No matter how busy your schedule is, you must make time to learn how to manage your diabetes effectively. However, locating fresh ideas for coping with diabetes can be quick and simple with the tips laid out below.
Check all the foods you eat for the “glycemic index”, which is a number that shows you exactly how your blood sugar levels will be affected. Having a low GI number is important if you are trying to manage your diabetes.
There are many other protein-packed foods you can eat, from dairy to eggs, beans to tofu. Avoid burnout by trying new foods and recipes.
Think twice about getting a pedicure if you’re diabetic. Diabetes can increase your risks of getting foot infections. Make sure the tools are clean, and be extremely careful if you cut yourself.
This ingredient is found in soda, ketchup and a large number of different candies. Before you consume something, read the nutrition label, and avoid products that contain corn syrup. If you live in or go to Canada, look for ‘glucose/fructose’ on labels.
Online pharmacies can be a lot cheaper than a physical location for diabetic medication. You even have the option of getting your meds sent to your door each month on time.
Glycemic Index Foods
Learn which foods can raise blood sugar. High glycemic index foods are those that can raise your levels quickly. For example, most juices, breads, desserts, cereals, and types of pasta are high glycemic index foods. Processed foods are not good for your sugar levels. Concentrate on raw vegetables, fresh fruit, meat, and fish instead.
Go to your doctor immediately if you notice anything wrong with your vision. There are a number of eye conditions that are associated with diabetes, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and particularly diabetic retinopathy. Serious eye disorders that can lead to blindness are directly related to diabetes.
The chips and candy in a vending machine may seem to promise quick energy, but a diabetic should avoid these snacks. Keep these snacks out of your kitchen cupboard also. But it is important to forgo those snacks in favor of a complex carbohydrate like vegetables or fruit.
Don’t blame yourself for being inflicted with gestational diabetes. It happens, and often, it is totally out of your control. Cancel negative thoughts and think positively about your child and yourself. This will go a long way toward lowering stress.
Blood Sugar
After treating lower levels of glucose, you should not be surprised to see your blood sugar actually spike. This is because your body has responded by releasing hormones, or you have eaten or drank more than was needed when responding to the reduced glucose levels. When this happens, you may want to reduce the food and liquids by about 50 percent and see how if affects your blood sugar levels within half an hour.
If you are a diabetic and also smoke, it is in your best interests to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood sugar levels, as well as its other harmful effects to you and others. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit smoking.
Remind yourself frequently of the reasons you are determined to properly manage your diabetes. Think about what you like to do, and how managing diabetes can help you do those things; think about what motivates you. Your passions in life should serve as excellent motivation to get your health on track.
Cinnamon is an ingredient you can eat sweeten your food with without any extra calories or sugar. In addition to its own unique flavor, cinnamon can enhance the natural sweetness present in some foods, without the addition of blood glucose raising sugar. Studies are mixed as to whether cinnamon can actually lower your glucose levels, but regardless, it is an excellent spice to add.
Don’t rely on urine testing as your sole blood sugar test. A high level of ketones in the urine only indicate that glucose levels are higher than 200 mg per deciliter. Rather, the ADA recommends that people with diabetes use finger sticks or test strips to get the accurate readings they need.
Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes must take in all the information there is about their condition. The more knowledge they have, the better they can care for themselves. Where diabetes is concerned, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way.
The ideas that you have read in this article might be all that you need to better manage your diabetes, and still find some time to have a wonderful life. Not only will they save you time, but they will help you feel better too.
