It can be somewhat scary to be told you have diabetes, but if you have the right knowledge, you can manage the disease well and still live a healthy life. You are going to find quite a few great pieces of advice that will help you learn more about diabetes and how to better your health.
Diabetes is very common nowadays. This will reduce the stress and shame associated with the diagnosis, and just make your life easier.
If you have diabetes it is crucial that you learn to indulge in a healthy way. You do not have to totally stop eating sweet foods. If your blood glucose level is under control, it is fine to eat desserts occasionally. Make room for sweets by removing the same amount of carbohydrates away from your meals.
Sleep Apnea
It’s crucial that diabetics get tested for sleep apnea right away. If sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated quickly, it won’t have a chance to negatively affect your health.
Diabetics must be careful during pedicures. Diabetics often develop foot problems and infections, so you must be very aware of any puncture or cut you notice on your feet.
Many foods contain corn syrup, so make sure to read food labels. If you buy food products in Canada, you will want to watch out for any food that is labeled with “glucose/fructose”.
If you are diabetic, and tend to be a snacker, it can be hard to resist the quick pick me ups that you see in vending machines, or sitting on your kitchen shelves. But it is important to forgo those snacks in favor of a complex carbohydrate like vegetables or fruit.
Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes, you have to be careful about what you eat. Your blood sugar will be effected differently by various foods, so keep track of what you eat and how it will impact your blood sugar. The larger the meal, the more insulin you will need to inject. Watch what you eat to manage your blood sugar levels.
If you find a high glucose reading immediately after treating a low reading, do not be unduly alarmed. This is because your body has responded by releasing hormones, or you have eaten or drank more than was needed when responding to the reduced glucose levels. The next time that happens, consume half of what you would normally consume to correct the low glucose level, then monitor your glucose levels in half an hour to see if you need to take further action.
Managing your diabetes can become tiresome, so it’s important to keep reminding yourself of all the reasons why it’s critical. Figure out what it is in your life that’s important to you. Is there something that prevents you from participating in those activities? Fix those problems first. Stay focused on what you find important and let that motivate the management of your diabetes.
Blood Glucose
If you have diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice to eat without adding sugar, sodium or calories. The natural sweetness inherent in certain foods is accentuated by cinnamon without the need for adding sugar that can increase levels of blood glucose. Some researchers believe cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels.
As mentioned earlier in this article, diabetes will be most disturbing when you don’t have the information that can help you understand how to manage it. Remember that knowledge and good habits are the only tools you need to deal with diabetes.