Diabetes is a disease that is linked with obesity and currently proliferating in our society. We need to learn more about it, in order to stave off this epidemic that is causing so much suffering, disability and financial loss. Here are tips to help you understand diabetes and how to avoid it or deal with it if you have it.
If you want to get oats into your diet but you don’t like eating a bowl of oatmeal, put them in your muffins and have one for breakfast. You can take any muffin recipe and add as much oats as possible, and throw in some cinnamon for an extra diabetes-fighting punch!
You can get a free blood glucose meter from your pharmacy just by asking. They usually have coupons or rebates so that you can get the latest model at no cost, the caveat is that you’ll be buying their brand of blood test strips for the rest of your life.
If you are diabetic, be sure to wear loose-fitting socks and stockings. Special socks are available for diabetics that have more stretch around the ankles and legs, to provide better comfort and circulation, as well as, to help keep your feet and legs healthier. Good circulation is imperative for the legs and feet of diabetics.
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.
An easy way to reduce your risk of contracting diabetes is to get up and get active. People who take an hour long brisk walk daily will reduce their risk of contracting diabetes by over 35%. Even when you cannot walk for an hour a day, do what you can to get moving like take the stairs instead of the elevator, park at the furthest parking spot at the grocery store, or take two or three trips in carrying in the groceries.
DefeatDiabetes.org helps people who are struggling financially to receive supplies which will help them keep their diabetes under control. You can get as much as 35% cash back on purchases through their store, and they have additional programs to give you even deeper discounts if you ask for help through their website.
Just like you’re able to buy generic diabetic prescriptions and stay healthy, generic food items can be just as good as their brand name counterparts. Saving money is important to everyone, especially when you’re on a relatively strict diet. If you’re going to buy the generic brand, compare the ingredient list and nutrition data to the brand name to make sure you’re getting the same quality.
Shopping at a discount grocery store can save you a LOT of money which you can then instead spend on Diabetic supplies. In fact, many discount grocery stores SELL Diabetic medications and supplies, which can cut your bills to even lower levels. Diabetes doesn’t have to put you out of house and home!
To make sure you don’t suffer from diabetes-related complications, always get plenty of sleep. Studies have show that people suffering from sleep deprivation eat much more food, which will make it difficult to keep your diabetes under control. A good night’s rest will also help your body to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
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.
If you have diabetes, you should aim to drink as much water as you can. This particularly holds true when your blood glucose is elevated because high blood sugar can cause a large amount of urination. Therefore, you need to drink water to prevent yourself from dehydrating during this time.
If you are planning to travel via plane, take additional precautions to protect your insulin during the trip. If your insulin is in a piece of luggage that is checked, you risk that it is exposed to especially hot or cold, even freezing, temperatures. Always keep it with you when you fly.
Now you have learned more about this disabling disease. These tips on diabetes, on warding it off or treating it, are very practical ones. We hope they will help you cope effectively with diabetes if you or a loved one has it, or help you avoid developing diabetes in the future.
Apply These Diabetes Tips To Your Life And Enjoy! was originally published on Spring