One of the only good points of having diabetes is that even the worst particular type of this disease is treatable and not necessarily life-threatening. But you are still in charge of treating this disease and taking control of your life. If you need help or advice on some day-to-day things, check out this article.
Focus on leg circulation to combat diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Keep your feet moving as much as possible to increase the blood circulating down through your toes. One exercise that is great for a desk job is to lift your foot up and then wiggle your toes, turning your feet in circles at the ankle.
Learning to read the nutrition data on food labels is key to eating the right diet for your Diabetes. Keep track of how much carbohydrates, sodium, sugar, fat, protein, and fiber are in each food you eat and try to only choose those which will keep your weight in check.
If you suffer from diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease, it is a good idea to eat a diet that is high in fiber. Fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans prevents diabetes by buffering the sugar or carbohydrates in your diet, keeping your blood sugar even instead of having it fluctuate.
It is possible to lower your blood sugar with exercise, so give it a try and see what it does for you. Make sure to test yourself immediately after you exercise to make sure your blood sugar has gone down to a level that is tolerable, otherwise you’ll have to take your insulin.
It’s not something that you should feel ashamed about, especially since it’s increasingly common. This makes dealing with your diagnosis much easier, eliminating some of the stress.
To help yourself deal with a diabetes diagnosis, arrange to meet with a diabetes expert or take a class. Diabetes may seem as though it’s overwhelming to live with, but a good instructor can help simplify the disease and give you ways to cope. Getting good advice from a knowledgeable source is invaluable to any diabetes sufferer.
Conditions like Gastroparesis can cause your stomach to empty itself of food more slowly than normal after you have eaten a meal. For diabetics, this can translate to unpredictable drops and spikes in blood glucose levels, which can then affect the way that you feel throughout the day. Consider speaking with your doctor about whether you should take your insulin later or sooner than the standard 45 minutes before a meal.
In addition to eating healthy foods, you should also remember to eat food regularly. Instead of eating huge meals two or three times a day like most people do, eat smaller meals spaced out through the day. Doing so will keep your blood sugar at normal levels and regulate hunger.
Even if you feel like your diabetes has gotten better, it is important not to stop taking your medications unless a doctor tells you it is alright to do so. The medications are most likely what is keeping your diabetes symptoms under control, so without them, your glucose or insulin levels could get out of control.
Educate your family on what to do if your blood sugar drops or spikes to dangerous levels. A diabetic has to battle their disease with the help of family and friends, so ensure they know the symptoms to keep watch for in case you end up in a situation where you can’t control it yourself.
Check your blood sugar often. This is very important if you are dealing with diabetes because you blood sugar can spike or get very low without you feeling any symptoms. You can buy a glucometer for less than $100.00 or you may be able to get it free from a diabetes educator.
Learn what foods have a high-glycemic index sweet like cookies, sugar-laden soft drinks, as well as carbohydrate filled breads. Cereals, and pastas are all high-glycemic index foods. These foods can cause your blood sugar to rise very quickly, usually referred to as a spike. Stick to the perimeter of the store, with fresh produce and meats, and avoid heavily processed foods.
It is very helpful to have at least one friend who also has diabetes. This is someone that you will lean on for support when you are just not feeling good, and someone that can depend on you when they need a friend. You will also be able to learn about what their doctor is doing that may be different from the treatment you are getting. Just remember not to change anything without consulting a medical professional first.
Cut down on simple carbohydrates. These foods, such as pasta and bread, cause your blood sugar levels to spike which may cause hyperglycemia and a need for more insulin; that may result in a hypoglycemic episode. Stick to complex carbohydrates such as whole grains in order to keep your blood sugar stable.
To deal with the foot swelling that many with diabetes suffer from, always buy shoes one size larger and wider than you would normally wear. In the morning, pair your shoes with thick cotton socks, and switch to a thinner pair of socks when your feet swell later in the day.
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.
If you have diabetes and still crave sweets, just remember to eat them in moderation. It’s a myth that diabetics can’t eat any sugar at all –but it is true that diabetes means you need to consume sugar with care. If you eat sweets, eat small amounts, and remember that the sweets count toward your carbohydrate tally for that meal.
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