An estimated 30 million people in the United States alone have some form of diabetes. It's a disease that practically anyone can get. If you're one of the 30 million, you should know that there are many ways you can work to manage this disease. Use the tips provided here to assist you in disease management.
If you are diabetic and sick with a stomach infection or diarrhea, call your doctor right away for advice on whether you should continue with your medications or not. For example, some diabetics have been advised to not be taking Metformin if they have any sort of gastrointestinal upset as it could cause more harm than good.
When traveling it is especially important to keep food with you. You may be strolling through a museum or shopping in an unknown area, and you could find that there is nothing healthy or appealing to eat. If you have your own snack it will at least tide you over until you can find something palatable.
A good night's sleep is a great way to lower blood sugar. Studies show that uninterrupted sleep aids the body's ability to regulate the production of insulin. Maintaining a normal blood glucose level is important to a diabetic's overall health, so work on setting a consistent bed time each night.
People who eat at least two servings of dairy a day are less likely to develop insulin resistance, even if they're significantly over weight. Even if you're already Diabetic, including lots of low-fat dairy in your diet will help you to keep your blood sugar levels under control all day.
Skip the sauces and go for spices to lose weight and keep your Diabetes under control. Spices add a ton of flavor to any food without adding sugar, carbohydrates, or fat, so call on them when you're cooking. Even a salad can be made zippier with simple vinegar, oil, and a handful of rosemary and oregano!
If you suffer from diabetes and you are going to exercise, it is important that you check your blood glucose afterward. Strenuous activity can cause your body to burn off blood glucose and if your body does not have enough glucose, you can develop hypoglycemia. If your glucose levels are too low, try eating foods that have carbs to raise your glucose levels.
An easy way to reduce your risk of contracting diabetes is to get up and get active. People who take an hour long brisk walk daily will reduce their risk of contracting diabetes by over 35%. Even when you cannot walk for an hour a day, do what you can to get moving like take the stairs instead of the elevator, park at the furthest parking spot at the grocery store, or take two or three trips in carrying in the groceries.
30 million is definitely a huge number for one country, but there is a bright side to such a large number. A number this large means that you're far from alone. The tips you've read here were compiled by people who know what it's like to have diabetes. You can take their advice and learn to thrive with this disease.