Type 2 diabetes sends a clear signal that your body is not producing enough insulin. The main function of insulin is to regulate blood sugar, the main type of sugar found in the blood. Stripped of this mechanism, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerous levels. Fortunately, diet provides an alternative means of tempering blood sugar.
Certain items have been touted for their prowess in lowering blood sugar.
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A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research suggests that garlic possesses blood sugar-lowering abilities.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of garlic on fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.
FBS measures your average blood sugar levels eight to 10 days after fasting, and HbA1c is your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
For the study, patients with higher than normal fasting blood sugar level were recruited and divided into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G), each consisting of 30 patients.
Groups A, B, C, D, and E received garlic tablets at doses of 300, 600, 900, 1,200, and 1,500 mg per day, respectively.
Group F received metformin while group G received placebo.
Metformin is a medicine that helps the insulin you make work better. You usually take it as a tablet.
FBS and HbA1c were measured at the beginning of the study, at week 12 and 24.
What the study showed
A significant decrease in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c was observed in the groups.
In each garlic-treated group, a significant reduction in FBS and HbA1c was observed compared to placebo.
In addition, «highly significant» reductions in FBS and improvements in HbA1C were seen with higher doses of garlic and with increased study duration, the researchers wrote.
The researchers concluded: «Garlic is more effective than placebo and comparable to metformin in lowering fasting blood glucose and may be a valuable addition in the treatment of diabetic patients.»
General Tips for Lowering Blood Sugar
To make sure you control your blood sugar levels, you should check the glycemic index (GI).
The GI is a classification system for foods that contain carbohydrates. It shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten alone.
Carbohydrates that are quickly broken down by the body and cause a rapid rise in blood glucose have a high GI.
Some high GI foods are:
- Sugar and sugary foods
- sugary soft drinks
- White bread
- Potatoes
- White rice.
- Type 2 diabetes, do you have it?
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realizing it. This is because the symptoms do not necessarily make you feel bad.
Symptoms include:
- urinating more than usual, especially at night
- feel thirsty all the time
- feel very tired
- lose weight without trying
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeated thrush
- Cuts or wounds that take longer to heal
- Blurry vision.
See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or if you are concerned you may be at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, advises the NHS.