Diabetes is chronic condition that results in high blood sugar levels. In 2013 an estimated 382 million people throughout the world had diabetes

Diabetes comes in different forms

• Type 1 Diabetes – the pancreas fails to produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1
• Type 2 Diabetes – the body cannot properly use the insulin made by the pancreas. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type
• Gestational Diabetes - this affects women during pregnancy

Common diabetes symptoms include obesity, unusual weight loss, wounds that take long to heal, frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, fatigue, male sexual dysfunction, tingling and numbness in hands and feet.

Here are our top tips to prevent Diabetes

1. Lose weight There is a definite association between central obesity and type 2 diabetes. Fat cells in this area secrete chemicals that blunt the effect of insulin, thus interfering with pancreatic insulin production and the way in which the body uses sugar.
2. Include culinary spices Cinnamon (Cinnamomun cassia) works by maximising insulin receptor function, sprinkle some cinnamon on your muesli, protein shake. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), effects adipocytes (fat cells and hepatocytjes (liver cells) by having insulin sensitising effects. Include some cloves in your rice, quinoa or chai tea.
3. Ditch refined carbohydrates These include foods and drinks containing white sugar and white grains, there nutritional value has been processed out and your left with foods that a responsible for rising obesity levels.
4. Include nutritional medicine A number of nutrients function to prevent diabetes by regulating glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, some of these include vitamin D, magnesium, chromium, zinc, and alpha lipoic acid
5. Increase your fibre intake Fibre plays a part in diabetes prevention by lowering glucose levels, decreasing appetite and increasing satiety, Include chia seeds, linseeds, green leafy vegetables fruits, kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils in your diet
6. Reduce environmental toxins Plastics containing bisphenol A and phthalates disrupts pancreatic function. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic interfere with insulin secretion, causes oxidative stress and disrupts pancreatic function. Avoiding plastic food storage containers, water bottles, and installing a water filter that removes heavy metals.
7. Adopt the Mediterranean diet What is meant by a Mediterranean diet is a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish and healthy fibre, and low in hydrogenated fats, dairy products and meats The Mediterranean diet has had countless studies to support not only diabetes prevention but also in promoting cardiovascular health and weight management.

Naturopath and Nutritionist Teresa Adouni

Teresa is passionate about nutrition and cooking. She believes that good health lies in balance and her aim is to help you find that balance using supplements where necessary, herbal medicine, and food as medicine. Find out more about Teresa here