Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes the amount of sugar in the blood to become too high, according to the NHS.
It’s caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to it.
Diabetes symptoms can include having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal than normal, having a persistent itchiness around the genitals, or passing more urine than normal.
But, you could lower your blood sugar by making small changes to your diet or exercise plan.
Eating about six tablespoons of nuts everyday should be enough to reduce your risk of diabetes complications, according to scientists from the International Tree Nut Council.
Adding about 57g of tree nuts could improve glycaemic control and blood lipids in type 2 diabetes patients, they said.
The nuts – which include almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias, walnuts and peanuts (which aren’t technically a nut) – should be added to your diet as a replacement for carbohydrate foods, the researchers claimed.
Patients following the diet plan could lower their blood sugar levels, despite the higher fat intake.
It could also reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, as the amount of ‘bad’ cholesterol in their blood could be lower.
“The bottom line is, this study showed a modest but significant improvement in blood glucose control, despite the higher fat intake, and improvement in lipid risk factors for heart disease with increasing nut dose,” according to Dr David Jenkins, from the University of Toronto.
“We also found lower levels of small LDL cholesterol – which is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”
Co-investigator of the study, Dr Cyril Kendall, added: “The improvements in blood glucose control and blood lipid levels that can be achieved by dietary and lifestyle changes are significant and could make a substantial contribution to the treatment of those with type 2 diabetes.
“Nuts are a healthy and flavourful option for individuals with diabetes that also promote healthy body weight.”
Previous research has revealed almonds could lower your blood sugar.
Adding just 60g of almonds to your diet could reduce blood sugar by three per cent, it was claimed.
There aren’t any foods that diabetes patients should actively avoid, the NHS said.
But, you should limit the amount of sugar, fat, and salt in your diet.
It’s best to eat a wide variety of foods, including fruit, vegetables, and some starchy foods.
If you’re thinking of making changes to your diabetes diet plan, it’s a good idea to make small changes every week, as opposed to jumping into the deep end.
Speak to a GP if you’re worried about the symptoms of diabetes.
