3 Tips for Treating and Preventing Diabetes

For those suffering from Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle and diet are everything. Particularly for those who are insulin dependent, there is no greater realization of the connection between what goes in your mouth and your blood sugar levels than when you have to adjust your insulin intake to account for carbohydrate intake. But whether you are insulin dependent or not, there are numerous dietary changes you can implement to treat and possibly even reverse your condition.

Reducing your dependence on highly processed carbohydrates is a good start. Foods with high sugar or carb content can cause your blood sugar to skyrocket. Eliminate these foods completely, and your diabetes becomes very manageable; reduce your intake of these foods and you’ll see a marked improvement.

Prevention of Diabetes

There are also herbs, supplements, and even certain foods that can contribute to regulated blood sugar levels. Here are 3 tips for the treatment and prevention of diabetes.

• 1. Zinc – Zinc is a powerful trace element found naturally in meat as well as nuts and seeds. The mineral supports the function of over 300 enzymes and supports healthy blood sugar levels by exerting “insulin-like effects”. Adding foods rich in zinc to your diet could help manage your blood sugar. Put some pumpkin seeds on your next salad or munch on roasted chick peas for a snack.
• 2. Cinnamon – The benefits of cinnamon for diabetes regulation are among the mos widely known and accepted diabetes solutions. Cinnamtannin B1 is the active component within cinnamon that has been found to regulate blood sugar. A British study found that diabetics who supplemented with two grams of cinnamon daily had lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who didn’t. Another study found that it can also lessen the blood sugar spike that commonly occurs after a meal.
• 3. Turmeric – Turmeric is that bright yellow spice commonly found in curries of Indian cuisine. Studied in people with pre-diabetes, curcumin (the active component in turmeric) was found to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. In addition, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help in the treatment and prevention of diabetes and many other diseases.

When paired with a reduction of blood-sugar-boosting carbs, the 3 dietary solutions above could be enough to manage or even reverse your diabetes. For more tips, check out these other herbs for the prevention of diabetes.

Additional Sources:

American Diabetes Association

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