Most people are able to process the food they eat with few problems, but a person with diabetes has difficulty processing the sugars in her food. They may need to use insulin, diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels after eating.
Your ideal blood sugar level after eating
According to the American Diabetes Association, your blood sugar level should not be higher that 180 two hours after starting a meal. This is a number you should discuss with your doctor.
Blood sugar control methods
Diabetics can control their blood sugar level with careful attention to diet and exercise. Many diabetics need insulin to help control their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetics can often control sugar without the use of insulin. Your doctor can help you decide the best way to control your diabetes.
Benefits of controlling diabetes
Controlling diabetes can be demanding, but it can prevent serious eye, kidney and nerve diseases. According to the American Diabetic Association, people who tightly control their diabetes were only half as likely to develop kidney disease, two thirds less likely to develop nerve disease and 75 percent less likely to develop eye disease related to diabetes.
Snacks, sweets and treats
Diabetics control their blood sugar partly by eating foods that are low in sugar and carbohydrates, but they can also have sweets if they are careful. The American Diabetic Association suggests diabetics can have a small amount of the candy they love if they eat less of something else or exercise. They also suggest using a favorite candy to treat low blood sugar.
Deciding what to eat
Lots of different meal plans can work for diabetics. You may count carbohydrates or measure the glycemic index of foods. Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have free meal planning guides available online.
Tags: control their, , blood sugar, control their blood, their blood,