Dealing with diabetes and its restrictions can be a real problem for many people. Managing blood sugar via diet is complicated, depending on the severity of your disease, and you just never know when things can spiral out of control. Use the tips in this article to help you manage your diabetes better.
Diabetics have to watch their carbohydrate intake, and bread is a major player in a typical American’s diet. Try to find a bread with at least 5 grams of fiber AND protein per slice so that eating it is validated by the nutrients it’s carrying. Also avoid preservatives as they’re not healthy either.
Lemon juice is a tasty addition to any salad or even a glass of water, and studies show it can help you avoid a spike in your blood sugar after a meal. I like to make lemon juice ice cubes and let them melt in my drink, making it a little easier to drink.
Experiment with alternative sources of protein such as eggs and tofu instead of just eating meat. Change it up often to give your mouth a treat.
If you’re working to lose weight and keep your Diabetes in check but can’t find any healthy breakfast options with protein that you enjoy, try a smoothie. You can buy protein powder at a health food store (make sure to ask if it has any sugar or artificial sweeteners) and you can put a scoop in to up the nutritional punch!
When looking for a substitute for something sweet, make it yourself! For example, if you don’t want to eat sugary store bought relish since it will spike your blood sugar and set your diabetes off, then make your own by chopping up dill pickles. Need a replacement for ketchup? Try mixing pureed tomatoes and honey.
Drinking water is important for everyone, but is especially so for diabetics. There is a reason that most diabetics drink like a fish before they are diagnosed and begin treatment! Keep your water intake high to help you keep your weight down and your hydration up, especially if you exercise.
Diabetics don’t have to give up that sweet tooth just because of their condition. There are many websites available that offer sugar-free recipes and ideas for cakes, cookies and other sweet snacks. Grocery and health food stores also have sections especially arranged for sugar-free and diabetic sweets.
Diabetics should beware of caffeine as it can lead to potentially life-threatening blood pressure. Diabetes already has harmful effects on your organs, high blood pressure included, so you don’t want to tax your body any more than it already is. Caffeine can lead in a massive spike in blood pressure after ingesting it, so just stay away from it completely.
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.
If you have a family history of heart disease, strokes or hardened arteries, you should be especially vigilant in controlling your blood glucose levels. Well-maintained levels can delay the onset of these and other medical conditions, and can also decrease your odds of developing these diseases as you get older.
Be sure you have a bedtime snack. This will help to make sure you have enough glucose to get you through the night and that your glucose is stable while you sleep. It will also help to make sure you don’t feel the need to get up at night and raid your fridge.
Don’t eat the “white” foods if you have Diabetes. This includes white flour (pasta, bread, etc.), white rice, and white potatoes. These all contain carbohydrates but don’t provide enough fiber or protein to help break them down in your body so you’ll avoid a massive blood sugar spike after eating them.
When it comes to diabetes you want to make sure that you also are living a healthy lifestyle in other ways. This is important because you need your body to be in the best shape possible. Make every attempt to end bad habits such as smoking because it isn’t just about your blood sugar.
When you are a diabetic you should make sure you are eating as many whole foods as possible. When shopping you should always buy fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid buying too many processed foods that contain ingredients that are bad for your condition. Avoid getting any foods with too much sugar such as sweets or soda.
If you are diabetic and you smoke it is important that you take the steps to quit smoking. Smoking causes your circulation to be poor, and a proper circulatory system is absolutely essential for a diabetic. Talk to your doctor for help quitting smoking, there are many aids to help.
As a diabetic, it is very important that you get light, regular exercise to increase circulation and keep your weight down; however, avoid weight lifting or anything that involves straining, pushing or pulling. These activities increase your blood sugar level as well as your blood pressure and can cause complications.
Cinnamon is very beneficial to diabetes sufferers. This wonderful spice adds a little sweetness to foods such as oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt, without added sugar. Some studies show that partaking of cinnamon can lower blood sugar, as well as cholesterol and triglycerides levels. It tastes delicious, stimulates digestion, and makes one feel more alert.
Avoid processed foods. It is recommended that you shop the perimeter of your local grocery store if you have diabetes. This means you need to stick to fresh foods. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fresh baked goods. Avoid foods that are overly processed. If you do buy processed foods, carefully read the ingredients.
Discussion about this post