Thursday, 23 August 2018

Diabetes type 2 - five ‘healthy’ diet swaps to prevent high blood sugar

From express.co.uk

DIABETES type 2 risk could be lowered by making some diet or lifestyle changes. You can prevent high blood sugar symptoms by making these quick and easy diet swaps.

Diabetes affects about 3.7 million people in the UK. About 90 per cent of those are caused by type 2 diabetes.
The condition is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
But, making some small diet changes could help to prevent high blood sugar symptoms.
The best diet swaps include cutting back on salt, changing dry fruit for fresh fruit, and grilling meat instead of frying it.

Cut back on salt

While salt doesn’t directly impact blood sugar levels, it increases the risk of high blood sugar.
Diabetes patients are more likely to develop hypertension - and therefore heart attacks or strokes - so managing salt intake is crucial.
“The recommended daily intake of salt for adults is just a heaped teaspoon [about 6g],” said LloydsPharmacy.
“Cutting down on salt doesn’t mean eating tasteless dishes. Sprinkle your potatoes with paprika, ground white or black pepper, chives or mild chilli powder.”

Fresh fruit

Some diabetes type 2 patients may think they can’t eat fruit because of its sugar content, but the sugars in fruit are natural and healthy for diabetics.
Fresh fruit is a great natural snack for diabetes patients, added LloydsPharmacy.
“Also consider the difference between fresh and dried fruit: a serving of dried fruit has a much higher carbs and sugars content than an apple that also takes longer to eat.”

Fruit juice

While fruit juices may appear to be a healthy breakfast choice, they can contain high levels of sugar, it warned.
It’s a good idea to avoid fruit juice, unless it has zero sugar. Alternatively, try adding in some water to cut back on carbs.
“Fruit juices with no added sugar can still add to your intake of carbs and sugars,” said LloydsPharmacy.
“It’s best to try drinks with zero sugar or stick to one small glass a day [150ml] and make your drink go further by diluting it with water.”

Alcohol

Diabetes patients can still have a few alcohol drinks at home or in the pub.
But, some drinks could raise blood sugars, including beer, ales and ciders.
Try swapping these drinks for spirits, dry wine or Prosecco instead.
“Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few drinks at home or in the pub, but you need to know how it can affect your body and how to manage it.”

Grill meat

Diabetics are more likely to develop heart disease than non-diabetes patients.
One of the best ways to lower that risk is to cut back on the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
Grilling meat instead of frying it is a great way to lower the risk of coronary heart disease symptoms.
“Grill your meat instead of frying it and choose leaner cuts of meat such as back bacon instead of streaky.”

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1007061/diabetes-type-2-diet-high-blood-sugar-symptoms-salt-fruit

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