As a diabetic, it is good to make sure that you get your feet checked by your health provider. Feet can be very tricky when it comes down to diabetes, especially if you get a cut. Infection can and will happen if you don't check your feet regular. Have someone check your feet daily . Tell your provider that you have an infection if you do. Make sure, after a bath you dry between your toes. If you must, wear diabetic socks. They keep your feet cool and keep them from rubbing in your shoes. There are many types and brands of socks to choose from. Diabetic socks are not tight against your legs and feet .They feel really good .If you have to wear diabetic shoes ,get your feet measured. Always remember to wear comfortable shoes . When, around the house ,wear slippers, they help protect your feet from small sharp objects in the home. Never wear your slippers outside. Slippers don't have a hard sole like your shoe , so therefore they can not protect your feet.
Here is an article that may help some of you moms that may develop Gestational Diabetes
being pregnant is wonderful, you want to make sure that you get the best care of all. Check with your health provider if you find any of the symptoms in this article. This article is for only information purposes only . Eat right and what what you eat at all times . Get plenty of rest and feel good. Wishing you all the best in your delivery.
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Keeping track of your Blood Glucose level you will have to get a meter. When getting a meter, ask your health care provider on how to use. Instructions usually come with the meter. Most health providers carry meter's at the office. So if your doctor gives you a meter this is probably the one that will work best for you. Meter prices have gone down a lot. There is a lot of people that need meters and testing supplies and your insurance will help you get the supplies that you need. If not, there are agencies that can help you acquire them.
Make sure that your use the right test strip for that meter. Have everything close by just in case you have a bad feeling, sugar can be high or low. I am sure you have mastered the difference by now. Wash hands all times and keep Alcohol wipes in your bag. Remember you want the site kept clean while testing. Always record your results.
There are meters that can do all that for you now ,you just have to know how to work and enter information. Never, keep your meter in a hot or cold place. This will give your meter a negative false reading.
If having , a low reading make sure that you keep some candy or juice on hand . I prefer orange Juice. THE orange juice is very refreshing and will bring back a good feeling to you. **** DON'T DRINK TO MUCH JUICE YOU WILL DEVELOP HIGH BLOOD SUGAR*****
Good luck !
Have you, or a loved one, ever been diagnosed with Diabetes. It takes a toll on your whole body.It causes emotional stress,fear all sorts of things can go on . It is best to seek medical attention when feeling ill. It could be other aliment's that your doctor can rule out. The American Diabetes Association has great information. Always, check with your doctor and have a check up regulary with an eye exam .
Did you know that certain foods are higher in salt, for instance,canned soup,pickles,and luncheon meat. Most of us love to eat these foods ,but for a diabetic person it is not healthy. We need to eat more whole grain breads,cereals and pasta. Let's try eating less meat,sweets and fats.
we need more fresh fruits everyday.
Try using plain yogurt instead of sour cream also use mustard instead of mayonnaise. You can use these things but very little. A little bit of low fat and fat free salad dressing are also good. One thing always read your labels when shopping. Most of the time, these foods are high with fat even though it will say low fat. It's hard to try to find some foods that won't hurt your blood sugar.
Exercise is best too. It will get the energy going and help you feel well. If your on a sick day try to move around some . A little light walking will do the trick. If your can't go outside, you can walk in place.
Oh , don't think that you have to give up your fried chicken , you can shake and bake and it is healthier and crunchy too. Once in a while you can eat a piece of fried chicken just don't over do it. You can bascialy eat anything just remember your portion. Use control of how and where,and what you eat.
Try drinking water most of the time. It does a body good. Eating smaller meals with water helps to control hunger. Always talk with your doctor or diabetic teacher about how much and how many meals and snacks to eat each day.
Be Well!
Hello once again, I was on vacation and had a wonderful time. I went to Orlando and the weather was really hot. At one point I thought that I would faint. I remember that I had gave advice on how to have fun in the sun. Well, I had to take my own advice and do the same. It is good when you can enjoy family time with others ,but if your not up to it ,it can be a problem. It is best to find some activities that you can do indoors as well. Most of the time ,you feel that your messing up the vacation if people have to cater to you because of your diabetes. That is not true. You can do activities that will let you have fun.
