Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. Without enough of the hormone, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy. But you could lower your risk of developing diabetes by regularly taking turmeric supplements, it’s been claimed.
Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, could help to reduce insulin resistance, and subsequently protect against diabetes, said registered nurse David Spero.
It improves insulin function, which allows more insulin to get into cells, he claimed.
Adding turmeric to your diet could also lower your cholesterol and even prevent some types of cancer, added the nurse.
“One diabetes medicine may lower blood sugar and cholesterol, protect your eyes and kidneys, relieve pain, prevent cancer, and improve your sex life. It also tastes good,” Spero wrote on Diabetes Self-Management.
“This medicine is turmeric, made from the root Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family.
“Curcumin may also help treat aspects of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.
“Curcumin suppressed the activities of white blood cells called macrophages that cause inflammation.
“This action of turmeric/curcumin could potentially slow down many complications of diabetes, in which inflammation plays a role.”
You could also lower your chances of developing diabetes by taking American ginseng supplements, it’s been claimed.
The capsule could help the body’s cells to respond to insulin, while also increasing the amount of insulin the body produces.
But, it’s crucial that you speak to a doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet.
Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include persistent tiredness, having blurred vision, and passing more urine than normal.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the warning signs of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.
You could also lower your risk of high blood sugar by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and by doing regular exercise.
There aren’t any foods that patients should actively avoid, but it’s important to limit the amount of sugar, fat and salt in your diet.
