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A diabetes diagnosis is a-lot to take in. When George was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 17 years old, it was disheartening. 16yrs later, George is a, husband, father, writer, musician and is living life to the fullest. While most may take this as a miracle, George had all the chances to battle the disease and he took them.

Diabetes is a disease often feared, in which the body doesn’t produce or properly utilise insulin, an enzyme that helps in controlling the amount of glucose absorbed in the muscles and brain. People with diabetes will often face both high and low blood sugar.

Type 1 diabetes, is an auto-immune disease in which insulin producing cells are attacked by the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable. Mostly common in children, type 1 diabetes is controlled by taking insulin daily to ensure the body is able to regulate the amount of glucose in the body. Breastfeeding is also important to reduce the risk of a child getting diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops a resistance to the insulin or when the pancreas loses the ability to produce enough insulin. Mostly considered very lifestyle influenced, A low GL (Glycemic load), supplements, healthier lifestyle choices as well as a good exercise regime is paramount to keep the disease at bay.

Here are 7 affordable Low GL foods that would greatly aid in in the prevention as well as control of diabetes.

  • Oats, oat-bran and mushrooms provide beta-glucan a nutrient which has anti-diabetes properties.
  • Quinoa is a low GL food loaded with numerous important nutrients. It’s a high protein source rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamins B & E and minerals such as calcium and iron.
  • Seeds and nuts provide a good array of nutrients essential in controlling blood sugar levels. For instance, Chia seeds are high in protein, soluble fibre and omega 3 fats which play a major role in reversing metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
  • Prunes, blueberries, blackberries, black currants and cherries contain xylose sugar making them slow releasing fruits suitable in controlling blood sugar levels.
  • Pulses like lentils and beans helps regulate blood sugar levels since they have a low GL load due to their relatively high protein content.
  • Cinnamon contains MCHP, the active ingredient that mimics the action of insulin by removing excess sugar levels from the bloodstream.
  • Sugar alternatives such as Stevia and Xylitol.

More-over Chromium picolinate supplements help in enhancing insulin efficiency thus reducing the risk of your body building a resistance to it. psyllium husk and glucommanan supplements also provide much needed fibre, reducing the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases e.g. cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and obesity, diseases who’s frequency is often increased by diabetes.