Diabetic Live

Tips To Eating Healthy: For diabetics, food choices are a tough battle from time to time. As those with diabetes must eat with certain restrictions in mind, it is sometimes difficult to find meals which not only keep them within their specific dietary guidelines but taste good as well. The truth of the matter is that diabetics are able to eat healthy but dine on items which are delicious to boot. The following will provide some tips for those living with diabetes to consider if they are looking to eat healthy meals which taste great.

Small But Delicious Meals
Since the main goal of diabetics is to keep their blood sugar at a favorable level, doctors often recommend that these individuals eat approximately five small meals throughout the day in addition to snacks here and there. The meals are ones which do not have to be boring in nature. It is possible to choose food items which can be made into delicious entrées and snacks. For example, when cooking with items such as chickpeas, bread and fruit, these items can be turned into a delicious meal of hummus and pita served alongside some fresh apple slices. The newest guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have stated that carbohydrates in the diet should be commonplace and sucrose items are allowed. The ability to have these food sources in the daily diet opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the diabetic.

Menu Items At Restaurants Feature Diabetic-Friendly Food
Many restaurants now feature icons on their menus which dictate “heart healthy” items. This is beneficial not only for people who are watching their weight and cholesterol intake but for those who are diabetic as well. By ordering items which are heart healthy and therefore low in sugar and cholesterol, the diabetic is able to dine out, eat good food and keep within their required blood sugar level. It is also important to know that restaurant patrons can often ask for their meals to have a special twist to them, such as order dressings and toppings on the side as well as ask for low-salt meals. There is no reason why diabetics should shy away from dining out as there are ways to eat healthy and get good food at the same time.

Choose Healthy Desserts
When many hear the word “diabetic” being uttered, they often think that this rules out desserts completely and the diabetic has to eat a bland meal minus any good food items at the end. This is not true as those who have diabetes can eat desserts from time to time as there are plenty of healthy dessert choices available to them. For example, fruit cup and low fat frozen yogurt both provide tasty dessert options for the individual should they desire a dessert after their meal. Having diabetes does not mean a total ban on all future desserts and there are plenty of options for diabetics to choose from in the way of delicious treats.

Use Certain Allowable Seasonings To Add Flavor
Another way to eat healthy yet not sacrifice flavor while doing so is to use allowable seasonings when cooking a diabetic-friendly meal. Certain seasonings such as garlic, pepper and oregano all add flavor and are able to be eaten by diabetic individuals. Sugar and salt are not the only ingredients which will add flavor to food. Since most diabetics shy away from these two items, it is helpful to have other options with regard to seasoning the meals to make them tasty and healthy at the same time. Consulting a diabetic-friendly cookbook will help one to make healthy yet flavorful choices when cooking meals that are in keeping with their diabetic diet.

Software For Diabetics: In the past, patients with diabetes put all their data in individual journals. The patients then referred to their journals if they wanted to arrive at a way to make sense of that data. The goal of diabetic software is not the elimination of journals. The goal of those who develop diabetic software is the better management of accumulated data.

Diabetic software gives to the patient with diabetes a valuable tool. By using that tool, the diabetic can more easily assess the degree to which a diabetes management plan has aided the control of diabetes. Based on that assessment, the diabetic can modify that plan.

Some of the software for diabetes comes in a box. Other software can be downloaded from various websites. This article will take a look at both types of software. It will seek to help diabetics contact the group or person that can furnish them with such software.

Diabetes Works for Windows has gained popularity among diabetics. Patients with diabetes have found that it is a useful software tool. It allows the diabetic to design a diabetes control regimen by using computer guidance.. Diabetes Works contains data from a clinical trail of insulin, a trial once conducted by researchers at Eli Lilly.

The software package in Diabetes Works guides the diabetic by comparing the available data with data entered by the software user. The patient with diabetes gives the program information on glucose readings, insulin dosages, amount of carbohydrates consumed and amount of time spent exercising. Using that information, the software program then develops and displays a spreadsheet. By viewing that spreadsheet, a patient with diabetes can proceed with evaluation of his or her diabetes management plan.

A competing software package has appeared on the shelves of computer stores. It is called BD Diabetes. An important feature of BD Diabetes is its speed. The diabetic patient who has BD software can download charts, view charts and print charts with a single click of the mouse. The software also includes a guide. By using that guide, the patient with diabetes can better interpret the significance of the charted information.

