By no means is diabetes an easy disease to care for. In addition to drastic diet alterations, the disease requires close monitoring and maintenance. Although dealing with diabetes is always going to be hard, there are a variety of ways to manage the condition. The following tips will assist you in managing your diabetes and remaining healthy.
The glycemic index is a number that all foods have. It lets you know how the food will affect your blood sugar. Remember, the lower the GI number, the better for a diabetic!
Almonds are a great way to curb your appetite and they won’t bother your blood sugar levels. Unsalted almonds are not only very healthy, but they contain protein, fiber and other essential nutrients. Keep a bowl by the couch so you can grab some for a snack while you watch TV.
Consider meat-free, high protein foods like eggs, cheese, nuts and beans. Don’t get into a rut and keep trying new things!
If you do the same task the same way each time, your life will be more organized and easier. Keep your testing supplies and medications in one place, and make sure you leave them there after you finish your routine. Let your testing become a routine and you won’t forget to do it regularly and to write in your log.
People with diabetes are at high risk for sleep apnea, so get tested right away. If sleep apnea is a problem for you, then seek treatment as soon as you can to maintain a healthy and active life.
Reduce your risk of diabetes by switching to a high fiber diet. High glycemic index foods, including processed foods and white bread, can raise your risk for developing diabetes, so you should eliminate these foods from your diet and replace them with whole grain foods. There have been quite a few studies that prove the point that those who choose whole grain will have a lesser risk of getting diabetes as opposed to those who do not.
If you are hypoglycemic, you should always have gum or some other type of sugary food handy. Attacks from hypoglycemia can pop up any place and at anytime; therefore, it’s vital you are properly prepared in case one occurs. This is very true if you did not eat breakfast, since your body is demanding sugar.
Switching from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy to one online can save you a lot of money on your diabetes medications. Many of these stores have discount auto-ship programs, so that you won’t be without your diabetes supplies.
Talk to a doctor when you are concerned that you have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes requires you to act immediately to protect your health. There are safe medicines you can take while pregnant for this condition, and your doctor can also provide you with an appropriate diet to follow.
Even if you have diabetes, if you are a snacker it can be difficult to resist the pick-me-ups you know are sitting on the kitchen counter, or in vending machines. A piece of fresh fruit, carrot sticks or any complex carbohydrate is an energy-producing snack that is good for you. The chips, soda and candy will make your diabetes worse, so you should shun them.
If your blood sugar rises right after you take care of your low glucose reaction, don’t worry. It may be caused by overcompensating with the food or drink you take or it can be a hormonal response of your body to combat the low glucose level. The next time that happens, consume half of what you would normally consume to correct the low glucose level, then monitor your glucose levels in half an hour to see if you need to take further action.
This increases the chances of your baby developing diabetes. Do all you can to take care of your body and keep your baby safe.
Keep the important benefits that come from managing your diabetes in the front of your thoughts. Give thought to what you enjoy doing in life, what keeps you from doing them, and what can help you to do more of them. Stay focused on what you find important and let that motivate the management of your diabetes.
If you are dealing with diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice that can be included in your foods because it does not add sugar, sodium or calories to your diet. Cinnamon helps you to highlight a food’s natural sweetness in place of glucose raising sugar. Some researchers believe cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels.
Rather than just giving up things you like, slightly change them. For most, the restrictive diet that is necessary to control diabetes is the most difficult part of dealing with the disorder. Lots of people think they have to eliminate the majority of the foods they love. Others will ignore the diet restrictions and still consume their favorite foods. The smart solution is to examine your favorite dishes and make substitutions. A lot of foods can be prepared in a way that is healthy for diabetics to eat.
Diabetes demands you to pay incredibly close attention to the things you eat and the way you live. No one said diabetes is a cakewalk, but the tips you just read are certain make it easier to deal with. Work hard to control your condition and make life less of a struggle!