By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Why Exercise & Physical Activity  ?

When you get a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes, you wonder why your doctor keeps telling you to get out an exercise. You likely just want to curl up on the sofa for a pity trip. However, exercise is a very good way of getting control over this disease. It is a good way to prevent it in the first place as well. Increasing your physical activity level will help you control both your glucose levels and the amount of insulin resistance your body has. These two combine for great benefits for your health in the long run.

Exercise helps control your weight and lowers your blood glucose level at the same time. It also lowers your chances of heart disease. People with type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk of developing heart related problems. Exercise helps with regulating your mood as well in the face of dealing with a chronic disease. Exercise helps lower your weight. Insulin resistance is a prime cause of the development of diabetes. As you lower your weight, the amount of insulin resistance lowers as well. That can lead to better management of your diabetes and blood  glucose levels.

It is important to talk to your doctor about what exercises are right for you. He may have recommendations on what you should do based on how well you are managing your type 2 diabetes and any other health issues you have. Aerobic exercise is usually a common form of exercise prescribed. Walking is one of the best ways to get moving. Other exercises recommended may be bicycling, swimming, or rowing. Strength training is also important as well. Learn how to lift weights properly and begin using them regularly. Studies show that combining aerobic and strength training is better than just doing one alone. 

Start out slowly. That is especially true if you haven’t been active in awhile. Go as far as you can and then come back. Each time you exercise, you can do a bit more. You will be surprised at how far you advance within a couple of weeks. Be sure to warm up and cool down to avoid muscle problems. Carefully keep track of your blood glucose. Exercise will affect its levels. Carry quick-acting carbohydrate snacks to help if your glucose levels plunge unexpectedly. Take a buddy with you if possible. If not, make sure you have a medical identification bracelet or necklace with you in case of problems.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Information On Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Walking!  Best thing since Sliced Bread !

Exercise is very important to those with type 2 Diabetes. Any increase in activity can lower blood glucose levels as well as insulin resistance. Walking is likely the best option for exercise with this disease. It is as natural as anything else you do in life. It requires no expensive gym equipment or memberships. You can make it part of your day just about anywhere you go. You can walk on breaks at home, work, or school. Integrating walking into your day is a very positive step that will have long-term consequences for your health.

What do you need to consider before you start walking? With any major changes in your life, consult your doctor if you have type 2 diabetes. Make sure your doctor is aware of the plan and that you are clear to proceed. The next thing to think about is shoes. With diabetes, you have to watch your feet carefully for any problems. Find the right shoes and consider them an investment in your health. You want shoes that fit properly and provide good support for the foot. Purchase good socks to go with them as well. Padding the foot from the shoe is important. They also keep moisture from collecting on the foot.

When you get ready to walk, take time to do a glucose reading. If your readings are over 250 mg/dl (14 mmol/L), postpone walking until it comes down. If your readings are under 100 mg/dl (5.5 mmol/L), eat a quick glucose snack to get readings up into the normal range. Do a reading when you get back from walking as well. For someone with type 2 diabetes, the best time to walk is one to two hours after a meal when glucose levels are at their peak. Morning is better than afternoon or evening since glucose levels are higher later in the day. However, with proper monitoring, you can walk just about any time of day.

Keep hydrated when walking. That will help keep your glucose levels steady. Water is best for short walks. Sports drinks that are low on carbohydrates are good for longer ones. When walking, try to get someone to go with you. It makes the walk more fun, but it is also a safety measure. They can watch to see if you have a problem. If you walk alone, make sure you wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace. That way the medical personnel can treat you quicker.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Best Shoes And Socks ?

Foot troubles are major issues for people with type 2 diabetes. As the disease progresses, many patients begin to experience nerve damage and circulation issues in the lower extremities. Those with diabetes also get infections easily and it takes some time to get over them. Patients often suffer damage to their feet and do not realize it for a long time. The nerve damage leads to lose of feeling. When even small wounds occur, failure to treat immediately can cause serious problems. Small blisters can turn into major infections. When infection sets in, it can begin to kill or damage tissue in the foot.

Choosing the right shoes and socks is a good way to avoid problems with your feet if you have type 2 Diabetes. How do you select the right ones however? Many brands of shoes make shoes especially for those dealing with diabetes. Your doctor may have a specific brand to recommend. Your insurance may cover the cost of some shoes. Consult both before going shopping. Selecting the right shoes and socks is more a matter of finding the right fit and size instead of a particular brand. Here are some tips for finding the right combination of sock and shoe.

