Changing your lifestyle can be a real challenge. On the other hand, if you are afflicted with diabetes, then it’s critical that you start making some badly needed adaptations to your life with your health in mind. Here are some useful tips to cope with your diabetes.
Fish is an excellent choice of protein for a Diabetic who is looking to lose weight. It’s full of Omega fatty acids which are great for your body, and the calcium in the bones (if you include them) can meet the daily recommended doses.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, it is important that you help them in changing their diet and exercise rituals. Support them by bringing them healthy treats, like fruit salad, instead of cakes or cookies. When you visit their house, why not go for a long walk with them?
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.
Find a diabetic friend to support you through your journey with diabetes. You’ll be able to swap ideas, share recipes and just have a shoulder to cry on when things get stressful. You can even give them a call when you’re having a craving and they’ll talk you through it! Friends can keep you sane and that’s especially true, if they’re going through the same hardship that you are.
Make sure you keep some kind of sugar-based treat with you if you are hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia can strike at any time, and you must be prepared for an attack. If you suffer from hypoglycemia, avoid attacks by never skipping meals.
If you have a family member or loved one suffering with diabetes, it’s vitally important that you offer your help and support to ease their struggle. Sometimes little things such as joining along for doctor appointments, educating yourself with books and website information or just offering a listening ear can all help your loved one feel less alone.
Have a bedtime snack. While you sleep, your blood sugar levels can drop seriously low. To avoid morning hypoglycemia, have a small snack to keep your blood sugar levels high. The perfect snack before bed? A peanut butter sandwich or a banana. Anything with fiber is a great idea for snacks at this time.
If you have Gestational Diabetes then the concept of “eating for two” needs to be forgotten. You’ll need to reduce your food intake to small amounts every few hours to keep your blood glucose levels in check over the long term of a day. Don’t forget to have a snack before bed to control overnight blood sugar!
There are some cases in which diabetes can be completely cured. So when diabetes patients learn that they must make lifestyle changes, they must really grasp the importance of that word, “life.” While there is wonderful advice contained in this article, it can only help out so far. The actual implementation of these tips into your daily lifestyle is entirely up to you.