Diabetes is a very tough disease to care for. You have to make drastic diet changes, monitor your illness multiple times a day, and make adjustments through diet and injections to stay healthy. Although dealing with diabetes is always going to be hard, there are a variety of ways to manage the condition. Here are some things you can do to manage diabetes and keep healthy.
Want a tasty treat that won't be forbidden by your doctor due to your Diabetes? Try nachos! Use a low fat cheese, low fat sour cream, homemade guacamole, and salsa, and you'll be getting a ton of nutrition with a burst of flavor. If you add some beans to the salsa you'll have an even healthier snack!
Learning to read the nutrition data on food labels is key to eating the right diet for your Diabetes. Keep track of how much carbohydrates, sodium, sugar, fat, protein, and fiber are in each food you eat and try to only choose those which will keep your weight in check.
If you are diabetic, be sure to wear loose-fitting socks and stockings. Special socks are available for diabetics that have more stretch around the ankles and legs, to provide better comfort and circulation, as well as, to help keep your feet and legs healthier. Good circulation is imperative for the legs and feet of diabetics.
If you suffer from diabetes it is a good idea to enlist the help of a qualified, registered dietician. The American Diabetes Association advises that all individuals with diabetes consult with a nutritional counselor. A dietician will help you to understand how different foods affect your blood sugar and can create a healthy eating plan based on your needs.
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.
If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes – keep a diet diary! This is a handy tool! A diary will allow you to track what and how much you are eating. It will also help you detect a pattern you may have for a certain craving at a particular time of the day. You will be able to see which foods cause your blood glucose level to spike. Perhaps you can make some tasty alternatives that will not have such an effect on your Diabetes? Doing so will help you to avoid any unnecessary headaches.
Diabetes causes you higher blood-glucose levels, which also affects how much glucose is in your saliva. You have to take extra care of your gums and teeth to keep the rot and decay away. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure to see your dentist twice a year for cleaning.
You really need to take care of yourself and monitor each thing that you do. It may be difficult to deal with diabetes but these tips can make it easier. Don't let diabetes control your life, and try your best to start treating diabetes management as an integral part of your life.