For people with Type 2 Diabetes, it is imperative to wear socks with shoes at all times. Socks protect the feet from rubbing injuries the shoe might do. Choose socks that are thick and well cushioned. Thin socks provide very little protection from foot injuries. It is important to change socks every day. Wearing those two days in a row can lead to infections in the feet. Now, that you have an idea about socks, let’s look at shoes.

Shoe manufacturers design for those with type 2 diabetes in mind. Promoting circulation is one factor. Protecting the foot is another. Wearing sandals or open toed shoes is not a good idea. It exposes the toes to potential injuries. High-heeled shoes are also a bad idea. It places too much pressure on the foot and can lead to bruising or other injuries. Pointed toes in shoes can put too much pressure on the toes, leading to bruising. Shoes must fit properly. If they are too tight, they can cut into the foot. If they are too loose, it can rub in the wrong places. Take your time and find the right shoes for you. The time and money will pay off with healthier feet.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Diabetes Type 2 Treatment

Type 2 Diabetes - Why Should I Lower My Blood Pressure Too ?

Heart disease often comes along with having type 2 diabetes. However, not everyone who has Diabetes must have heart  problems. Monitoring your heart health is very important for avoiding health problems. One key measurement to monitor is your blood  pressure levels. Diabetes begins doing damage to the lining of blood vessels from the beginning stages of the disease. Over time, vessels may become hardened and much less flexible. This creates a rise in the amount of pressure needed to move blood through the body. This heightened pressure is common detected as high blood pressure.

If high blood  pressure goes untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart attacks, and kidney disease. Those risks are why those with Type 2 Diabetes must constantly monitor their blood pressure. What is the normal range for blood pressure? Blood pressure readings come with two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic refers to pressure when the heart is in the middle of a beat. Diastolic refers to pressure when the heart is between beats. A normal blood pressure would be a systolic reading below 120 and a diastolic reading below 80. If either reading is above those numbers, you are out of the normal range.

Those with type 2 diabetes have twice the amount of risk for heart disease than people without the disease. You can’t avoid that. However, nothing says you have to become a heart  patient as well. Taking the right course of action can make all the difference. Being on the right food plan and exercise course are two ways to reduce your chances of developing heart problems. Monitoring and correcting your blood glucose levels is also essential. Losing weight will help keep the blood flowing, as it should. All of this will help avoid hardening of the blood vessels and heightened blood pressure readings.

Keep on top of your blood pressure readings. If you can get them into the normal ranges, you will be going in the right direction. If you cannot do it through Diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower the pressure. Don’t look at taking medications as a defeat. It is just one more tool in getting your potential heart problems in check. That is important for your long-term health. When dealing with type 2 diabetes, you deal with heart disease potentials. Don’t ignore the potential problems. They can come back to haunt you later if you do.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Treating Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 Diabetes - Some Medicines for Treatment

Besides insulin, your doctor may prescribe any number of medications to help your Type 2 Diabetes. The idea is often to avoid or delay the time when you need to start taking insulin. These medications do one of three things: induce the pancreas to create more insulin, slow down glucose production, and slow down carbohydrate absorption. All of these help with regulating your blood  glucose levels. Your doctor will look at what particular problems you have and may give you more than one of these drugs at a time. Use these medications as your doctor directs for best results. Let’s look at each type.

Glucose levels are all important in type 2 diabetes management. Those medications that increase insulin production help when your glucose levels are consistently higher than they should be. The insulin helps the cells convert the glucose into energy. Your doctor will likely prescribe these drugs when glucose levels remain high for too long. Two classes of medications do this: sulfonylureas and meglitinides. You might know these medications by their generic or brand names better. One common sulfonylurea is brand name Diabinese. Its generic name is Chlorpropamide. In the meglitinide class, a common brand is Prandin. Its generic name is Repaglinide.

The liver has the ability to produce glucose from sources within the body. That function comes in handy when glucose levels go down too much. The liver can kick in and supplement the supply. However, in those with type 2 diabetes, this can be counterproductive. Too much glucose leads to hyperglycemia. Getting glucose levels normalized is very important. Doctors will prescribe a class of medications called biguanides to slow down or stop the liver’s production of glucose. Glucophage is a brand name. Its generic name is Metformin.

