose Levels
If diabetes is a condition you have, cinnamon is a wonderful spice that you can use in your diet with inviting calories, sodium or sugar in. Cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness in certain foods without the added sugar that can raise blood glucose levels. There is some debate about whether cinnamon can lower glucose levels, but it is not harmful and can enhance many dishes.
Instead of totally eliminating foods you love, alter them so that they are healthier. A lot of people struggle with their diabetes-related diet restrictions. Many assume they have to stop eating these favorite foods entirely. Some people will eat whatever they want. The best solution is to analyze your favorite foods and choose alternatives. Many favorite foods are able to be diabetes-friendly simply by substituting healthier alternatives where appropriate.
One myth regarding diabetes is that it’s necessary to always avoid sugar. You do not have to eliminate sugar from your diet, but you need to be smart about sweets. You could still savor a little serving of your favorite dessert on special occasions. You can also limit other carbohydrate-heavy foods in your meal to accommodate the increase that you get from eating these sweets.
Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising daily enables the body to handle glucose and insulin better, thus keeping your blood sugar level stable. Every diabetic should find time for exercise in their day.
Blood Glucose
Do not rely solely upon urine ketone testing to measure your blood glucose levels. A high ketone level indicates that your blood contains 200 milligrams of sugar per deciliter. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics use a finger stick and test strips. This provides a much accurate measurement for blood glucose levels.
Diabetes doesn’t have to be scary, just educate yourself. If you implement the information from this article, you’ll soon realize that the best weapon available to improve your health is knowledge.