Eating whole fruits like oranges and strawberries slows sugar absorption and is better for blood sugar control than fruit juices, which contain sugars that are absorbed quickly. Incorporating fats and proteins can also help slow sugar absorption, aiding in managing blood sugar levels, especially for those at risk of prediabetes or diabetes.
A small study suggests that exposure to natural light through windows may help improve blood sugar control in older adults with type 2 diabetes, possibly due to vitamin D or light-sensitive cells affecting metabolism, but it should complement, not replace, existing management strategies.
A study suggests that sitting by a window and exposing oneself to natural daylight can help people with type 2 diabetes better manage blood sugar levels by supporting circadian rhythms, with participants experiencing more time within healthy glucose ranges when exposed to natural light compared to artificial lighting.
Taking a gentle walk after Christmas dinner, dubbed 'fart walking,' can improve sleep by aiding digestion, reducing stress, managing blood sugar levels, and regulating body temperature, making it a beneficial post-meal activity especially during the holiday season.
Eating heavy, refined, or sugary foods at dinner can cause sudden blood sugar spikes, especially in people with diabetes or insulin resistance. Key foods to avoid include white rice, potatoes, sugary sauces, white bread, desserts, canned foods, and sugary cereals. Instead, opt for low-glycemic carbs, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, and finish meals 2-3 hours before bed to maintain stable glucose levels overnight.
A person with type 1 diabetes shares that brisk walking for about 15-20 minutes can effectively lower blood sugar levels quickly, supported by scientific research and expert advice, especially when done after meals and when insulin is in the system. However, caution is advised if blood sugar is extremely high with ketones or too low, as exercise can be risky in these states.
The article highlights 8 foods—such as sweet potatoes, berries, lentils, leafy greens, yogurt, nuts, oats, and certain vegetables—that can help manage blood sugar levels in diabetics by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and providing steady energy release. Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into the diet can support better diabetes control and overall metabolic health.
Performing slow, controlled calf raises after meals can reduce blood sugar spikes by up to 52%, with proper form focusing on activating the soleus muscle, complementing walking for better glucose control.
Adding cinnamon and turmeric to your coffee can enhance its health benefits by supporting weight loss and blood sugar regulation, with cinnamon helping stabilize blood sugar and turmeric boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.
The article discusses the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels during the holidays, especially for those with prediabetes, highlighting the use of over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors to empower individuals in managing their health and making informed lifestyle choices.
Scientists have discovered that metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, works through a brain pathway involving the ventromedial hypothalamus and a protein called Rap1, revealing new insights into its mechanism and potential effects on appetite, weight, and cognition. More research is needed, but these findings could lead to improved treatments for diabetes and other neurological conditions.
A 16-week study from Rutgers University found that metformin, a common diabetes drug, may reduce the health benefits of exercise, including improvements in blood vessel function, fitness, and blood sugar control, raising questions about combined treatment strategies for metabolic syndrome and diabetes prevention.
A Hyderabad neurologist suggests that short, frequent walks throughout the day, especially after meals, are more beneficial for blood sugar, cholesterol, heart health, and overall well-being than a single long morning walk, emphasizing the importance of spreading movement for better health.
Strength training combined with post-meal walks is the most effective exercise strategy for lowering HbA1c levels in diabetics, with strength training providing the greatest immediate impact and a combination approach offering maximum long-term benefits.
French biochemist Jessie Inchauspe advocates for mulberry leaf extract as a potent supplement to help reduce fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels, emphasizing its benefits for long-term glucose health and its role as an add-on to dietary hacks, though it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.