A diabetic who would like to purchase the BD software should call this number: 1-888-232-2737. Diabetics who have access to the Internet are not restricted to the use of such boxed programs. They can search online for useful software.

Sometimes a person with diabetes knows a good deal about the development of a computer program. Sometimes a person with diabetes has a spouse who knows how to put together a program that can be used for the management of accumulated data. In either case, such software can be of benefit to all diabetics. Therefore, a number of websites have invited computer users (those with diabetes) to download such software.

Kenneth A. Corrasco has developed a spreadsheet that suits any diabetic who conducts glucose testing between 10 to 12 times per day. Like the program in Diabetes Works, the Corrasco spreadsheet requires the input of information on glucose readings, insulin dosages, carbohydrate ingestion and exercise. In addition, the Corrasco spreadsheet has space for the daily hours of sleep, the patient’s blood pressure and the patient’s weight.

The opportunity to input more data hands to the diabetic patient a more useful software tool. The placement of more data in the spreadsheet more clearly reveals how an existing life style might contribute to or hinder control of the patient’s diabetes, The Corrasco spreadsheet is available at www.medaca.com/corrasco_BG_form8ls.

Steven Goldsmith wrote a computer program for his wife, another of the many diabetics. Goldsmith realized that not every diabetic uses the same type of meter for testing his or her glucose level With that fact in mind, Goldsmith designed a way for a diabetic to upload testing data from many different meters—AccuChek, Ascensia, BD, HomeDiagnostics, LifeScan, MediSense and ThermaSense.

Goldsmith also added to his software space for the input of another piece of data. A diabetic patient using the Goldsmith software can enter information on any medication that he or she might have taken. To download the Goldsmith program, patients with diabetes should go to www.best4diabetes.com/Welcome.isp.

Mike Baesalager is another programmer who used his skills to develop software that could be used for creation of a diabetes management plan. His software aids the tracking of changes in blood glucose. It also allows for input of information on the administration of both regular and long lasting insulin. In addition, it has space for the input of data related to the diet. This software can be downloaded from www.dia-log.com.

Now at the beginning of this article, reference was made to the journals kept by diabetic patients. At one time, the journal of a diabetic patient was the only place where he or she could keep all the figures from the many required blood glucose tests. That is no longer the case. Now a diabetic can store his or her data at an online site. Software available at www.glucoweb.net has been designed to store electronic data.

Of course the storage of data does not necessarily guarantee the ability to interpret that data. For that reason, the creators of this data-storing software have added to it a special feature. It includes an instructional guide. By using that guide, a patient with diabetes can gain the knowledge that he or she needs for interpretation of any stored data.

Additional tools for the interpretation of data can be found among the boxed software kits. One such kit has been put out by USS Publishing. That kit facilitates the weekly tracking of data from a diabetes management plan. It includes space of all sorts of important data.

Information on foot care, eye care and dental care can be supplied to the USS software. Data relating to weight loss and A1C levels can also be analyzed by this boxed software. The availability of so much information allows for the development of a well-founded diabetes management plan. A patient with diabetes might thus want to set aside funds for the purchase of such software.

Reducing Stress: No one likes to cope with a lot of stress. For a patient with diabetes, the introduction of stress can be more than an annoyance; it can be a real detriment to the physical well-being of the diabetic. There are several excellent reasons why a diabetic should know how to live with a minimum amount of stress.

When the body notes the appearance of a stress, it prepares to respond to that stress. As part of that preparation, the body undergoes certain physiological changes. Some of those changes—the increased susceptibility to skin problems, the increased level of blood pressure and the increased susceptibility to colds and flu—can lead to the development of potentially life-threatening conditions within the body of the stressed diabetic.

In addition, the changes brought-about by stress can stimulate the release of certain body hormones. Some of those hormones trigger a response to the body’s anticipated demand for energy. Some hormones call for a release of stored energy, stored energy in the form of glucose. When a diabetic lacks the insulin needed to let the excess glucose into body cells, then the released glucose builds up in the bloodstream.

New research findings suggest that stress not only harms those who already have diabetes, but it can also cause a healthy person to develop Type 2 diabetes. Stress can affect the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the occurrence of sleep disturbances. Such disturbances can cause glucose intolerance, thus encouraging the development of Type 2 diabetes.

