You'll hear a lot about deadly diseases out there like cancer, and even some types of influenza, but diabetes has taken a back seat in terms of importance. If you're one of the many people who have diabetes, then you know this disease takes a back seat for no one. Read this article and use these tips to help manage your lifestyle.
Diabetics are recommended to increase their intake of cinnamon as it's been shown in scientific studies to keep blood sugar from spiking during a meal. I love to add it to oatmeal or cereal, and I also bake banana muffins with at least one tablespoon of sugar each so I know I'll get my recommended daily dose.
Keep track of your blood sugar levels in a log book, so you know where you've been and how you're doing currently. If you can't afford enough test strips to check multiple times a day, check at a variety of different times, so that you can get an idea of how your sugar is going throughout a typical day.
Check you cholesterol level as well as blood pressure! If you have Diabetes, blood sugar is not the only thing you need to keep and eye on. Diabetes can increase the likelihood of bad cholesterol being high in your blood, so you need to keep track of that - even if you're not eating - fatty fried foods. Blood pressure can also be increased, leading to headaches, faintness, and even strokes.
It is important for diabetics to learn to eat a healthy diet and control portion sizes. Eating excessively large portions is a sure way to gain weight. Eating too much, even of foods that are good for you, will result in weight gain and blood sugar problems. Use smaller plates, put your utensils down between bites and eat slower.
To make sure you get the most out of your doctor's appointments, write down questions before the appointment. A doctor is a great resource to anyone suffering from diabetes, and you should make sure to take full advantage of their knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask for lots of information. Your doctor will be happy to help you better manage your condition.
It is important that you know how to use your insulin pump. Many people do not get the proper amount of insulin because they are not using their pump correctly. If you do not know what you are doing, do not feel ashamed to ask your doctor or another health professional, for help.
There really is not a diabetic diet. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you get 50 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fats, and 20 percent from proteins. Proteins work to stabilize blood sugars and to help you feel satisfied. Proteins also help your body to rebuild and provide nutrients your body needs not found in carbs and fats.
Educate your family on what to do if your blood sugar drops or spikes to dangerous levels. A diabetic has to battle their disease with the help of family and friends, so ensure they know the symptoms to keep watch for in case you end up in a situation where you can't control it yourself.
There are many tasty snack ideas for diabetics; you just need to find the items you like. How about an apple with peanut butter? - weird but wondeful! A great alternative to peanut butter is almond butter, which is great on high-fiber crackers like ones made with rye flour. Or make your own snack mix out of a variety of nuts and dried fruit! Try grapes and feta cheese with balsamic vinegar.
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.
If you are a diabetic and also smoke, it is in your best interests to quit. Smoking is especially harmful for a diabetic because it has the ability to raise blood sugar to a dangerous level. If you are finding it difficult to quit smoking, your doctor may be able to offer some help.
If you have diabetes, you should try to cut out alcohol or talk to your doctor if you can not. Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. The effects can be very hard to predict with different people. Doctors will allow some people to have a drink or two with proper management, but it is best to avoid alcohol altogether.
To make sure you choose the right carbohydrates, avoid white foods. White bread, pasta, or rice are all made from refined carbohydrates, which means they are also high glycemic index foods. Getting your carbohydrates from whole wheat products will ensure that your glucose levels stay stable, and that your body is able to digest them properly.
If you have diabetes, you should avoid changing your medication without first talking to your doctor. It can be dangerous to experiment because your blood sugar can drop dangerously low by doing this. Therefore, you need to talk to your doctor, and find out what options he or she suggests for you.
Diabetes does not have many symptoms and when you do not take your medications, there is often no immediate effect. However, it is very dangerous as untreated diabetes can easily lead to more dangerous health conditions such as heart disease. If you have diabetes, make sure to stay vigilant about taking your medications to prevent further complications.
As you read in the opening, diabetes isn't one of the more important diseases out there in the mainstream. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be incredibly important to you, especially if you have the disease. Just getting by isn't enough. You can thrive with this disease if you use tips like the ones you just read.
Orignal From: Diabetes Can Be Controlled With This Advice
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