I went to Universal Studios and had a grand time. This is what I did to stay cool. I had a small hand towel and every time that I went to the bathroom I would wet it . I would wear it on my head I had it where it could drip water on my skin too. Boy that felt good too. And you know the fans that blow out the cool mist well I stood under there as well. I had plenty of water and fun too. I did get wet on some of the rides at the other parks and that was lovely too. Most of the time when waiting to get on a ride on the inside it was very cool so that is another way of keeping cool.
Be well.
If you press your fingers on your flesh , preferably your legs you will see an indent remains for a few moments, this means your retaining fluid. If the fluid hangs around a couple of days or if it returns often you need to see your health provider. It maybe heart or kidney disease.
You need to drink more water, the water that you body retain has nothing to do with the water that your drinking. It actually helps your body get rid of extra fluid. Skip salt when you cook. Most prepared foods have so much sodium and that can contribute to your fluid build up. Try using salt alternatives. Try a cup of black ,parsley,aspargus these are all natural diuretics. Remember your electrolytes , did you know that potassium and magnesium counterbalance sodium and help reduce fluid in your body. To get enough potassium eat grapes,oranges,and even vegetable juice and the good old yellow banana. Now to get enough magnesium I suggest that you add fiber to your diet such as wheat germ and nuts and whole grains. If your ankles are swollen you need to go and sit in that comfortable recliner and put your feet up. While sitting with your legs up this sends the fluid back to your circulatory system. If this is a problem you'll you will need to go see your doctor and always keep a foot stool near byDid you know that , that men between ages 40 to 70 suffer erectile dysfunction (ED) , but fewer men, about 10 percent seek help. They just don't do anything about it . Many men are familiar with an enlarged prostate, which often causes sexual problem an even compete impotence after age 65,Sadly few men realized ED could be medically treated.
Erectile dysfunction can also occur after back or prostate surgery or even after radiation treatment for prostate cancer. But mostly if results from other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure,spinal cord injuries. Smoking, alcohol abuse, and some medications for conditions such as high blood pressure,depression,and anxiety as well as insomnia can contribute to the problem .
Men , there's hope. In addition to viagra, there's' many non-drug treatments that are available to you. You can have penile implants, injections, vacuum devices .Here are other tips that may work Try eating more tomatoes . Tomatoes have lycopene they help maintain prostate health, which in turn ,promotes performance. To get more of lycopene, you need to eat more foods, that are enriched with the natural power booster. foods such as pizza, and others that have that rich tomatoes sauce.
When your sick your blood glucose (sugar)levels can get very high. This can cause you to have very serious problems and can cause you to go into a coma. The best way to prevent a minor illness from becoming a major problem is to make sure that you have a plan for any sick days. You will make sure that you have all that you need to keep you feeling safe even if your sick.
When your sick your body is under stress. to deal with this stress your body has to release hormones that will fight off the disease. These hormones has its side effects. They raise blood sugar levels an interfere with the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin.
When your sick it is harder, to keep your blood sugar in your target range.
lets make a sick day plan in advance. Working with your doctor ,or a diabetes educator is best, they can guide you into making a plan just for you. They will tell you when to take your sugar and how to eat and what medications to take. Also get your doctors number,this way you can reach them morning noon and night . IF you get sick on the weekends or holidays you can be prepared. You don't need to call your doctor every time you have a runny nose, or ache. You will want to call if certain things happen like :
if your sick or had a fever for a couple of days and your not getting any better.
you have diarrhea and you have a nauseated feeling ,or vomiting for more than 3 hours
your sugar level is higher than 240 even though you have taken your medication your sick plan calls for.
your breathe smells fruity or your lips or your tongue are dry and cracked (dehydration)
if your uncertain that you don't know what to do to take care of yourself !
When sick, you still need to continue taking your medication for your diabetes. Even if you're throwing up still take your medicines. You need to take them your body makes extra glucose(sugar) when your sick .
Here's the handy snack list these foods contain 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates
these are fluids
1 Popsicle
1 cup of Gatorade
1 cup of milk with a handful of cheerios
1/2 cup of fruit juice
1/2 cup regular soft drink (not the diet kind)
Foods
6 saltines
4 vanilla wafers
3 lifesavers
2 graham crackers
1/2 cup of cooked cereal
sugar free pudding 1/2 cup of custard 1/2 cup of mash potatoes.