In order to avoid the sort of problems that are made all the more harmful by the feelings associated with stress, a diabetic needs to find ways to reduce the number of stressors that he or she might encounter. By avoiding a stressful situation whenever possible, a diabetic can limit the amount of stress in his or her live. When such avoidance is not possible, a diabetic needs to find a number of different ways to “de-stress.”

Anything that encourages a diabetic to go through the steps in a progressive relaxation can help a diabetic to overcome feelings of stress. There are several ways that a diabetic can “wind-down” slowly from the rapid pace at which so much of present-day life takes place. A few of those relaxation techniques are detailed in the following paragraph.

Yoga offers all patients (those with diabetes and those with other medical conditions) a proven way to relax. Yoga is most effective when those who perform a yoga routine also do some deep breathing exercises. Of course, a diabetic does not need to feel that yoga gives to him or to her the single way to enjoy the benefits of progressive relaxation.

Meditation can help a person to relax slowly and effectively. Some people who practice meditation stimulate their senses in a manner that encourages the relaxation of the body. Some meditation groups use scented candles to enhance the relaxed atmosphere at a meditation session. Total relaxation insures the successful completion of a meditation process. It enhances the chances that a recognized stressor will fail to stimulate the normal cascade of stress-inducing events.

A diabetic can develop an increased resistance to stress, or resilience, when faced with the impact of a stressful situation. A few of the stress-reducing techniques focus primarily on the development of an increased resistance to stress. Specifics about those techniques are found in the following paragraphs.

A daily check for possible stressors can help to strengthen one’s resistance to stress. A diabetic should take the time to consider each day what parts of his or her body might not be feeling or functioning as they should. In the absence of any stress, a diabetic should hope to feel terrific. If a diabetic does not feel terrific then the diabetic must evaluate the cause of the discomfort that he or she feels.

A diabetic might discover that he or she has a knotted stomach or an unexplained tightness of the neck muscles. An awareness of such symptoms should tell a diabetic that he or she needs to relax. An awareness of such symptoms should lead to the initiation of one or more relaxation techniques.

Diabetics who have learned the importance of keeping a journal should have better luck dealing with stress. A diabetic who is keeping a journal will have a way to record times when he or she experienced distress. In the journal, the diabetic can view the distressing event from several angles. The diabetic can writer down how the distressing event might have included fewer stressors, and how it might have been the source of far more stress.

What is the point of making and recording such speculations? First of all, its helps the diabetic see that a distressing situation might have taken place in a far more upsetting manner. By the same token, the recording of stressful instances can help a diabetic to recognize better ways for dealing with any stress that shows-up in the near future.

A person normally feels stressed when his or her life seems to be spiraling out of control. Anything that can help a diabetic to feel “in control” can facilitate the removal of stress. Control comes from the acquisition of self-empowerment. The confrontation and conquering of a challenge can hasten the acquisition of self-empowerment. For that reason, engagement in well-chosen, challenging activities can hasten the removal of stress from the day-to-day encounters of a diabetic.

A diabetic should exercise in order to hasten the removal of excess sugar from the bloodstream. Still, there is a second important reason why a diabetic should take the time to exercise.. Exercise gives the body a way to release any built-up stress. A body that has been put through a regular round of exercise experiences the “lift” that comes with exercise. A person who has experienced such a “lift” is less apt to feel stressed.

Because diabetes can harm the heart and circulatory system, a diabetic must reduce the number of factors that might accelerate the rate at which harmful changes take place in the circulatory system. Stress is one such factor.

Early Signs Of Diabetes: The presence in the blood of large amounts of glucose puts a strain on all the cells in the body. The longer that any person remains unaware of that strain he or she hastens the destruction of those cells. That fact explains clearly the importance of learning and then watching for the early signs of diabetes.

Becsause there are two types of diabetes—Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes and Type 2 or insulin non-dependent diabetes—this article will include details about two different sets of signals, signals that alert a person to the fact that he or she has diabetes. Since Type 1 diabetes occurs among children as well as adults, parents must watch for the appropriate signs, signs linked to the appearance of diabetes.

A child with Type 1 diabetes might suddenly exhibit a frequent need to use the bathroom (in order to urinate). He or she might complain about an abnormal thirst or an seemingly insatiable appetite. A child’s comments about an unexplained hunger might be made all-the-more alarming by evidence that the same child has lost a good deal of weight.

