Diet is an important aspect in controlling diabetes. The focus should be to avoid eating foods that impact blood sugar levels. There are several foods, which elevate blood sugar levels after eating or drinking them. It matters what you eat and don’t eat in controlling diabetes to avoid harmful sugar spikes. This combined with physical activity and good nutrition can keep your sugar levels under control and also reduce the risk of heart attack or kidney failure.

There is no prescribed diet plan for diabetes. Plans are tailored for each individual’s needs and eating habits. The plan must be balanced with the insulin dosage taken, but may include these treatments:

1. Symptoms of diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is known to be lifelong and a disease that does not allow the body to use insulin the right way. Insulin resistance is another reason for Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms are mild and hardly noticeable. Most people did not know they had the disease. Some of the symptoms include frequent urination, feeling drained of energy, Numbness in the hands or feet, wounds that don’t heal quickly, blurred vision and being thirsty.

2. Causes of diabetes

Several causes could lead to diabetes ranging from being obese, where it is noticed that even the young seem affected. Those with high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides are people prone to diabetes. Constant monitoring of all these parameters is necessary. Different types of DNA are known to affect how your body produces insulin.

3. Diabetes diet

Ideally, eating small foods throughout the day instead of two or three meals has been found to be beneficial. There are no forbidden foods for those with diabetes, except that proper portion control and planning will allow eating almost anything. Also, doctors may recommend a low sugar or low carb diet to lower intake of refined sugars. Often daily exercise is also suggested.

4. Quality sleep

Sleep is another requirement in the right duration. Lack of sleep and over sleeping aids the onset of diabetes.

5. Insulin shots

Type 1 diabetes is largely managed with insulin. Since the pancreas does not produce insulin, a diabetic person will have to receive insulin several times during the day. Some are taken before meals and some after. The doctor will determine the time at which it needs to be taken. Pregnant women will especially need to adhere to this. The patient needs to monitor himself and doctors will determine dosage. Insulin is delivered through different methods, the most common being the needle and syringe. Insulin is drawn from a bottle and injected either on the stomach, upper arm the thigh or buttocks. The insulin pen that uses replaceable cartridges is more of a convenience than anything. It is costlier than the traditional needle and syringe.

6. Insulin pumps

The insulin pump is ideal for people who need several continuous shots of insulin throughout the day. Other methods of insulin delivery are through inhalers. This method for adults can cater to both type 1 and 2 and can reach the bloodstream faster than other types. The insulin jet injector is yet another method where a fine high-pressure spray injects into the skin.

When diagnosed with diabetes, one needs to focus on looking ahead, take medications on time and make the lifestyle changes to lead a normal life. There are several treatments for diabetes that can help manage the condition.