Diabetes type 2 is a lifelong condition that causes a patient’s blood sugar to become too high, according to the NHS.
It’s caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Without enough of the hormone, sugar isn’t readily taken from the blood, and converted into energy.
You could lower your risk of diabetes, or even prevent the condition, by drinking more grape juice, scientists have claimed.
Grape juice has a relatively low glycaemic index, which makes it a good choice for diabetes patients.
Food and drinks with a low glycaemic index are digested more slowly by the body, which means sugar is gradually added to the bloodstream, as opposed to a sudden spike.
Grape juice is also rich in a number of vitamins that could help to regulate insulin activity.
The best grape juice for diabetes patients is 100 per cent natural fruit juice.
“Besides the fact that grape juice is rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and magnesium, it’s also packed with chromium,” said medical website LiveStrong.
“The National Institute of Health describes chromium as a trace mineral that has shown positive effects in insulin activity.”
Grapes also contain polyphenols – a compound that helps to reduce metabolic syndrome, prevent obesity, and lower patients’ risk of type 2 diabetes.
The polyphenols may also help to reduce joint pain in arthritis patients, as they’re a natural anti-inflammatory.
You should see a GP if you’re worried about the signs and symptoms of diabetes.
Early diagnosis is crucial, as left untreated, the condition gets progressively worse.
Diabetes patients are more at risk of vision loss and kidney failure.
They’re also up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including strokes.