Living with Diabetes: What Every Diabetic Should Know

Healthy living is a balancing act that anyone can achieve with the right resources and habits. People living with diabetes, for one, need to meet specific daily needs to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.

The primary resource diabetics need to manage their diabetes and live a healthy life is insulin. However, the unfortunate reality is that affordable insulin is not as readily accessible in some countries as it is in others. PolarBearMeds combats this by making Canadian insulin available across the U.S. because insulin prices in Canada are far lower than rates in the United States.

PolarBearMeds is an online prescription referral service that partners with Canadian pharmacies to help make safe, secure, and affordable insulin accessible in the United States. You can rest easy knowing that when you visit PolarBearMeds.com, we ship our list of available options of insulin and other diabetic supplies across America. We make sure you get your medication quickly and at a more affordable price.

Why put off filling your expensive prescription when you can buy affordable insulin from Canada online? We’ve answered some FAQs about ordering insulin online to make your purchasing experience seamless.

Individuals with diabetes need to have the resources necessary to meet their specific needs. Check out our list of the things that every person with diabetes should know to enjoy a healthy life.

Types of Diabetes

The first thing a person will learn when diagnosed is whether they are either type 1 or type 2. Although people with type 1 and 2 diabetes have things in common, they have different needs.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that occur when your body does not produce enough insulin. Without insulin, your body is not able to regulate glucose. This can cause dangerously high blood sugar levels.

Type 1: The body does not produce any insulin.

Type 2: The body does not react to insulin appropriately and, in later stages, may not produce as much insulin as needed.

Diet

Diabetes directly relates to a person’s blood sugar level, which is why diabetics need to be mindful of their diet to keep their blood sugar levels low. The good news is that there are countless educational resources out there to teach people with diabetes the best foods for managing their blood sugar.

Best Foods for Diabetics to Eat:

The best foods for diabetics are, coincidentally, the best foods for just about anyone — complex carbs, and a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables that have vitamins and other nutrients.

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lighter dairy products
• Beans & legumes
• Fish
• Healthy fats like avocados & nuts

Foods to Avoid:

• Foods & drinks that are high in sugar
• High-fat dairy products (e.g. butter)
• Animal proteins (e.g. sausages, bacon, beef)
• Foods that are high in cholesterol (e.g. egg yolks)

The Mayo Clinic reports that people who are diabetic should limit their intake to 200 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol and under 2,300 mg of sodium a day to maintain normal blood sugar levels. For optimal results, consider talking to a health professional about creating a meal plan catered to your specific dietary needs.

When to Eat:

Mealtimes play an essential role in a diabetic’s diet. Professionals suggest that diabetic people eat three meals a day at regular times to help maintain a regular schedule for administering insulin, since insulin needs to be applied 15 minutes before eating.

Exercise

Exercise plays an essential role in the life of a person with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages physical activity because it helps manage blood sugar levels and prevent the progression of the condition for those with type 2 diabetes.

 

Best Types of Exercise for Diabetics:

• Aerobics: Aerobics is a great physical activity for type 1 and type 2 diabetics because it focuses on muscle movement. Cardio activities like running, walking, and cycling also fall into this category because they target the same muscles as aerobics and help to produce energy.

• Resistance Training: Resistance training also helps to improve joints and muscle movement. This includes activities like lifting weights or utilizing elastic resistance bands.

When to Exercise:  

According to Harvard Health Publishing, the best time to exercise is three hours after eating – this is when your blood sugar will be higher. That said, you will want to test your blood sugar 15 minutes before your workout.

If your blood sugar is under 100 mg/dL, boost it by having a snack like a fruit and then test it again half an hour later to see if your levels have stabilized. Professionals advise against exercising if your blood sugar exceeds 250, as working out can cause your blood sugar levels to increase even more.

Testing Blood Sugar

There are a few times a day when you will need to test your blood sugar. Testing your blood sugar and listening to your body is an essential part of managing your diabetes.

Testing blood sugar consistently is essential to avoid complications like loss of eyesight and kidney failure.

When to Check your Blood Sugar

When a diabetic person should check their blood sugar depends on their diabetes type and their treatment plan. People with diabetes may test their blood sugar various times a day, including:

• Before & after exercising
• Before & after eating
• When starting a new medication
• Before bed
• When feeling sick

How Often to Check your Blood Sugar

There has been debate if there is such a thing as testing your blood sugar too often. Ultimately, how often you need to check your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have, your lifestyle, and your specific needs. Work with a medical professional to create a personalized treatment plan.

How to Buy Insulin from Canada

Identify the best source for safe and affordable insulin to maintain a healthy lifestyle without emptying your pockets. It’s increasingly prevalent that Canadian insulin is far more affordable and readily accessible than in the U.S., which is why it’s a great idea to buy insulin online from Canada.

PolarBearMeds gives Americans access to Canadian insulin by working with partner pharmacies to ship Canadian insulin across all of the United States. When you order insulin from PolarBearMeds you can refill your prescription online and get a 48-hour shipping guarantee. If you have any questions, you can contact us for more information about our processes and products.