Immediately following a diagnosis of a diabetic condition, many people feel as if the walls are closing in on them. If you have this disease, the suggestions in this article will help you manage your symptoms and learn to live life fully. Whether or not you follow this advice is up to you.
If you're looking for a salty snack but your diabetes is holding you back, look no further than a jar of olives! They're a fruit, tasty, healthy, and fun to eat. You can cut them up and put them in salads, or even on a sandwich! I love to make a homemade submarine sandwich and sprinkle some on top. YUM!
If you're craving french fries but are watching your weight due to Diabetes, try sweet potato fries! Slice up a sweet potato and sprinkle salt, pepper, and other spices on it (Cajun spice mix also works well.) Bake it at 425 for about 30 minutes and you'll have sweet, scrumptious fries to eat!
Walmart and Costco both provide prescriptions at a discounted cost which can save you a lot of money on your Diabetes medications. They also have Diabetic supplies like monitors, lancets, test strips and syringes and they're carried in bulk at Costco. You can also find pamphlets at both pharmacies with information on Diabetes.
If you are the primary caregiver of a person with diabetes, you may need support also. You carry a heavy load caring for and making decisions for your loved one as well as monitoring their diet and lifestyle to keep them healthy. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Your doctor can recommend respite care to give you a break, or even a nurse to help with care. You don't have to do it alone.
One of the most difficult things to remember for a newly-diagnosed diabetic is the importance of monitoring glucose levels diligently. Over time, failure to do so can lead to irreversible damage to the nerves and blood vessels throughout the entire body. These types of damage can lead to problems with emotional, cardiovascular, and sexual health.
It is important to not rely solely on the urine ketone test for checking your blood sugar. High levels in urine only indicate above 200 milligrams. Organizations like the ADA recommend that those with diabetes use more reliable testing methods, like strips or finger pokes.
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.
The tips above should have given you a good idea of the little things you can do to manage your Diabetes and have a fulfilled life. There is no reason for you to live less of a life than you want to live. You are the only person who can control the type of life you have whether you have diabetes or not.