Do you know how to alter your lifestyle to manage diabetes? The tips below will help you get the upper hand against this debilitating disease.
The glycemic index of foods indicates how much the food item can affect glucose levels. The lower a food’s GI number is, the safer it is for a diabetic to consume.
Lots of other protein-rich foods besides meat exist, such as beans, tofu, eggs, and dairy products. Avoid burnout by trying new foods and recipes.
If you do the same task the same way each time, your life will be more organized and easier. As an example, leave the meter and your insulin supplies in the same location when you head off to bed each night, so you know exactly where they are in the morning. Make testing a routine and do it at the same time and in the same way so you never miss a step.
Always keep sugary gum or another form of sugar that is quick to grab and consume on hand when you are hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemic attacks can happen anywhere, and you need to be prepared. This is especially significant if you are prone to avoiding breakfast, which results in the body feeling a significant need for sugar.
Blood Sugar
Learn the foods that have high glycemic indexes, as these can cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels. Breads, desserts, juices, pastas and cereals are some of the foods that have a high glycemic index. In addition, these processed foods are bad on your blood sugar. Eat foods such as fresh veggies and fruit, fish, and lean meats.
There are many methods to lose excess weight and fight diabetes that do not cost anything, like jogging or exercising in the park. Try a few chin ups using the park’s jungle gym, or use the canned goods in your kitchen as weights and do some lifts, then weight some sturdy fabric bags and use them for weight lifting.
If you have diabetes and like to snack, it might be difficult to go without quick snacks that you can just grab and go with. You need to do everything that you can though to avoid this temptation, and instead eat some veggies, fruit, or any other complex carbohydrate.
It is a good idea for diabetics to have five or six small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. Eating more frequently, but in smaller amounts, keeps your blood glucose levels more consistent. Eating more frequently also helps to decrease the risk of binging, as you will feel more satisfied.
If you are a diabetic and also smoke, it is in your best interests to quit. Smoking is bad for people in general, but it is even worse for those with diabetes because it can result in blood sugar being elevated to dangerous levels. Your doctor can help you to determine the best way to beat your nicotine addiction.
Take your insulin as directed by your doctor. In general, you should take insulin no more than 15 minutes before you eat. Fast-acting insulin is only effective in managing blood sugar levels with careful timing and consistent dosing.
If you have diabetes, cinnamon is a great spice to eat without adding sugar, sodium or calories. Cinnamon will bring out the sweetness in your food without raising the sugar levels. Studies are mixed as to whether cinnamon can actually lower your glucose levels, but regardless, it is an excellent spice to add.
Hypoglycemic individuals ought to speak with a physician about whether they should take glucose pills. These tablets are very portable and provide an instant method for increasing your glucose level.
Even if you don’t feel well and don’t want to eat, you need to eat low-GI foods every few hours, as well as check your blood glucose levels. When your blood sugar is low for an extended period of time, you can become dehydrated. Take time to drink extra fluids if you suspect you are dehydrated.
There is a wealth of information that can help you live a healthier life with diabetes. It has the potential to be a big weight on your shoulders. Use the information that you have read today to start working hard and remove that dark cloud from your life.