- Diabetes type 2 diet changes can include avoiding certain high sugar foods while adding others which could control blood sugar levels
- Eating this type of nut could help reduce blood sugar
- Your diabetes type 2 risk is increased if you are overweight or eat an unhealthy diet, among other factors
Diabetes type 2 sufferers’ could lower blood sugar by snacking on a handful of almonds.
The claim has been made by experts at medical website, Healthline.
“Almonds can help regulate and reduce rises in blood sugar after meals,” they stated online, adding the nuts may even help “prevent diabetes”.
“One study found people who consumed two ounces of almonds per day had lower levels of fasting blood sugar and insulin.
“Another study found that almond consumption could increase insulin sensitivity in people with prediabetes.”
Almonds contain more fibre than other nuts, roughly 3.5 grams, which helps stabilise blood sugar.
Describing the Mediterranean nut, health advice website Everyday Health, said it was a “superstar” for diabetes type 2 sufferers.
“Nuts can be a good snack for people with diabetes type 2 because they may help prevent heart disease, keep blood sugar controlled and even aid weight loss.
However, they advised against eating too many as this could lead to “weight gain, which is why experts suggest measuring out one ounce portion sizes instead of digging into an open bag”.
They said you should eat around 23 nuts.
“Almonds may be bite-sized, but these nuts pack a big nutritional punch,” continued Healthline.
“They’re man execllent source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and manganese.
“They’re also a good source of protein, fibre, copper, riboflavin and calcium.
“Almonds are especially good for people with diabetes,” they continued, “They may reduce your risk of heart disease.”
Other foods that could help diabetes type 2 sufferers reduce blood sugar levels include chia seeds.
Diabetes type 2 sufferers need to control blood sugar levels to avoid spikes, which could cause complications including a coma and blindness.
The condition can develop at any time in life, and is caused by problems with the hormone insulin.
Diabetes type 2 sufferers often need to make changes to lifestyle and diet to help treat the condition.
It is also possible to reverse the condition by eating a low-carb diet.
Diabetes.co.uk, a website for people with the condition, said low-carbohydrate diets are “known for lowering the amount of insulin the body needs to produce, resulting in less insulin resistance”.