Top Tips to Help with Diabetes

Did you know that Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest reported number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Canada? Since I am from Newfoundland, I knew I was compelled to research more into this troubling disease to see how I could help people manage their symptoms. Below, you will find my top tips for people suffering from diabetes, or having trouble with their blood sugar stability.

Fibre

Believe it or not, fibre intake is extremely important for those struggling with diabetes. There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre is the best type for managing diabetes, as it has a beneficial effect on the rise in blood sugar. Its affect on the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates is so important. Fibre is able to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing a rapid rise in blood sugar. Including fibre in our diets may eventually prevent a sustained elevation of blood sugar.

Low Glycemic Foods

The glycemic index was developed in 1981 in order to express the rise of blood glucose after eating a certain food. Glycemic index values range from about 20 to 98. Foods that are low on the glycemic index are the best choices for diabetics and people with hypoglycaemia, as they do not cause a major rise of blood glucose. Low glycemic food choices are a great start; however, this should not be the only dietary guideline.

Food Choices

Here are a few good food choices for diabetics. They include good sources of fibre and are low on the glycemic index:

· Green Beans

· Broccoli

· Brussels Sprouts

· Spinach

· Apples

· Pears

· Lentils

· Kidney Beans

Frequent Exercise

It is very important for a diabetic to include regular exercise in their lifestyle routine. There are so many benefits that a diabetic can gain from daily exercise, including an increase in insulin sensitivity and stress reduction. Diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Reducing stress through exercise will not only help with diabetes, but also with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Chakras

The chakras are the energy centres of the body – kind of like the energy organs of our body, just like the way that digestive organs make up our digestive system.

Our third chakra is associated with the pancreas – the organ responsible for the secretion of insulin. By looking at the mental and emotional issues in connection with the third chakra, a person may find relief in managing their symptoms. According to Caroline Myss, some of the emotional and mental issues connected with diabetes include:

· Trust

· Fear and intimidation

· Self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect

· Care of oneself and others

· Responsibility for making decisions

· Sensitivity to criticism

· Personal honour

If you are diabetic and taking medications, please be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels on a daily basis when implementing any new diet, supplement or exercise regime into your lifestyle. Your blood sugar may drop and an adjustment in your medication may need to be made by your doctor. Don’t let this scare you! Adding new healthy life choices is a good thing and will not only help with one particular health concern, but with your health overall!

Want to learn more about diabetes? Click here and tune in to Drew Taddia’s ‘Exploring Mind and Body Radio’ to hear Drew interview Dr. Jason Fung about "A Cure for Type 2 Diabetes”. Or, simply hit the ‘play’ button below.

Sources:

Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Dietary Wellness. New York: Avery, 2003. Print.

"Diabetes." Diabetes. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016. <http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-229-x/2009001/status/dia-eng.htm>.

Murray, Michael T. Diabetes and Hypoglycemia: How You Can Benefit from Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise, and Other Natural Methods. Rocklin, CA: Prima Pub., 1994. Print.

Myss, Caroline M. Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing. New York: Harmony, 1996. Print.