With more candy and sodas and other junk food on the shelves in stores today, more and more people are contracting diabetes and ultimately having to give up on these foods to regulate their body’s blood glucose levels. Find out some important diabetes tips and how to handle the disease in the text below.
One key to beating type II diabetes is to lose weight. It’s actually all the fat on your body that is causing you to be diabetic, so getting rid of it can literally cure you if you are type II. Even a loss of as little as 20 pounds can have a profound impact on your health.
For people with diabetes, it is important to check your glucose level after heavy exercise. Exercise can keep consuming glucose for up to 24 hours later, so it’s best to check your glucose level every 45 minutes or so after your workout to see if your glucose level is dropping or remaining stable.
Don’t use alcohol swabs on your skin before you give yourself an injection of insulin. They will dry out your skin and cause you more trouble than they’re worth, which will make you even less happy about having to take your treatment. As long as you clean your skin with soap and water, you should be fine.
A diet too high in protein can actually be harmful to diabetics. Some people think more protein is good, but studies have shown that too much animal protein can cause insulin-resistance, a factor in diabetes. Try to include proper amounts of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates to keep your diet healthy and well-balanced.
It is important for diabetics to take their insulin or other medications at the same time each day. Your doctor gave you this medication to control your diabetes and its symptoms and forgetting to take your medications or taking them at different times can raise your insulin or blood sugar.
If you’re trying to keep your Diabetes under control, eating right is very important. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can help you eat healthy foods while not spending more than your budget allows. Root vegetables are best to eat in winter, while berries would be cheapest in the summer months.
To keep your diabetes from hurting your teeth, be sure to brush and floss several times a day. Diabetes increases the levels of glucose in your saliva, which means your teeth are much more susceptible to decay. Anyone suffering from diabetes needs to be extra vigilante when it comes to taking care of their teeth.
Manage your blood glucose sugars with an added sense of urgency if you have been diagnosed with diabetic eye disease. Studies have shown that closely monitored glucose levels can slow the progression and worsening of eye disease over time. This is important even if you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate diabetes.
To reduce your risk of heart disease, carefully monitor your triglyceride cholesterol and blood pressure levels. One of the most common complications of diabetes is heart disease, and the best way to avoid that risk is to set goals for all of these levels and then, stick to them. Ask your doctor where your levels should be.
A rise in blood sugar levels may occur after treating an episode of low blood sugar. There are two reasons this can happen: either your body is releasing hormones in response to your low glucose levels, or you’re consuming too much to make up for your low glucose levels. Keep checking your sugar levels and learn to adjust the quantity of food you need.
When you have diabetes, there are several ways that you can reduce your consumption of sugar. Instead of a sugar-laden soft drink, drink a serving of sparkling water. Substitute a bowl of frozen fruit for a bowl of strawberry ice cream. Instead of a slice of cake, enjoy a slice of cheese. Substitute a wedge of apple for a serving of apple pie.
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.
Managing your blood sugar when you are a diabetic can be a challenge. Some things to keep in mind are eating the same amount at the same time everyday. This will ensure that you keep the right amount of sugar in your diet so that you can be happy and healthy.
Add more whole grains to your diet. Scientists do not have a full grasp as to why, but whole grains have shown benefits in preventing diabetes and lowering blood sugar numbers. Have a goal of eating whole grains as at least half of your grain intake daily. Always specifically look for the word “whole” when reading labels.
It is important for you to wear a medical alert bracelet if you are a diabetic. If something happens to you and you need to get medical care but are unconscious the paramedics will know what products to and not to give you. It could be a life saving piece of jewelry.
Insulin pumps are not for everyone. However, some people have been able to control their blood glucose levels by using an insulin pump. Make sure that you consult a doctor any time you begin a diabetes control regimen. Insulin pumps can be useful if you they work for you.
When it comes to dealing with diabetes, one important point to consider is to try to stick with just one pharmacy. This is important because not only will you receive discounts from being a repeat customer, but you will lessen the chances of there being a mix-up with your medications.
