Once you have diabetes, your next immediate step should be learning how to live with diabetes. This is going to take some effort on your part, to learn about the sickness and everything you can do to stay on top of it. Articles like the one you're reading now will help you manage your disease, so don't neglect to read these tips.

Diabetes related diseases are the second largest killer in The United States. This epidemic can be avoided with daily exercise and simple changes in diet. Cut out soda, candy and fatty meats and replace them with fruit, whole grains, and lean meats. This can add years to our life.

Studies indicate that people who regularly consume plenty of whole grains are at a lower risk of developing diabetes. Whole grains help to keep levels of blood sugar steady, in addition to providing numerous other health-related benefits. So when you're trying to decide which type of pasta or bread to buy, make sure to grab the whole grain option!

Drinking alcohol is something you need to be very careful with when you are diabetic. You need to talk to your doctor to see if alcohol will affect your blood-glucose levels. If you are really not much of a drinker, it is best that you refrain from drinking at all.

Do not smoke. While this is an important tip for anyone's health, it is particularly important for people with diabetes; diabetic smokers are twice as likely to die prematurely than other people. Staying away from cigarettes can have a positive impact on your blood pressure, heart and kidneys. If you are having difficulty quitting, talk with your doctor about a plan that can help.

A key tip if you want to manage your diabetes is monitoring your blood sugar using a blood glucose monitoring system or device. If you regularly check your blood glucose and eat diabetic friendly foods, it will be much easier to deal with the many pains associated with diabetes.

While some people view vacation as a chance to get away from all of their most pressing obligations, the same cannot be said of blood-glucose testing. Instead of entirely shirking your duties, you may be able to follow a more relaxed approach. You may be able to splurge on your eating habits, delay waking up for an early-morning glucose check, or testing as frequently.

If you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed by your diabetes, seek out a support group. Being able to talk to people who understand the issues you're going through can be a great source of comfort. People may also be able to suggest ways to manage your disease that you'd never thought of before.

To be sensitive to those with diabetes, use diabetic friendly recipes anytime you have guests over and you are cooking. Instead of asking if anyone has diabetes, just assume everyone at the table does. Even non-diabetics are sure to enjoy tasty yet healthy cooking that leaves them feeling great but not bloated.

Watch the low-fat snacks. Some people believe that since a snack is low-fat, then the calories aren't as high. This can cause you to overeat because you think these snacks are better for you. Low-fat snacks really don't save that many calories. If you do eat them, consume as many of them as you would, a regular snack.

The best thing a person can do to avoid diabetes is to exercise. People who exercise 30 to 60 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week, can lower their risk of developing diabetes by almost 50 percent. Exercise improves the health of your heart and lungs, reduces stress, reduces fat, increases metabolism and lowers blood sugar levels.

You have already learned in the above article that diabetes can be a manageable condition. Education is the key to that, and the above article can help to educate you about the things that you need to know. By educating yourself and taking action, you will find that diabetes is something that doesn't need to put a damper on your life.