Dealing with diabetes can sometimes be overwhelming and disheartening — but there are things you can do to fight those feelings. Try these tips for things like increasing the quality of your daily life and minimizing the chances of complications, and you’ll feel more confident about your ability to handle diabetes.

Lemon juice is a tasty addition to any salad or even a glass of water, and studies show it can help you avoid a spike in your blood sugar after a meal. I like to make lemon juice ice cubes and let them melt in my drink, making it a little easier to drink.

You can make a sandwich into a lettuce wrap, or even use it on a burger as a bun, but have you thought of doing a hot dog wrap? If you buy preservative-free hot dogs for a once-a-month treat, wrap them in a piece of lettuce to make them a bit healthier!

Anything you take to help with your Diabetes should come recommended by a medical professional, and you should seek at least a second opinion if it is not a mainstream treatment. Diabetes is not a disease which should be taken lightly, so make sure that you are dealing with reputable, knowledgeable health care providers.

When you’re planning to go to a doctor’s visit, write down any concerns you have. It doesn’t matter how outlandish they may seem, it’s much easier to read them off a page (or PDA or tablet, whatever works for you) than trying to remember them. Every bit of information you gain will help you keep your health in check!

Diabetics don’t have to give up that sweet tooth just because of their condition. There are many websites available that offer sugar-free recipes and ideas for cakes, cookies and other sweet snacks. Grocery and health food stores also have sections especially arranged for sugar-free and diabetic sweets.

If you lack comprehensive health insurance and are diagnosed with Diabetes, don’t fear. Many drug companies and supply manufacturers have programs that can give you either free supplies or a vast discount. You may need to have your doctor apply on your behalf, attesting to the fact that you are financially strapped.

If you live close to the Canadian border and drive, consider going to Canada to pick up your Diabetes prescriptions. The Canadian government regulates the sale of prescriptions so that they can’t have huge fees added to their cost. Often you can get the exact same medications for a huge discount, and they’re safe to take as they’re under the same or even stricter health regulations.

Find out if there are any public gardening areas near you where people grow their own produce. This is an excellent way for a Diabetic to get some exercise by doing weeding, watering, or planting new seedlings. Often you get to keep some of what you grow as well, giving you some wonderfully fresh and organic treats to enjoy when you get home!

Even though diabetes both influences your day-to-day life and has potential long-term effects, it can be treated and controlled. These tips will help you manage your diabetes in smart, compassionate ways. Having that control will, in turn, keep you feeling good about yourself and your life no matter how tough things get sometimes.