12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes: Part 2

5. Indulge your coffee craving. 

After they studied 126,210 men and women, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that big-time coffee drinkers- those who downed more than 6 cups a day- had a 29 to 54% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes during the 18 year study. Sipping 4 to 5 cups cut risk about 29%; 1 to 3 cups per day had little effect. Decaf coffee offered no protection. Caffeine in other forms- tea, soda, chocolate- did. Researchers suspect that caffeine may help by boosting metabolism. And coffee, the major caffeine source in the study, also contains potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants that helps cells absorb sugar.
But before you become a VIP at Dunkin' Donuts, remember that a medium chain-store cuppa is about 14 to 16 ounces- right there that's 2 cups by standard measures.
6. Ditch the drive-thru.

That's what University of Minnesota scientists found after they studied 3,000 people, ages 18 to 30, for 15 years. At the start, everyone was at a normal weight. But those who ate fast food more than twice a week gained 10 more pounds and developed twice the rate of insulin resistance- the two major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes- compared with those who indulged less than once a week. In addition to the jumbo portions, many fast food menus are loaded with unhealthy trans fats and refined carbohydrates, which may raise diabetes risk even if your weight remains normal. A better bet: Keep a baggie of DIY trail mix in your purse at all times in case hunger pangs come on. Nuts are known to be blood-sugar lowers.
7. Go veggie more often.
Women who are red meat more than 5 times a week had a 29% higher risk of Type 2 diabetes than those who ate it less than once a week, found in a 37,000 woman study at University of Brigham and Women's Hospital. And eating processed meats such as bacon and hot dogs at least 5 times a week raised Type 2 diabetes risk by 43%, compared with eating them less than once a week. The culprits? Scientists suspect the cholesterol in red meat and the additives in processed meat are to blame.
8. Spice up your life. 
German researchers studied 65 adults with Type 2 diabetes who then took a capsule containing the equivalent of 1 g of cinnamon or a placebo 3 times a day for 4 months. By the end, cinnamon reduced blood sugar by about 10%; the placebo users improved by only 4%. Why? Compounds in cinnamon may activate enzymes that stimulate insulin receptors. The sweet spice has also been shown to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, blood fats that may contribute to diabetes risk.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office today to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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