Dealing with diabetes can sometimes be overwhelming and disheartening — but there are things you can do to fight those feelings. Try these tips for things like increasing the quality of your daily life and minimizing the chances of complications, and you'll feel more confident about your ability to handle diabetes.
Seeds are an excellent snack for diabetics! They pack a nutritional punch that includes healthy oils and fats as well as fiber and protein. One can keep a container of unsalted sunflower seeds at their desk with a plastic spoon in it so a mouthful can be eaten whenever a pick me up is needed.
The risk of getting diabetes can be reduced by having a diet that is high in fiber. Choose whole wheat and whole grain foods over their processed counterparts, like white bread, which have a dangerously high glycemic index. There have been studies done that have shown that when people eat more whole grains, they have less of a risk of developing diabetes.
To increase your sensitivity to insulin, maintain an active lifestyle. Studies have shown that insulin has a stronger effect on those who engage in plenty of physical activity. This will make sure your blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range, and will make it easier for you to manage your diabetes.
To allow yourself to still enjoy your favorite foods, make simple substitutions. Collard greens can be made with turkey broth instead of ham hock, and ground beef can easily be replaced by ground turkey. Try purchasing a diabetes cookbook. You may find that you can keep on eating many of your favorite meals.
If your spouse or partner is suffering from diabetes, one way to help and encourage a healthy lifestyle is exercising together. Exercise has been shown to reduce or help reverse the effects of diabetes. Encourage your partner to go on walks with you, or find a local gym where you can spend time together as well as getting healthy!
Figure out foods that have high glycemic levels, which are bad for your blood sugar. Avoid carbohydrates with elevated glycemic indexes like bread, cereal and pasta. Processed foods are not good for your sugar levels. Stick to fresh and natural foods instead when grocery shopping for your diabetic menu.
Diabetics should make sure to always wear socks to bed and wear slippers or shoes inside the house. You'll want to both provide shock absorption for your feet as well as protection from stepping on something sharp or damaging. Diabetes can lead to an increased susceptibility to infection, so be extra careful!
Gestational diabetes can lead to Type II Diabetes later in life, so make sure the changes you implement during pregnancy continue after your baby is born. Having a healthy diet while breastfeeding is important, so keep eating cleanly throughout that time and afterward as well. Exercise will not only help you lose weight and tighten your skin back up, but it will also keep your blood sugar levels constantly normal.
Even though diabetes both influences your day-to-day life and has potential long-term effects, it can be treated and controlled. These tips will help you manage your diabetes in smart, compassionate ways. Having that control will, in turn, keep you feeling good about yourself and your life no matter how tough things get sometimes.