Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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Type 2 diabetes is the culmination of consistently high blood sugar levels, which are the result of poor insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar – the main type of sugar found in blood. Unfortunately, if you have type 2 diabetes, insulin supply is severely curtailed. The result? Rising blood sugar levels.
Fortunately, you can control blood sugar levels and stave off its associated complications by making healthy dietary decisions.
Research suggests one powerful intervention you can make at home is ingesting fenugreek seeds.
For optimal results, the study findings suggest the seeds should be soaked in warm water before being ingested.
For the study, researchers recruited a total of sixty patients with Type 2 diabetes who were diagnosed at least six months prior.
Patients were randomised to receive 10 gm of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water and another group was not.
The parameters assessed were demographic profile on the first visits and fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1C every month for six months.
Fasting blood sugar levels test average blood sugar levels after an eight-hour fast and HbA1C assesses average blood sugar levels over the last two to three months.
Statistical analysis showed a “significant reduction” in fasting blood glucose (sugar) levels in the five month in the fenugreek group.
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A simple complementary addition of fenugreek seeds can have a “synergistic effect” along with diet control and exercise on fasting blood glucose, the researchers concluded.
Why fenugreek seeds?
Diabetes.co.uk explains: “Fenugreek seeds (trigonella foenum graecum) are high in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.”
As the health body notes, this suggests they may be effective in treating people with diabetes.
Other studies have been carried out to investigate the potential anti-diabetic benefits of fenugreek.
In another controlled trial, incorporating 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed into a meal eaten by people with type 2 diabetes reduced the rise in post-meal blood glucose.
Blood sugar levels tend to spike after eating meals with a high-carbohydrate content.
“Before using fenugreek to treat your diabetes, consult your GP and diabetes healthcare team to ensure it is safe,” advises Diabetes.co.uk.
“As with other blood sugar-reducing herbs, there is the risk that fenugreek may cause your blood sugars to go too low (hypoglycaemia ) when taken alongside prescribed diabetes drugs.”
Type 2 diabetes – symptoms to spot
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
You should see a GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or you’re worried you may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, advises the NHS.
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