The body’s resistance to insulin is one of the root causes of type 2 diabetes in the first place. Getting the body to react to insulin better is a way to regulate glucose levels. The class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones helps this. One brand name is Avandia. Its generic form is Rosiglitazone. Preventing or slowing the rate of digestive glucose absorption is another way to regulate glucose levels. A class of drugs known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors does this. One brand name is Precose. Its generic is Acarbose. Blood glucose levels show how well you are managing your diabetes. If you have problems with managing these levels, you may need a bit of extra help.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Info On Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Blood Testing - Venous versus Capillary Blood ?

Most people think of testing blood glucose levels using a finger prick and a glucose meter. That technique uses capillary blood for testing. Home testing is essential for day-to-day management of glucose levels. It helps pinpoint when glucose rises too high. For those that need insulin injections, it tells them how much insulin they need at that time. For those that do not need insulin injections, it tells them to modify their Diet and exercise to avoid those spikes. Without home monitoring, most people would not be healthy very long living with type 2 Diabetes.

When you look at blood  glucose levels provided by your doctor, you may find some slight differences in the numbers. Blood drawn at a hospital or doctor’s office for testing glucose levels come from the veins, not the capillaries. There is also a gap between when they draw the blood and when they test it in the lab. With home testing, the blood is fresh and the results done within minutes. That waiting time can change the level of glucose detected in the blood sample. Even in blood tested immediately after withdrawal from the veins, test results can be slightly different from the capillary blood test. Which test is more accurate?

They are both accurate actually. Blood glucose tends to concentrate in narrower spaces. Therefore, in the tiny spaces of your capillaries, test readings will be slightly higher than in blood  drawn from the veins. The most important part of testing is getting to know what is normal for you and detecting when glucose levels are too high or too low. If you wake up and normally have a reading of 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/L), if you find your reading at 180 mg/dl (10 mmol/L) another morning, then things are not where they should be. You might have eaten something more the night before or you might have had a reaction to a new medication. The patterns are what can tell the real tale.

Getting blood glucose levels under control is not easy, especially in the beginning. It is important to take regular readings throughout the day and record them. Also know what you eat and when as well as if you exercised and when. When you look at the results over time, you may see patterns emerging. It helps you to modify your Diet and exercise to get glucose readings within your normal range. That is the key to managing type 2 diabetes.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Why Do I need Insulin Injections ?

Insulin injections may be one of the worst things that people with type 2 diabetes dread. However, when your body cannot produce enough insulin, you need to supplement it with insulin injections. Insulin performs two vital roles in regulating glucose in the blood. Its main function is helping the body’s cells covert glucose into energy they can use. It also helps convert excess glucose into glycogen that the liver stores for release later. Without proper insulin levels, your glucose levels begin to rise. When they get too high, you can get one of the many complications related to Diabetes like blindness, nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart disease.

The first attempt at regulating type 2 diabetes usually involves changes to Diet and exercise. These can help lower glucose levels naturally and keep you healthier over the long run. However, diabetes is a progressive disease that will get worse over time in most patients. The next step is taking medications designed to help regulate insulin and glucose. Some boost insulin production in the pancreas. Others help lower the amount of glucose produced by the liver or absorbed during digestion. This in combination with Diet and exercise can stabilize things for quite a long time. However, many patients find themselves in the later stages of the disease. That is when insulin may become necessary.

When Diet, exercise, and medications no longer manage Diabetes effectively, insulin injections are the next progression. The first insulin injections almost a century ago came from animal insulin. However, over the years, synthetic insulin has replaced most animal insulin sources. Synthetic insulin allows scientist to formulate how fast or slow the insulin releases into the blood stream. That gives the patients many options on what form to take and when to take it.

