Two primary kinds of diabetes exist, and both are potentially very serious. One of the most important steps you can take to manage your diabetes is to learn as much about the disease as possible. Read the following article and you can better manage your life while living with diabetes.
Look at the glycemic index on the labels of the foods you buy. This is an indicator of how this food will affect sugar levels. Remember, the lower the GI number, the better for a diabetic!
If you have diabetes it is crucial that you learn to indulge in a healthy way. You don’t have to eliminate all the sweets you enjoy. Give yourself permission to enjoy an occasional dessert if your diabetes is properly managed and under control. Plan for desserts by removing an equal number of carbs from the main part of your meal.
Walnuts can make a nutritious and tasty addition to a salad. These nuts contain “good” monosaturated fats, which counter the insulin resistance caused by diabetes. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins for energy.
Sleep Apnea
Get tested for sleep apnea if you suffer from diabetes. If you are found to have sleep apnea, receiving immediate treatment can greatly assist you in maintaining a good quality of health.
Take extra precautions when getting pedicures if you suffer from diabetes. Diabetics are prone to bad foot infections, therefore you need to be especially careful of any cut or puncture you receive there.
You should understand which foods have high glycemic indexes, as they can increase your blood sugar in a hurry. For instance, bread, cereal, pasta or juices have a very high glycemic index. Processed foods can also have a very detrimental effect on your blood sugar. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits, meats and fish to your diet.
If you are diabetic, talk to your physician if your vision is bugging you or there are any problems with it. Diabetes can cause a lot of different kinds of eye issues; cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are some of them. Be sure to have your vision checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage, which can include blindness.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is NOT YOUR FAULT! Pregnancy often causes gestational diabetes, and there is really not much you can do to prevent it if you are susceptible to it. Cancel negative thoughts and think positively about your child and yourself. This will go a long way toward lowering stress.
Smoking cigarettes is especially dangerous for diabetics. Smoking is especially harmful for a diabetic because it has the ability to raise blood sugar to a dangerous level. Your doctor can help you if you are unable to quit on your own.
Frequently remind yourself why it is so important that you keep your diabetes under control. Remember what motivates you, be it your family, friends, pets, or career. Concentrate on the meaningful things in your life, and let them inspire and encourage you to remain proactive in the management of your disease.
Smoking is an unhealthy, dangerous practice, but it is even more dangerous for a person with diabetes. Engaging in this destructive behavior will subject you to multiple health maladies. Cigarettes will make your body more resistant to insulin and can increase the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
One myth is that you have to avoid all sugars. There is no need to cut sugar out entirely, but you do need to be vigilant about what sweets you eat. You are still allowed to eat a smaller dessert during special occasions. But when you do this it is wise to eat fewer carbohydrates, especially starches, with the meal. This will compensate for the carbohydrates in the dessert.`
Urine ketone tests are not the only ones you should use to detect your blood sugar levels. This method is not very accurate, and high levels of ketones only indicate that blood glucose levels are something higher than 200mg a deciliter. Use a home glucose meter to measure the exact amount of sugar in your blood instead. The ADA considers this type of testing to be far more accurate than urine testing.
Egg Whites
Eat egg whites for a healthy and wonderful breakfast. When you eat egg whites, your body gets a metabolic kick start from the protein, without a lot of fat or calories. Try preparing a omelet with egg whites, or scramble them and eat them with a lean meat like ham.
Managing your lifestyle is the key to defeating complications from diabetes. Making healthy lifestyle choices will decrease your odds of developing severe complications related to your disease.