The prospect of a finger-stick test isn’t usually enough to frighten most diabetics. What really frightens people are the potential complications, such as the eye disease diabetic retinopathy. Don’t let your diabetes get that far. Use the tips laid out here to cope with the illness, and manage it well.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index is a number that reflects how much effect different foods have on your blood sugar level. Low glycemic index numbers are the best ones for people who suffer from diabetes.
Handfuls of almonds can satiate you enough to slay your hunger spikes without disturbing your glucose levels. Unsalted almonds are a nutritional goldmine where you can unearth nutrients, such as fiber and protein. Always keep some almonds handy around the house so you always have them when you’re struck with the urge to snack.
There are many high protein alternatives to meat, such as eggs, tofu, beans and other dairy products. Don’t get into a rut and keep trying new things!
Walnuts add a touch of nutrition to your salad. They contain monosaturated fats, which make your cells more receptive to insulin, keeping your diabetes in check. Furthermore, walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 acids and antioxidants. They are nutritionally dense and delicious!
Get tested for sleep apnea if you suffer from diabetes. If you have this condition, treatment will keep you more alert, healthier and happier.
Extremely Careful
If you have diabetes, be extremely careful when having a pedicure done. Diabetes can increase your risks of getting foot infections. Make sure the tools are clean, and be extremely careful if you cut yourself.
Online pharmacies can offer huge discounts on diabetes medications. Some websites let you set up an account and subscribe a monthly delivery system, so you always the supplies you need.
If you find a high glucose reading immediately after treating a low reading, do not be unduly alarmed. This happens because your body is releasing hormones to tell your body to use more sugar than necessary. Next time, eat or drink half the amount you would normally ingest, then check your levels after 30 minutes.
This increases the odds that your child will have diabetes at birth or develop it as he gets older. Don’t let your child suffer the brunt of your bad choices. Be responsible while you are pregnant.
Unless you’re told otherwise by your doctor, take the fast-acting insulin one to 15 minutes prior to eating. Fast-acting insulins can be a very effective for maintaining blood sugars, but only if they are properly dosed and timed for each individual.
Glucose Levels
If you are dealing with diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice that can be included in your foods because it does not add sugar, sodium or calories to your diet. Cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness in certain foods without the added sugar that can raise blood glucose levels. Some studies indicate cinnamon actually lowers glucose levels while others do not, but it is a good spice to use anyway.
People with hypoglycemia may benefit from glucose tablets, and should discuss this option with their doctor. These tablets might be very beneficial for you because they are portable and easier to digest than sugary foods. This might prove helpful when you need to take something that will increase your glucose level quickly.
As the introduction of this article mentioned, it’s the potential to go blind and other debilitating side effects associated with diabetes that really scare people. You can work past the fear and use the information you’ve learned here to ensure that you’re never a victim of these nasty complications.