There are a lot of people that are discovering that they can actually control their diabetes better these days. However, with a little more knowledge, they could get even more control over their illness. This article has suggestions to help you manage the diabetes and enjoy a happier life.
A large number of foods have an assigned “glycemic index,” which is a number that tells you how much the food affects your blood sugar after eating it. As a diabetic, you want to eat the foods with a low glycemic index most often.
It will be hard if your child is diagnosed with diabetes but bear with it. Diabetes treatments have advanced to the point where it no longer shortens a person’s life span. There is a person that is in his 90s that has lived with diabetes his entire life, which was before the advances in medicine that can properly treat diabetes.
You will ensure your life will be easier to deal with if you stay organized. Don’t stumble around looking for items, such as insulin or associated equipment; have a place for it and keep it there. Make sure you routinely do everything you’re supposed to when testing.
Think twice about getting a pedicure if you’re diabetic. Even a small cut can result in an infection for a diabetic.
High fructose corn syrup is found in a surprising number of food products, so you should check the ingredients on most drinks or condiments before buying them. When in Canada you will notice this product is called “glucose” or “fructose”.
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. A lot of studies have shown that people who eat more whole grains are at a lower risk of diabetes developing.
Always keep sugary gum or another form of sugar that is quick to grab and consume on hand when you are hypoglycemic. You have to be prepared, because a hypoglycemia attack can happen anywhere or any time. It is particularly important to have some form of sugar with you if you tend to skip breakfast, because your body will have increased cravings.
Using an online pharmacy can help you save money on your prescription diabetes medications. Many of these stores have discount auto-ship programs, so that you won’t be without your diabetes supplies.
Blood Sugar
You should understand which foods have high glycemic indexes, as they can increase your blood sugar in a hurry. Bread, juice and pasta are very in high in terms of the glycemic index. Your blood sugar is also very vulnerable, in general, to processed foods of all sorts. Instead, make the healthy decision to enjoy fresh fruits, frozen vegetables, and unprocessed fish and meats.
Go see a professional if you are expecting a baby and think you could have diabetes. If you don’t control gestational diabetes, not only your health, but your baby’s health, is in jeopardy. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications that are safe to take during pregnancy, and he can also advise you of what to eat.
Pregnant mothers should understand and take heart in the fact that gestational diabetes has not been caused by something they have done. It is out of the control of the person it affects and is very, very common. Keep your stress levels down, and think positive thoughts about yourself and your child.
If you suffer from diabetes and you are a smoker, you should try to quit. Smoke is terrible for everyone, but it’s worse for diabetics as it could dangerously raise blood sugar. Your doctor can help you if you are unable to quit on your own.
If you take fast-acting insulin, be sure to take it up to 15 minutes prior to your meal. This may change depending on your prescribing physician’s instructions. Fast-acting insulins are quite effective in maintaining blood sugar levels, but they must be provided in the proper dose and timing for each person.
Favorite Foods
You can make changes to your favorite foods to make them work with your diabetes. One of the most difficult aspects of a diagnosis of diabetes is the restrictive diet. Many assume they have to stop eating these favorite foods entirely. Others may continue to eat foods that negatively impact their health. The intelligent solution is to make reasonable substitutions to your favorite dishes. Many foods can be made diabetes-friendly by using healthier alternatives to the problem ingredients.
Even if you don’t feel well and don’t want to eat, you need to eat low-GI foods every few hours, as well as check your blood glucose levels. You can feel dehydrated during long cycles of low glucose, so be sure to drink fluids at this time.
Get regular exercise. When you exercise regularly, this results in better management of glucose and insulin in your body to ensure a stable level of blood sugar. Exercise should be a major part of a diabetic persons life.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are one of the best breakfasts you can eat. You will get plenty of proteins, while avoiding fat and calories, if you eat egg whites. Make an omelet with them, or even scrambled eggs with some meat such as ham.
When you know how to take control of your diabetes, it’s easier to feel more positive about your life as a whole. Apply the information from this article to your life in order to improve your blood glucose levels.