Rapid-acting insulin is what many patients use in conjunction with eating a meal. It deals with the glucose released during eating. Short acting insulin provides insulin spaced out over a couple of hours. That is great for when you are going out to eat and don’t want to deal with rapid-acting insulin. Intermediate-acting insulin is good for insulin needs throughout the day or through the night. Long-lasting insulin provides coverage over a full day. Patients use it in conjunction with rapid or short acting formulas. There are formulations with combinations of short and intermediate insulin to give coverage for up to a full day. Many patients use more than one form to get the best results.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Type 2 Diabetes Diet

Best Fruit and Vegetables for Type 2 Diabetes

Fruits are an important staple of one’s Diet. Whether you have Diabetes 2 or not, fruits provide you with fiber, vitamins and minerals which are essential for a complete balanced diet. If you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes you can still enjoy the benefits of fruits, except those fruits which contain high levels of carbohydrates and sugars and that can have an effect to increase your blood  glucose level. While choosing a fruit, always opt for fresh fruit. If fresh fruits are not available try to find dried or frozen fruits with no additional sugar.

 You must include fruits with a low Glycemic Index to control your Diabetes 2. The fruits with low Glycemic Index include Cherries, Prunes, Grapefruit, Dried Apricots, Raisins, Peach (canned juice), Apple, fresh Pear, Strawberries, Plum, Guava, Orange, Grapes, Papaya, Banana, Kiwi, Pineapple, Figs, and Mango.

Although watermelon has a high  Glycemic Index, the glycemic load per food serving (size of 120g) is low; so unless you consume lots in one go, it will not have a big effect on your blood  glucose levels. So, a typical serving, because so much of it is water, contains very little carbohydrate and thus has a low glycemic load. However, since watermelon is high in sugar, you should still eat it in moderation.

You can consume these fruits either in raw or cooked form, or in the form of fruit juice, but with no added sugar! While buying fruits, try to buy small pieces. Try to avoid fruit juices. Instead opt for whole fruits since they contain more fiber and are more filling. If you must, when buying canned fruit juices, check the label for the following (which is the best):  “unsweetened or extra-light,” or “no sugar added." Stay away from fruits that are frozen or canned in heavy syrup.

Vegetables supply vitamins, minerals and fiber. The best vegetable choices can be found to have low amounts of carbohydrates! The vegetables recommended in a Type 2 Diabetes Diet include Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Cabbage, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Radish, Turnip, Mushrooms, Green Peas, Soybean sprouts, Carrots, Onions, Peppers (all varieties), Green Beans, Eggplant, Celery, Cucumber, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Chilies, and vegetable juice.

Consume cooked or uncooked vegetables prepared with little or no fat, and with little or no dressings (or sauces). Opt for fat-free or low-fat dressings on salads, as well as on uncooked vegetables. In your vegetables dish, you can also mix in some chopped garlic or onions.  Make use of low-fat broths or water to steam the vegetables. Also, add in some lemon juice or a little vinegar to put on your vegetables. You can even put in some smoked turkey or a few pieces of lean ham with vegetables while cooking (for flavoring), instead of any other kind fats. Another good idea is to sprinkle your vegetables with spices, peppers, and many of the commonly available herbs. If you still want to add some quantity of fat, make use of soft margarines, olive oil, or canola oil in place of butter or fatty meats.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Treating Diabetes Type 2

Can a Type 2 Diabetes Diet Really Work?

The general perception is that the ill health effects of Type 2 Diabetes cannot be cured with the help of Dietary changes alone.  To an extent this is right, but not always, and not in every case. This is because following an altered diet may not help in controlling the underlying diabetes, if the original diet followed was not the root cause of the diabetes in the first place. The root cause may have been for example, a lack of physical activity, chronic stress, or both.

Diet adjustments are made so as to ‘remove or lower’ the excessive glucose or sugar load from the bloodstream. Though this should be the first step that any person diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes needs to follow, such adjustments in the diet alone are not always capable of curing one from the ill effects of Diabetes 2.

Regarding the diet, Type 2 diabetes is also partly caused by the lack of ‘good’ fats and an excess of ‘poor’ quality fats in our diets. Besides contributing to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes, these ‘bad’ fats can additionally cause other problems such as heart disease, obesity and a few more other dreaded health related conditions.

Diet alterations can be used to control and cure one from the ill effects of Diabetes 2, if done intelligently. So, one needs to understand various parameters in order to ‘implement and design’ a favorable diet routine that can cure one from the ill effects of Diabetes 2.

PCF ratio is one of these important parameters. PCF stands for protein, carbohydrates and fats. Proper ratios of PCF consist of 20% protein, 30% fats (good fat) and 50% of carbohydrates.

