The American Diabetes Association has laid out diabetic treatment guidelines for the 24 million people that have to deal with this treatable, but life threatening disorder.

To successfully live with and treat diabetes, you first have to know the symptoms.  They include, but are not limited to, increased thirst, fatigue, unexplained weight gain, blurred vision and/or irritability.  Because these symptoms are vague, and have the potential to point to any number of diseases; the next step would be to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes by visiting with your physician and having a series of blood tests.  And then you will be able to stay healthy by following the diabetic treatment guideline steps below.

Step 1: Diabetic Treatment Guidelines

Once you have positive evidence and a confirmation that you are indeed diabetic.  It is now time to start some type of therapy.  First it is important to maintain a healthy weight, and if you are overweight, a change in your dietary habits is not only obvious, but is something that you will have to do out of necessity.  Replace red meats with lean protein such as fowl, fish and eggs.

Vegetables, especially dark green leafy ones like spinach or broccoli, will need to be a major staple in your new and improved diet plan.  Try your hand at making “Kale Chips” – jut wash and cut the leaves into bite size pieces (season to taste), and bake at 350 degrees until crisp to touch…they bake quickly – so test them frequently.

Step 2: Diabetic Treatment Guidelines suggest:

These make a great, healthy snack and replace any cravings that you might have for greasy, fatty bagged potato chips, and it is an easy way to get one or two of your daily requirements of vegetables into your system.  Cantaloupe, strawberries and pineapple are an excellent source of low carb fruit choices.  Remember to drink your water; it is vital in keeping all your internal organs functioning properly and smoothly and to maintain proper hydration.

You might not want to hear it; but the time has come to get off the couch and start your body moving.  Daily exercise will burn glucose (blood sugar), and may reduce the amount of prescription medications you have to take, such as insulin.  Exercising, even just walking a mile or two a day, can also lower your blood pressure, ease stress and make your bones and muscles stronger.

With walking; swimming and biking make up the top three recommended exercises.  Your goal is to reach 30 minutes a day of low impact activity; but start slow with just 10 minutes a day and work your way up – gradually increasing time, intensity and duration.  Of course a medical assessment of your physical ability is necessary, and a discussion with your health care professional regarding the type of exercise plan personalized for you to follow.

Do not take diabetes lightly; if poorly controlled or left untreated, diabetes can lead straight to a stroke, hypertension, permanent vision, kidney and or nerve damage.

Diabetic treatment guidelines have been put in place to help you, step by step, in order prevent, diagnosis, and treat the symptoms of diabetes.