While any of those symptoms should alert a parent to the chance that a son or daughter has Type 1 diabetes, a few other behaviors could help to confirm the parents; fears. A child with undiagnosed, Type 1 diabetes displays an abnormal irritability, a decided weakness or fatigue and possible flu-like symptoms (nausea and vomiting). Those symptoms will not disappear unless and until the child’s diabetes is under control.

When a patient has Type 1 diabetes, only the administration of insulin gives the patient a tool for controlling his or her diabetes. Today, young people with Type 1 diabetes do not always need to receive insulin injections; they can be equipped with an insulin pump.

In the past, the early signs of Type 2 diabetes did not much concern young parents. In the past, only older adults were expected to develop Type 2 diabetes. Now, however, the prevalence of fats and simple carbohydrates in the diet, combined with too many forms of sit-down entertainment, has lowered the average age of the person with Type 2 diabetes.

Both older adults and young adults now arrive in a doctor’s office with complaints about frequent urination, excessive thirst and a strong craving for sweets and starches. These are seen by doctors as early signs of Type 2 diabetes. When a physician has a patient with such complaints, then he or she needs to search for the cause of those complaints. He or she must check for proof that the patient does indeed have Type 2 diabetes.

The doctor might ask the patient if he or she is always feeling drowsy. The doctor might inquire about problems with itching or blurred vision. The doctor might ask the patient to step on a scale Noticeable weight gain is an early sign of Type 2 diabetes.

The doctor might ask the patient about any tingling in the feet. The doctor might ask the patient to disrobe, so that he or she can check for skin infections. During such an examination, the doctor might well look for any slow-healing wounds.

Doctors realize the some symptoms found among Type 2 diabetics are also found among the general population of aging individuals. Doctors will thus complete their examination with the scheduling of a glucose tolerance test. Such a test can confirm or refute a diagnosis that has been based on evidence of the early signs of diabetes.

In the future, doctors might have a way to obtain earlier evidence that a patient has or does not have Type 2 diabetes. Researchers are now looking for antibodies (special proteins) that appear in the blood or urine of a diabetic patient. Identification of such antibodies would allow for the development of a new diagnostic test, a test for diabetes.

In order to appreciate the benefits that would come from development of such a test, one needs to understand the span of time between the appearance of the early signs of diabetes and the evidence that a patient has an abnormally high blood glucose level. The earliest signs of diabetes might be observed by a physician or patient before a glucose tolerance test can produce proof that the patient does in fact have Type 2 diabetes.

If physicians must rely on data from the glucose tolerance test in order to let their patients know whether or not they have Type 2 diabetes, then those patients become subject to substantial cell damage before that test can give a positive result. If doctors could test at an earlier time for some proof that a patient did or did not have diabetes, then doctors could help patients avoid some of the cell damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes.

Today, a number of tests check for antibodies that are associated with cancer. The PSA test allows doctors to find evidence that an older male patient has prostate cancer. Armed with such a test, doctors are better able to treat the cancer early, and to avoid the unchecked growth of the cancer cells.

Researchers hope to unearth proof that a different antibody appears in the system of a patient with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers want to find an antibody that is produced by the body even before the patients and doctors can note the presence of early signs of diabetes If doctors could send blood or urine samples to the lab, and if the lab could test for the presence of one particular, tell-tale antibody, then diabetic patients could begin a diabetes management plan at a much earlier time.

The early management of diabetes promises to lead to early control of diabetes. The early control of diabetes gives patients with diabetes a greater chance to counter the harmful effects of the high blood glucose levels that are associated with diabetes. By countering those effects, patients with diabetes can hope to enjoy a longer period or time during which they have healthy, undamaged cells.

Ways To Prevent Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an inherited condition. At this time there is no way to prevent a person from having Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Type 2 diabetes develops in those who have managed to“wear-out” their body’s natural ability to make use of the glucose in the bloodstream.. An understanding of how use of glucose in the bloodstream manages to wear down the body cells helps with recognition of the various ways to prevent diabetes.

First of all, the prevention of diabetes begins with the willingness to eat a healthful diet. Such a diet should have minimum of sugars and simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are transformed into sugars very early in the digestive process. Those sugars mix with other foods in the stomach, and they are then carried into the intestines.

The walls of the intestine allow the nutrients in the digestive juices to enter the bloodstream. As the digestive juices pass through the intestine, any glucose in those juices moves directly into the bloodstream. The blood then carries that glucose to all the cells in the body, cells in need of a way to make energy.

