Diabetes type 2 - add these five foods to your diet to lower blood sugar

Diabetes type 2 affects about 3.7 million people in the UK.

It’s caused by the body not reacting to the hormone insulin, or the pancreas not producing enough insulin, according to the NHS.

Without enough insulin, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.

Diabetes symptoms include blurred vision, having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal than normal, or having an unquenchable thirst.

Managing your blood sugar is crucial, as diabetes patients are more likely to develop some life-threatening conditions, including heart disease and strokes.

But, you could lower your blood sugar by adding these foods to your diet.

Artichokes

You could lower your risk of high blood sugar by eating more artichokes, according to nutritionist Dr Josh Axe.

The vegetable is high in fibre, which reduces the risk of any blood sugar spikes, he said.

“High-fibre foods help slow down glucose absorption, regulate your blood sugar levels and support detoxification,” said the nutritionist.

“Aim to eat at least 30 grams of fibre per day, which can come from vegetables [like Brussels sprouts, peas and artichokes], avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, especially chia seeds and flaxseeds.”

Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in the nutrient chromium, which helps to balance your blood sugar levels, he said.

“Chromium is a nutrient that’s involved in normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

“Foods high in chromium can improve the glucose tolerance factor in your body and naturally balance out blood glucose levels.

“It plays a role in insulin pathways, helping bring glucose into our cells so it can be used for bodily energy.

“Broccoli has the highest amounts of chromium, but you can also find it in raw cheese, green beans, brewer’s yeast and grass-fed beef.”

Almonds

You could lower your risk of high blood sugar by eating more almonds, the nutritionist claimed.

“Magnesium can help regulate blood sugar levels because it plays a role in glucose metabolism.

“Research shows that diabetes is frequently associated with magnesium deficiency.

“Eating magnesium-rich foods, like spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, yogurt and black beans, can improve type 2 diabetes symptoms.”

Avocado

Diabetes type 2 patients should aim to eat foods with a low glycaemic index.

Foods with a low glycaemic index are converted into sugar after being eaten more slowly, which prevents blood sugar spikes.

Avocado has a low glycaemic index, and is great food to patients, said Axe.

“If you are fighting diabetes, stick to low glycemic foods like non-starchy vegetables, stone fruits and berries, nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut, organic meat, eggs, wild-caught fish, and raw pastured dairy.”

Eggs

Eggs are a good source of clean protein, said the nutritionist.

“Eating protein foods has a minimal effect on your blood glucose levels, and it can slow down the absorption of sugar.

“Some of the best sources of clean protein include wild-caught fish, which contains omega-3 fats that reduce inflammation, grass-fed beef, organic chicken, lentils, eggs and bone broth.”