Sunday, February 26, 2012

Helpful Diabetes Tips You Can Use Today

By Megan O. Solomon


Managing diabetes can cause you a great deal of stress and discomfort. The more education you have about managing your diabetes, the better shape you will be in. Guidelines like the ones here in this guide can aid you in doing that.

Take a small insulated bag with your insulin and supplies, if you plan on traveling. Extremes of temperature, either too warm or too cold, can ruin insulin. Using an insulated bag will keep insulin at the proper temperature in any weather.

Always keep in mind the reasons why you have to take care of yourself and your diabetes. Analyze what is keeping you from doing what you love and find a new solution. Concentrate on the meaningful things in your life, and let them inspire and encourage you to remain proactive in the management of your disease.

Because alcohol is converted into sugar and increases blood sugar levels, it should be avoided by diabetics. If you drink alcohol, you must consult your doctor.

This is linked with an increased risk that your child will be born with diabetes or develop the condition over time. Take good care of yourself so your child can stay healthy.

Exercise is a healthy way to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. Aerobic exercises are important to your overall health while strength training builds muscle mass.

If you are a diabetic, you should consider eating five to six little meals rather than three large meals everyday. Eating more frequently, but in smaller amounts, keeps your blood glucose levels more consistent. If you eat more frequently, it will decrease your risk of binge eating, and you feel more satisfied.

You should know high blood sugar symptoms are. Included are lack of energy, changes in vision and urination and hunger. If you experience any of these things, complete a monitoring test; you should then give yourself insulin if you have to.

Smoking is not a habit a diabetic should start, or continue. Smoking harms everyone, but it can spike blood glucose which can be hazardous for those with diabetes. If you are struggling with quitting, talk to your doctor about some methods that might help you more.

When you are traveling, take your insulin kit with you wherever you go. You should not check your insulin when you fly as it could become misplaced or become exposed to temperatures that ruin it. When traveling, don't worry about it spoiling in your carry-on luggage. Insulin will be okay when kept at room temperature for up to a month. It should not be exposed extreme temperatures though.

Not eating meals could increase blood glucose level because the liver will respond by increasing glucose when malnourished. By making sure your meals are constant, while having snacks that contain carbohydrates, then the glucose released will be reduced.

Diabetics can have a lot of problems with their feet. See to it that you are taking care of your feet, and remember that carelessness may result in unwanted amputations. These ideas will help you ensure your feet are healthy and remain attached to your body!

If you are living with diabetes, be sure to research the ways that different foods will affect your health. Some foods will boost your glucose levels right away, and others you may wish to avoid so you do not damage your body.

People who snack a lot, including diabetics, have a hard time saying "No" when vending machines beckon. Pass up the Pop Tarts, though, and eat a veggie or fruit instead.

Diabetes increases your chance of getting a gum disease. Be a maniac about brushing your teeth after each meal, and floss before bed.

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. Insulin is helpful in maintaining the level of sugar in your blood, if you take it in the right quantities and at the right time.

If you have hypoglycemia, speak to your physician about taking some glucose tablets. Glucose tables are fast and easy to use, and are safer and more effective than eating a food with a high sugar content.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol contains large amounts of sugar, and this is simply not good for any diabetic individual. Moderation may be okay, but heavy drinking should be completely out of the question. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption.

You will ensure your life will be easier to deal with if you stay organized. One idea is to establish a designated area for your glucose meter and testing supplies. When you are going to test your blood sugar levels, have a routine in place so you do not forget an important step, and you remember to write down the levels in a log.

You will find it in soda, condiments and candies, and therefore, it is important to study labels in order to avoid harmful items. In Canada, high fructose corn syrup appears as "glucose/fructose".

You need to be aware of all foods that have high glycemic index, which can raise the level of blood sugar quickly in your body. Breads, desserts, juices, pastas and cereals are some of the foods that have a high glycemic index. Processed food is bad for one's blood sugar. Try eating fruits, veggies, meats, and fish instead.

When you have diabetes, it is a great idea to eat five to six small meals, instead of three bigger meals a day. It will be easier to stabilize your blood sugar levels if you have more frequent meals during the day. Frequent meals also help to eliminate the risk of binge eating, since you will never feel ravenous.

It is very unlikely that your diabetes will be cured. When it is time to make some lifestyle changes to deal with your diabetes, understand that "life" means for the rest of it. The above advice will provide you some assistance, but it can't be completely depended on to solve all your problems. You have to put the tips here into action.




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