If you have diabetes it is because your pancreas is not working well. In other words, it does not produce enough insulin and the organism then cannot use glucose (blood sugar) and it accumulates in the body.
Consequently, the level of glucose or sugar that circulates in the blood is high. There are several types of diabetes, but the one known as type 2 diabetes, is one of the most interrelated diseases with the diet.
Patients when diagnosed need to maintain normal levels to prevent this chronic condition from having the risk of suffering renal, atherosclerosis, blindness and neuropathy (loss of nerves). In addition, it predisposes the patient to acquire infections such as candidiasis and other problems.
Type 2 diabetes is presented more frequently in people with a family history of this disease. In this case, the pancreas produces an insulin that is not effective. Among the symptoms of who has diabetes are blurred vision, pruritus, unusual thirst, drowsiness, fatigue, skin infections, slow healing of wounds, tingling and adomermence of the feet.
What makes it difficult to have controlled sugar levels?
Despite the scientific advance, most people are not well controlled. The Faculty of Education in Diabetes and Postgraduate Medical Education in Harvard Medical School describes that education, motivation and attachment to treatments are needed; It should not be seen as an individual, but familiar and social problem. In a family, if someone has diabetes, the rest is affected and nutritional changes should be done at the level of the family nucleus.
Doctors indicate the appropriate pharmacological treatment. In the case of nutrition, Pamela Arias, Nipro nutritionist, explains the need for a balanced diet. Each patient could have an individual recommendation in terms of portions and it is positive to talk to a nutritionist.
A simple way to implement an adequate diet is through the plate method. When eating, the dish is divided into four parts: two must be dedicated to salads and vegetables; A room is for carbohydrates, such as potatoes, tortilla, bread, rice, banana or corn, foods that become sugar; And the last quarter is for protein, that is, meats.
At the end, a fruit as dessert can be included. To begin with, it is positive to include the entire fruit instead of the juices, since, even if they are natural, they increase sugar levels. As for fats, it is preferable to focus on healthy, such as avocado, seeds and olive oil.
Exercise is another aspect that helps the body to be healthy. At least 30 minutes, three times a week.
Why do water and hydration help lower blood sugar?
In addition to food and exercise there is a point that helps reduce high levels in sugar: hydration.
The minimum of water to drink recommended by experts is eight glasses a day. Although these parameters vary in each person of their rhythm of life, age and movement.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined that the appropriate daily consumption of liquid is 3.7 liters of liquid for men and approximately 2.7 liters of liquid per day for women.
Remember that water is lost with actions such as breathing, sweating, urinating or evacuating intestines. That makes frequent consumption of water important through drinks and food, including fruits, vegetables, as well as milk, juices and teas will also help reach these liquid requirements.
The Madrid Diabetes Association, on its website, reports that People with this disease if we maintain high glucose levels have a greater risk to suffering dehydration.
Drinking enough water regulates blood glucose levels: Adequate hydration helps the kidneys eliminate excess glucose through urine.
On the contrary, dehydration could cause tiredness, to lack of concentration or dizziness. It is also to consider that people with diabetes can lose liquid more quickly.
Experts comment that drinking water before meals can help reduce caloric intake and improve satiety, which is also benefiting for patients.
What other foods and plants help lower blood sugar levels?
The encyclopedia Nutritional recipes that cureof editorial Oceandescribes some medicinal plants that help the body. It is important to remember that medical tracking or treatment is vital to maintain sugar levels and that this list does not replace the pharmacological treatment.
- Ginseng infusion has been linked to improving sugar levels, but it is necessary not to take it if it suffers from high pressure.
- The blueberry stimulates insulin production.
- Other helpful medicinal plants to control diabetes are the lion tooth root and the guava leaf. Guayaba is a fruit rich in vitamin A, C, E and D12; It brings iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
- The infusion of lemon tea, cinnamon, Ginger, peppermint and garlic braid could help.
- The consumption of Kefir It is also related to helping to balance blood sugar.