Diabetes is a trying time in anyone’s life, but you can make it manageable with the choices you make. It may seem like a daunting task at first but after you get it under control you can expect to live a full life. Following are some handy tips to help you make good decisions. Please read on.
Diabetics should never EVER skip a meal! If you’ve planned to eat, then you must eat, or else your medication can drop your blood sugar so low you end up getting very sick. At least have a drink of juice or milk and some of your food so that your body gets a boost of energy.
A Diabetic needs to have eight good hours of sleep every night to be well-rested, alert, and healthy. People who get enough sleep tend to be able to lose weight, probably because they have the energy to exercise and lack the apathy that can lead to less than healthy eating choices.
A dip in blood sugar is NOT an excuse to raid your fridge for goodies. Pick up some glucose tablets or small candies and take ONE OR TWO until your blood sugar is back in line. Eating a slice of cake will just make your blood sugar skyrocket, leading to a need for medication and weight gain.
Simplify your life with organization and routine. Keep your insulin close to you and store it in the same spot every night. Make your blood glucose test into a daily routine so that you always remember to test your blood and always remember to write down the results.
Make sure to visit the doctor if you have any of the risk factors involved with getting diabetes. Make an appointment as soon as possible if you are overweight, over the age of 45, have a very inactive lifestyle, or you have family with diabetes. The sooner you get the tested, the better chances you will have in catching the ailment early.
The Dispensary of Hope can provide you with your Diabetes medications at a discount as long as you can prove that you are in financial distress and are uninsured. You can contact them through their website (dispensaryofhope.org) for more information on programs in your area, and how you can get qualified for their services.
Be sure you have a bedtime snack. This will help to make sure you have enough glucose to get you through the night and that your glucose is stable while you sleep. It will also help to make sure you don’t feel the need to get up at night and raid your fridge.
If you have been diagnosed as a diabetic it would behoove you to get a medical bracelet indicating as such. You never want to end up in a situation where you are unresponsive, and god forbid, those caring for you don’t know you are diabetic and do something, like give you a dextrose IV that can make you even worse.
Gestational diabetes can lead to Type II Diabetes later in life, so make sure the changes you implement during pregnancy continue after your baby is born. Having a healthy diet while breastfeeding is important, so keep eating cleanly throughout that time and afterward as well. Exercise will not only help you lose weight and tighten your skin back up, but it will also keep your blood sugar levels constantly normal.
As a diabetes sufferer, it is important to know about the latest medical advancements. New medical advancements mean that there could be new treatments for diabetes in the near future. Be sure to ask your doctor about any new treatments that may arise and see if you qualify for them.
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than others so they should try to eat food that contain fatty acids, which are very good for the heart. A good way to get those essential acids in your system is to have fish at least twice a week.
A great tip to handle your diabetes is to maintain consistent eating habits. Skipping meals can lead to overeating which in turn can lead directly to weight gain. This, as you know, is terrible for diabetes and is exactly the opposite of what you should be trying to do. Eat at the same times each day to keep yourself from getting hungry.
Look for high-fiber foods. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to eliminate breads and pastas from your diet. The problem is that most breads and pastas are made with refined carbohydrates ” making them high glycemic foods that you should avoid. These processed carbohydrates cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar. Instead, look for whole-grain varieties. You can find whole-grain breads and pastas right alongside their refined counterparts in the grocery stores. These carbohydrates are high in dietary fiber, which means your body takes longer to break them down ” and there is no sugar spike.
If you are diabetic, lose that extra weight. Scientific studies have shown that losing about two pounds of body weight can decrease the risks related to diabetes by about sixteen percent. A few dietary changes and some moderate exercise can get you well on the way to reaching your optimum weight. You’ll be doing your health a favor by making the effort to get the pounds off.
A crucial tip for diabetics is to shed excess pounds. Dropping extra weight is a great way to help the body use insulin properly, reduce blood sugar levels and regulate blood pressure. A beneficial side effect is the increased energy levels typically experienced by those who achieve significant weight loss.
Insulin is being developed that can be inhaled. This will prove to be a great alternative to injections that many diabetics are forced to endure. Meanwhile this product is still undergoing clinical trials, it is said to be available within the United States and Europe within as little as a few years. Consider this in the near future for a positive alternative to insulin injections.
Aren’t you glad you took just a few minutes to read these handy tips? Remember, once you learn to deal and live with your Diabetes, it will become natural to you. It just takes a little time to figure out what is best for you. So, why not start today?
