Diabetes is a disease that affects blood sugar levels. There are both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The large majority of diabetes are of the type 2 variety. There are various lifestyle and dietary changes that can help you manage your diabetes more effectively. Pre-Diabetes: There are approximately 80 million people who are considered pre-diabetic. They have elevated blood sugar levels but not high enough to be considered diabetic. There are usually no other symptom shown so many people are unaware that they are pre-diabetic. There is an obvious danger to this as left unchecked it can develop into type 2 diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is the less common form. It mostly occurs in young people under the age of 20. It involves the inability to produce any insulin. These individuals must receive insulin injections in order to keep their blood sugar levels stabilized.Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes most commonly occurs in adults over the age of 40. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes: There are several common symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. These include fatigue, frequent urination and thirst.

Additional symptoms include weight gain, numbness in hands and feet and cuts that take a long time to heal. The complications associated with diabetes can be very severe. They include blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations. Controlling Diabetes: You need to be under a doctor’s care if you are diabetic. There are medications that may be prescribed to you. Also there are lifestyle changes you can make to manage this disease. Weight control: You should strive to keep a healthy weight. Obesity is a leading cause of diabetes.Gestational Diabetes: A rather uncommon occurrence, however it affects up to 4% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes results from hormonal changes during pregnancy. This creates complications in insulin function. There is a higher risk for women who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes. Doctors normally screen for this in order to treat it should it develop. If so, it is common for blood sugar levels to normalize within 8 weeks of having the child. It does put women at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at some later point in time. Diabetes Treatment: This disease cannot be cured although researchers are working on this. Hopefully we will have a cure at some time in the near future. For now there are various methods of controlling diabetes so that your life can be more enjoyable. Monitor your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure levels on a regular basis. Having normal range cholesterol and blood pressure is a huge help for those with diabetes.

Make sure you see your doctor on a regular basis and always take your prescribed medicine as indicated and on time.Helpful Safety Tips: To minimize risk to yourself you should incorporate safety precautions in your lifestyle to prevent diabetic complications. You need to avoid cutting yourself in any way. Always wear socks and don’t walk outdoors barefoot. A good tip is to leave a pair of flip flops by your door for convenience. Examine yourself: Diabetics can develop sores on their body. You should always check yourself for any occurrence. These sores can lead to serious infections. Avoid diabetic shock: always carry small packets of food that you can quickly eat should your blood sugar levels drop too low. This is known as hypoglycemia and can be extremely dangerous. Glucose tablets are a quick emergency fix for a hypoglemic attack. They work very quickly to raise blood sugar levels out of the danger zone.Check Blood Sugar Levels: You should also check your blood sugar level immediately in the morning. This is done with your glucose monitor.

Water is very important for diabetics. When you have high blood sugar you tend to lose fluid in your body. This can lead to very dry and itchy skin. And of course, any cracks in the skin can lead to potential infection for a diabetic. Being well hydrated can be of immense help with this problem. Emergency Medical Alert Bracelet: You should always wear this for your safety. If you ever have a diabetic attack and cannot speak for yourself, someone helping you will immediately see that you are diabetic. This can be lifesaving.Power Foods For Diabetics: Foremost, you need to follow a healthy meal plan filled with lean proteins, whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruit in moderation. Some excellent power foods to include in your diet are the following: salmon, tuna, berries, dates, greens, lentils, oats, walnuts and dairy. You should also look at the glycemic index of foods that you consume. Low glycemic foods are the best choice as they will not raise your blood sugar the way high glycemic foods will. Always plan your meals in advance to ensure that you will eat properly and help to keep your blood sugar levels stabilized.Exercise: Exercise is very important to a healthy lifestyle. 30 minutes of daily exercise can be very helpful for diabetics.

You can break this up into 10 minute routines to make it more manageable and less of an exertion if needed. Good exercise choices are walking and strength training. Exercising in this manner can help keep your blood sugar levels under better control. If at any time you feel dizzy or weight when exercising you need to immediately stop. Also inform your doctor.Diabetic Supplies: You should always have certain supplies on hand if you are diabetic. These should include the following: sterile gauze, hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment. Should you ever experience an injury or cut you can quickly sterilize and treat it to prevent infection. You should carry a small travel kit with you as well. If you experience any injury, always let your doctor know. Always consult with your health care provider if making any dietary or lifestyle changes, particularly if you have a disease or are taking any prescription medication.

Originally posted 2013-05-22 13:55:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter