Diabetes is a medical condition that should be taken seriously by anyone afflicted with it. However, it does not have to devastate your life, if you take the steps and precautions necessary to treat diabetes every day. By taking control of your diabetes, you can live a satisfying and fulfilling life.
You can make a sandwich into a lettuce wrap, or even use it on a burger as a bun, but have you thought of doing a hot dog wrap? If you buy preservative-free hot dogs for a once-a-month treat, wrap them in a piece of lettuce to make them a bit healthier!
Unlike breastfeeding, no one cares if you shoot up your insulin at the table. Really! Don't hide away in a bathroom or closet, come clean with your diagnosis and have your family and friends share in your recovery. The more they know, the more they can support you when you need them.
Find a free clinic in your area to have your Diabetes monitored if you can't afford to visit your doctor every three months. You can call your local Diabetes association, ask at a local hospital, or inquire through your Health Department, to find out where the closest clinic is to you.
You can decrease the chance of developing diabetes by converting to a diet that is high in fiber. This is a good way to replace high glycemic foods, such as white bread or processed foods by whole grain foods. Eating whole grains more often has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Make sure to visit the doctor if you have any of the risk factors involved with getting diabetes. Make an appointment as soon as possible if you are overweight, over the age of 45, have a very inactive lifestyle, or you have family with diabetes. The sooner you get the tested, the better chances you will have in catching the ailment early.
Have a bedtime snack. While you sleep, your blood sugar levels can drop seriously low. To avoid morning hypoglycemia, have a small snack to keep your blood sugar levels high. The perfect snack before bed? A peanut butter sandwich or a banana. Anything with fiber is a great idea for snacks at this time.
There really is not a diabetic diet. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you get 50 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fats, and 20 percent from proteins. Proteins work to stabilize blood sugars and to help you feel satisfied. Proteins also help your body to rebuild and provide nutrients your body needs not found in carbs and fats.
To keep from developing diabetes related circulation problems, regularly tap your feet! Foot exercises will keep your blood moving even when you're stuck in a chair. Simply alternate lifting your heels or toes in the air while the other half of your foot remains on the floor. After time, this will become a habit, and keeping your circulation strong will be like second nature to you.
As stated earlier, you can be a proactive part of your treatment of diabetes. You have the obligation to yourself to make the best informed choices to minimize the negative effects of diabetes on your life. Following these tips will help ensure you have a lifetime of happiness, without being controlled by your diabetes.