Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body struggles to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The body doesn’t respond to insulin – a hormone in the body – which can cause blood glucose levels to become too high. Type 2 diabetes can trigger symptoms such as needing to go to the toilet more than usual, feeling constantly thirsty and extreme tiredness, and left untreated chronic complications can occur relating to the eyes, feet, nerves and the heart. A healthy diet is one of the best ways recommended to manage blood sugar levels.
A small scale study showed kale juice may help regulate blood sugar levels
The NHS recommends eating a wide range of foods, including fruit, vegetables and some starchy foods like pasta, and keeping sugar, fat and salt to a minimum.
But studies have gone as far to suggest certain food and drink alone can have a blood sugar lowering effect.
Some researchers have suggested eating green leafy vegetables can help people with diabetes because of their high antioxidant content.
The juice of a particular green leafy vegetable has been shown in other studies to have a positive impact.
A small scale study showed kale juice may help regulate blood sugar levels, as well as improve blood pressure in people with subclinical hypertension.
As part of the study, people drank 300ml of kale juice per day for six weeks.
Other green leafy vegetables that could prove effective at lowering blood sugar include spinach, cabbage and bok choy.
When it comes to certain foods that have been found to lower blood sugar, studies have shown the popular Indian spice turmeric to have a positive impact.
Turmeric is associated with a host of health benefits, including lowering inflammation in the body, and its active ingredient curcumin is thought to be responsible for this.
Among its benefits, curcmin has been found to lower blood sugar levels.
Curcumin has also been found to be beneficial for ideal health in diabetics.
This is important because diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease.
Alongside eating a healthy, balanced diet, experts recommend being active.
Diabetes charity Diabetes UK explains being active can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, as well as increase the amount of glucose used by the muscles for energy.
It says it can also help the body to use insulin more efficiently, for regular activity can help reduce the amount of insulin you have to take.
You should aim to do 2.5 hours of activity a week.
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