6 Diabetes Care Strategies You May Be Missing
Diabetes care strategies help control your blood glucose.
You have Type 2 Diabetes.
Your blood glucose readings are all over the map.
You need and want to lose weight.
You even dream of getting off your medication.
Using all of the following diabetes care strategies could turn things around.
- Use the three food elements (protein, carbohydrates and fats) to your advantage.
Avoid saturated fats (solid at room temperature) and trans fats. They cause insulin resistance, slowing the function of the insulin that you still have and decreasing its efficiency. Dietary fat is the most “fattening” nutrient providing 9 calories per gram while carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 calories per gram. Fat is an essential food element but don’t overuse or your weight will increase. Research shows being overweight contributes to your diabetes, causes cardiac disease and can affect knees and other weight-bearing joints. For more information: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/fats/unsaturated-fats-your-body-chemistry.html#b Add plenty of dietary fiber from complex carbohydrates as fiber slows absorption of sugar and glucose rises more slowly. You feel fuller and won’t eat as much. 60% of your calories per day should be complex carbohydrates. Get protein from lean meat and fish, nuts, cheese and beans. QUESTION: which is better—sugar-free or fat-free ice cream? Answer: fat-free. You can have sugar occasionally. Work hard to eliminate fats.
- Discover a free medication that helps control blood glucose and has only positive side-effects: exercise.
Make physical activity your best friend. Exercise burns calories and utilizes glucose for energy, lowering your blood sugar and improving how your insulin functions. Tracking meals and recording blood sugars? You will see—exercise contributes to better readings. Caution: it is a balancing act and if you become a long distance runner, you might need snacks to fuel your body as you run.
- Follow the rule of six—six meals a day (3 regular meals and 3 snacks).
Breakfast is a must: include a complex carb fiber like whole wheat toast and a protein like peanut butter or an egg. Wherever you are during the day, have snacks like peanuts, cheese slices, apple with peanut butter with you to keep blood glucose levels in proper range. Afternoon snack must never be a candy bar! Keep glucose level with good choices for dinner and possibly a snack of protein before bed. Protein takes the longest to break down and can keep blood sugar at a good level.
- Create your plate at every meal. (see diagram below)
You will become an expert at visualizing ¼ of your plate for carbs (starchy veggies, pasta, bread) ¼ for protein (meat, fish etc) and ½ for non-starchy veggies or salad, but use low cal dressings. Monounsaturated olive oil and omega 3 oils like flax are good for you. http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/
- When leaving your home, be prepared.
As mentioned above, bring snacks with you. Never be without what you need to keep blood glucose at a normal level. If you are prone to low blood sugar episodes, have juice or glucose tabs with you at all times. You might also need to take your oral medication with you and your insulin if you use that.
- Make time your close friend.
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