Diabetics must watch their sugar intake in order to stay healthy. Over time, this caution should become habitual, along with continual blood-sugar monitoring. By using your blood-sugar readings, you can eat the correct amount of certain foods relative to the amount of insulin you take. And by using a sliding scale for insulin injections, you can counteract any spikes in your blood sugar.
Insulin Intake for Meals
Test your blood sugar 30 minutes before eating a meal. Adjust your insulin intake for the level of blood glucose indicated. There are some set standards, but the amount of insulin you take differs depending on body type, weight and type of diabetes. On average, if your reading is above the normal range, you will need to add units to the base amount, usually five more units per 50 points above the baseline; however, check this equation with your physician before adopting it.
You must also take into account what you will be eating. If it is a carbohydrate-heavy meal, such as potatoes or pasta, take more insulin. But if the meal is mostly protein and green vegetables, you can usually lower the amount of insulin taken.
Snacks and Dessert
Eat healthy snacks to help control your blood sugar. During long periods without food, your blood sugar may dip to dangerous lows. A small snack four hours after eating is always a good idea. Not only will this help regulate blood sugar, but will also curb ravenous hunger during mealtimes. Many doctors recommend a snack that contains roughly 30 carbohydrates, such as a few apple slices and a cup of yogurt or pretzels with peanut butter. Adding a lean protein to the snack will also prevent blood-sugar spikes and help maintain healthy blood-sugar levels.
Eat a dessert snack before bed. Many insulin-dependent diabetics inject insulin before going to bed. If you do not have dessert or a snack before bedtime, your blood sugar may drop to dangerous levels while sleeping. It is important to many diabetic diets to eat a snack before bed, but make sure to get a reading before falling asleep. Adjust your insulin as needed, based on this reading. A single serving of low-fat pudding or pretzels with a cup of yogurt are bedtime snacks that can help maintain your blood sugar overnight at a healthy level.
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