It is never good news to hear about the possibility of diabetes or attempt to live a normal life after you have developed the condition. There are actually some pretty simple things that can be done each day that are known to lower your chances for diabetes and to help you live a healthier life.
Diabetics need to avoid ketchup like the plague. I know it’s tasty, I love it to death, but it’s so full of sugar both from the tomatoes and the high fructose corn syrup that it’s more of a curse than a pleasure. I like to replace it with yellow mustard as it has little to no sugar added.
Diabetic feet are more prone to infection than the average person’s, so check them when you shower for any cuts or bruising. One of the first symptoms of Diabetes that I had was a red speckling on the top of my feet which indicated blood pressure problems, but I didn’t notice as I always wore socks and didn’t have my glasses on in the bathroom. If you already have Diabetes, keep a watchful eye on those tootsies.
Unless you drive a car that lacks air conditioning in super hot summer temperatures, or are on a safari in Africa, you probably don’t need ice packs for your insulin. If you’re worried about leaving it in the car at the mall, take it with you! I doubt you’ll have so much that it won’t fit in your purse, pocket, or bag.
To keep exercise from dropping your blood glucose levels later, check your glucose levels every 45 minutes after a workout. If you see your levels start to go down, you can quickly treat the issue with a carb-loaded snack. As long as you’re proactive about tracking your glucose levels, work-outs shouldn’t be a problem.
One of the most important tips for anyone with diabetes to remember is to eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods that are low in fat and sugar keeps your blood sugar levels in check. In addition to this, it also keeps your body healthy, in shape, and at a normal weight.
If you see ANY damage to the skin on your feet and you have Diabetes you must let your podiatrist know as soon as possible! He’ll be able to tell you what to use to keep it clean and free of infection, and prescribe you an antibiotic cream or gel if necessary.
You must consider fruit and high-glycemic index vegetables very carefully when planning a diet for Diabetes. Many fruits contain a LOT of sugar, which can affect your blood glucose adversely. Vegetables can cause the same problems, especially in juice form, including carrots, peas, and corn. Try to stick to low GI items like broccoli or apples which are rich in fiber.
Anyone with diabetes must exercise to stay in good health. Exercise helps strengthen the cardiovascular system and helps to increase the circulation to the arms and legs. It also helps to control blood sugar levels. The best forms of exercise for someone with diabetes is jogging, swimming, walking, and rowing.
If you have diabetes, you may want to put down that pack of cigarettes. Smoking is a poor health decision for those around you and for yourself as it can make your blood sugar dangerous. Your doctor can help you figure out techniques to stop smoking, or prescribe medications to help reduce nicotine cravings if you are struggling to stop smoking.
If you want to choose a treat that might be high in sugar, go for an item that is also high in protein. For example, ice cream has a lot of protein to help you break down the sugar in it. Another option is cheesecake with a high fiber crust. Yogurt with berries can also be a great treat, especially if you use non-fat unsweetened yogurt like kefir.
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.
Protect your eyes! If you are Diabetic, keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible to lower your risk of developing a Diabetes related eye disease. Diabetes is actually one of the primary causes of developing blindness! It affects the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Surgery can be performed to correct eye damage, if it’s caught early! However, the best way – to prevent eye disease – is to consistently keep your blood sugar reasonable!
A good way to minimize the impact of diabetes is to exercise more. Exercising more can increase the sensitivity of your cells to insulin, so that your body is able to take up more glucose on its own. This can reduce the symptoms of diabetes, and it allows many people to manage their diabetes by diet.
Diabetes does not have to keep one from doing the things that they wish to do and enjoy. By properly monitoring ones blood sugar and doing the necessary things to maintain it one can enjoy their life still. One can have an excellent quality of life regardless of their diabetes.
If you are trying to avoid diabetes, eat plenty of whole grains. Although no one has yet to pinpoint the exact reason why, whole grains have been show to lower your risk of developing diabetes. By including these grains in your diet, you will lower your risk of developing diabetes.
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