Nutrition

While completely eliminating sugar is often praised as the ultimate defense against diabetes, a groundbreaking new study reveals that extreme restriction may actually trigger the exact metabolic dysfunctions it aims to prevent. By starving the gut microbiome of certain carbohydrates, strict zero-sugar diets can spark a dangerous chain reaction of intestinal inflammation, fatty liver changes, and severe insulin resistance.

National Nutrition Month and Diabetes Alert Day® highlight the critical role of healthy eating in preventing and managing diabetes; adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, including prioritizing whole foods and regular physical activity, can significantly reduce your risk. Understanding your individual risk through resources like the Diabetes Risk Test and consulting healthcare professionals is essential for proactive diabetes management.

In a new study, undertaken by Imperial College London in the United Kingdom and DnaNudge, and published in Scientific ReportsTrusted Source, researchers investigated diets customised to an individual’s DNA — to assist participants in controlling blood sugar levels and decrease the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Intermittent fasting (IF) for people with diabetes has the potential benefit of improving blood glucose—and possibly reversing diabetes or going into “remission.” The key is balancing these benefits with the safety concerns of following this eating plan when taking diabetes medications.

Cozy up to fall and winter noshes like these, and you’ll reap benefits that will aid blood sugar and weight control.

With a bit of guidance, you can decode food labels and gain a better understanding of the information they present, such as whether the calories in the food are empty (meaning they come from added sugars or unhealthy fats) or nutrient-dense (meaning they come from protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals). This information can help you make more informed choices about the foods you eat to take control of your health and manage your diabetes more effectively.

Everyone is busy, and let’s face it, not everyone wants to spend hours in the kitchen every day to eat a good breakfast, break for lunch, or rush to make dinner in the evenings. Instead, a lot of us may only have time to eat on the go. Whether that means grabbing a pre-made meal from the store or from your own refrigerator, convenience is key. But sometimes, the foods that are most convenient aren’t always the healthiest. While we could always use more time to focus on the things that matter most to us, it doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice healthy eating in the process

If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider has likely told you the importance of diet when it comes to managing your blood sugar. And if you’re not sure what foods to avoid, all you may have to do is listen to your body for clues.

Certain foods, particularly those rich in carbohydrates, can cause blood sugars to rise quickly. This can make you feel sluggish, cause high blood sugar, and even make you gain weight.