Are you living with diabetes? Diabetes does not have to be the debilitating disease that some make it out to be. You can have a “normal” life and have diabetes at the same time. Follow our tips on how to make the most out of your life with diabetes.
If you don’t like the taste of beans but are trying to eat properly now that you’ve been diagnosed with Diabetes, why not try eating Hummus? It is made from creamed Garbanzo Beans and it’s smooth, thick, and delicious! You can eat it on a sandwich instead of mayonnaise, or spread on crackers.
Checking out international foods is an excellent way of finding new recipes that you’ll actually enjoy eating, even though they’re good for you and your Diabetes. I’d highly recommend trying Tabouleh, a Middle Eastern dish made with herbs, onions, lemon juice, and bulgur. It’s extremely good mixed with hummus and served on a pita!
Want a tasty treat that won’t be forbidden by your doctor due to your Diabetes? Try nachos! Use a low fat cheese, low fat sour cream, homemade guacamole, and salsa, and you’ll be getting a ton of nutrition with a burst of flavor. If you add some beans to the salsa you’ll have an even healthier snack!
If you’re going to go a non-traditional route for your diabetes treatment, continue to be under the supervision of a doctor. Make sure to visit him at least every 3 months, so he can check your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. He should also test your organ functions, at the intervals he sets for you.
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.
Diabetics should make sure to always wear socks to bed and wear slippers or shoes inside the house. You’ll want to both provide shock absorption for your feet as well as protection from stepping on something sharp or damaging. Diabetes can lead to an increased susceptibility to infection, so be extra careful!
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.
A variety of spices can add flavor to a diabetics diet without adding sugar, fat or calories. Cinnamon can make foods sweeter without adding sugar. Studies are mixed as to whether cinnamon can actually lower your glucose levels, but regardless, it is an excellent spice to add.
To decrease the effect sugars and carbohydrates have on your body, consume plenty of fiber. Fiber works as a sort of natural buffer that will help keep your blood sugar down even when you’ve eaten things that normally make it spike. If you’ve eaten something you shouldn’t, a quick fiber rich snack can help counteract its effects.
Take all of your medications that your doctor prescribes you. Follow the directions exactly, or you will not be getting the benefits of the treatment. If you have any side effects that you do not like call your doctor and they may be able to give you something else that agrees with your body better.
Plan in advance for any high-sugar foods you will eat. Have insulin on hand for any sudden increases in blood sugar levels, and make sure that you monitor your blood sugar levels afterwards. The important thing to do is to be aware of how you’re feeling at any point after the meal.
Cinnamon is very beneficial to diabetes sufferers. This wonderful spice adds a little sweetness to foods such as oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt, without added sugar. Some studies show that partaking of cinnamon can lower blood sugar, as well as cholesterol and triglycerides levels. It tastes delicious, stimulates digestion, and makes one feel more alert.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a carbohydrate, breaking down very quickly into sugars, having a negative effect on your blood sugar levels. It acts in the same way as chocolate, quickly elevating the blood sugar and then quickly dropping it back down. This can cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and sweating. Alcohol can also result in dehydration, which in turn increases the concentration of sugar in the bloodstream. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of your insulin dosage.
As you can see, it is possible to live a happy life even if you have diabetes. Living with diabetes is all what you make it, and you can make the best out of it. By following our tips you will learn how to lead a happy life, thus making the best of your health limitations.