My Herbs 1

those suffering from being overweight
or obese. These patients have an increased
level of carbohydrates that cannot
be processed by insulin in their
bodies. Obese people suffer from diabetes
up to six times more often than
individuals of a healthy weight. Thus,
achieving an appropriate body weight
is very important in the treatment of
diabetes.
The disease is most often diagnosed
among individuals 40-60 years old.
“Type 2 diabetes is often preceded by socalled
prediabetes, a stage which in many
ways resembles diabetes, but it is not the
disease itself. Patients with either diabetes
or prediabetes have an increased risk of
heart attack, stroke or cancer. Up to five
percent of the population suffers from
prediabetes, and many are totally unaware
of it,” says Professor Stepan
Svacina, MD. “Currently, there are many
medications available that significantly
improve glycemia and help reduce body
weight. These are the advantages of the
new medications. In the past, antidiabetic
medications used to cause an increase of
body weight,” adds the obesity specialist.
Ways to Regulate Your Blood
Sugar Levels Naturally
Beans – They are both nutritious and
low in calories. They contain a lot of
fiber and thus, help with satiation. Furthermore,
a handful of beans a day can
balance blood sugar levels and stabilize
blood pressure, as well as cholesterol
levels. Another reason for adding beans
to a diet is their low glycemic index.
Blueberries – Blueberry leaves are
great for patients with diabetes. The
leaves contain gluconins, which decrease
blood sugar levels. The leaves of
blueberries also contain tannins, which
clean the digestive tract, and anthocyanins,
which work well against
smooth muscle tissue convulsions. In
addition, they contain simple phenols,
which prevent bacteria growth and
have anti-inflammatory effects.
NATURAL SUGARS
Fruit sugar (fructose) – Fructose is
found abundantly in fruits. Although it
is sugar, diabetics usually have no problems
with it. Some people may have increased
triglyceride and cholesterol
levels after taking higher doses of fructose,
however.
Lactose – This is a natural part of milk
and dairy products. In the small intestine,
lactose, with the help of lactase,
splits into glucose and galactose, which
are then absorbed (this leads to an increased
risk of glycemia). Cream and
butter contain one-quarter to one-half
less lactose than milk, due to their lesser
content of water in comparison to milk.
In cultured dairy products, the effects of
lactic bacteria decrease by about onethird
in lactose concentration.
Stevia – This zero-calorie sweetener
that contains naturally sweet tasting
glycosides can be used to sweeten cold
or hot dishes.
Erythritol – occurs commonly in
fruits, vegetables, the seeds of plants,
and mushrooms. Although its sweetness
is close to traditional sugar, erythritol
has a low caloric value.
St John’s-bread (Catania siliqua) –
Because 50 percent of its contents are
natural sugar, St. John's-bread can replace
ordinary sugar in nearly any dish.
It is also used as a chocolate substitute
and used regularly in diabetes treatment.
Thanks to its fiber content, it
supports digestion and secretion.
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