Trying to effectively manage diabetes can result in stress and discomfort. The trick to maintaining an enjoyable life while suffering diabetes is learning enough about the condition to enable yourself to have relief from symptoms. By reading this article, you are well on your way!
Develop a “testing ritual” that you follow every time you test your blood sugar. Keep all of your equipment in the same spot at home and at work, so that you always know where to find your treatments in an emergency. Consistent testing should be a routine part of your day in order to avoid forgetfulness in recording your insulin levels.
If you suffer from diabetes, proceed with caution when receiving a pedicure. You are more prone to getting a foot infection if you’re diabetic, so you need to try and be careful when you get a pedicure, especially if you get a puncture or cut.
Make sure to read the nutrition labels as many common foods contain this. If it has corn syrup, back to the shelf it goes. In foreign countries such as Canada, this can be known as a combination of glucose and fructose.
Switching to an online pharmacy is a smart way to save money on the many medications needed by diabetics. Many of these stores have discount auto-ship programs, so that you won’t be without your diabetes supplies.
Eating several small meals a day instead of three large ones is a good habit for people with diabetes. When you eat often during the day, you will be able to better control your blood sugar. Another positive of eating frequently is you will be less likely to overeat because you will feel satisfied.
If you are a diabetic and also smoke, it is in your best interests to quit. Smoking is especially harmful for a diabetic because it has the ability to raise blood sugar to a dangerous level. Your doctor can help you if you are unable to quit on your own.
Most diabetics need to take fast acting insulin a few minutes before eating. Check with your doctor to make sure this applies to you. Fast-acting insulin is extremely effective for maintaining blood glucose, but only if it is properly timed and dosed for each individual diabetic.
One of the myths associated with diabetes is that you must avoid sugar at all costs. Use wisdom and knowledge to monitor the sugar content that you do consume. Save your favorite dessert for a special occasion and limit yourself to a small serving. Plan carefully and balance your splurge with the other carbohydrates consumed that day, preferably by bypassing them.
Keep in mind that even though gestational diabetes may go away after childbirth, you should still check your blood sugar regularly for any abnormalities. Some people think that testing blood glucose levels isn’t needed after giving birth, but they are wrong.
Get some exercise regularly. Exercise improves the way the human body handles glucose and insulin and helps to keep blood sugar stable. For diabetics, exercise is an essential addition to the lifestyle.
Don’t rely on urine testing as your sole blood sugar test. High ketone levels in the urine indicate only that your blood glucose is approximately higher than 200 milligrams per deciliter. Organizations like the ADA recommend that those with diabetes use more reliable testing methods, like strips or finger pokes.
Potential employers cannot deny employment from those who suffer from diabetes. You have a right to privacy and do not have to tell them about your diabetes.
Sleep Apnea
Many people with diabetes have other health problems which often go unnoticed; one of worst of these is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs if you stop breathing for short periods as you sleep. Sleep apnea may be what is affecting you, if you find yourself unexplainably tired throughout the day.
Good carbohydrates are a great choice for a diabetic’s diet. Low-carb diets are not always good for those suffering from diabetes because they often prevent the body from getting sufficient essential nutrients, including fiber. Be sure that you eat enough carbohydrates to maintain your energy level.
The management techniques you learned in this article can help you keep diabetes under control and improve your quality of life. Remember that the information laid out here is just a bit of the information available, so keep learning all you can about managing your diabetes.