Diabetes Home Remedies

Diabetes Home Remedies
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Diabetes remains a precursor to kidney and heart disease. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Diabetes needs treatment from a physician who has experience in treating the disease. The diabetic needs to take medications daily to keep at the normal blood sugar range of 70 to 120. A high blood sugar may cause confusion as well as damage to the kidneys. At-home remedies can help the diabetic to prolong life, the American Diabetes Association reports.

Promote a Healthy Heart

Diet and exercise remain the top priorities in the life of a diabetic. Diet should consist of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as lean meats. Limited food intake to maintain a healthy weight can also help. Overeating leads to weight gain and health problems.

The diabetic should exercise daily to improve circulation throughout the body and strengthen the heart. The legs and feet, where circulation problems can lead to nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy, will benefit from exercise, too.

Mealtime needs to occur three times a day with smaller portions if the person plans to lose weight. The doctor will place the person on a diabetic diet, which restricts sugars and salts, MayoClinic.com indicates.

Drink Water

Drinking at least five to eight glasses of water a day has an important affect on blood sugar. It will help keep blood sugar to a normal level. The kidneys function better when the diabetic consumes enough water. Diabetics should avoid drinks containing aspartame as it can harm the kidneys and cause weight gain to occur.

Water remains the best non-prescription medicine for diabetes. Many diet sodas contain high amounts of sodium or caffeine that can also cause problems for the heart and kidneys, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Keep Appointments

Although home remedies help, the diabetic need to make certain she keeps diabetes-related appointments with the doctor. Along with using home remedies for diabetes, the person needs to go to these appointments to maintain medication and treatment, the American Diabetes Association reports.

Inspect the Feet

The diabetic needs to inspect his feet every day to make certain they remain free of wounds and infections. Good hygiene remains important with feet. When feet develop blisters or shoes fit too tightly, a foot doctor, or podiatrist, should evaluate the feet and shoes. A podiatrist will notice any infections in the feet or anything that appears to be different if the diabetic keeps regular appointments, the American Diabetes Association reports.

References

Article reviewed by Helen Holzer Last updated on: Aug 10, 2010

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