Experts explain how to tackle and prevent diabetes

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled in the last 20 years, according to brand new research from Diabetes UK.

It’s an epidemic but new research conducted by CuraLin, a diabetic supplement, indicates that us Brits have a significant lack of awareness of the condition, with over 2.5m Brits believing that diabetes only affects those who are overweight. Chief executive Chris Askew from Diabetes UK said: “Diabetes is the fastest growing health crisis of our time and the fact that diagnoses have doubled in just 20 years should give all of us serious pause for thought.” How can you prevent your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and just as importantly, how can you manage your lifestyle if you already suffer from this? Our experts reveal their top tips: 1. Embrace nature https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/curalin-223x420.jpg 223w, https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/curalin.jpg 250w" width="76" /> Nutritionist and Fitness Instructor Cassandra Barns said: “We can look to herbs and plant extracts to support balanced blood sugar levels. CuraLin (www.curalife.co) is a specially formulated dietary supplement containing ten herbs and plant extracts traditionally used to support insulin sensitivity and help keep blood glucose under control.” 2. Ease the sugar cravings https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ombar-bar-768x1490.jpg 768w, https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ombar-bar-528x1024.jpg 528w, https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ombar-bar-600x1164.jpg 600w, https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ombar-bar-696x1351.jpg 696w, https://www.theocelot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ombar-bar.jpg 977w" width="233" /> Cassandra explained: “Sugar is quickly broken down into glucose in our blood – the type of sugar that converts directly to energy. Our blood glucose level goes very high at this point, and this is when we feel energised. But because high levels of glucose in our blood are harmful to the body, it releases insulin, which then quickly removes the glucose and stores it as glycogen or fat. As well as causing us to put on weight, this surge in insulin often makes our blood sugar level drop too low, causing cravings for yet another boost of sugar – and so the cycle continues.” To soothe sugar cravings for chocolate lovers swap your chocolate bar for a couple of squares of raw chocolate. “Raw cacao – the unroasted form of cocoa, used to make raw chocolate – is rich in nutrients including magnesium, which we need for healthy muscles and bones. One really helpful nutritional benefit of raw cacao is that it is a powerful source of chromium. Chromium is a mineral that has been shown to reduce sugar cravings and improve insulin function in the body. For a cacao solid bar try OMBAR 90% Cacao £1.99, ombar.co.uk,” advises Cassandra. 3. It’s all about metabolic balance Nutrition and Weight Loss Coach, Pippa Campbell, runs a three-month Metabolic Balance programme (?890, www.pippacampbellhealth.com) that is 100% personalised and actively supports a person’s own biochemistry and nutritional needs. “The Metabolic Balance Programme reduces insulin and inflammation. This is why the programme is perfect for people with Type 2 Diabetes. “The path to Type 2 is the constant release of insulin as a result of diets with a high glycemic load. This leads to constantly filled stores of glycogen within muscle cells and continual fat construction, which leads to a reduction of insulin receptors. In order to transport glucose into the muscle and fat cells, higher amounts of insulin is needed (insulin resistance). Not only is Metabolic Balance a programme with low GI foods it is also completely personalised. Through blood analysis of the persons biochemistry and medical history a plan can be created with all the foods that will not cause insulin spikes. This is unique to each person with diabetes,” explains Pippa. 4. Drink water as your primary beverage Sticking with water for most the time helps you to avoid drinks that are high in sugar and preservatives. “The sugar content of standard soft drinks is, of course, the primary reason to avoid them. But even sugar-free sweetened drinks are best avoided as artificial sweeteners and other additives they contain could have harmful effects too – even encouraging further weight gain!” explains Cassandra. 5. Prevent diabetes with protein  “Start each meal with a few bites of protein as this will prepare the body. Protein slows down the release of insulin, helps to balance blood sugar levels and can make you feel fuller for longer. Try eating eggs for breakfast or add some protein powder to yoghurt,” explains Pippa. 6. Forgo white bread and baked goods made with flour “White breads and baked goods made with white flour such as pastries, pizza, and crumpets should be avoided. This is because they’re made from refined flour and so are quickly broken down into sugars and absorbed. In fact, some of them have a higher glycaemic index (meaning they raise blood sugar levels faster) than pure table sugar! They can be replaced with whole grain alternatives – or preferably, foods made from whole grains that have not been broken down into flour – such as oatcakes, dark German-style rye breads, porridge or simply cooked brown rice or quinoa,” explains Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns. 7. Stay clear of stress “If you are stressed your blood sugar is likely to go up take up the likes of yoga, meditation, a good hobby or deep breathing. Also, to help keep your blood sugar levels down limit alcohol intake to no more than one glass of wine for women daily and two units daily for men per week, as alcohol increases blood sugar levels,” explains Dr Wendy Denning, in collaboration with CuraLin.