Millions of people are diagnosed with diabetes every single year. Diabetes is a very serious and frightening disease and it is critical for diabetics to educate themselves on the best ways to care for their health. Through proper research and education, diabetics can learn what they need to do, in order to ensure that they live long, productive lives.
When you're planning to go to a doctor's visit, write down any concerns you have. It doesn't matter how outlandish they may seem, it's much easier to read them off a page (or PDA or tablet, whatever works for you) than trying to remember them. Every bit of information you gain will help you keep your health in check!
If you suffer from diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease, it is a good idea to eat a diet that is high in fiber. Fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans prevents diabetes by buffering the sugar or carbohydrates in your diet, keeping your blood sugar even instead of having it fluctuate.
If you suffer from diabetes and you are going to exercise, it is important that you check your blood glucose afterward. Strenuous activity can cause your body to burn off blood glucose and if your body does not have enough glucose, you can develop hypoglycemia. If your glucose levels are too low, try eating foods that have carbs to raise your glucose levels.
A diet too high in protein can actually be harmful to diabetics. Some people think more protein is good, but studies have shown that too much animal protein can cause insulin-resistance, a factor in diabetes. Try to include proper amounts of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates to keep your diet healthy and well-balanced.
Find out what your blood glucose target levels should be and ensure that you're meeting them. Diabetes control means knowing what you're up against, so keep a journal with your goal numbers listed so you can easily see how well you're doing every day. Once you have your blood glucose under control you'll feel immensely healthier!
Learn to identify foods that have high glycemic indices and that can cause your blood sugar to spike. Foods like desserts, pasta and breads can all raise your blood sugar levels. Foods that are processed and have a lot of chemicals and preservatives in them can also wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. Try replacing processed foods with the usual suspects: meats, seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
Allowing your blood glucose levels to reach dangerous lows may over time impair your ability to think clearly. In order to prevent this from happening to either yourself or a diabetic child, blood glucose levels should be monitored frequently. Your brain uses glucose for energy and nourishment, and depriving it of glucose can have a significant and long-lasting impact on it's ability to process information and respond.
As was stated earlier in this article, millions of new cases of diabetes are diagnosed every single year. Treating diabetes is really a matter of proper education. If diabetics are educated properly, they will know the right things to do to ensure that they live a long life. If you suffer from diabetes, then it would be a great idea to start applying the advice contained in this article.