You may be aware of the symptoms of diabetes, like excessive thirst, increasing fatigue, frequent urination and blurry vision, but do you know how to treat the disease once it settles in? There are many medications out there, but some good, old-fashioned home-style tips might be what the doctor really ordered.
Thintini buns are available at many grocery stores nation-wide and are a tasty alternative to carbohydrate-heavy normal hamburger buns. These thinner breads are easier to eat as they’re smaller than their traditional counterparts and they will provide far less carbohydrates to a diabetic.
Going for a walk, jog, or run with your dog, is an excellent way to exercise and help keep your diabetes under control. It will also help your dog stay at a healthy weight, which can save you both heartache and money on vet bills. You’ll motivate each other to keep going!
Find a diabetic friend to support you through your journey with diabetes. You’ll be able to swap ideas, share recipes and just have a shoulder to cry on when things get stressful. You can even give them a call when you’re having a craving and they’ll talk you through it! Friends can keep you sane and that’s especially true, if they’re going through the same hardship that you are.
Unlike breastfeeding, no one cares if you shoot up your insulin at the table. Really! Don’t hide away in a bathroom or closet, come clean with your diagnosis and have your family and friends share in your recovery. The more they know, the more they can support you when you need them.
If you are diabetic, be sure to wear loose-fitting socks and stockings. Special socks are available for diabetics that have more stretch around the ankles and legs, to provide better comfort and circulation, as well as, to help keep your feet and legs healthier. Good circulation is imperative for the legs and feet of diabetics.
If you see ANY damage to the skin on your feet and you have Diabetes you must let your podiatrist know as soon as possible! He’ll be able to tell you what to use to keep it clean and free of infection, and prescribe you an antibiotic cream or gel if necessary.
Join a support group for those with diabetes. It’s not because you don’t fit in anywhere else, it’s because talking to others with your condition will help you to feel that you aren’t quite alone in the world. Other people are going through what you are going through and a support group can help.
When you have diabetes, immaculate mouth care is not an option if you want healthy teeth and gums. Gum disease is much more prevalent in diabetics, and great care taken with your mouth can help you to have better dental health. Careful brushing and flossing and more frequent dental visits are important as well.
If you have Gestational Diabetes then the concept of “eating for two” needs to be forgotten. You’ll need to reduce your food intake to small amounts every few hours to keep your blood glucose levels in check over the long term of a day. Don’t forget to have a snack before bed to control overnight blood sugar!
Making the switch to high fiber foods will help lower your risk for diabetes. Try to eat only whole grains, they are packed with fiber that allows your body to digest foods without getting a spike in blood sugar which is what happens when you eat mostly refined carbs (white bread and any type of processed foods).
Now, no one can really suggest that you shrug off advice from medical professionals. Doing so would just be foolish on your part. However, in addition to the insulin you’re receiving or any other medications, you can use the tips you read throughout this article to help manage your lifestyle with diabetes.