Find Some Great Advice About Your Diabetes
Find Some Great Advice About Your Diabetes
Managing your diabetes can seem like a lifelong struggle that you will never get out of. There are steps that you can take to reduce the affects your diabetes has on you and to maximize your treatment of it. This article will highlight these ideas for you in a practical way.
The "glycemic index" number for a food indicates how likely the food is to impact blood sugar levels due to the ingredients. Keep in mind that you want a lower GI number, this is better for diabetics.
If you have diabetes, talk to your insurance provider and healthcare provider to see if an insulin pump might be a helpful and affordable thing for you. While expensive and more difficult to maintain, it can provide your body with a more stable insulin level, which may be helpful for some patients.
To avoid developing a life-threatening infection, avoid going barefoot outdoors. People with diabetes are much more susceptible to developing infections from minor injuries and simply cutting your foot on a piece of glass could become a major ordeal. Instead, try wearing lightweight, waterproof shoes when you're going outside in warm weather.
If you're diabetic, beware coupons! Most coupons to be found, are often, for items that aren't healthy, like pop, crackers or chips. Do not use a coupon just because you have it! You might save 50 cents today, but the cost of medications to deal with an obesity-related illness later, will add up to much more.
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.
To reduce the sugar in your diet, try using light or low-fat products when you cook. These products aren't just lower in fat- they also contain less sugar and sodium. This is a great way to continue to use things like peanut butter, sour cream, and cheese in your cooking.
Get enough sleep! It is important to get a sufficient amount of sleep if you suffer from Diabetes. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, which in turn could raise your blood sugar. If you find that you have tried everything to get more sleep, but nothing works, talk to your doctor for further options.
Be vigilant when monitoring your glucose levels. If your blood glucose levels are especially high before mealtime, this may be an indication that your liver is producing far too much glucose. Try taking your insulin 60 to 90 minutes before your meal, rather than 30 to 45 minutes beforehand. This will give your body's insulin a head start needed to more effectively manage blood glucose.
Now you are equipped to take some practical steps to manage your diabetes better, get better results from your treatment and even lower the affects diabetes has over you. Following these tips will give you some of the results you have been looking for.