Diabetics know how important it is to keep their blood sugar levels controlled. This way they can avoid the onset of diabetic complications, which at times can be deadly, and thereby be able to live longer and healthier lives. There are certain foods to lower blood sugar and every diabetic must know what these are to maintain the normal blood glucose levels.

Although, there aren't as many food options for diabetics as there are for non-diabetics, there are still quite a lot you can actually live with and enjoy. You may be surprised to know that there are in fact plenty of foods to lower blood sugar and they are not bland or boring as you may think.

Take for instance, the French bean. French beans or kidney beans are great for diabetics as they are rich in fiber and proteins and some amount of complex carbohydrates. They do not only taste great when cooked properly, they also help lower blood sugar level.

The juice of Brussels sprout and the juice of French beans are a potent combination in fighting off diabetes. They stimulate the production of insulin; thereby, regulating blood sugar levels.

Another way you can lower blood sugar levels is through Bean Decoction. Bean Decoction is easily prepared by first taking the seeds off 50 grams of fresh beans, and then boiling the beans in 3 and a half liters of water for 3 to 4 hours under slow fire. Next, strain the mixture and allow to cool for a few hours. Then drink one glass of this mixture every two hours for six weeks. To ensure the effectiveness of this natural medicine, prepare your Bean Decoction everyday.

As confirmed by the American Diabetic Association, foods that have low cholesterol content help prevent diabetics from certain cardiovascular diseases. Lettuce is one food that has low cholesterol content and only 3% carbohydrates. This makes this vegetable ideal in the reduce blood sugar levels. There are many ways you can take advantage of this vegetable. You can eat it fresh as it is, toss it in a salad, or puree it to make a refreshing beverage.

Tomatoes are also great for diabetics. Not only are they low in carbohydrates, but they also help regulate the level of glucose in the urine. Plus, tomatoes can help diabetics in their fight against weight problems. You can whip up many great dishes using tomatoes.

Soya Beans, too, can help regulate blood sugar levels as well as the sugar levels in the urine, just like tomatoes. They are rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates, which make them a better food choice for diabetics.

Onions, whether they are cooked or raw, help regulate the blood sugar levels of diabetics. Onions specifically contain an anti-diabetic compound similar to propyl, allyl, allicin, and disulphide --- compounds that are being used to make insulin.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of foods to lower blood sugar levels that you can have to enable you to have a longer, happier, and healthier life.


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There is no argument about the fact that diabetes is a serious health condition. Currently there is no medically proven cure for diabetes. The disease can't be cured, but thankfully it can be successfully managed with the appropriate changes in lifestyle. If the disease is left untreated it invites many diabetic complications like heart stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, amputation, blindness and erectile dysfunction. If diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage the risk of diabetic complications can be reduced by the efficient management of the disease.

Diabetics can enjoy a healthy life by following these 10 steps:

Eat Well

Diabetics should enjoy healthy foods that are low in sugar, saturated fats and salts. It is recommended that they should consume a diet that is high in fiber. Examples of such foods are cereals, whole grain bread, vegetables and fruits. Diabetics should keep a close eye on the portion size of the food. You should try not to eat more than they consume, with the goal being to control weight gain. The vegetarian lifestyle is better overall for your health, as the vegetables are rich in fiber and they put a check on the weight gain.

Be Active

You should try to bring maximum physical activity to your life. Aim for at least for 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Stop Smoking

It is better to quit smoking. If it is difficult, one should consult a physician that can assist him.

Monitor Blood Sugar Level

The blood sugar levels should be regularly monitored. You can prevent the diabetic complications by keeping the blood sugar level in control.

Drink in Moderation

If you drink alcohol, either quit it or try to have it in moderation.

Weight Control

Keep a track of the waist size and the weight. If you are overweight it can make a reasonable difference in his blood sugar levels by losing some weight.

Annual Tests

Go regularly for the annual tests recommended for diabetics.

Foot Examination

Examine the feet well. Use well fitted socks and comfortable shoes. Be aware of any cut or injuries on feet.

Eye Examination

Have an eye examination annually by an optician.

Positive Attitude

Keep a positive attitude towards life

Changing your lifestyle with the help of the above mentioned steps can help you to keep diabetes in control. It will also enable you to live a happy and healthier life and enjoy all the benefits.



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Should diabetics just avoid foods that taste sweet? The answer is no. The sweetness of food is not a good indication of its sugar content. Even bland foods break down into sugars once they are digested.

There are different types of sugars, including brown sugar (white sugar with molasses), sucrose (table sugar), glucose or dextrose (usually extracted from corn syrup), fructose (found in many fruits), honey, maple syrup and lactose (milk sugar). Diabetics are often prone to chronically high blood sugar levels. Thus, they must pay close attention to how specific foods affect their blood sugar levels to ensure it is maintained as close to normal as possible at all times.

So, to know which foods are beneficial for them, diabetics should compare the glycemic index of foods. The glycemic index is the rate at which sugar levels increase in the blood. For example, glucose has a glycemic index of 100 because we eat glucose, it raises our blood sugar levels right away. Most foods eventually turn into glucose, but if we eat rice or bread for instance, it takes longer for the body's system to turn it into sugar and thus, raise the blood sugar levels.

Processing methods can affect the glycemic index of foods as well. For example, rice has a different glycemic index depending on how it is processed: parboiled rice-47; brown rice-59; white rice-88; instant rice (cooked and dried) - 91. Do you know that the time of harvesting is another contributing factor? For example, banana's gycemic index when it is picked unripe is 30 whereas it is 62 when it is picked ripe.

The lower the glycemic index, the more ideal the food is as a source of nutrition for diabetics. Diabetics must remember that they should not only be concerned about the sugar content in foods, but also more importantly, their glycemic index.


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