Many people are coming to the realization that controlling their diabetes IS possible. However, these same people are also missing some key knowledge about how to manage this illness. This article contains helpful tips to help cope with diabetes so you can live a better life.
Establish a routine to keep yourself on track. As an example, keep your blood sugar meter and your insulin near each other and use them at the same time each day if needed. Stick to a routine when testing your blood sugar, and you are less likely to miss a step or forget to log your levels.
Switching to an online pharmacy is a smart way to save money on the many medications needed by diabetics. Online pharmacies will also allow you to get monthly deliveries. This way you’ll always have the diabetes medications you need.
You should understand which foods have high glycemic indexes, as they can increase your blood sugar in a hurry. Foods with a high carbohydrate or sugar content include breads, cereal and most fruit juices. Your blood sugars do not respond well to foods that are processed either. So look into eating vegetables, fresh fruit, meat and fish instead.
If you have diabetes and see that you have vision problems, make sure to visit with your doctor. Diabetes is associated with a number of eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Dealing with your condition is really important because failure to respond opens the door to the worst possibilities that include going blind.
Diabetics may find their health is better when they plan for up to six smaller meals per day, rather than three large ones. By eating on a more regular basis, your blood sugar will be a lot more stable. It will also help to keep you full, thus preventing any binges.
Gestational Diabetes
Do not blame yourself for gestational diabetes. Most of the time gestational diabetes simply happens for no apparent reason. Keep your stress level low, and think positively about your baby and yourself.
Your sugar levels might spike if you have just treated a low glucose level. There are two reasons this can happen: either your body is releasing hormones in response to your low glucose levels, or you’re consuming too much to make up for your low glucose levels. When it next happens, reduce the amount you would eat or drink by half and then recheck your levels 30 minutes later.
Smoking is especially hazardous to your health if you are diabetic. Smoking is a terrible habit for anyone, especially diabetics because it raises blood sugar. Your doctor can help you figure out techniques to stop smoking, or prescribe medications to help reduce nicotine cravings if you are struggling to stop smoking.
You should constantly remind yourself why you’re controlling your diabetes. Try to think of all the things that you like doing and how you need to control your diabetes to enjoy them. This can help you keep yourself focused on the positives in your life and motivated in the management of your diabetes.
Even if you are feeling ill and experiencing loss of appetite, being a diabetic makes it especially important to take care of your body by continuing to eat healthy foods, and monitor your glucose levels. When your blood sugar is low for an extended period of time, you can become dehydrated. Take time to drink extra fluids if you suspect you are dehydrated.
Smoking is dangerous and can be very dangerous if you’re a diabetic. Continuing to smoke if you have diabetes will increase your risk for many different health problems. Smoking actually increases your risk of getting type 2 diabetes as it makes you resistant to insulin.
When you know how to take control of your diabetes, it’s easier to feel more positive about your life as a whole. Remember, if you apply the guidelines from this article, you will be setting yourself up for future success and a quality of life that is not compromised by diabetes.