Diabetes PubMed

In addition to their use as antioxidants and antimicrobials, peanut phytoalexins may possess beneficial health effects. Studies have shown these compounds to have anti-diabetic, anticancer, and vasodilatory effects.

Nutritional interventions that incorporate functional foods, such fish oils - in particular n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) - may be a novel strategy to reduce insulin insensitivity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and pro-inflammatory state.

The results of this study suggest that African Americans may need to consume more than 12 g/day of resistant starch (RS) to lower their risk for type 2 DM.

Consumption of processed meats, but not red meats, is associated with higher incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes mellitus.

Consumption of sweetened beverages is however clearly associated with excess calorie intake, and an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases through an increase in body weight. This has led to the recommendation to limit the daily intake of sugar calories.

Egg consumption was positively associated with the risk of diabetes among the Chinese, particularly in women.

Through different mechanisms, some components of nuts such as magnesium, fiber, alpha-linolenic acid, L-arginine, antioxidants and MUFA may protect against inflammation and insulin resistance.

Increased consumption of whole grains has been associated with reduced risk of major chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and some cancers.

Evidence suggests that garlic's antioxidative, antiinflammatory, and antiglycative properties are responsible for garlic's role in preventing diabetes progression and the development of diabetes-related complications. Large-scale clinical studies with diabetic patients are warranted to confirm the usefulness of garlic in the treatment and prevention of diabetes.

In the meta-analysis, the antidiabetic effects of onion extract and single components were significant for glucose concentration and body weight (P < .05), but the effects of garlic extract were not significant. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that the single component intake and onion extract intake may be effective for lowering plasma glucose concentrations and body weight.

Clinically, garlic has been evaluated for a number of conditions, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, intermittent claudication, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, common cold, as an insect repellent, and for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and cancer. However, the clinical evidence is far from compelling. Garlic appears to be generally safe although allergic reactions may occur.

While more research is required to establish the ability of nuts to improve glycaemic control in the long run, early data indicate that the inclusion of nuts in the diets of individuals with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome is warranted, in view of their potential to reduce CHD risk.

Vegetarian and vegan diets present potential advantages in managing type 2 diabetes that merit the attention of individuals with diabetes and their caregivers.

Lowering the glycaemic index (GI) of the diet may contribute to improved glycaemic control in diabetes.

Grapes and other fruits contain numerous polyphenols, including the stilbene resveratrol, the flavanol quercetin, catechins, and anthocyanins that have shown potential for reducing hyperglycemia, improving beta-cell function, and protecting against beta-cell loss. Therefore, with a low mean GI and GL, grapes or grape products may provide health benefits to type 2 diabetics.

These results suggest that coffee exerts a suppressive effect on hyperglycemia by improving insulin sensitivity, partly due to reducing inflammatory cytokine expression and improving fatty liver.

Replacing high-heat-treatment techniques by mild cooking techniques may help to positively modulate biomarkers associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

Long-term consumption of tea catechins could be beneficial against high-fat diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes and could reduce the risk of coronary disease.

The results of this study demonstrate that 8-week consumption of honey can provide beneficial effects on body weight and blood lipids of diabetic patients.

In conclusion, honey, because of its lower glycemic index (GI) and peak incremental index (PII) when compared with sucrose, may be used as a sugar substitute in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.