Diabetes does not have a cure. In spite of all the advancements made on treatment, the only way to beat diabetes is by managing it. This can be done through lifestyle and food choices. It is a commitment that has to be made to oneself. These lifestyle choices may mean becoming more active, quitting smoking, and taking prescribed medications as indicated, among other changes.
Managing Diabetes: Lifestyle
Diabetes can be controlled and there is treatment for it. There are a few things to help manage diabetes.
- Keep your blood sugar levels in check. Have an understanding on what to do to keep the levels as close to normalcy as you possibly can. Religiously take your medicine. Maintain a good balance of medication, food, exercise, and good sleep habits.
- Follow a meal plan. Adhere strictly to the diabetes eating plan as much as you can.
- Keep healthy snacks You’ll be less likely to snack on empty calories.
- Regular exercise.It helps you stay fit, burns calories, and helps get your blood glucose levels down.
- Medical appointments are a must.Schedule regular appointments with your dietician, family doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist, other professionals from your health care team. Your approach to your health should be holistic.
Optimal Foods for Those with Diabetes:
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, although a carbohydrate, can aid in controlling your blood sugar. The high soluble fiber is slow to digest and keeps you feeling full for longer. The oats do not raise blood sugar as much as other carbohydrates may or as quickly.
Broccoli, Spinach, and Green Beans
Broccoli, spinach, and green beans, are non starchy vegetables that should definitely be added to any diabetic diet. They are low in carbohydrates as well as high in fiber, making them perfect for people with diabetes.
Strawberries
As strawberries are sweet, some diabetes patients tend to avoid them. A cup of strawberries is a healthy snack that won’t raise the blood sugar too high. Of course, strawberries are a much better option to cookies. They are high in fiber and water, but, low in calories and carbohydrates. You will feel fuller longer. Once you feel full longer, the fewer carbohydrates you’ll consume overall.
Salmon and Lean Meats
High protein meats do not contribute to blood sugar like carbohydrates. Fish, skinless chicken breast and lean cuts of meat in good proportions are good picks for diabetic meal plans. Salmon contains omega 3 and helps prevent heart attacks or strokes, which statistics show, 65% of diabetic patients die from. Chromium is a mineral a found in meat. It helps insulin function properly and aids the body in metabolizing carbohydrates.
Sparkling Water
If you are someone who likes sodas, go for the option of sparkling water. They come in many different flavors such as apple, pear, grapefruit, and tangerine. Quite a number of sparkling waters have no calories or carbohydrates. This is not just good for blood sugar, but also for losing or controlling weight as well.
Cinnamon
There has been a lot of hype about cinnamon lately. It is said that it may contain qualities similar to those of insulin and aid in reducing blood sugar levels. After a recent study in Germany, it was observed that of two groups of type 2 diabetes patients, those that those who took the cinnamon extract, their blood sugar level was lowered by 10.3% as opposed to the other(placebo) group’s 3.4%. This brought them to the conclusion that there may be a moderate effect of cinnamon reducing blood sugar levels, most especially among those who had more trouble controlling blood sugar.
How do you manage your diabetes? Please leave your comments below:
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