The disease of diabetes can be severe and debilitating. In order to make sure that diabetics live happy lives, it is essential for them to educate themselves about their disease and learn how to maintain their health. The following article contains helpful tips for anyone with diabetes.
The glycemic index is a number that reflects how much effect different foods have on your blood sugar level. Select foods with a low glycemic index.
Eating almonds can satisfy a snack craving without sending your blood sugar through the roof. Plain almonds have lots of protein, fiber and other nutrients, making them a healthy food to consume. Have some handy so you can munch on them when it’s time for a snack.
Take the stress out of diabetes management by developing more consistent habits. Don’t stumble around looking for items, such as insulin or associated equipment; have a place for it and keep it there. When you are testing your blood sugar, write down all your levels in a log.
When you have diabetes, you need to learn to indulge your body in a healthier manner. You don’t need to eliminate sweets entirely. If you are carefully monitoring your blood sugars, the occasional dessert is acceptable. Eliminate some carbohydrates from your main meal if you want to eat desert!
If you’re diabetic, be careful when you get a pedicure. Diabetics are sensitive to infection. So, you should be careful if there’s a cut or puncture there.
The chips and candy in a vending machine may seem to promise quick energy, but a diabetic should avoid these snacks. Keep these snacks out of your kitchen cupboard also. You need to exercise willpower and ditch that processed snack, and choose a complex carbohydrate such as vegetables or fruit instead.
Blood Sugar
Diabetics need to be especially careful of the foods they eat. Your blood sugar will be effected differently by various foods, so keep track of what you eat and how it will impact your blood sugar. If you eat a large meal, it will require more insulin, while smaller meals will require less. Monitoring your meals will allow you to more actively control your blood glucose levels.
If you are a diabetic and you smoke, it would be wise to try to kick the habit. Not only is smoking bad for everybody, it is especially bad for diabetics because it could raise your blood sugar to dangerous levels. If you have issues with quitting, talk to your doctor about options to help you stop.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, use your fast-acting insulin up to as much as 15 minutes before eating a meal. Fast-acting insulin is extremely effective for maintaining blood glucose, but only if it is properly timed and dosed for each individual diabetic.
Give yourself a constant reminder of why taking care of your diabetes is so important. Think about the things in your life that you enjoy doing, what are the things that keep your from doing it and what should you do to help with that. Concentrate on the meaningful things in your life, and let them inspire and encourage you to remain proactive in the management of your disease.
As you know by now, diabetes is a common, but serious condition, that requires multiple adjustments to one’s lifestyle. It’s critical that people with diabetes get informed on their condition so they can treat it properly. Diabetics who follow the above advice are well on their way to improving their overall health.