4 Natural Ways to Control Your Diabetes Risk
Keeping diabetes at bay has always been smart, and now a study in The Lancet reveals it’s key to cutting COVID-19 complications in half! The connection? Immune cells need a steady supply of blood glucose for peak function — too much flux slows the virus-slayers. To keep your blood sugar steady and immune system feisty.
Start with a smoothie.
Adding a small avocado to your breakfast will cut your diabetes risk by 35 percent, plus give you 55 percent more energy, stamina and focus all day long, suggests research in The Journal of Nutrition.
Nutritionist Tom Sanders, Ph.D., explains that avocados contain a rare compound (avocatin B) plus lots of healthy plant fats, and these nutrients work together to improve insulin sensitivity, so your muscle and brain cells can easily soak up and burn blood sugar for fuel.
Circle your arms.
You know daily exercise helps keep blood sugar in check and diabetes risk low. But a British research team reveals that it takes
less effort than you think! Just moving your arms for five minutes every half hour can heighten blood-sugar control by 55 percent in one week! Turns out moving even small muscles in your arms switches on genes that boost your ability to burn blood glucose for fuel.
Have a before-dinner treat.
Knock back a one-ounce shot (that’s two tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar or chew on a few apple cider vinegar gummies before dinner, and you’ll cut your risk of immunity-weakening
blood-sugar troubles by 40 percent. That’s the word from an Italian research team, who say cider vinegar blocks the breakdown and absorption of starches — and the slower you
absorb starches, the steadier your blood sugar will be! Try Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies ($19, Amazon).
Wish upon a star.
Stepping outside for 10 minutes just before bed could improve your blood-sugar control by as much as 45 percent. The reason: According to Canadian researchers, a nightly blast of fresh air stimulates the production of melatonin and serotonin, hormones that help you drift off more quickly and boost your body’s ability to use blood sugar for fuel.
This article originally appeared in our print magazine.
