Coping with the Lifestyle Changes Brought on with Diabetes

Diabetes is on the rise in our country. This dangerous disease causes kidney problems, blindness, and possible amputation of the limbs. A followed food plan, emotional support, and exercise can have diabetics leading long healthy lives.

When people hear the word "diet" it is viewed as a negative thing. Starving is more like it right? No. Diet just means what food and water we put in our mouths for nutrients in our bodies. The Diabetic diet is simply about controlling, and being conscious of each thing we put in our one and only body.

Diabetics must have a low sugar and low carbohydrate diet. It is better to count carbohydrates because that is what the diabetic needs to measure. Someone who weighs about 245 pounds can have 15 grams of carbohydrates every couple hours. To give you an example of what 15 grams equals it would be one small apple or one-fourth cup of rice. Not much food for people who are accustomed to sitting down and eating a three-course meal. One can of sugar soda is approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. If the sugars go way up, they will fall down just as fast, and that is the danger. A diabetic can go into a coma, have a stroke or a heart attack due to an insulin crash.

It is of the utmost importance that Diabetics manage their diets. Meet with your doctor and nutritionist and make your food plan. It will get easier to know what portions and items you can and can't have. The sooner a healthy diet is established, the sooner someone with diabetes feels better. It's a simple formula but much more difficult to follow when the chocolate or ice cream cravings hit. The best way to deal with the cravings is to get the sugar free items. Splenda is the best option but any sugar substitute will do as long as it's done in moderation. You can also go by the "one bite" rule. If it's something that must be eaten, just have one bite.

Exercise can be difficult depending on the person who is afflicted. If obesity is a problem along with the diabetes, starting off very slowly with any exercise program is recommended. Walking is one the best exercises that can be done. Start off with 5 minutes. Build slowly. Pretty soon it can be up to 30 minutes! Some exercise is better than no exercise at all. Make sure that you check with your physician before any exercise program and follow their instructions.

Support of family and friends is immeasurable for the diabetic. Diabetic groups are offered at many hospitals and this helps with any questions and a feeling of not being alone with the disease. Support for any positive changes in diet or exercise is extremely helpful.

Remember, it won't happen over night. If you fall off the low carb wagon, just get back on! In the end, positive lifestyle changes will happen. Just don't give up.