Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic condition that sometimes accompanies diabetes mellitus. Brought on by long term high blood sugar, this is usually a complication affecting the feet and legs. Over time the nerves become damaged and fail to send sensational messages to the brain. This loss of sensation can cause injuries on the feet to go unnoticed, leading to ulcers.
Diabetics MUST visit their doctor regularly to keep tabs on their blood sugar, weight, and medications. Your physician might know of a new treatment that could be useful to you, or see something in your blood work that indicates there is a problem. Having your doctor weigh you will also give you an accurate measurement of how well you’re keeping your weight under control.
Green tea is an excellent tool for the Diabetic who is attempting to lose weight. Studies show it helps your heart to stay healthy, and it’s so tasty that you won’t want to add any sweeteners to it. You can also use powdered matcha in cooking, and it’s great with cocoa!
Educate your children in everything you learn about your Diabetes as they may face the same situation some day. It will be very helpful for them to see the journey you have taken and learn from it so that they can avoid mistakes when they grow up.
Skip the sauces and go for spices to lose weight and keep your Diabetes under control. Spices add a ton of flavor to any food without adding sugar, carbohydrates, or fat, so call on them when you’re cooking. Even a salad can be made zippier with simple vinegar, oil, and a handful of rosemary and oregano!
Do not eat snacks out of a bag. By eating snacks directly from its container, you are more likely to overeat and create a spike in your blood sugar levels. Get a plate and put a small portion on the plate. Eat it slowly, savor the flavor, and don’t get more after you have finished.
If you can’t afford to get a gym membership, try your local community center or YMCA. You can find great discounts and sometimes even barter with them for a membership. For example, offer to help clean the gym or work on the grounds. That’s great exercise for a diabetic, too.
If you are a diabetic, it is crucial that you have your blood pressure checked regularly. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health problems, like strokes. Try to buy a home blood pressure machine or go to a pharmacy to check it yourself.
If you find that you are frequently unable to keep your blood glucose levels under control, consider asking your primary care physician about whether an insulin pump may be a good choice for you. You may find that a pump can help you reach your targets, but it requires diligence and willingness to monitor insulin frequently.
Be sure you have a bedtime snack. This will help to make sure you have enough glucose to get you through the night and that your glucose is stable while you sleep. It will also help to make sure you don’t feel the need to get up at night and raid your fridge.
If you are a diabetic make sure to carefully choose your lancing device. Pick one that maximizes comfort and minimizes pain especially since you will have to be testing very frequently. The better the device is, the less reluctant you will be with your blood sugar testings which will help improve the overall quality of your care.
If you suffer from Diabetes, a helpful tip is to eat bars or shakes especially made for Diabetics in between your meals when you are out. Doing this can keep your glucose levels even. However, you want to avoid having these in addition to your meals because that will cause your glucose levels to climb. Only use them as meal replacements!
When it comes to diabetes you want to make sure that you also are living a healthy lifestyle in other ways. This is important because you need your body to be in the best shape possible. Make every attempt to end bad habits such as smoking because it isn’t just about your blood sugar.
To better control your diabetes, add more exercise into your daily routine. Exercise can help to control blood sugar levels, which is essential to any diabetes maintenance plan. It also promotes a healthy weight, which can make managing diabetes easier to do. Strive for at least twenty minutes of moderate exercise three or four times a week.
Diabetics are much more prone to gum disease, therefore proper mouth care is vital. Careful brushing and flossing of the teeth are a necessity and frequent dental visits may be needed. Avoid dentures that are ill fitting and may cause mouth sores. Follow these tips for a healthy dental check up if you have diabetes.
Diabetes can cause blood circulation problems. It is important that if you have any healing wounds or are currently recovering from an infection that you seek medical assistance. Avoiding injuries is the best way to avoid blood circulation problems as a diabetic, but if you do get injured, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical assistance.
When following a diabetic diet, understand that you can make certain exchanges to prevent becoming bored with your diet and being tempted to “cheat”. Foods on a diabetic diet are categorized as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. You will be given lists of these foods, and you can exchange one for another of equal values. For example, you could have half a cup of cooked pasta, or a small baked or boiled potato, or a slice of bread.
