Many of us are aware that one of the best ways to control diabetes is through our diet – but did you know there is a very cheap, common vegetable that can actually help reduce blood sugar levels?
Diabetes is a common condition that causes a person’s blood sugar to become too high; essentially an inability of the body to break down glucose levels.
It requires careful management to stay healthy, and one of the best ways to do this is through the diet.
The two main types of diabetes:
Type one is when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.
Type two is the most common, and it’s when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells fail to react to insulin. This one is considered the easier to manage of the two.
A study by the Sudanese University of Gezira has found that one of the most effective vegetables at lowering blood sugar is, in fact, the humble onion.
The study concluded the common vegetable “caused a considerable reduction in fast blood glucose levels … in type two diabetic patients”.
Researchers found onions “could be used as a dietary supplement in the management of type one and/or type two diabetes”.
It is, however, vital to note this doesn’t mean diabetics should flood their diet with the simple foodstuff.
The vegetable may help, but is not a silver bullet.
The study noted a greater body of research into onions is required before a concrete conclusion can be drawn.
Elsewhere, another study discovered a popular muscle-building consumable may be effective in managing type two diabetes.
Newcastle University researchers found that drinking a small amount of whey protein ahead of meals could help people manage their condition.
In a statement, Dr Daniel West of Newcastle University said: “While previous studies for a few hours in the lab have shown the potential for this dietary intervention, this is the first time people have been monitored as they go about their normal lives.
“We believe the whey protein works in two ways, firstly, by slowing down how quickly food passes through the digestive system and secondly, by stimulating the number of important hormones that prevent the blood sugars climbing so high.”
Dr West continued: “As we see growing numbers of people around the world developing diabetes, investigating the potential of alternatives to drugs such as food supplements becomes more important.”
Whey protein adds to the vast range of food-stuffs effective in helping to manage cholesterol.
Newcastle University’s Kieran Smith, one of the team behind the research, added: “People were able to stick to the regime and liked the idea of having a convenient, tasty, small pre-made drink that could be carried with them and taken before meals".
Whey protein is often used in protein shakes to encourage building muscle.
All-in-one drinks claiming to be ‘a meal in a bottle’ have increased in popularity over recent years.
They are effective at providing immediate energy boosts, but are best consumed as supplements to a balanced diet rather than replacements.
Throughout the UK, just under five million people live with diabetes, and the figure is growing all the time.
Experts predict there will be thousands of extra diabetic patients in the UK who will need to learn how to manage their glucose levels.
Top tips to help manage diabetes
Keep calm - Stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise, so relaxing is important.
Be in the know - Continuous glucose monitoring is important to manage diabetes. It can help you react more quickly to whether it is high or low.
Drink in moderation - Drinking alcohol can produce signs of low blood sugar
Improve oral hygiene - Diabetes puts you at greater risk for gum disease as people with the condition have a lowered ability to fight infection from bacteria in the mouth
Sweeten it yourself - Reduce sugar in your diet by adding your own sweeteners
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