Managing your diabetes can seem like a lifelong struggle that you will never get out of. There are steps that you can take to reduce the affects your diabetes has on you and to maximize your treatment of it. This article will highlight these ideas for you in a practical way.
Peanut butter is an excellent way to satisfy a craving for something sweet when you’re diabetic. It contains healthy fats and is relatively low in sugar, so grab a spoon and dig in. Lick it like a lollipop and it will outlast any craving you have. Be careful if you put it on crackers or bread because you will need to include those carbohydrates in your daily counts.
If you want a snack that’s fun to eat and tasty too, but your Diabetes means that you don’t seem to have any options, reach for popcorn! You can leave the butter out if you’re trying to lose weight, and keep the portion down so that you don’t overdo your carbohydrates.
Many health care providers offer diabetic classes for patients who want to be informed on their treatments. Find one in your area and get educated so you can take your treatment under control and know why you’re being given what has been prescribed to you. You never know, it may save your life!
When you’re planning to go to a doctor’s visit, write down any concerns you have. It doesn’t matter how outlandish they may seem, it’s much easier to read them off a page (or PDA or tablet, whatever works for you) than trying to remember them. Every bit of information you gain will help you keep your health in check!
Diabetics should work exercise into their daily routine, so think about what you’re doing right now and how you could be doing more. Maybe it’s putting a pile of books under your desk and stepping your feet up and down them. How about getting up and chasing the dog around the house for 10 minutes? Every bit helps!
Increasing your intake of magnesium is not only good for your heart, it can help your diabetes too! You can find lots of magnesium in fish, leafy greens, and nuts, so include those items in your diet as often as possible. Almonds are an excellent choice to grab as a snack any time.
Diabetics should beware of caffeine as it can lead to potentially life-threatening blood pressure. Diabetes already has harmful effects on your organs, high blood pressure included, so you don’t want to tax your body any more than it already is. Caffeine can lead in a massive spike in blood pressure after ingesting it, so just stay away from it completely.
Put some walnuts in your salad to add some extra nutrition. Walnuts can help keep your sugar levels where they should be because they have monosaturated fats. They also have omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which will give you energy.
Diabetes causes you higher blood-glucose levels, which also affects how much glucose is in your saliva. You have to take extra care of your gums and teeth to keep the rot and decay away. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure to see your dentist twice a year for cleaning.
If you have recently found out that you have diabetes, you may want to see a nutritionist. There are certain foods that a diabetic should and should not be eating. A nutritionist can give you a diet plan to follow and tell you where you can purchase these special foods.
There are several ways to prevent developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and can be prevented by regular exercise, losing weight, eating more fiber, and consuming whole grains. Don’t attempt to shortcut living a healthy lifestyle by using fad diets; talk to a physician or nutritionist and make an effective plan together.
If you are the primary caregiver of a person with diabetes, you may need support also. You carry a heavy load caring for and making decisions for your loved one as well as monitoring their diet and lifestyle to keep them healthy. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Your doctor can recommend respite care to give you a break, or even a nurse to help with care. You don’t have to do it alone.
Do not rely on chocolate for a quick fix if your blood glucose levels drop. While most diabetics feel that this is a harmless remedy, it may actually have the opposite effect. The body absorbs fatty foods far more slowly, so you will notice a faster increase in glucose if you opt for a sweet, but fat-free, food.
Now you are equipped to take some practical steps to manage your diabetes better, get better results from your treatment and even lower the affects diabetes has over you. Following these tips will give you some of the results you have been looking for.