Once glucose has entered the bloodstream, then the brain sends signals to special endocrine cells in the pancreas. That signal targets the Islets of Langerhans, and it tells the appropriate pancreatic cells to release insulin.. In a healthy individual, that insulin facilitates the movement of glucose from the blood into the cells.

In a person with Type 2 Diabetes, the released insulin lacks the ability to move glucose into the cells. The body cells thus suffer from the absence of a needed energy source. The prevention of Type 2 diabetes must focus on ways to both limit the amount of glucose that builds up in the blood and to supply the body cells with some source of energy.

Ingestion of plenty of high-fiber foods and complex carbohydrates can help to hold-off the development of Type 2 diabetes. Such foods enter the bloodstream slowly and thus help a person to remain hunger-free for a longer amount of time. The absence of hunger helps to insure the absence of temptation, temptation to eat sugars and simple carbs.

A diet that contains complex carbohydrates does even more. It allows energy source to form slowly, and to move into the bloodstream slowly. The body can handle that energy source. . The body therefore benefits from the molecules that can furnish the cells with energy. Those molecules are able to get into the energy-starved cells.

A second dietary consideration related to diabetes concerns those who already have Type 2 diabetes. Such patients must learn how to prevent the development of the problems that face so many diabetics. A number of those problems stem from failure of the heart or circulatory system to perform properly. The right diet can help with the functioning of the heart and circulatory system.

A person with Type 2 diabetes, or a person who might be on the verge of developing Type 2 diabetes, needs to eat a limited amount of salt. A high salt diet puts an added strain on the circulatory system. A person with Type 2 diabetes should also eat a low fat diet. A diabetic needs to prevent the build-up of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

The prevention of diabetes calls for the eating of fruits and vegetable with lots of antioxidants. Orange and deep green vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants. By eating such fruits and vegetables, one can limit the degree to which oxygen scavengers damage the cells. Cell damage decreases the ability of the cell to take-in glucose.

Life style and habits can either prevent or enhance a person’s chances for getting Type 2 diabetes. Those who do not want to live with diabetes should avoid drinking alcohol. Smoking is a bad habit for anyone who has diabetes. Smoking adds to the amount of “junk” in the bloodstream. Smoking can aggravate any circulatory problems.

A person who has been cautioned that he or she might be headed toward a future life with Type 2 diabetes does not need to accept the inevitability of that projected future. He or she can avoid getting Type 2 diabetes by maintaining a sensible weight. He or she should get on the scale and learn his or her current weight.

After someone who has learned his or her weight, then the prevention of diabetes requires a few mathematical calculations. The person who wants to avoid Type 2 diabetes should divide in half whatever figure has appeared on the scale, in response to the weight of that particular person. That figure represents the number of pounds that the person needs to loose. The loss of that many pounds should allow the concerned individual to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes.

The maintenance of a healthy weight does not have to mean going on a strict diet. In fact, the prevention of diabetes is aided by a behavior that also aids the burning of calories, and the eventual loss of weight. That behavior concerns the creation of a regular exercise schedule, and the willingness to stick to that schedule.

A person who hopes to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes should understand that exercise does more than just burn calories. Exercise can act like a “health-giving pill.” Exercise can make cells more sensitive to insulin. When cells become more sensitive to insulin, then more glucose moves into the body cells. The cells behave more like the cells in a healthy body, a body that does not have the symptoms associated with diabetes.

All of the above behaviors serve to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Another behavior can aid acquisition of more information about diabetes. That one behavior is reading. A diabetic should make a habit of searching online and among printed publications for information about diabetes. Such a search could well uncover new and yet-to-be discovered ways to prevent and to control diabetes.

Foot Care – Inspections And Preventive Measures: Foot care is a vital part of a diabetic’s lifestyle. Daily inspections as well as preventive measures should be explored. Information concerning these matters must not be taken lightly. If an individual does not take great care, long term damage can happen. A person may experience lasting pain, discomfort or could lose the use of their feet. The nervous and immune systems are lower in patents with diabetes. This part of the body is used more frequently than the others and is always exposed to certain elements. Infections, dryness and cuts can all lead to something more serious. This is why the need for inspections as well as understanding preventive measures is important to daily life.

