Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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Type 2 diabetes is the result of a dysfunction in the way the body produces insulin – a hormone secreted by the pancreas. The primary role of insulin is to regulate blood sugar levels. Without this mechanism, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerous levels. Having type 2 diabetes therefore exposes you to the risk of serious complications.
Fortunately, diet can act as a substitute and support for poor insulin production by bringing down high blood sugar levels.
Research aims to identify the best dietary items for lowering high blood sugar levels.
Research published in the International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, entitled “Effect of Apple on Fasting Blood Sugar”, suggests there is something to the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
The study investigated the potential effects of apples on fasting
blood sugar and lipid (blood fats, such as cholesterol) parameters in Type 2 diabetic patients.
For the study 98 type 2 diabetic patients were divided into two groups: patients who were willing to take an apple in the diet daily controls.
Fasting blood sugar and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after four weeks and compared to that of controls.
Fasting blood sugar measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (not eating).
The researchers observed a “highly significant” reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in the apple group.
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This finding was also consistent across age and sex.
What’s more, LDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in the apple group compared to controls, the researchers observed.
LDL cholesterol is a harmful substance that is a precursor to heart disease.
HDL cholesterol levels, on the other hand, were boosted in the apple group compared to the controls.
HDL levels can slash your risk of heart disease by countering the harmful effects of LDL levels.
“Present study revealed that one medium size apple in diet of Type II diabetics reduces the fasting blood sugar levels and lipid parameters which are beneficial for normal health of diabetics along
with anti-diabetic drugs,” the researchers concluded.
General tips to lower high blood sugar
“A healthy diet and keeping active will help you manage your blood sugar level,” says the NHS.
According to the health body, it’ll also help you control your weight and generally feel better.
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
“See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or you’re worried you may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes,” advises the NHS.
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