You never really know what to expect in life. Just when things are seemingly going well, something like diabetes can come along and derail everything. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, learn how to manage your lifestyle and the disease by reading these tips below and applying them where necessary.
Checking out international foods is an excellent way of finding new recipes that you’ll actually enjoy eating, even though they’re good for you and your Diabetes. I’d highly recommend trying Tabouleh, a Middle Eastern dish made with herbs, onions, lemon juice, and bulgur. It’s extremely good mixed with hummus and served on a pita!
Get a few almonds to satisfy your cravings without upsetting your blood sugar levels. Almonds, and a lot of other nuts for that matter, are very high in protein and fiber, and they contain zero sugars. Stash some by your TV for a healthy snack while you’re watching your favorite show!
Hospitals will often have Diabetes clinics for local patients to attend, and they will have great advice for you. They’ll give you tools to track your blood sugar, nutritional information for your diet plan, and even exercise tips. They can also be a great support group for you and will answer any questions that you might have.
Develop a “testing ritual” that you follow every time you test your blood sugar. One idea is to establish a designated area for your glucose meter and testing supplies. Consistent testing should be a routine part of your day in order to avoid forgetfulness in recording your insulin levels.
Many people think diabetics have to avoid all sweets, but this isn’t necessarily true. When planning a sweet dessert or snack, just make sure it is included in a healthy meal or with exercise. Your doctor can guide you with pointers to help you include desserts and snacks in your diet.
It is important that you drink plenty of water each day if you have diabetes. Becoming dehydrated when you are diabetic can cause your blood sugar levels to go through the roof. The general rule of thumb is that you should drink one ounce of water for every 2.5 pounds of your body weight, each day.
A diet too high in protein can actually be harmful to diabetics. Some people think more protein is good, but studies have shown that too much animal protein can cause insulin-resistance, a factor in diabetes. Try to include proper amounts of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates to keep your diet healthy and well-balanced.
If you have diabetes, you want to avoid overcooking your pasta. When your pasta is overcooked, it loses its form and releases glucose easier, which will elevate your blood sugar. You should aim to cook the pasta until it is fit to eat, but do not cook it anymore than that.
What you’ve just learned from the tips above is that diabetes can be controlled with the right information and the right amount of effort on your part. Now that you’ve learned more about the disease and what you can do to control it, the next logical step is to apply the information and formulate a plan of action.
