Food sources of glucose

Carbohydrates are classified according to their degree of polymerization into three groups, namely sugars, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

Sugars are monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose) and polyols (sorbitol, mannitol). Glucose is the main fuel energy unit used by the human body. All other carbohydrates are converted to glucose for use in the body.

Sugar cane

Glucose is found naturally in some fruits, but it is mostly produced by the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive process.

Starches are the primary storage form of carbohydrates in plants. They are composed of either amylase, which consist of straight chains of glucose molecules or amylopectin, which consist of branched-chain glucose molecules. Various food sources of starches such as vegetables, legumes and grains.
Food sources of glucose

Cinnamon help for insulin resistance

Cinnamon is the most commonly consumed spice and has been known from antiquity.

The popular spice, once considered more precious than gold, has medicinal value that is making even pharmaceutical companies take notice.

Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels.

It is cinnamon’s effect on blood sugar that makes it a potential help in the war against obesity, insulin resistance, sometimes known as "prediabetes," and the "Metabolic Syndrome."

Studies have shown that cinnamon improve insulin resistance by affecting the insulin receptors on cells to promote the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream.

In other words, cinnamon increase insulin sensitivity by mimicking all the positive effects of insulin. When consumed, cinnamon rushes to muscle cells. Attaches to them, and does what insulin cannot: it triggers the uptake of glucose and other lifesavings nutrients from the blood by eliciting phosphorylation.

Compounds found in cinnamon not only improve the function of insulin but also function as antioxidants and may anti-inflammatory.
Cinnamon help for insulin resistance

Insulin sensitivity and dark chocolate

Cocoa and dark chocolate contain high levels of minerals and methylxanthines. These compounds can potentially influence glucose metabolism.

According to some studies done in Italy, dark chocolate has many of the same benefits as vitamin C helping the body use insulin more effectively.

It is suggested that a decline in endothelial function can lead to insulin resistance, which is results in a reduction of insulin mediated glucose uptake.

Two studies published (Hypertension 2005; 46: 398-405 and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005; 81:611-614) showed that after 15 days of ingesting dark chocolate insulin sensitivity was increased and insulin resistance was decreased significantly.

The study is stemmed from earlier studies that showed the cocoa and dark chocolate polyphenols reduce blood pressure by increasing insulin-dependent nitric oxide bioavailability.

Furthermore, this improvement in insulin sensitivity has been correlated with an improvement in endothelial function, suggesting an association between the two events.

Caffeine in dark chocolate has been shown to reduce insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals (Can. J. Physio. Pharmacol. 2001:79: 559-65) and impair glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes.
Insulin sensitivity and dark chocolate 

Health benefits of eating blueberries to diabetic

Blueberries contained high antioxidant capacity. The berries are said to reduce eye strain, control diabetes and improve circulation.

The primary active compound in blueberries is a phenolic compound and powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin. This substance gives blueberries their rich blue color.

In addition to their antioxidant activity, blueberries have been found to protect against urinary tract infections, improve ‘tired eyes’ and possibly reduce the overall effects of aging through their potent antioxidant activity. Blueberry also has a number of antioxidants actions and improves the response of tissues to insulin.

Epidemiological data suggest that consumption of two or more servings of blueberries per week is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and suggest that the high level of flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, in blueberries are responsible for their positive effects.

Blueberry leaves also are said to have blood sugar lowering qualities. Several cups a day prepared as a decoction is said to lower blood sugar. Three months are said to be required before benefits became apparent.
Health benefits of eating blueberries to diabetic

Healthy eating for diabetes type 2

Lifestyle strategies centered on healthy eating and physical activity are key to nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes.  A healthy diet is so important for good health, to control diabetes and reduce diabetic risk.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are often overweight and insulin resistance, so their treatment plane emphasis reduced energy intake and increased physical activity.

*Healthy eating principles should be involved partners and other family members too.

*Choose vegetables and fruit on regular basis. Drink juice sparingly.

*Total calorie intake should allow maintaining an ideal weight which, in turn, reduces insulin resistance.

*Don’t eat too much saturated fat. Try to limit daily intake of fat to 30% or less of total calories, with less than 7% from saturated fat.

*Meal and snacks should be eaten at the same time each day.

*Look after the vitamins and minerals in your foods

*Choose grain products such as whole grain bread, oatmeal or pasta.

*Avoid alcoholic drinks, regular soft drinks and fruit juices because these beverages are high in calories.

Healthy eating can help managing body weight and blood sugar level. It can also reduce risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The secret to making eating and drinking with diabetes work is to learn about healthy eating in general and apply to own eating pattern, making changes that are achievable and if necessary, introducing new foods and ways of eating gradually.
Healthy eating for diabetes type 2