One can consume these proteins from fish, chicken, eggs and nuts, etc, but at the same time, one should also adjust the intake of these things in a very controlled, and limited manner. That means, watch your portion size! Note that in individuals with advanced kidney disease, an excessive intake of protein can lead to further kidney failure, which could be a major problem in some Diabetic patients.

Carbohydrates may be taken from many sources, including fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. Those with Type 2 Diabetes should ensure that the carbohydrate they are taking in, should be one with a low

 (low GI) value.

Fats come in several types, and the more monounsaturated fat is, the better it will be for you. Fats can be taken in from Oleic sunflower oil, olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil.  

The one particular fat which is essential for the healthy functioning of the body is a fat commonly referred to as an ‘omega 3 fatty acid’. These are found in oily fish like salmon, and also found in flaxseed which is also known as linseed (which should be ground before consuming, otherwise it cannot be absorbed from the intestines). The ‘saturated’ fats are the worst for your health, and are absolutely not good for Diabetic patients. Finally, one should also aim to consume fiber in copious amounts, as this will help to slow digestion.  Slowing digestion also means blood sugar levels will rise more slowly (rather than rising rapidly to high and dangerous levels).  Keeping blood  sugar levels as low as possible is the ultimate goal of all diabetics. Fibre included in your diet is also thought to help you reduce the risk of obesity, as it is considered to help you feel fuller for longer and help you eat less. An intelligent diet plan can not only help you control, but also help cure you from the ill effects of Type 2 diabetes!

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Diet For Type 2 Diabetes

Foods To Avoid and Eat in Type 2 Diabetes

If Diabetes 2 has taken hold of you, then don’t fret! There are ways by which you can overcome this disease/condition to a certain extent, with proper healthy eating habits. It is critical to discover what to eat and what not to eat with Type 2 Diabetes! In general, a Diet loaded with fiber is advised by medical practitioners for Diabetes 2 patients and it’s preferably a strict ‘no’ to simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats (highest levels found in butter, cheese, cream, meat, etc.).

Foods to keep away from

When one is in search of foods that he/she should avoid in Type 2 Diabetes, the first and foremost food which should be avoided is the simple and basic form of sugar. Sweets for instance, such as chocolates and cakes should be totally avoided. If you are consuming artificial sweeteners, then limit them as well. Foodstuffs made of white flour must also be totally avoided. Vegetables rich in starch, particularly potatoes, beets, and parsnips should also be avoided or highly limited. Reduce the consumption of full fat milk as well. Also be careful with fruit juices, because they are high in sugar.  If you still wish to sip some fruit juice, simply mix and dilute it with some water. Stay away from soft drinks as well due to their high sugar content.

Foods to Eat

Having Diabetes 2 does not mean at all that you cannot eat anything. There are various foods which you can eat as well and can control your Type 2 Diabetes. You can still consume meats like lamb, pork, bacon, as well as beef! But with all the excess fat trimmed off, and in small portions!  If you can’t avoid only always eating chicken, turkey is a great option to choose from as an alternative.  Seafood and fish can also be included in your Diet.

Include foods rich in fibers like wholegrains, beans, peas, nuts, etc. You can include cheese in your Diet, but don’t eat too much due to its fat content. Vegetables and fruits are without doubt extremely beneficial. Try to eat at least 5-6 servings of vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. Yogurt, which is natural and plain and devoid of any sugar content, is in addition, one more food alternative that you can consume in a Diabetes 2 diet.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Diets For Type 2 Diabetes

 Understanding the  Glycemic Index  of Foods, Helps
Type 2 Diabetes

High sugar or glucose levels in the blood is referred to as diabetes. There are several types of Diabetes - a few ‘independent’, and others ‘dependent’ on ‘insulin’.

Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is popularly known as NIDDM in medical science which stands for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. 

Diabetes patients know very well that their blood sugar level is easily affected by the carbohydrates eaten in their Diet.  In order to measure how high the blood glucose will respond and go up after consuming one of the many carbohydrate containing food choices, an index was introduced and is now known as the   Glycemic Index (or the GI).

The greater the value of the  Glycemic index of a food (i.e. the higher the number the food is given on the  Glycemic Index Scale) then this reflects the greater speed it will break down during digestion, and consequently release greater amounts of glucose into the blood stream more rapidly. So for foods with high GI values, the  blood sugar level will rise higher (and more quickly) and this is not good for Diabetics!  So the higher the number on the  Glycemic Index Scale, the quicker the blood sugar goes up.  Not good.

