5 Tips to Help Manage Diabetes

Here are five tips to help manage diabetes. These are primarily meant for people with adult-onset or type II diabetes, but some of them may be helpful for all types of the condition. Research has shown that these natural alternatives can reverse pre-diabetes. No matter what your current condition, even if the condition only runs in your family, it is worth your while to try these suggestions.

Exercise More Often

According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, moderate aerobic exercise lowers your risk of developing type II diabetes. Exercise is also beneficial for people who already have the condition. It can lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and strengthen your heart. Diabetics have an increased risk of heart disease. The University recommends strength training to build muscle and reduce body fatness, as long as you are able to do those types of exercises correctly.

Avoid Certain Foods

While it is carbohydrates that have an impact on blood sugar levels, some carbs are worse than others. Carbohydrates that are processed or refined are digested too quickly causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Anyone concerned about their long-term health should avoid simple carbs because eating them sets into action a chain of events that can end with the production of advanced glycation end products or AGEs. AGEs are a cause of wrinkles. They play a role in Alzheimer's disease and basically age all of the cells of your body.

Monitor How Carbohydrates affect Your Blood Sugar Levels

If you have been advised to monitor your blood sugar levels, one of the times to take the measurement is after eating carbohydrates. If you are unfamiliar with which foods are carbohydrates, it is worth your while to make an appointment with a certified dietician. Many doctors regularly send their diabetic patients to meet with a dietician but some older doctors may not.

Decrease Your Body Fat Content

Carbohydrates are not the only problem. In fact, good carbs are essential for a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are very healthy. While some fat is also essential for good health, dietary fat should be limited. If your doctor has found that you already have some heart disease, reducing your fat intake to 20% of your total caloric intake is commonly recommended.

Reducing body fatness improves insulin sensitivity. Fat interferes with the cellular receptors that allow the cells to recognize insulin and absorb glucose from the foods that you eat.

Improve Your Nutrient Intake

A number of nutrients and natural herbs are beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity or protecting the cells of your body from the damage that diabetes can do. Here's a look at some of them and the benefits they offer.

· Alpha-lipoic acid-repairs damaged tissues and peripheral nerve damage, improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity, improves circulation to the feet and hands 

· Bilberry-may help prevent diabetic retinopathy and vision loss associated with diabetes by strengthening blood vessel walls and reducing inflammation 

· Zinc-proven to have numerous beneficial effective for people with type II due to the antioxidant activity of the nutrient
· Selenium-diabetics typically have low blood levels of this important antioxidant

There are many other beneficial nutrients. A good specialty supplement designed specifically for people with diabetes can help you manage the condition naturally. For more helpful diabetes tips see the resource box below.

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