Many people are saying that dealing with diabetes is a hard thing to manage and live with. You have to remember that when it comes to a condition like diabetes you have to learn as much as you can about the subject and apply that knowledge whenever you can, if you do that, managing it should feel routine before you know it.
Herbal tea is a great drink for diabetics as it contains many wonderful nutrients and can taste so good you don’t even think about adding cream or sugar. Be sure to check the ingredients as some manufacturers will add sugar or artificial sweeteners.
There are many Diabetic communities throughout the nation, so ask your doctor to find one nearby for you to visit. You’ll find that the people who attend have great tips and tricks that they’re using, and the medical personnel who attend can answer all of your questions. They’re all in the same boat as you and are there to support you in your journey!
If you are in a large crowd, chances are there are many other diabetics in that crowd, too. This makes injections far more convenient than if you had to find a private place, and knowing that most people are comfortable with diabetic procedures should allow you to feel more comfortable too.
There are several ways to prevent developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and can be prevented by regular exercise, losing weight, eating more fiber, and consuming whole grains. Don’t attempt to shortcut living a healthy lifestyle by using fad diets; talk to a physician or nutritionist and make an effective plan together.
Choosing the right blood glucose monitor is an investment in your health, and as such, you should avoid using price as the deciding factor in your purchase. If you are tech-savvy, you might do well with a monitor that has online tracking capabilities and storage functions. If you have dexterity problems, look for monitors with easy-to-handle strips and operation.
Find out if there are any public gardening areas near you where people grow their own produce. This is an excellent way for a Diabetic to get some exercise by doing weeding, watering, or planting new seedlings. Often you get to keep some of what you grow as well, giving you some wonderfully fresh and organic treats to enjoy when you get home!
Always have some sugar available, just in case your sugar level runs low. This could be in the form of glucose tablets, orange juice or candy. Instruct your family and friends about where your sugar is in case you ever have a hypoglycemic episode and need it right away. This way you’ll be able to bring yourself out of hypoglycemia without going to the hospital.
Many people will tell you that “natural” sugars are safer for your Diabetes than refined sugar. However, sugar is still sugar. My Step-Mother told me I should put honey on my food as it’s perfectly fine… wrong! My blood sugar still spiked sky high afterward. Always double check the “medical” advice you receive from family and friends hen it comes to your diabetes.
Don’t eat the “white” foods if you have Diabetes. This includes white flour (pasta, bread, etc.), white rice, and white potatoes. These all contain carbohydrates but don’t provide enough fiber or protein to help break them down in your body so you’ll avoid a massive blood sugar spike after eating them.
Checking your blood glucose levels may seen like an intrusion into your daily routine, but it is a practice that can essentially save your life. Find ways to make routine checks more convenient, such as keeping multiple monitors at home and even in your desk at work. Remember, however, that your strips and monitor are sensitive to light and temperature, so they should not be kept in your vehicle.
If you have diabetes, a great tip is to make sure you get a proper amount of sleep. If your amount of sleep is poor, it can mess with your hormones and lead to an increased appetite and elevated blood sugar. Research has shown that just one night of poor sleep can increase your insulin sensitivity by up to 25 percent. So make sure you get some sleep.
Something every person dealing with diabetes should know is that they can use cinnamon as a natural sweetener. Everyone understands that sugar is terrible as it can significantly affect the blood sugar level of a diabetes patient, but cinnamon offers the same sweetening effects without any risk to the patient.
When it comes to dealing with diabetes, be sure that you keep a journal with your blood sugar levels on a regular basis. This is important to stay on top of in order to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other potentially fatal side effects. Keeping a journal will help to identify why you might have low or high levels at a certain time.
Adding additional fiber to your diet may help to control your diabetes. Several scientific studies have shown that fiber has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Eating fiber can also help you to feel full and thus, lose weight. Healthy weight levels are known to be associated with positive blood sugar levels as well.
If you have diabetes, it is very important for you to listen to everything your doctor has to say to you. He or she will provide you with the information you need in order to correctly maintain your condition so it does not have to take control of your life. The advice that the doctor gives you should not be taken lightly.