Diabetes is a disease that refers to the inability to produce the hormone insulin or the body not utilizing insulin efficiently. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes, is a condition in which the body produces little or no insulin. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is when the body's cells become resistant to insulin effects. This can lead to chronic high glucose levels, which can be life threatening. Evidence suggests that eating certain foods can lower glucose levels and improve the body's use of insulin. Consult your health care provider before using any foods as treatment for diabetes.
Almonds
Increasing your intake of almonds may protect against type 2 diabetes, according to a study conducted by University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey researchers. Participants with pre-diabetes were randomly assigned to follow an almond rich diet or a regular diet for four months. Insulin and glucose levels were measured before and after treatment. The report, which was published in the June 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," participants consuming an almond enriched diet experienced reductions in insulin and glucose levels, both of which lower the risk of diabetes, compared to the nut free group.
Milk
Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which might reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Tufts University performed a review of literature regarding the relationship between the intake of milk and milk products and the risk of type 2 diabetes. They concluded that individuals consuming three to 5 servings of dairy a day had a lower risk of developing type2 diabetes compared to those ingesting less than two servings a day. Researchers stated that milk and dairy products might improve the body's use of insulin, according to research published in the July 2007 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism."
Brown Rice
Lead researcher Qi Sun and colleagues from the Harvard School of Public Health investigated the effects of whole grains on type 2 diabetes risk. They discovered that subjects' replacing refined grains such as white rice with whole grains like brown rice lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Scientists stated that brown rice contains dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins, all of which have positive effects on blood glucose levels in the body. Their research was reported in the June 2010 issue of the journal "Archives of Internal Medicine."
