While a diagnosis with diabetes is not the end of the world, make sure that your overall health is good by following this articles advice. A healthy body and a healthy mind is the key when learning to manage diabetes. There is no magic cure, but keeping yourself healthy is important.
If your doctor tells you that your Diabetes pills aren't doing enough to keep your blood glucose levels in check, don't panic. You won't necessarily have to use needles as insulin pens are now available that give you the dose you need without being painful. If you can't afford these pens, some pharmaceuticals have programs to assist you like Needy Meds.
If you suffer from diabetes it is absolutely critical that you monitor the amount of alcohol you drink. Cutting back on alcohol consumption is one of the best things a diabetic can do to improve their health. Alcohol is loaded with empty calories and fast acting carbohydrates. These fast acting carbohydrates quickly raise blood sugar levels in the body and this, in turn, can lead to type II diabetes complications.
Unless you drive a car that lacks air conditioning in super hot summer temperatures, or are on a safari in Africa, you probably don't need ice packs for your insulin. If you're worried about leaving it in the car at the mall, take it with you! I doubt you'll have so much that it won't fit in your purse, pocket, or bag.
Check your blood sugar before you go to bed, and if it's low, bring it up with a quick snack. This allows you to ensure that your levels are steady throughout the night. Otherwise, your levels might drop in the middle of the night, causing you to wake up with sweats and disorientation.
If you have a family history of diabetes, prevention is very important. A great way to prevent diabetes is to increase your intake of fiber. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. Foods high in fiber increase your blood sugar control ability, which in turn reduces your chances of getting diabetes. Filling your plate up with foods high in fiber is an important way to prevent diabetes.
Using a log book to record your daily glucose test results can be very helpful in controlling your diabetes. It is important to notice trends in your blood sugar readings, so having a written record can help you look back and see patterns. Taking a written record to your appointments can also help your doctor to make treatment adjustments.
If you have a family member or loved one suffering with diabetes, it's vitally important that you offer your help and support to ease their struggle. Sometimes little things such as joining along for doctor appointments, educating yourself with books and website information or just offering a listening ear can all help your loved one feel less alone.
These tips will help you stay healthy and maintain healthy blood sugars. Diabetes needs to be managed throughout your life and adopting good habits to keep your body healthy is important. Make these tips habits, and see how it affects your overall health and mood. Diabetes doesn't have to mean the end of the world for you — it can be managed successfully.