Are you living with diabetes? Diabetes does not have to be the debilitating disease that some make it out to be. You can have a "normal" life and have diabetes at the same time. Follow our tips on how to make the most out of your life with diabetes.
Foods have a "glycemic index" number which says how much they will affect blood sugar based on what is in them. Look for lower GI ratings if you struggle with diabetes.
Almonds are a great snack to fill you up without affecting your blood sugar levels. Unsalted almonds are a nutritional goldmine where you can unearth nutrients, such as fiber and protein. Always keep some almonds handy around the house so you always have them when you’re struck with the urge to snack.
A Diabetic will need more than just a physician on his health care team. You should ask for a referral to an endocrinologist (they’ll help you with your insulin), a registered dietitian or nutritionist, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, a dentist, and a podiatrist. Once you have them all on your team you’ll be ready to fight Diabetes head on!
Make sure to take your diabetes medications exactly as directed. You are NOT a doctor, nor is anyone else giving you advice other than your physician. They tell you how often to take your prescriptions and how much you should take at a time because they know, so follow their directions.
If you have a family history of diabetes, prevention is very important. A great way to prevent diabetes is to increase your intake of fiber. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. Foods high in fiber increase your blood sugar control ability, which in turn reduces your chances of getting diabetes. Filling your plate up with foods high in fiber is an important way to prevent diabetes.
When eating healthy for a Diabetic diet, compare the items various stores sell and see who has the best prices on specific items. I like to keep a spreadsheet on my phone which shows each item I buy regularly, and which store I can get it at the best price so I can stock up when I go to that store.
It is important to control pre-diabetes with proper diet and exercise as well as keeping weight at normal levels. Studies show that even pre-diabetics are at risk of developing dangerous long-term damage from even mildly elevated blood sugar levels. These effects can be damaging even to the heart and circulatory system.
If you find that you are frequently unable to keep your blood glucose levels under control, consider asking your primary care physician about whether an insulin pump may be a good choice for you. You may find that a pump can help you reach your targets, but it requires diligence and willingness to monitor insulin frequently.
Baking your own bread, canning your own vegetables, and even grinding your own flour is far more healthy than purchasing it at a store. You’ll also save a ton of money, and you’ll know what is going into the foods you eat. A diabetic has to be careful about every ingredient, and if YOU measured and put them all in there, it will make keeping track easy!
If you have diabetes, you want to make sure you limit the amount of pasta you consume. It is really easy to eat too much of it because it is so delicious. Before you know it, you will eat more than you think you have eaten, which can really elevate your glucose levels. A cup of pasta has as many calories as three slices of bread. Keep that in mind the next time you eat pasta.
If you are a diabetic make sure to carefully choose your lancing device. Pick one that maximizes comfort and minimizes pain especially since you will have to be testing very frequently. The better the device is, the less reluctant you will be with your blood sugar testings which will help improve the overall quality of your care.
Even if you feel like your diabetes has gotten better, it is important not to stop taking your medications unless a doctor tells you it is alright to do so. The medications are most likely what is keeping your diabetes symptoms under control, so without them, your glucose or insulin levels could get out of control.
Checking your blood glucose levels may seen like an intrusion into your daily routine, but it is a practice that can essentially save your life. Find ways to make routine checks more convenient, such as keeping multiple monitors at home and even in your desk at work. Remember, however, that your strips and monitor are sensitive to light and temperature, so they should not be kept in your vehicle.
If you have diabetes and still crave sweets, just remember to eat them in moderation. It’s a myth that diabetics can’t eat any sugar at all --but it is true that diabetes means you need to consume sugar with care. If you eat sweets, eat small amounts, and remember that the sweets count toward your carbohydrate tally for that meal.
Control when and how much you eat. Try to eat meals and snacks at the same time every day. Eating at the same time will keep your blood sugar regulated and make it easier to maintain. How much you eat is important because even if you eat healthy, but overeat, you can gain weight.
Add more whole grains to your diet. Scientists do not have a full grasp as to why, but whole grains have shown benefits in preventing diabetes and lowering blood sugar numbers. Have a goal of eating whole grains as at least half of your grain intake daily. Always specifically look for the word "whole" when reading labels.
If you are feeling symptoms of depression, consult with your physician. If you become depressed it will have a severe impact on how you are managing your diabetes. You will lose interest in food, have a lower activity level and increase your stress levels. Targeting these symptoms early can avoid unwanted complications later.
Diabetes is very common, and that also makes it relatively easy to treat -- at least in terms of the number of treatment options. Your options are vast here, and the above article has just shed some light on numerous tips and tactics you can use to help you fight your disease. Now you just have to use them.
