Ten Tips For Diabetic Living Health Families.com

The American Diabetic Association recommends “free foods” for a quick and satisfying snack. They contain twenty calories or less per serving and are low-fat and sugar free. Try nine small strawberries, half a medium-sized peach, or 25 fresh blueberries. Or snack on a half cup of baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, red bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
Start walking! Blood sugar levels can drop as much as thirty percent after an aerobic exercise session. Walking helps control your weight and reduces your risk of complications like nerve damage, eye damage, and heart disease. Not excited about walking in bad weather? March in your living room or up and down the stairs if your joints can handle it.
3Watch the trans fats. Trans fats can elevate levels of bad cholesterol and reduce your levels of good cholesterol! Read your ingredients list and beware of anything like “partially hydrogenated oils”. You can’t cut out trans fats entirely — they are in way too many foods — but you can pick things that are low in trans fats!
Go nuts. Peanut butter and other nut spreads have monounsaturated fats that help your body build healthy cells. Healthy cells use blood sugar more efficiently. And fiber and magnesium in nuts help your body regulate insulin levels.
Take good care of your feet. Wash your feet daily in warm water. Dry them thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes. Take regular walks and stretch your feet throughout the day to promote good circulation. Check your feet every day for blisters or cuts. Visit the podiatrist every year for a check up.
Cut back on caffeine. Studies are showing that caffeine can reduce insulin sensitivity — that puts you at risk for Type two diabetes.
Eat your dairy foods! The lactose and proteins in milk and other dairy products can help improve your blood sugar. Try to get at least two servings of dairy every day to cut your chances of resisting insulin by as much as twenty percent.
Take your blood sugar every day! Just be sure to change lancets every time. Reusing a needle can increase your chances of infection.
Use those measuring cups! Eating healthy foods can quickly become unhealthy if you are going over the suggested portion sizes. If you measure your food every time, you’ll get good at estimating portion sizes when you’re away from home.
Ask for help if you need it. Talk to your doctor if your diabetes is not controlled. Talk to your spouse and family about what you need — whether it is support in your changes, cheerleading for your triumphs, or distraction from sugary snacks.