A recent study has revealed that the medicines used to treat diabetes in adults are not as effective in slowing the progression of type 2 diabetes in young people.
These findings raise alarms for young people because in recent years, type 2 diabetes among the youth is a growing problem. The findings from the study suggest that there should be new approaches to treat adolescents with the type 2 diabetes. Our health experts share their advice for the best approaches young people can take to help manage type 2 diabetes, naturally.
Control your sugar intake
Leading UK Nutritionist and author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar, Dr Marilyn Glenville (www.marilynglenville.com) explains, “Sugar is the biggest culprit in our health in general and in particular our risks of most degenerative diseases including Type 2 diabetes. First, take out of your diet all the savory foods that contain sugar. A second thing to do would be to stop adding sugar to your hot drinks and other foods. Next have a look at the sweet foods you are eating on a regular basis that contain added sugar. Those cereal bars that seem ‘healthy’ may be loaded with sugar. Instead, preparing your snacks at the beginning of the week by making your own homemade granola bars with coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.”
In addition, Dr Wendy Denning, working in association with CuraLin Diabetic Supplement (curalife.co) suggests, “Dried fruit can contain 3 times the sugar of fresh fruit, so choose fresh fruit as it is also full of antioxidants.”
Add dark green veggies to your diet
“Dark green veggies, such as spinach, kale, rocket and watercress are super-low in carbohydrates, calories and are high in fibre, meaning they have a very low glycaemic index and help to keep blood sugar levels stable. They’re rich in antioxidant nutrients, too, such as flavonoids and carotenoids – these may help to protect against some of the complications of diabetes, such as heart disease,” explains Nutritionist and Fitness Trainer Cassandra Barns.
Avoid pre-packaged snacks
“Pre-packaged snacks are low in nutrition and high in easily digested carbs that can spike your blood sugar. Eat raw carrots and a handful of nuts as a snack instead,” suggests Dr Wendy Denning, working in association with CuraLin Diabetic Supplement (curalife.co).
Try a natural supplement
In light of this new research regarding diabetes medication, it could be worth young sufferers, of type 2 diabetes, trying a natural supplement. “CuraLin [RRP £59, www.curalife.co] is a specially formulated dietary supplement containing ten herbs and plant extracts traditionally used to support insulin sensitivity and help keep blood glucose under control. A word of caution, however: if you’re being treated for type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor before changing your diet or exercise or starting a supplement,” explains Cassandra.
Control your stress levels
Millennials are living increasingly busy lifestyles that can, unfortunately, come with the side-effects of increased stress levels. Intense periods of stress can cause your glucose levels to increase, so controlling your stress is a top priority. “You may not be able to control the stress but you can control how it affects you physically and also you can make sure you are not making it worse. There is a chance that your pattern of eating is subconsciously telling your body that it is under even more stress. If your blood sugar levels fluctuate (as they do even more so for women), your body will be releasing adrenaline which is the same hormone it releases when you are under stress. Try to keep your blood sugar levels and energy levels stable by eating something every three hours. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a snack mid-morning and one mid-afternoon, with no longer than three hours between,” recommends Dr. Glenville.
Exercise is vital
“Staying active is vital. Exercise helps the body respond to insulin, keep blood sugar levels down and manage your weight. You can get the greatest benefits by including both aerobic exercise such as cycling, dancing or jogging and strength training with weights or bodyweight exercises,” explains Cassandra.