You maybe taking other medications due to a cold so be careful, if you have a cold or cough you will need to take cough medicine, check the label first these medicines can have extra sugar and will make your levels rise sky high.
If you ever need to see the doctor at the emergency room let them know that you are a diabetic, that's why its good to have your id bracelet stating that your a diabetic just in case you cant speak for yourself. Have a list of all medications that your taking this will be very helpful to the doctor and his medical team. BE WEll !
Spring has left and summer has rolled in, Out doors can be so much fun. Summertime is fun time. You can go swimming, go to family BBQ's and enjoy the weather. But wait, What about my medication that I'm on it says "Stay out of the sun ". I really want to enjoy myself with the others. Well you can ! You can do just like everyone else . ENJOY YOURSELF ! You don't have to be indoors all the time because your a diabetic. You have to prepare yourself, When enjoying the summer time plan ahead. Try to do activities in the morning time when it's cooler. Let your friends know that your down for some fun but you have to be careful in the heat. Prepare a special bag with your medications, if on insulin you can purchase one of those bags that have insulation in them. This will keep your insulin cool and ready available . Always carry water with you. It is best to drink water while in the sun, also carry a small portable umbrella and Always protect your eyes form the sun's rays. There are some neat shades that will fit you and you will look cool too. (HA HA) If your going to a pool or the beach wear rubber shoes, they fit comfortable on your feet and they protect your feet from shells or whatever. I wear them in my pool, I can't stand to not have anything on my feet. This will help you feel more confident in sand or in the water. Try'em you'll like them. Also sun screen, a little sun won't hurt ya here's a fact you get vitamin D . But in this case, you need a little sunscreen. There are all sorts you find one that suits you ok . I always carry a piece of candy and some orange juice handy . Nothing like a refreshing sip of orange juice. It will perk up that lazy body when you have a low. Careful don't drink too much you can get a high.(those of you who are diabetic know what a high and a low are). Always carry enough medication with you ,you don't know what can happen. Some times you may get stuck somewhere and you want to be prepared. Do you have a medi alert bracelet ? You don't ! You gotta get one . This is good for emergencies.
Just be prepared. I wonder if I left out any thing oh yeah HAVE FUN ENJOY YOUR DAY OUT and when the night time rolls in and your ready to check in don't go out and have more fun.
BE WEll!
When you properly manage your diabetes it is worth keeping track of. By doing this helps prevent complications, you can keep tabs of test, and screenings.#
Living with diabetes is no fun. If you or a loved has been diagnosed as a diabetic you probably wondered how did this happen ? When I found out that I was a diabetic I just panicked, Then I started wondering something is wrong this is why I'm having all these symptoms. I was so thirsty that if I could swallow the whole Niagara falls I would . Then came the tingly feet and hands and don't forget the blurry vision. I was so dumb I thought. My doctor did some blood work it's called hbA1C test. The test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past 2 - 3 months. My results were real high I was a 12 and I should be a normal range which is a 6.4 . I said "my god what did I do wrong". See ,my active lifestyle wasn't so active anymore. I started to gain the weight (especially around the middle) developed High Blood Pressure, and so on and so on. I was a total wreck and I had to do something about it . I did do something and that was to get educated and eat right and exercise. After finding out that I can't get rid of it , I can sure darn control it . This my friend is the best way" just knowing that I can control it " I repeated this to myself all the time.
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Step 2
weight needs to come off
Now that I have been a type 2 for some time my weight, has yo yo back and forth . Its like trying to keep a horse still. Now I have the confidence and the know how to control it. I eat right and keep a count of what I eat. I Erased a lot of sugars from my diet, I do more exercises now and I educate others who are walking down this street now. You don't' have to be afraid of this illness you can and will control this. You have the power to do this ,it is not hard at all .
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Step 3
Get out and be active again
Buy fresh veggies and eat 6 small meals a day . Drink plenty of water and do exercise. Keep that blood pressure under control. If your a type 2 diabetic and on insulin you can get off the insulin. But, you have to discipline yourself and eat right and do the things that you know that are right. Be a help to others and you will find a reward in this ,because you know that you have helped someone.
Diabetes can cause complications that will lead to Amputation of you limbs so see your doctor get the test done and find out. Be Well!
