Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people. Left untreated, it can be deadly. Diabetes can strike people of any age. Therefore, it is imperative that you recognize the symptoms of this disease so you can get immediate treatment for yourself or a family member, if necessary. The following article provides you with answers to all of the questions you may have about the different types of diabetes and how they can affect your life.
If you're working to lose weight and keep your Diabetes in check but can't find any healthy breakfast options with protein that you enjoy, try a smoothie. You can buy protein powder at a health food store (make sure to ask if it has any sugar or artificial sweeteners) and you can put a scoop in to up the nutritional punch!
Call your insurance company after you are diagnosed with Diabetes to see if they offer any assistance to help you get it under control. Health insurance providers want you to file as few claims as possible, so getting your Diabetes in check will save them money. Often they will offer you services that wouldn't be covered otherwise, so call and find out!
Restaurants tend to serve you HUGE portions, so be prepared before they even bring your meal! Bring your own reusable container, or ask the waiter for a doggy bag up front, and then put away the parts of your meal which are going to be too much for you. Getting rid of it before you eat will curb your temptation to finish it all.
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 Diabetic will need more than just a physician on his health care team. You should ask for a referral to an endocrinologist (they'll help you with your insulin), a registered dietitian or nutritionist, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, a dentist, and a podiatrist. Once you have them all on your team you'll be ready to fight Diabetes head on!
Some Diabetics can have a loss of sensation in their feet, so don't use yours to check the temperature of water you're planning on getting into! You could cause major damage by stepping into extremely hot water and scalding or burning your skin, so use your elbow to test instead.
Pressure on your feet can cause major damage to a Diabetic, so be sure to buy shoes that are exactly the right size and have cushioning for your feet. There are even special shoes made for Diabetics that have specific features which are of benefit to sensitive feet like yours.
Educating yourself on the various types of diabetes and their risk factors, causes, symptoms and treatments, can help you to manage the disease if you've already been diagnosed with it or to recognize its onset, if you contract it in the future. Find out all you need to know about this serious but manageable disease through the tips, information and advice presented in this article.