3. Ginseng
Another herb which is beneficial in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes is ginseng. In a study done to investigate the effects of ginseng on newly diagnosed non-insulin dependent diabetics a number of benefits were discovered. Not only did ginseng lower their blood glucose levels but it also improved their mood, helped them to lose weight and increase physical activity [4].
See also: Reversing diabetes Type-2
4. Broccoli
The reason broccoli is suggested as a possible food to improve blood sugar levels is due to its high chromium content. A number of benefits have been linked with chromium for diabetes including beneficial effects on HbA1c levels, glucose, insulin and cholesterol levels [5].
5. Oatmeal
By the second half of the 20th century an oatmeal diet was a regular part of the clinical routine in the treatment of diabetics, however this went out of fashion. Lately, however, a number of tests have been done to determine the effectiveness of an oatmeal diet on type 2 diabetics. A pilot study done by A Lammert et al, showed that two days of oatmeal treatment decreased blood glucose level, which in turn decreased the need for insulin [6]. After four weeks out of hospital these benefits remained.
Read more: olive leaf extract for diabetes
6. Nuts
Nuts, and peanuts, hold a number of benefits according to scientific studies. They have been found to protect people from Coronary Heart Disease, lower bad cholesterol levels (possibly raising the good cholesterol levels), and they have also been found to be inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes [7]. Nuts are also often recommended as a snack for diabetics so try adding some to your diet if you aren’t already. Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, has reached epidemic proportions but there are things that we can do about it and changes in diet and lifestyle can go a long way to reducing the risk and improving our quality of life.