The value of a food on the  Glycemic Index Scale is greatly affected by the type of food, its processing, ripeness, period over which it is stored, the method of cooking and few other factors. When the food (containing the carbohydrate) is ingested, it finally releases glucose during the digestion process, which is absorbed, which then produces a spike in the blood glucose level. Large spikes are very harmful to a person with Diabetes 2!

These spikes increase the imbalance between body‘s ability to ‘detoxify’ reactive oxygen and its ‘production’. This disturbance can produce ‘free radicals and peroxides’ that can be toxic and damage cell components. The human body is certainly pushed to extremes when large amounts of foods with a high  Glycemic Index value (like 70 - 100 or even more on the scale) are consumed, and large amounts of glucose are rapidly absorbed producing large spikes in blood  glucose levels.

It is very important that Diabetes 2 patients know the  Glycemic Index values of the food that they consume. This is because the amount of glucose obtained from the carbohydrate portion in their food (and the glucose spike which goes along with it - after eating it) is not the same for all foods! Diabetes 2 patients should know what they can and can’t eat, based on this  Glycemic Index.

The intake of low  Glycemic Index foods produces 1) only very small spikes in blood glucose and 2) introduces at very slow rate, the absorbed glucose into the bloodstream,  which 3) helps maintain ‘balanced’ energy levels and will 4) keep you active for longer, simply by supplying you energy for longer in the form of slow release energy (or ‘slow release glucose’ into the bloodstream).  

Low GI foods can help people in losing weight, increasing body’s sensitivity to insulin, reducing heart disease risk and also help control cholesterol levels.  

Major suggestions of low GI foods for people with Type 2 Diabetes are consumption of all types of fruits and vegetables, plenty of salad, noodles, pasta oats, barley and bran. Those with Diabetes 2 should also reduce or avoid the consumption of high GI Index foods like potatoes, cakes and chips!

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

   Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition

Vitamins and Herbal Supplements in Type 2 Diabetes

Below is a list of a few vitamins that can help with Type 2 Diabetes:

Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid boosts glucose intake into cells in Type 2 Diabetes, and slows down the biochemical process of irregular ‘addition’ of sugar molecules to protein molecules in the body (which can cause damage to various parts of the body); as well as reducing Diabetic nerve damage and decrease the pain, related with nerve damage.

Chromium

Chromium is an indispensable mineral that plays a major role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, in addition to facilitating the body’s cells to react properly to insulin.

Magnesium

Magnesium assists in adjusting blood  sugar levels and is required for proper nerve and muscle functioning, immune function, heart  rhythm, and blood pressure. Low levels of magnesium aggravate blood sugar control in Diabetes 2. Therefore including wholegrains, seeds, nuts, and green leafy vegetables in your diet that are natural sources of magnesium, is a must.

Zinc

Zinc plays a major part in the manufacture and storage of insulin. Foods rich in zinc include egg yolks, chicken, lamb, fresh oysters, beef liver, buckwheat, pecans, sardines, ginger root, lima beans, split peas, walnuts and almonds.

Brewer’s yeast

Brewer's yeast is an great  resource for chromium; it is also believed to be helpful in treating high levels of blood sugar or blood glucose. It assists the body by reducing the quantity of insulin required by the body.

Below are a few Herbal Supplements that can help those with Type 2 Diabetes:

Ginseng

There are many varieties of ginseng available, out of which North American ginseng has been found to be very effective for Diabetes 2, since it is found to be helpful in improving blood  sugar level. The scientific name of ginseng is Panax quinquefolius.

Cinnamon

Various studies have shown that cinnamon also assists in improving blood sugar/glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. You can also consume cinnamon tea for controlling your blood sugar level.  But it may produce a tendency for additional bleeding, if you are already taking aspirin everyday.

Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema, a herb, is also found to be very useful in lowering blood sugar/glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes.

Psyllium

Psyllium is an excellent for those with Type 2 Diabetes. It helps puts a check on the blood sugar level from increasing too high after meals. The seed extracts of Psyllium contain a large quantities of soluble fiber that help stop the blood glucose level from rising too high after meals.

Some other herbal supplements include Bitter melon, Cayenne, Fenugreek, Cranberry, Reishi, Aloe Vera, and Nopal.

By
Dr Michael Hutch