It can be somewhat scary to be told you have diabetes, but if you have the right knowledge, you can manage the disease well and still live a healthy life. In this article, you will find various information regarding diabetes and how to deal with it and live healthier.
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. Select foods with a low glycemic index.
A great tip to use to keep in control of diabetes is to live life in a orderly fashion. Keep your insulin close to you and store it in the same spot every night. Doing everything according to a set schedule and organizing your supplies will make treating your diabetes less taxing.
If you are in a large crowd, chances are there are many other diabetics in that crowd, too. When you don’t force yourself to hide, you will take steps to fight the shame and stigma sometimes associated with diabetes.
Get tested for sleep apnea if you suffer from diabetes. Getting tested early for sleep apnea is advisable, as it may continue as a dangerous untreated health risk.
Diabetics must have their eyes checked on a regular basis to avoid serious vision disorders, so make sure you address any concerns or issues with your health care provider. There are a multitude of problems diabetes can cause with your eyes from cataracts to glaucoma to diabetic retinopathy, and these are all very serious. Dealing with your condition is really important because failure to respond opens the door to the worst possibilities that include going blind.
People who snack a lot, including diabetics, have a hard time saying “No” when vending machines beckon. You need to exercise willpower and ditch that processed snack, and choose a complex carbohydrate such as vegetables or fruit instead.
Diabetics should monitor their eating habits carefully. The food you eat will change your blood sugar level almost immediately after you eat, so you need to monitor and log what you are eating. Eating a large meal may require a higher dose of insulin than smaller meals, if you have to use insulin. If you watch your meals, you can actively manage your glucose levels.
Don’t get alarmed if your blood sugar rises right after a treatment for low glucose reaction. This means could mean that you are eating and drinking more than you should to fix your low level or that your body is releasing hormones to make up for the low level. Try lowering the amount of food or drink by half and give your levels a check at 30 minutes.
If you are a diabetic and also smoke, it is in your best interests to quit. Smoking is a poor health decision for those around you and for yourself as it can make your blood sugar dangerous. If you have a hard time quitting, talk to your doctor about what methods you may use.
Even if you have no appetite or feel ill, you need to eat healthy, take care of yourself, and watch your blood sugar. If your level of glucose is low, make sure you drink plenty of water so that you do not get dehydrated.
Smoking is extremely dangerous if you have diabetes. Participating in this habit will open you to many bad health effects. 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.
Get regular exercise. Regular exercise will contribute to the stabilizing of blood sugar levels. Every diabetic should find time for exercise in their day.
If you are diabetic and are planning on taking a trip, always pack a bag with the proper insulation to carry your insulin. Insulin has to be kept at a certain temperature and by keeping it in an insulated bag, you are making sure it does not get too hot or too cold.
Though it is not commonly known, sleep apnea can be a serious health disadvantage that is associated with those suffering from diabetes. People who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing while they are asleep, interrupting oxygen flow to the brain. If you feel sleepy during the day, as if you didn’t sleep at all during the night, see your doctor about sleep apnea.
As you have read at the beginning, diabetes will only be scary if you do not know how to properly deal with it. The advice in this article can help you to effectively manage your diabetes, and by extension, your health.