Diabetes occurs when your body struggles with insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar by helping it to enter your cells and make energy. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t produce enough of this hormone or the insulin in your body isn’t effective.
The 59p food which could prevent blood sugar spikes and even lower your risk of diabetes is plum.
One of the reasons why the sweet fruit has beneficial effects on blood glucose – another phrase for blood sugar – it’s a low glycaemic index.
The glycaemic index (GI) describes at what rate food raises your blood sugar levels.
From quickly to slowly, different carbohydrates are digested and absorbed at different speeds.
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Plums are thought to help increase levels of a hormone that has a part in blood sugar reduction called adiponectin, according to a study published in the World Journal of Diabetes.
The fruit is also rich in a polyphenol called chlorogenic acid.
And evidence suggests that this compound may help balance blood sugar and regular appetite, Science Direct reports.
Perhaps the best-known for its effects on blood sugar is fibre. And as a juicy fruit, plum packs this goodie.
In case you’re not familiar, fibre slows down the rate at which your body absorbs carbohydrates, causing your glucose to rise gradually.
On top of that, fruits like plums and prunes have been linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the British Medical Journal.
They found that enjoying certain fruits can cut the risk of the condition while drinking fruit juice could boost your risk.
If you need a reminder of the main diabetes symptoms, these include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more frequently than usual (particularly at night)
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around your genitals
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- Blurred vision.
