In diabetes, your body cannot control blood sugar properly due to not enough insulin -- the main blood sugar metabolism hormone. Blood pressure is the force of blood that is exerted on artery walls. High blood pressure over years can damage your main body organs such as liver and kidneys. Healthy diet is a powerful tool in the fight against diabetes and high blood pressure. Herbs may also curb your diabetes and high blood pressure complications, but it is important to consult with your doctor before using them.
Soy
Soy, a subtropical plant, has been a dietary staple in Asian nations for thousands of years. Soy proteins and isoflavones appear to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Soy foods are low glycemic index foods, which help deter diabetes by slowing the rush of glucose or sugar into your bloodstream. Glycemic index is a numerical scale that measures the effect of a specific food on blood sugar level. Consuming soy as part of your healthy diet can help you stay healthier and manage your diabetes and blood pressure.
Oats
The current popularity of oats, a widely cultivated grain crop, has to do with its soluble fiber content, which has been reported to prevent and control the symptoms and problems associated with type 2 diabetes, according to the Colorado State University. The soluble fiber in oats creates a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which adds bulk to foods in your gut, increasing the time for the foods to be digested. This lowers the rate of carbohydrate absorption into your bloodstream, thereby improving the control of blood sugar and lessening insulin secretion. Oats also have beneficial effects on blood vessels and reduce high blood pressure.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, an annual leguminous Eurasian herb, has been shown to normalize the activities of glucose in laboratory animals but has not yet shown effects in humans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The exact mechanism is not known, but it might be the mucilaginous fiber and steroidal saponin diosgenin which may reduce gastrointestinal absorption of glucose, explains UMMC. Fenugreek may also help blood vessels work better and reduce blood pressure.
