Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the modern world. The number of people who are diagnosed with the condition is on the rise. Whether you have a recent diagnosis, if you’re already dealing with it or if you fear that you may have it, this article may help you manage your illness by making lifestyle changes to prevent it from worsening.
Foods have a “glycemic index” number which says how much they will affect blood sugar based on what is in them. For diabetics, the GI numbers should be as low as possible.
Managing your everyday life in an orderly and consistent manner can make it flow with more ease. For instance, keep your meter, journal, and insulin in one specific place so it will be easy to access in the mornings. Consistent testing should be a routine part of your day in order to avoid forgetfulness in recording your insulin levels.
If you suffer from diabetes, it is wise to undergo a test for sleep apnea as soon as you can. If you have this condition, treatment will keep you more alert, healthier and happier.
If you have diabetes, be extremely careful when having a pedicure done. People who suffer from diabetes are more likely to get foot infections, so it is important to be extra careful not to pierce or cut your skin.
You will find it in soda, condiments and candies, and therefore, it is important to study labels in order to avoid harmful items. Watch out for “glucose/fructose” too; this is the Canadian term for the same ingredient.
Using an online pharmacy may be more cost effective than physically going to the pharmacy in person. You can have your things delivered every month, so you always have the things you need.
If you start to have vision problems, you need to talk to your doctor. There are a number of eye conditions that are associated with diabetes, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and particularly diabetic retinopathy. Be sure to have your vision checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage, which can include blindness.
People who snack a lot, including diabetics, have a hard time saying “No” when vending machines beckon. You should avoid giving in to this temptation. Instead, consume a food with complex carbohydrates like fruit and vegetables.
Don’t be surprised when you find your blood sugar levels soaring directly after having very low glucose. This happens because your body is releasing hormones to tell your body to use more sugar than necessary. In the future, cut the amount you’d normally eat in half, and wait 30 minutes to check your levels.
Diabetics who smoke need to try and quit. In addition to increasing your risk of lung cancer, smoking can cause a spike in your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. If you have issues with quitting, talk to your doctor about options to help you stop.
If you take fast-acting insulin, be sure to take it up to 15 minutes prior to your meal. This may change depending on your prescribing physician’s instructions. These types of insulin will help to maintain blood sugar, as long as they are used properly and as directed by a physician.
You need to remind yourself that managing diabetes is the best thing you can do. Think about the things in your life that you enjoy doing, what are the things that keep your from doing it and what should you do to help with that. It’s important to pay attention to your priorities and let them drive your planning.
Smoking is bad for everyone, though it is a lot worse for a diabetic. If you choose to smoke, you will face a lot of health hazards. 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.
A lot of people mistakenly believe that diabetics can’t eat any sugar at all. While sugar should be strictly moderated, you don’t have to ban it from your diet altogether. Save your favorite dessert for a special occasion and limit yourself to a small serving. Sweets are usually packed with carbohydrates, so be sure to stay away from other carb-heavy foods on days that you know you’ll be eating dessert foods.
A diagnosis of having diabetes should not worry you too much. Using the advice in this article, you can start recovering and being one of those who has conquered diabetes.