Health

Type 2 diabetes: This key ingredient could help lower blood sugar


Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the level of glucose in the blood is too high because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to control it, or becomes resistant to insulin. Around 80 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Failing to control the blood glucose level can lead to a number of life-threatening health conditions such as kidney and heart disease.

Maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is imperative to reducing the risks.

Taking steps early on to control blood sugar levels will safeguard against developing life-threatening ailments.

According to a study published in US National library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, eating garlic could help to regulate blood glucose levels and lower the risk of long-term health implications.

Commenting on the findings, the study authors said: “These results lead us to conclude that there is an adjuvant role of garlic, along with other antidiabetic agents, in the treatment and prevention of long-term complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

“However, more clinical trials using garlic in combination with different antidiabetic agents are warranted, to further explore the benefits of garlic in type 2 diabetics.”

The study suggested that the herb might increase insulin secretion and sensitivity – this plays an essential in controlling blood sugar levels.

Similarly, the study said: “Aged garlic extract has been shown to produce favourable effects on inflammatory markers and coronary atherosclerosis progression in diabetics with cardiovascular risk.”

The findings suggest garlic could prove beneficial as a supplementary measure alongside other dietary recommendations.

Grains are also packed full of nutritious value, said Diabetes UK. They are a healthier alternative to products that are highly refined.

Foods such as white bread are quickly turned into glucose by the body and are therefore best avoided by those with diabetes, the charity said.

Cooking with the following grains provide a healthy boost:

  • Maranth
  • Barley
  • Buckwheat
  • Corn
  • Freekeh
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Rye
  • Teff
  • Triticale
  • Wheat

Keeping fit also helps keep a person’s blood sugar levels in check. The NHS recommends aiming for at least 2.5 hours of activity a week.



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.