Inspections
There are several key pieces of information that an individual needs to know when inspecting their feet. Not only should this part of the body be examined but socks, shoes and an individual’s surroundings should also be observed.

1. Spot check. Each day, an individual should look over their feet carefully. Especially watch out for cuts, bruises, sores or redness. Check the feet for calluses, deformations and bumps. If any scratches or sores are present, allow a couple of days for them to heal. A doctor’s visit is in order if they do not heal or other problems may arise. If there is something that is alarming, seek medical advice immediately.
2. Toenails. If the toenails are fairly long, it is important to trim them right away. Overgrown nails can cause cuts and damage. They can also make walking extremely difficult.
3. Corns and warts. Some individuals are prone to take care of these matters themselves. However, this is not a good idea. When a person removes corns, warts or calluses themselves, damage and infections can occur. Seek a medical care provider to remove these blemishes.

Preventive Measures
There are several key points that a person can use to be protective of their feet. When the proper measures, inspections and care are taken into consideration, an individual will be more healthy and vital.

1. Check shoes and socks daily. An individual must always check their shoes for rocks, nails and other objects. This needs to be preformed on the outside as well as on the inside of the shoes. With a lower feeling in a person’s foot, foreign objects can be damaging.
2. Always wear socks. Socks protect the feet from mild cuts as well as dried skin. They need to be worn throughout the day, even while sleeping to gain the maximum performance.
3. Correct fit for shoes as well as socks. Shoes need to fit the feet snugly and comfortable. The soles must have shock absorbent material, the kinds a person may find in athletic shoes. There are locations to find the correct style for an individual’s foot. Diabetic shoes as well as socks are available. Socks must be snug so they do not fall. However, tight elastic around the leg will cut off circulation.
4. Do not soak the feet. Some individuals enjoy their feet soaked, especially after a long, hard day. Nevertheless, soaking the feet will lead to horrible dried skin. Avoid this when possible.
5. Keeping the feet dry. In wet conditions, it may be difficult to keep the feet bone dry. However, when they are wet, fungus, dried skin and damage can occur. Some individual’s suggest a person wear two pairs of socks and water proof shoes when in these types of conditions. Another method is, before a person leaves the home, wrap the feet in plastic to ensure dryness throughout the day.

Proper foot care is a part of the diabetic’s lifestyle. It is in the same category as watching what they eat and taking the correct medication. There are several methods that an individual can take to ensure their feet are well maintained. Several issues can be caused by inadequate maintenance. A person can get infections; lose the use of one or both feet. In the worst case scenario, amputation or even death can occur. It is fairly simple to take great care of the feet area. Blood circulation as well as nerve problems can be an issue for an individual that has had high blood sugar for a long period of time. With the correct techniques, foot care can become second nature.

If an individual practices excellent foot care techniques, damage can be avoided. The maintenance is primarily completed during a person daily bath ritual. With the nerve issues that are related with diabetes, extra care is important. The loss of feeling can result in hot or cold issues and toenail trimmings. A person may not feel that the water is to hot or that they are scrubbing their feet to hard. Trimming toenails can be dangerous as well. If an individual does not have much feeling in their toes, they may cut themselves too closely.

There are several key aspects to foot maintenance and care. The following should be done daily for a person’s overall health and well-being.

1. Wash daily. This method may seem fairly simple. However, many people do neglect this part of their body thoroughly. Do not use hot water. With the loss of feeling, this could burn the skin severely. Instead use mildly warm water to clean the feet. Do not scrub harshly. Gently wash with a soft washcloth and mild soap.
2. Avoid perfume and abrasive soaps or lotions. Scrubbing the feet, especially with dry skin can cause nicks and cuts. Perfume lotions may cause infections in tiny scraps that a person has not discovered yet.
3. Drying. Before applying the lotion, dry the feet completely. Then use a small amount to massage into the feet. Do not leave clumps of lotions. After this is completely absorbed, put on a clean pair of socks right away.
4. Trimming toenails. This may seem simple, but cutting toenail can be challenging. There is an ease to follow procedure when accomplishing this task. A person needs to have clippers as well as a file for this undertaking. Always clip the nail from the top and straight across. If the nail is still long on the edges, use a file to finish the designed length. The technique will allow an individual not to cut to close to the skin area as well as relieve ingrown toenails.
5. Circulation. This method is best done in the evening, especially if a person has been walking around all day long. It is important to keep the blood flowing through the feet for the best possible outcome. Move your feet and toes often. Sit with them raised. A person needs to keep the blood flowing throughout their feet for the optimal circulation.

