Did you know that avoiding certain foods may help reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes? According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, each year more than 30 million Americans are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 80 percent of those who develop it are overweight.
Reducing your risk doesn’t have to mean going on some restrictive diet; in fact, many people find that changing their eating habits helps them manage their blood sugar, lose weight and feel better overall.
In addition to following a healthy diet, here are six natural remedies to consider adding to your diabetes-fighting regimen.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a common, chronic condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. This means that sugar and other food products are unable to enter cells, causing a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream.
Although type 2 diabetes was once considered an older person’s disease, now more than 8 million children and adults under the age of 20 have type 2 diabetes. There has been a 100% increase in the number of youths diagnosed with diabetes since 2000 alone! Thankfully, there are many natural remedies for type 2 diabetes that can help manage your symptoms, so you don’t need to take harsh prescription drugs. Below you will find some natural remedies for symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are
- Increased thirst
- Hunger, and
- Frequent urination.
Other symptoms may include blurred vision, fatigue, slow healing of cuts and wounds, and itchy skin.
Symptoms typically don’t appear until the condition is advanced and can only be diagnosed with a blood test. If you have any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about getting tested for diabetes.
Foods and Lifestyle Changes That Help Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the world. The symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes, but those who are at risk for developing diabetes should also consider these natural remedies to reduce their risk.
1) Eat high-fiber foods – High-fiber foods help regulate blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance. Some good sources of fiber include beans, nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
2) Exercise regularly – Regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity and boosts your metabolism. Even light physical activity like walking has been shown to reduce diabetes risk by up to 60%.
3) Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if you are overweight or obese – Being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by six times. Losing even 10 pounds can have dramatic health benefits, so it’s worth starting an eating plan today.
4) Quit smoking – Smoking reduces lung function and worsens insulin resistance. It may take years off your life as well as your quality of life, so don’t take this habit lightly!
5) Drink alcohol moderately – Drinking alcohol excessively raises blood glucose levels and leads to obesity. But drinking one drink per day can lower your risk of diabetes.
6) Drink plenty of water every day – You need at least two liters per day (about 8 glasses). If you drink caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, or sodas throughout the day, make sure to replace them with water as well.
7) Get enough sleep every night – Getting too little sleep can increase blood sugar level risk due to insulin resistance.
Foods to Avoid with Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Certain foods, drinks, and activities can increase your risk for diabetes. Avoiding them can help reduce the risk of developing this health problem.
- Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks and fruit juice.
- Reduce the number of starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes to one serving per meal.
- Eat more vegetables: they are high in fiber content and low in calories.
- You may need to limit how much meat you eat because it contains saturated fat.
- You should also make sure you get enough sleep every night because lack of sleep has been linked with weight gain and higher blood glucose levels.
- Exercise regularly by taking walks during your lunch break or getting on an exercise bike after dinner.
Natural Home Remedies for Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects more than 26 million people in the United States and Canada. It is characterized by high levels of sugar in your blood because your body has trouble using insulin to convert glucose into energy.
Luckily, there are natural remedies that can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
One such remedy is cinnamon, which has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.
Other natural remedies include grapefruit, artichoke leaf extract, and capsaicin cream (made from chili peppers).
Research shows these natural remedies can also help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress caused by excessive free radicals in your cells, and increase sensitivity to insulin. However, it’s important to speak with a doctor before trying any new herbal or dietary supplements since some herbs may interact poorly with medication or have side effects.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease, but it’s not inevitable. You can take action and reduce your risk with these natural remedies or healthy lifestyle changes.
Some of the most important ways to reduce your risk of blood sugar level include healthy eating, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Regularly check your blood sugar levels for early detection of pre-diabetes if you are at high risk.
Remember that even those who have one or more family members with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk, so talk to your doctor about prevention and treatment options today!