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Life-saving tips for diabetics

There is no cure for diabetes. But you can do a lot to control it and live a normal life. Here are tips to get you started in that direction courtesy of "The Home Remedies Handbook, " The Women's Book of Home Remedies, " and the "Medical Book of Health Hints & Tips."

Cut the fat. Your fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories. Monosaturated fats (such as olive oil and canola oil) are better than saturated fats (which are found in animal and dairy products) since they don't accelerate the process of arteriosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries).

Go low on cholesterol. Your diet should contain less than 200 milligrams of cholesterol a day - approximately the amount in one egg.

Limit protein intake. Your protein intake should be 12 to 20 percent of total calories. Eat more fish and poultry and less red meat.

Go for carbos. Carbohydrate intake should be 50 to 60 percent of total calories. Good sources are beans, pastas, peanuts and lentils.

Get more fiber. High-fiber foods like fruits and green leafy vegetables can lower your cholesterol, make you feel full faster, and help you lose weight.

Limit your sugar intake. Diabetics can take sugar as long as it's part of a balanced meal. Still, that's no reason to develop a sweet tooth. Don't combine sugar with other carbohydrates since this will only increase your overall carbohydrate intake. Use sugar as a substitute for other carbohydrates instead.

Control your drinking. Limit your alcohol intake to 4 ounces- -of wine a day, 12 ounces of beer, and 1-1/2 ounces of spirits. And don't drink on an empty stomach since this can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Exercise. Regular exercise keeps the heart and muscles in shape, strengthens bones, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and helps you lose weight. Swimming, biking and brisk walking are good exercises for diabetics. Before starting any exercise program, however, consult your doctor, especially if you're over 40 and lead a sedentary life.

Drink plenty of water. Diabetics are susceptible to dehydration, especially during exercise. To avoid this, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, more during and after exercise. Drinking water with meals also makes you feel less hungry and improves your sugar control.

Lose weight. Excess weight can worsen diabetes and make you susceptible to life-threatening complications. Losing even 5 to 15 pounds will lower your blood sugar level as-well as blood cholesterol and blood pressure. But don't go on a "crash" diet or take weight loss pills which can be dangerous. Lose weight gradually with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise.

Take care of your teeth. Good dental hygiene is important for everyone, especially diabetics. To avoid infections, visit your dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Avoid the use of ill-fitting or moving dentures since they can cause serious mouth sores.

Check your eyes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. To avoid trouble, visit your eye doctor regularly to detect and prevent eye problems. Some people require eye exams every 2 or 3 months while those with well controlled diabetes may have to see a doctor yearly.

Have sex. While diabetes can cause impotence in some men, a good sex therapist can solve this problem. To prevent erection difficulties, continue having sex, don't smoke, don't drink excessively, and don't worry! For women with lubrication problems, use lubricants like K-Y Jelly or bland vegetable oil. Vaginal infections can be reduced with good blood sugar control. (Next: Foot care for diabetics.)

Since obesity is a factor in diabetes, it pays to lose weight. To help you shed those unwanted pounds, take Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients. For details, visit http://www.zyroxin.com.

About the Author

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com.