You may know the symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination and blurred vision, but how do you go about treating the disease once it has been diagnosed? There are many medications available, but a number of old-fashioned tips might be just what the doctor ordered.
For diabetics, no specific foods are completely off the menu. However, it is important to eat certain foods in moderation and to really know just what what you are eating. Read all nutrition labels and be sure to adjust for what you've consumed by cutting back on some other food or by exercising more.
Having healthy carbs in the diet is important for someone who has diabetes. Carbohydrates contain necessary vitamins and minerals as well as fibe,r all of which are needed for a well balanced diet. For diabetics, limiting carbs can result in headaches and lack of energy Most fruits and whole grains are excellen and healthy sources of carbohydrates.
TIP! Learning to eat right is an important factor in controlling diabetes. The key step to developing an appropriate diet is cutting back on refined carbohydrates, keeping portions sizes under control, establishing and maintaining a regular meal schedule, and consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
When you are diabetic your insurance will normally pay for blood testing equipment you can use in the privacy of your own home to manage your condition. Make sure you go over all of the manufacturer's directions to ensure that you are properly taking care of your very important equipment.
When you are managing diabetes, write down any questions you have before an appointment with your physician. This will help you to remember what you should ask, even during a rushed physical. Getting your questions answered will put you on the road to successful management of your health condition.
It may be difficult to always keep your insulin refrigerated, especially when traveling. Actually, your insulin should be good for about a month if you keep it at room temperature, below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Never let it freeze. When flying, keep it with you; having insulin inside your checked luggage will expose it to extreme temperatures.
TIP! I Be very careful with the type of fats you consume.
Watch out for trans-fats. Trans fats are found in any foods containing partially hydrogenated oils. These fats are dangerous for everybody, but diabetics are at extra risk. Trans fats cause increased amounts of fat around the waistline which has been linked to heart disease. They are also extremely high in calories and low in nutritional content.
Nerve damage, one complication of diabetes, makes electric blankets dangerous. You may not be able to tell if a heating pad or blanket is too hot, which can lead to burns. A similar situation arises when bathing or showering. If you really want to use an electric blanket, heat your bed with the blanket and remove it before climbing in.
If you're working to lose weight and keep your Diabetes in check but can't find any healthy breakfast options with protein that you enjoy, try a smoothie. You can buy protein powder at a health food store (make sure to ask if it has any sugar or artificial sweeteners) and you can put a scoop in to up the nutritional punch!
TIP! Unless otherwise directed by your physician, you should always take fast-acting insulin between one to fifteen minutes before you sit down to eat your meal. Fast-acting insulins can be a very effective for maintaining blood sugars, but only if they are properly dosed and timed for each individual.
If your spouse or partner is suffering from diabetes, one way to help and encourage a healthy lifestyle is exercising together. Exercise has been shown to reduce or help reverse the effects of diabetes. Encourage your partner to go on walks with you, or find a local gym where you can spend time together as well as getting healthy!
To help your diet,and to help you prevent diabetes, eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains often. Any food high in fiber content will keep you feeling full longer. This keeps your blood sugar levels steady and also prevents the kind of overeating that leads to insulin resistance later in life.
If you have a family history of diabetes, make sure to have your blood sugar and insulin levels checked at least twice a year. Research has shown that people with a family history of diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing the condition than those with not family history of it.
TIP! Buckwheat is an excellent choice to include in a Diabetic diet. It can lower your blood glucose levels after a meal, keeping you from having a spike.
Add spirulina to your diet and it will help to stabilize your blood sugar level. Other helpful foods are egg yolks, vegetables, kelp, garlic, brewer's yeast berries, cheese sauerkraut, sauerkraut and soy beans. Spirulina is available in pill form, powder to add to smoothies and in liquid form.
No one should ever suggest that you should dismiss the advice of medical professionals. To do so would be foolish to say the least. However, in addition to the insulin and other medications you are prescribed, you can use the tips you have obtained in this article to help manage your diabetes and have a better lifestyle.
