The disease of diabetes can be severe and debilitating. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes must learn how to care for themselves and preserve their health in order to live a long, happy life. The tips that follow will help you make the best of your life with diabetes.
The glycemic index is a number that reflects how much effect different foods have on your blood sugar level. Look for lower GI ratings if you struggle with diabetes.
Many foods, such as eggs or beans, are packed full of protein and are great for someone with diabetes. Avoid burnout by trying new foods and recipes.
It is tough to be told that your child has diabetes, but there is so much you can do to make it easier for them. Diabetes is a common enough problem today that with proper treatment, your child will have a normal life expectancy. It is reported that the world’s oldest diabetic is now 90 years old. He made it to this age without all the modern treatments now available to diabetics!
Today, diabetes is a very prevalent condition which most people are generally very aware of. This helps to reduce any shame or stress that accompanies the diagnosis, but it really just makes your life much easier.
Add walnuts to your salad to make it even more nutritious. They are a source of monounsaturated fats. These increase your cells’ receptivity to insulin, thus controlling your diabetes. In addition, they contain antioxidants, minerals, omega-3s and vitamins. They also boost your energy and taste delicious!
Sleep Apnea
If you are a diabetic, you should get tested for sleep apnea right away. If sleep apnea is a problem for you, then get treatment now, before it has a chance to impact your health.
High fructose corn syrup is found in a surprising number of food products, so you should check the ingredients on most drinks or condiments before buying them. In Canada, high fructose corn syrup appears as “glucose/fructose”.
If you’re hypoglycemic, you should carry sugary food or gum with you constantly. A hypoglycemic attack can happen at any time, so it is important that you are always prepared. This is even more likely if you skip breakfast and need sugar in your system.
You can save a ton of money on prescriptions if you switch to an online pharmacy. Some websites let you set up an account and subscribe a monthly delivery system, so you always the supplies you need.
Learn to spot what foods have a high glycemic index and can raise your blood sugar quickly. High glycemic foods are those such as cereal, pasta, juice, bread and desserts. Processed foods are not good for your sugar levels. Choose better foods, including fruits that are fresh and vegetables that are not canned, as well as seafood and meats.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your vision as a diabetic. Unfortunately diabetes can cause all sorts of eye problems, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. At worst, these problems can cause blindness, so it is crucial to take care of them.
Smoking is not a habit a diabetic should start, or continue. Smoking is a terrible habit for anyone, especially diabetics because it raises blood sugar. Your doctor can help you if you are unable to quit on your own.
If you are diabetic, cinnamon can add more flavor to your food without additional calories or sugar. Cinnamon can bring about a sweeter flavor without adding sugar, which can raise the level of glucose in the blood. There is some debate about whether cinnamon can lower glucose levels, but it is not harmful and can enhance many dishes.
Adapt the recipes for the foods you like instead of thinking you can no longer eat them at all. One of the hardest things for diabetics to do is to follow a restricted diet. The good news, however, is that few foods are truly off limits to you. Others may continue to eat foods that negatively impact their health. The healthiest solution is using tasteful substitutions to recreate more healthy versions of your favorite dishes. You can often substitute an acceptable ingredient for an unacceptable one. The result may taste just as good but won’t be problematic for your diabetes.
As discussed earlier, diabetes is a serious health condition that requires proper treatment. As soon as they are diagnosed, diabetics need to educate themselves on the available treatment options and create an action plan to address their disease. Diabetics who use the above advice can start improving their well-being and health.