Taylor A Ritz
According to a CDC (Center for Disease Control) report from 2015, 30.3 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. That’s almost 10% of the population. What is this prevalent health issue, and what can be done to manage it?
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a health condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is regulated by insulin. Those suffering from type 2 diabetes have bodies that do not utilize their insulin properly.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Severe thirst
- Excess urination
- Blurry vision
- Mood swings
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Trouble healing from wounds
- Recurring yeast infections
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
There are several issues that can cause type 2 diabetes. Some people may suffer from a combination of the following:
- Genes: scientists have found that there are sometimes genetic components making people more likely to have type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity: Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, also known as insulin sensitivity.
- Glucose from your liver: When your blood sugar drops, your liver sends out glucose. When you eat and your blood sugar goes up, your liver should stop producing glucose, but some livers don’t. This causes high levels of blood sugar.
- Poor habits: People who get little or no exercise, smoke, sleep too little or too much, and experience high levels of stress raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Proper management of type 2 diabetes not only lowers the likelihood of experiencing adverse symptoms; in some people, it can reverse the condition altogether. For most people, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are key to preventing blood sugar spikes. The foods you eat and when/how you eat them play a vital role in controlling the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
How Does Avocado Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes?
One study published in the Nutrition Journal reports that including avocados in your breakfast can help regulate blood sugar levels. Avocados can also help with managing weight loss and regulating cholesterol.
The Health Benefits of Avocado
Here are just a few more reasons to eat avocados:
- Avocado is high in (good) fat and low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are responsible for spiking blood sugar levels. The fat and fiber in avocados can make you feel fuller, longer.
- Avocados contain monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to improving insulin sensitivity.
- Avocados contain a lot of potassium. Potassium can negate the harmful effects of sodium on blood pressure, leading to lower numbers.
- Avocado can help lower cholesterol.
- The positive effects of avocado on blood pressure and cholesterol make it a super fruit for a healthy heart.
Other Foods That Can Help With Type 2 Diabetes
There are a wide variety of other foods you can include in your diet to help manage type 2 diabetes. Here are just a few:
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Lentils and legumes
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
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