Feet maintenance is a fairly simple concept. An individual can take only a few minutes a day to make sure this part of their body is well taken care of. Diabetes affects every section of an individual’s system. With a proper foot care regiment, damage can be avoided. Care, preventive measures and trips to a personal physician is all it takes for healthy feet and a strong system.

Diabetes And Dental Hygiene: Dental care is an important concept for all individuals to consider. For diabetics, taking care of your teeth and mouth is even more important. Since diabetes can take a toll on the teeth, gums and other portions of the mouth, paying close attention to your dental care will help you to make wise choices with regard to not only what you eat but also how you brush, floss and rinse.

How Does Diabetes Play A Role In Dental Care?
With diabetes, individuals have to keep their blood sugar levels under control as these levels will often deviate from the normal range from time to time. The deviation of the blood sugar levels can lead to oral problems which are much more extreme in diabetics than those who do not have diabetes. Since diabetes which gets out of control can negatively impact the white blood cells and it is these types of cells which fight off bacteria in the mouth, more oral problems will occur due to the impairment of the cells.

Common Dental Problems In Diabetics
Although there are many different dental problems which can crop up in diabetics due to the impaired white blood cells, some dental issues are more problematic than others. Some of the more common dental problems include inflammation of the gums, dry mouth, slow healing of mouth injuries, thrush and a burning sensation in the mouth. With any of these problems, the diabetic may also experience cuts and scrapes inside of their mouth and this too can present problems in the long run. In addition, those who have diabetes may be more prone to dental problems such as gingivitis and gum disease. The good news is that there are preventive measures which diabetics can take in order to protect their mouth and promote good oral hygiene.

Tips For Promoting Dental Hygiene And Optimal Dental Care
Promoting proper dental hygiene is not only beneficial for those with diabetes but other non-diabetics as well. One thing which should be done for optimal dental care in diabetics is to visit your dentist at least twice a year so that the dental professional can check your teeth and gums as well as clean them. When visiting your dentist let him/her know that you are diabetic and advise them of any medications you are taking for your diabetes. In addition, tell your dentist right away if you are experiencing any pain or problem areas in your mouth which could lead to serious problems if left untreated.

For proper dental hygiene procedures at home, it is extremely important to brush after every meal. By brushing your teeth at least three times a day you are removing the food immediately and making it less likely for plaque to form. In addition, be sure to replace your toothbrush whenever it starts showing signs of getting too worn or smells funny. Toothbrushes are reasonably inexpensive and replacing yours when the time comes is well worth it.

Another tip to promote optimal dental hygiene which is extremely important for diabetics is to floss once a day. Flossing will take care of all of the food residue and plaque build up not eliminated by basic brushing. Since plaque can also cause damage to the gums as well as the teeth, flossing will help to get in between the teeth and reach spots where the toothbrush cannot.

Lastly, diabetics can keep their teeth and gums in optimal shape by keeping their blood sugar level at a steady rate. Since the rise and fall of the blood glucose level is what disrupts the white blood cells and ultimately leads to bacteria forming in the mouth, by keeping the blood glucose at a favorable level, the diabetic individual is aiding in protecting their mouth from dental problems as well. All of the aforementioned items will help to promote optimal dental care and good hygiene.

Playing Sports With Diabetes: Different types of sports is a great opportunity for all individuals to have. For those with diabetes, playing sports may require a little more preparation than for those who do not have diabetes. It is important to consider the various factors involved to ensure that the sports are played in a safe fashion with one’s blood sugar level in mind.

Be Sure To Maintain Insulin Levels
Although insulin level maintenance is an important concept for diabetics at all times, it is extremely important when the diabetic individual is engaging in sports. Since muscles require additional energy while exercising, the body will release more glucose to gain this energy. If there is not enough insulin in the body to work alongside the glucose, this could result in health problems for the diabetic. Therefore, if you have diabetes and are playing sports, be sure to check your insulin levels on a frequent basis and alter your doses accordingly.

Keep A Snack With You At All Times
Diabetics not only have to worry about high blood sugar levels but low blood sugar as well. In order to keep your blood glucose levels at a favorable rate and not drop too low, eating small snacks from time to time is advisable. Consult with your doctor to see which are the best things to eat and only consume those which are in accordance with your diabetic diet. Just remember to have a snack on hand at all times in case food is needed during the game or practice.

