Stay Safe With These Diabetes Tips
Diabetes doesn't really scare people because of the thought of pricking the end of your finger every day. The most worrisome aspects of diabetes include the elevated risk or developing diabetic retinopathy and diabetes-related complications. You should never allow your diabetes to go unchecked so that things like this develop. The following hints and tips can help you manage and treat this serious condition.
For a quick and healthy way to squelch hunger without interfering with your diabetes, snack on almonds. Unsalted almonds are filled with protein, fiber and many other nutrients that are very healthy. Keep a bowl of almonds around so you can snack on some while you relax.
Do things the same way each time, and life will be easier and better organized. For instance, when you go to bed at night, leave your insulin and measuring meter in the same part of the room so that you know where they are when you get up. Let your testing become a routine and you won't forget to do it regularly and to write in your log.
Due to the large number of diabetics, diabetes awareness has really grown over the past decade. By doing what makes you most comfortable you can reduce any stress or shame you feel about your disease.
If you have diabetes it is crucial that you learn to indulge in a healthy way. You may not need to give up sweets completely. If your blood sugar continues to stay under control, you can enjoy dessert every now and then. Plan for desserts by removing an equal number of carbs from the main part of your meal.
If you suffer from diabetes, as soon as you can, get tested for sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is a problem for you, then seek treatment as soon as you can to maintain a healthy and active life.
Use caution when having a pedicure if you have diabetes. Foot infections are common in diabetics and therefore if you should puncture your foot, care should be taken.
Many foods contain corn syrup, so make sure to read food labels. If you buy food products in Canada, you will want to watch out for any food that is labeled with "glucose/fructose".
Always keep sugary gum or another form of sugar that is quick to grab and consume on hand when you are hypoglycemic. As these attacks can occur at any time, it is very important to be ready for it. This is particularly true when you have avoided breakfast; your body craves sugar after having no food all night.
Being diabetic and a snacker can make it hard to stay away from the not-so-healthy snacks available. You need to exercise willpower and ditch that processed snack, and choose a complex carbohydrate such as vegetables or fruit instead.
Watching your diet carefully is important when you are diagnosed with diabetes. Different food affect your glucose levels differently, so you need to closely monitor what you eat. Large meals require large insulin injections but smaller meals require smaller insulin injections. If you monitor your meals and are careful with your diet, you can manage your blood glucose levels well.
This often leads to a greater chance of your child getting diabetes, either when born or at a later time in life. Don't risk it – take care of your body and protect the health of your unborn child.
It's important to remember why you choose to keep your diabetes under control. Think about what you like to do, and how managing diabetes can help you do those things; think about what motivates you. Focus on the things which are high on your priority list and let these be the motivation in your diabetes management.
Cinnamon is an ingredient you can eat sweeten your food with without any extra calories or sugar. Cinnamon naturally brings out the sweetness in food, and it doesn't add any sugar in the process. Some studies have shown that cinnamon will lower the sugar levels, but regardless it is a good thing to add to your foods.
Make your favorite comfort foods more diabetes-friendly. One of the hardest things for diabetics to do is to follow a restricted diet. Many people assume that they have to stop eating their favorite foods. Some diabetic sufferers will just keep eating their favored dishes regardless of their condition. The better solution is to look closely at the foods you eat and make smart substitutions. Many favorite foods are able to be diabetes-friendly simply by substituting healthier alternatives where appropriate.
Smoking is dangerous for anyone, but diabetic people should be extremely careful. If you choose to smoke, you will face a lot of health hazards. Smoking can make a person resistant to insulin, and those who are not diabetic already may be at risk for type 2 diabetes.
One myth is that you have to avoid all sugars. Do not get rid of sugar entirely, simply stay away from foods too rich in sugar such as sweets. An occasional sweet dessert eaten in a small amount is allowable. Since eating sweets adds extra carbohydrates, it is best to cut back on other foods that contain carbohydrates when you have that special treat.
Take the time to exercise. If you exercise regularly, you can ensure your body will effectively process glucose and insulin. Exercise can be very beneficial to someone with diabetes.
Make sure to take along an insulated cold bag to store your insulin supply when you travel. Insulin has to be kept at a certain temperature and by keeping it in an insulated bag, you are making sure it does not get too hot or too cold.
When someone has diabetes, they are more open to getting a lot of other health problems which are easily undetected, for example, one serious problem that many are unaware that they have is sleep apnea. People with this condition stop breathing for a short time while they are asleep. If you're abnormally fatigued during the day, have a check-up to find out if you have sleep apnea.
As the introduction of this article mentioned, it's the potential to go blind and other debilitating side effects associated with diabetes that really scare people. You can work past the fear and use the information you've learned here to ensure that you're never a victim of these nasty complications.
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