Natural Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 million American children and adults suffer from diabetes. This alarmingly common disorder comes with a host of side effects that may include poor circulation, uncontrollable weight gain, fatigue, reduced immunity to illness and even cancer. At the very least, untreated diabetes can dramatically shorten one's lifespan. Fortunately, diabetes also happens to be one of the most easily treated diseases in this modern age.

Here are five natural ways to reduce the risk of diabetes....

An Apple a Day 

While many people consider apples to be bland and boring, these humble fruits offer significant diabetes help. Apples contain large amounts of the mineral chromium, which is essential for healthy glucose levels. When blood sugar levels get too high, an apple will help bring them back to a reasonable level. It also does this when blood sugar gets too low.

Furthermore, eating an apple with each meal can help to prevent blood sugar imbalances from occurring in the first place.

Exercise 

Regular exercise, even if it's something simple like walking or gardening, is critical for controlling diabetes. Exercise helps to lower blood glucose levels and induce weight loss. Since excess weight is so closely tied with the onset of diabetes, reducing it is a key to reducing the risk of diabetes.

Fish Oil 

According to researchers at the University of California, the omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil can be of great help to diabetics. Omega-3 helps to reduce inflammation and improve systemic insulin sensitivity. This means that the body is better able to properly metabolize sugar.

Bitter Sweetness 

All living things like sugar, primarily because it fuels the brain and triggers the release of pleasure-making neurotransmitters. However, that doesn't mean that it's healthy to consume concentrated forms of it. Ideally, the only sugars that people should consume are those that are naturally present in things like fruit. Added sugars such as corn syrups, evaporated cane juice, and white and brown sugars should be avoided. These substances encourage weight gain and cause severe disturbances in blood glucose levels. You can find several easy diabetic recipes on Diabetic Connect that don't use these items.

Coconut Oil 

When blood sugar skyrockets, why rely on expensive and questionably safe medications to bring it back to normal when a few tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil will do the same thing? As if that's not impressive enough, coconut oil also protects the heart, which is very important to people suffering from diabetes.

It's not always necessary to deal with the worry and hassle of conventional treatments that cause harsh side effects. Through a healthy diet, exercise and a focus on nutrition, people suffering from diabetes can help control or even be rid of their illness entirely. For more diabetes help, visit the diabetes community at DiabeticConnect.