Keep Necessary Medical Information And Supplies With You
Diabetics who play sports should have certain medical information and supplies on them on a continual basis. Items such as medical forms stating you are diabetic, insulin and other medications and testing kit are all things which must be taken with you to practice and games. These items will allow you to check your sugar level, control the level and let others know that you are diabetic should you be unable to tell them yourself. These items are necessary for your well-being and will help you to feel more at ease while playing sports.

Let Necessary Individuals Know Your Medical Condition
Frequently with sports one will have to submit to a physical examination and fill out medical forms dictating their physical health. On these forms it will become known that you have diabetes. With that said, it is also wise to let pertinent individuals such as coaches know that you have diabetes as they will be able to help you should you experience health problems during practices or games. This does not mean that you have to tell everyone on the team, just make sure that those in charge know your medical condition.

Follow Your Diabetes Management Plan At All Times
Those with diabetes will almost always have a diabetes management plan which they must follow in order to keep their diabetes in check. Within this plan, diabetics list their required meal items, insulin dosage and other ways to maintain their blood sugar level. When playing sports, it is even more important to follow this diabetes management plan and add any necessary items which should be followed due to playing sports. Since playing sports takes a lot more energy and exertion, it is extremely important to compensate with regard to eating enough, drinking enough fluids and stop playing when necessary to do so.

Do Not Overexert Yourself
Although diabetics are just as capable of playing sports as their non-diabetic teammates, these individuals may require a break more often. Never feel as if you have to continue the game or practice when you know that your blood sugar level is off. It is crucial to stop and take a break when your body tells you to do so.

Diabetes And The Common Cold: Diabetics have a lot more to consider than simply managing their own blood glucose level. Individuals who have this condition must also be cautious with regard to simple things such as catching the common cold. Where those who do not have diabetes can recover from a cold in a few days, those who are diabetic take longer to recover from such an illness and may even experience complications as a result of the cold. It is these complications which can present severe health issues for the individual. The following presents some factors to consider with regard to diabetes and colds.

The Potential Results Of Catching A Cold While Being Diabetic
One of the main results which can potentially occur when diabetics catch colds is that the stress on the body due to the illness can cause the blood sugar level to rise. The rise in the glucose level is the result of extra hormones being produced by the body to fight the cold infection. The extra hormones interfere with the insulin process and can cause serious issues such as ketoacidosis in those with Type 1 diabetes or a diabetic coma in those with Type 2 diabetes. Both of these conditions are extremely serious and even life threatening for some.

Ways To Prevent Side Effects Resulting From The Cold
Although individuals with diabetes will experience colds from time to time, there are ways to make the side effects resulting from the illness less likely. The first way to do so is to check your blood glucose level on a more frequent basis than you usually do when you are well. By doing these tests more frequently, you can determine if there is a spike in your blood sugar and if so, you are then able to remedy the situation by altering the insulin dosage accordingly. Your treating physician will best be able to tell you how to fix the problem and deal with the varying blood sugar levels in the correct manner.

Another way to aid in the prevention of cold side effects is to alter your diet a bit. Make sure that you are getting the proper amount of carbohydrates and fluids throughout the day. One may actually require more carbs and fluids than usual due to the cold and accompanying symptoms. Just be certain to keep in stride with your usual diabetes menu plan and not eat anything that is not within your usual diet.

Tips On Cold Prevention
The best way to prevent any side effects from resulting due to your cold is to keep from getting sick in the first place. Whether diabetic or not, there are a few tips to keep in mind to pursue healthy daily habits. Things such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding those with colds and other germs and eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are all ways to prevent the common cold.

What To Do When You Get A Cold
If you are diabetic and find yourself coming down with a cold, there are a few things that you can do to lessen the inconvenience and discomfort associated with the illness. First, drink lots of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated. Secondly, make sure that you get enough rest as sleep will help you to rid yourself of the cold in a much quicker fashion. Also, diabetics are able to take some cold medicines but it is important to discuss the recommended types with your doctor before taking anything as some products could be detrimental to the health of the diabetic. Lastly, make sure that you keep up with your proper insulin doses and be mindful of maintaining your blood sugar level as certain things can be forgotten when one is not feeling well.