Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said: “Almost half of all deaths are attributed to high blood glucose before the age of 70 years.”
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice derived from the bark of several species of Cinnamomum trees.
The spice has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and food preservation.
One of the main health benefits of cinnamon is its large amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they help the body reduce oxidative stress, a type of damage to cells, which is caused by free radicals.
This is significant, since oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of nearly every chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes.
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Cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into cells.
It can also help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.
Cinnamon also helps keep blood sugar spikes after meals in check.
Some researchers say it does this by slowing down the rate at which food empties out of the stomach.
Chromium
Diabetes.co.uk said on their website: “Chromium is of interest to people with diabetes as it has been suggested that Chromium Picolinate could be particularly suitable for lowering blood sugar levels.
“Supplements are increasingly becoming recognised as having a place in the management and treatment of diabetes.”
According to some studies, Chromium Picolinate can have a significant effect on type 2 diabetes. According to associate professor of medicine at University of Vermont: “Prior human studies have suggested that chromium picolinate decreases insulin levels and improves blood sugar metabolism in both obese people and people with type 2 diabetes.”
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid which is a natural chemical found in plants that has been shown to have a wide number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving allergy symptoms and preventing infection.
Quercetin also plays an important role in turning eaten food into energy.
In both human and animal research, quercetin may rescue fasting blood sugar levels and protect against complications of type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to consult with your GP before embarking on any new supplements to help lower your blood sugar level.