Diabetes is one of the major health concerns in the world today. Type 2 diabetes, or the health condition wherein the body’s cells have become tolerant and to some extent non-responsive to the insulin, comprise 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases. In this condition, the common treatment is the supplementation of insulin. But even if this allows the individual with type 2 diabetes to have more control over his blood sugar levels, its long-term side effects causes other health problems.

Some medical experts also argue that the prolonged introduction of insulin to the body, other than that which is naturally produced by the system, may encourage further resistance to insulin. There is also the presence of some minor and temporary side-effects like the appearance of rashes, weakness, rapid heart rate, shaking, cold sweating and other things which diabetic patients will refer to as minor inconveniences compared to the symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

The supplementation of insulin to type 2 diabetes patients has become inevitable due to the lack of pharmaceutical alternatives to effectively control a person’s blood sugar levels. But different studies conducted around the world suggest the potential of some natural ingredients in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Though diabetes is, at present, an incurable disease, various researches on the health condition presents several options for people to better manage and control the symptoms of diabetes. One research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that the consumption of almonds may help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.

Almonds against Diabetes

Various natural ingredients have been found and observed to possess the potential in battling numerous diseases like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A study conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey said that the daily consumption of almonds poses a promising potential in reducing the risk factors for developing diabetes and even cardiovascular disease. They worked with other medical experts from other universities including Dr Michelle Wien from the School of Public Health of the Loma Linda University. Wien said that the research team has managed to come up with strong evidences that indicate the potential of almonds in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

In addition to their findings on the effect of almonds to a person’s diabetic conditions, the researchers also found that the food ingredient has the potential in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The team gathered a group of 65 adults with 17 men and 48 women and subjected half of them to an almond-enriched diet; the other half acted as the control group in order to test and validate the results.

Diabetes has been listed as one of the biggest health problems in the world. In Europe, there are around 55 million diabetic patients and the numbers are expected to increase each year. This is the main reason why studies are continuously being conducted in order to find an effective means to help combat diabetes. People are advised to take the initiative in protecting themselves from the disease my maintaining a health lifestyle. This includes having sufficient, a healthy diet and eating foods that have been found to lower the risk of developing diabetes.

Natural Ways to prevent Diabetes

Prevention will always be better than cure. Though scientific studies have found that some people can be more genetically inclined to develop the disease, an unhealthy lifestyle still has the strongest influence over the development of the diabetes. Getting enough exercise is the first step to reducing diabetes risk; eating the right kind of foods in the right amount is also as important. There are several food ingredients that have been observed to influence the body’s ability to process and control sugar in the body. Almond, for one, is a good example. And the numerous foods known to help fight and prevent diabetes make it easier to make them a mainstay in people’s daily diet.

Blueberries are known for their strong antioxidant property. And in the case of diabetes, blueberries have the ability to influence and promote the cells’ sensitivity to insulin and help it gain more control over managing blood sugar levels as demonstrated by a study conducted by a team of researchers from the Center for Study of Botanicals and Metabolic Syndromes. Cinnamon has also been found to optimize the cells’ ability to consume sugar. It has been observed that the supplementation of at least half a teaspoon of cinnamon can help the cells to better respond to insulin.

There are a plethora of foods, spices and herbs that one can take to help with diabetes management.  Examples of which vinegar, barley, garlic, flax seeds, lemons, onions, cherries, nuts, sweet potatoes, avocadoes and lupin seeds.

Another natural approach on the prevention and treatment of diabetes is through the consumption of natural products proven to have similar properties to insulin. Bitter melon, for that matter, has the proven ability to lower the concentrations of glucose in the body. Instead of having to be injected with insulin, diabetic patients, upon the recommendation of their physicians, can alternately take bitter gourd products in order to manage their blood sugar levels and, in effect, the symptoms of diabetes.

Alpha-lipoic acid also proves to be beneficial in reducing blood sugar levels as well as in treating damage of the peripheral nerves – one of the most common complications of diabetes.  Other means of dealing with diabetes include:

• Coenzyme Q10 taken 100 mg daily as it helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin C to prevent complications
• Manganese supplementation, 5-10 mg each day, for pancreas repair
• Magnesium intake for restoration of energy.

Preventing the risk of developing diabetes starts with the understanding of what causes the disease and the natural ways of overcoming the risk factors. Medical experts will advise early prevention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a healthy diet. Frequent exercise helps in managing weight which is a keystone in reducing diabetes risk. Eating foods that have been found to prevent diabetes is also recommended.

Sources
independent.co.uk
naturalhealthontheweb.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com
medicinenet.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com