What To Expect When You Have Diabetes

Don't use alcohol swabs before an insulin injection. It's actually unnecessary, as long as your skin, hands, and needle are clean. Alcohol swabs will dry out the skin, making it more likely that the injection site will stay open. This can actually increase the risk of an infection at the site.

It is quite possible that you can obtain the device needed for monitoring your blood glucose levels for free from either the manufacturer or your health insurance company. However, the cost of the testing strips will quickly add up so make sure you check the fine print of your insurance policy to find out how many are covered.

It is crucial that people with diabetes get a simple blood test known as an HbA1c test every three months. HbA1c tests show blood sugar levels for the past two to three months and can help your doctor control your diabetes. It is recommended that the HbA1c is kept at or below seven percent.

To make sure your diabetes doesn't cause issues during a long flight, always pack a snack. While some airlines offer free meals, the food can be heavily processed, and you may have to wait a long time to be fed. Bringing your own snack will ensure that your glucose levels stay where they're supposed to be.

Do not use nicotine or alcohol if you have diabetes, as smokers with this condition are more likely to develop cardiovascular issues, kidney disease and nerve problems, and alcohol can either raise or lower blood sugar, depending upon how much is drunk and whether or not food is consumed at the same time.

Learn what foods have a high-glycemic index sweet like cookies, sugar-laden soft drinks, as well as carbohydrate filled breads. Cereals, and pastas are all high-glycemic index foods. These foods can cause your blood sugar to rise very quickly, usually referred to as a spike. Stick to the perimeter of the store, with fresh produce and meats, and avoid heavily processed foods.

Make sure to take your diabetes medications exactly as directed. You are NOT a doctor, nor is anyone else giving you advice other than your physician. They tell you how often to take your prescriptions and how much you should take at a time because they know, so follow their directions.

If you feel you're not getting adequate care from your doctor, find a new one! Feeling less than comfortable with a health care professional can lead you to question their diagnosis or treatment, meaning you can't trust them. Find a new doctor that you have full faith in to ensure a healthy doctor-patient relationship.

When you reduce carbohydrates, the difference must be made up in proteins and fat. Over the long run, maintaining healthy weight likely matters more than obsessing over carbohydrates. The American Diabetes Association suggests that about half of your diet come from healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The rest may come from proteins, fat-free dairy and healthy fats.

Now that you understand your goal and have learned a few great tips that you can use if you have diabetes, it's all about the action you're willing to take to make sure that you don't fall victim to the disease. There's nothing that says someone with diabetes can't live a normal lifestyle. You only have to work a little harder for it.

Please see this site if you require data on living with diabetes.