Diabetes management can make you stressful and ill at ease. There is so much that you have to learn about living with the disease and managing it, on a day to day basis, so that you can survive and live a normal life. The tips and advice found here can help you on your way.
Every food has a glycemic index, which is a number that shows how great of an effect that food will have on blood sugar levels, based on its ingredients. Keep in mind that you want a lower GI number, this is better for diabetics.
Almonds are a great way to get some additional protein into your diet, and they don’t contain anything that will upset your blood sugar levels. Unsalted almonds are full of fiber, protein, and other nutrients, which are extremely healthy for you to ingest. Keep a bowl by the couch so you can grab some for a snack while you watch TV.
It will be hard if your child is diagnosed with diabetes but bear with it. Diabetes is a common enough problem today that with proper treatment, your child will have a normal life expectancy. The world’s oldest diabetic is currently 90 years old, and he was around before the medical advances we have today!
Develop a “testing ritual” that you follow every time you test your blood sugar. For instance, choose a spot to keep your insulin and meter, and make sure you put them there each and every night, so you know right where they are when you need them in the morning. Make testing a routine and do it at the same time and in the same way so you never miss a step.
In modern times, you can find diabetics anywhere. Your daily life will be less stressful if you disregard the tendency to feel ashamed of your condition.
Walnuts make an excellent and nutritious addition to any salad. Walnuts contain mono saturated fats which assists your health by making your cells receptive to insulin. They taste great and boost your energy, and if that’s not enough, they contain omega-3, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
If you have bouts of hypoglycemia, always carry sugary foods such as gum with you to consume when needed. It is vital to your well-being that you always stay prepared because your hypoglycemia can rear its head at any time. This is even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
Educate yourself so that you know which foods are most likely to cause your blood sugar to spike. High glycemic foods are those such as cereal, pasta, juice, bread and desserts. Foods that are processed and have a lot of chemicals and preservatives in them can also wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. Instead, make the healthy decision to enjoy fresh fruits, frozen vegetables, and unprocessed fish and meats.
Go to your doctor immediately if you notice anything wrong with your vision. There are many eye-related conditions associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These problems need to be given care because if they worsen, they can turn to blindness.
Be careful with what you eat if you’re diabetic. Every type of food can have a different effect on glucose levels, so it is crucial that you monitor your food intake closely. Large meals will need larger doses of insulin to process, and small meals require less. Take an active approach to dealing with your diabetes by managing your meals.
Do not blame yourself if you develop gestational diabetes. It is common and is virtually out of anybody’s control. Minimize your stress and focus on the good things about your kid and you.
Take fast-acting insulin no longer than 15 minutes before you eat a meal, unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Fast-acting insulin is very effective at keeping blood sugar steady, only if used correctly though.
Glucose tablets are an option for the hypoglycemic. Such tablets are a convenient way to increase glucose levels effectively and quickly.
Don’t use urine ketone body tests exclusively as a means of testing your blood sugar. Testing through urine only shows that your glucose level is over 200mg per deciliter, and is not specific enough for an accurate reading. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics use a finger stick and test strips. This provides a much accurate measurement for blood glucose levels.
Your new knowledge of how to handle diabetes should make your life a little easier. You are making the first step in a journey to a successful, manageable diabetes treatment program. Keep a sharp eye open and continue looking for additional tips and advice that can help you.