Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects over 12 percent of adults in America. Given how the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can often be misdiagnosed, it’s helpful to research this information online before consulting a doctor.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition, but it can be managed. To supplement the necessary medication diabetics must take, you may also want to consider a number of natural remedies that are widely available.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. This condition affects the way that the body uses sugar. It occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin, or the body is resistant to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.
There are a number of symptoms that a person may experience if he or she has type 2 diabetes, none of which should be ignored. Some of those symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, increased hunger, and slow-healing infections.
There are a variety of factors that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Some of those factors include inactivity, excess body weight, and family history. People who have pre-diabetes, which is a condition where the blood sugar is elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetic, often develop type 2 diabetes.
Natural Remedies for Diabetes
Avocado
Avocados are one of the healthiest foods that you can eat if you are a diabetic. They have monounsaturated fat and low in carbohydrates. Studies have shown that a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fat can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Not only does the monounsaturated fat help improve insulin sensitivity, but it also helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Diabetics are at an increased risk for heart disease. There are several ways that you can enjoy avocados. You can put a few slices on your sandwich or in your salad. Additionally, you can mash up an avocado and put it in a chip dip.
Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd contains bio-chemical known for mimicking the insulin produced by the pancreas. Whether you choose to drink tea made from bitter gourd, take it in supplement form, or cook with it, users have noticed a moderate reduction in blood glucose levels. The two main compounds in bitter gourd that create this effect are charatin and momordicin, which have been proven to lower blood glucose levels.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a misunderstood fruit when it comes to its nutritional value. Diabetics should be wary of its sugar content, and adjust portion sizes accordingly, but that doesn’t mean it should be avoided. While being high in sugar, watermelon is also a good source of potassium, fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
All of these nutrients are integral parts of any diet, especially a diabetic one, and they come with the added benefit of satisfying any sugar cravings you may have. As mentioned early, watermelon has a high glycemic index score and should be eaten in moderation, and because of this, we recommend adding it to your diet with your doctors consent.
Pineapples
Pineapples are high in fiber as well as other nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Fiber can help keep your blood sugar under control. However, you want to stick with fresh pineapples. Canned, dried, and juiced pineapples have added sugars that fresh pineapples do not.
Lemons
Lemons are great for diabetics because they have a low glycemic index. It is important for diabetics to eat foods that have a low glycemic index because this can help stabilize blood sugar. Not only do lemons help regulate blood sugar, but they can also detoxify the body.
Furthermore, lemons are a great source of vitamin C. This is an antioxidant that helps improve heart health and boost the immune system. Keep in mind that you do not have to eat the lemon in order to reap its health benefits. You can improve your health by drinking warm lemon water every morning.
For those who’re adverse to the taste of lemon, adding a drop of lemon essential oil to water can provide similar benefits but without the strong taste. In a recent animal study, lemon balm oil has been shown to help breakdown sugars it comes into contact with, as well as increase glucose absorption. What this means for diabetics is currently unclear, but with confirmation from your doctor, it may prove useful in treating symptoms of diabetes. It is speculated that diffusion of lemon balm oil, or application to skin, may provide the aforementioned benefits as well.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only makes a nice addition to a dessert, but it also helps stimulate insulin. That is why it is good for diabetics. There have also been clinical trials done to show that cinnamon is effective for lowering blood sugar. In addition to adding cinnamon to your smoothies, baked goods and beverages, you can make cinnamon water.
You will need to add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to warm water. Consume this beverage every day. You can also boil four cinnamon sticks in a cup of water. Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes and then consume it.
Guava
Guava is high in fiber and vitamin C. That is why it can help diabetics maintain their blood sugar. However, diabetics should not eat the skin of this fruit. They should also limit their consumption to one guava per day.
Fish Oil
Many people take fish oil for their heart and brain health. This supplement can also be beneficial for people who have diabetes. Fish oil, which has omega 3 fatty acids, has been shown to increase the production of adiponectin. This substance helps improve insulin sensitivity.
If you do not want to take fish oil supplements, then you can get omega 3 fatty acids from your diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in flaxseeds, salmon and chia seeds.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are a great source of high-quality protein. They are also low in carbohydrates. One egg white only has 16 calories, and it has four grams of protein. Egg whites are also great for helping you either maintain your current weight or lose weight.
Fiber Powder
Many people are not getting enough fiber from their diet. In fact, the average person only gets 15 grams of fiber per day. The average adult needs 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. If you struggle to get enough fiber from your diet, then you may want to consider using fiber powder.
There are many fiber supplements available today. However, you should consider using one that has flaxseeds and chia seeds.
Almonds
Snacking regularly can benefit you if you are a diabetic. It will not only help you keep your hunger pangs under control, but it can also help stabilize your blood sugar. Almonds are one of the healthiest snacks that you can eat. They have magnesium, which is one of the nutrients that can help lower your blood sugar.
There was a study done by Harvard University that showed that people who take high doses of magnesium per day were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Therefore, adding almonds to your daily diet can help you keep your condition under control.
Greek Yogurt
You may have been told that yogurt is one of the foods that you should avoid if you are a diabetic. However, Greek yogurt can actually help you keep your blood sugar under control. Greek yogurt is a great choice because it has less sugar than regular yogurt. It also has twice as much protein. Furthermore, Greek yogurt has a much lower carbohydrate content compared to the alternative.
Oatmeal
It is imperative for diabetics to fill their diet with whole grains. Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber, which is essential for keeping blood sugar under control. It is best to eat plain oatmeal because it is lower in sugar. You can add flavor to your oatmeal by putting chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds in your oatmeal.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is naturally produced in the body. However, things like birth control pills, cholesterol medication, and the natural aging process can deplete coenzyme Q10 levels. That is why diabetics can benefit from taking coenzyme Q10 supplements.
There was a study done in 2009 that tested the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 supplements. There were 23 diabetic subjects who also took statins. The results of the study showed that coenzyme Q10 supplements help lower blood sugar and protect the blood vessels.