Diabetes is one of the most common conditions of today. It can range from a polite nuisance to a debilitating condition that leads to death. While the varieties of diabetes vary, the seriousness of the condition is uniform. Many people live long and productive lives with diabetes; education, diet and proper treatment can make diabetes a manageable condition.
Peanut butter is an excellent way to satisfy a craving for something sweet when you’re diabetic. It contains healthy fats and is relatively low in sugar, so grab a spoon and dig in. Lick it like a lollipop and it will outlast any craving you have. Be careful if you put it on crackers or bread because you will need to include those carbohydrates in your daily counts.
Diabetics MUST visit their doctor regularly to keep tabs on their blood sugar, weight, and medications. Your physician might know of a new treatment that could be useful to you, or see something in your blood work that indicates there is a problem. Having your doctor weigh you will also give you an accurate measurement of how well you’re keeping your weight under control.
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.
Pay attention to the feeling in your feet and hands by testing them once in a while. Go barefoot on the floor and see if you can feel the grout between the tiles. When you’re in the shower, drop something and step on it so you can see how well you feel it. Do the same when holding a pencil or pen. If you feel any loss of sensation, go to your doctor and let them know!
Diabetes causes you higher blood-glucose levels, which also affects how much glucose is in your saliva. You have to take extra care of your gums and teeth to keep the rot and decay away. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure to see your dentist twice a year for cleaning.
To tackle your diabetes head-on, assemble a medical team. In addition to your primary care provider, you should see other doctors like a ophthalmologist, an ophthalmologist, and even a registered dietitian. Make sure your team communicates with one another so that you can get the best possible care. If you’re concerned your insurance won’t cover other types of doctors, ask your general practitioner to give you a referral.
When eating healthy for a Diabetic diet, compare the items various stores sell and see who has the best prices on specific items. I like to keep a spreadsheet on my phone which shows each item I buy regularly, and which store I can get it at the best price so I can stock up when I go to that store.
Some Diabetics can have a loss of sensation in their feet, so don’t use yours to check the temperature of water you’re planning on getting into! You could cause major damage by stepping into extremely hot water and scalding or burning your skin, so use your elbow to test instead.
A tip to prevent or manage diabetes is to eat high-fiber foods such as whole grains as much as possible. Processed foods, including white bread, have a high glycemic count due to being full of refined carbohydrates and these can increase the diabetes risk. This is because they lead to spikes in the blood sugar levels whereas the more natural the food, the easier it is to be digested.
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.
If you suffer from diabetes and you are on Metformin, beware of lactic acidosis. This is a rare, but deadly condition that occurs when lactic acid develops in the bloodstream faster than in can be removed. This is more common in older people who take Metofrmin and symptoms include extreme weakness and severe nausea.
If you have diabetes, wear an I.D. bracelet at all times. Although it may trivial, wearing an I.D. bracelet can save your life if you were to pass out as paramedics will know you suffer from diabetes and can help treat you effectively. If you do not feel like wearing an I.D. bracelet, make sure to keep something on you that says you are a diabetic.
It is important that you do not feel that diabetes is a situation that cannot be overcome. While you may not rid yourself of the condition, diabetes can be managed and controlled so that your overall quality of life is what you deserve. You hold the key to your health, so be you best advocate.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor When Diagnosed With Diabetes was originally published on Spring