About Diabetes

Diabetes in all its forms affects as many as 29 million people in the US alone, or 9.3% of the population. Of these, 8.1 million people, or nearly 28%, are undiagnosed! Diabetes is present when blood sugar levels become abnormally high, and the individual does not produce enough insulin.

According to the American Diabetes Association, it is the seventh leading cause of death among Americans. There are a number of different forms of diabetes, type 2 being the most prevalent.  

There are three main types of diabetes:  type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes which affects women during pregnancy. Another condition, prediabetes, occurs when blood sugar levels are high, but not yet high enough to render a diagnosis of diabetes. In this case, it is especially helpful to follow all the guidelines possible to avoid diabetes.

Diabetes is classified as a ‘metabolism disorder.’ This means that the glucose produced from what we eat cannot be metabolized, or used properly, by the body. Our system does not produce enough insulin, which comes from our pancreas, to move sugar from our blood system to the cells of our bodies.

Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive weight gain or loss, extreme thirst and hunger, vision problems, dry skin, tingling and numbness in the extremities, excessive tiredness, wounds that are slow to heal and an increase in infections.

Diabetes in turn can cause much more severe diseases such as heart attack, stroke, nerve damage or neuropathy, kidney damage, blindness, hearing impairment, and a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Good News!

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be greatly improved with exercise and a healthy diet. What you eat goes a long way to controlling your blood sugar levels!

What to Look For

When considering ingredients for the best smoothie for your diabetes, look for fruits, veggies and liquids that are fat free, cholesterol free, and low in sodium. Consider soy milk or fat free milk as a liquid, for added calcium and protein, two other important ingredients for diabetics. Green smoothies may be especially healthful for the control of diabetes.

Fruits to consider in moderation are kiwi, apples, pears, mango and berries, all of which contain a type of sugar, fructose, which does not interfere with insulin levels. There are fruits that should be avoided, such as melon and pineapple, both of which score high on the glycemic index. Any fruit which has a low glycemic level can be used in moderation.

Vegetables which are high on the list of healthful for diabetics are broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots and kelp. These are rich in beta-carotenes, B-complex compounds, vitamin C, folate and manganese which are all necessary for a nutritious diet and optimal health. They are exceeding abundant in fiber, which has been demonstrated to control blood sugar levels.

Also, look for produce low in overall carbohydrates and low on the glycemic index, while being high in fiber. Adding wheat germ is one way to accomplish this!

Here's my favorite diabetes-fighting smoothie recipe.

About the Author

Jan is a contributing author of the best-selling Juice & Smoothie Recipes That Heal! featuring over 275 recipes that fight illnesses based on the latest nutritional discoveries.

See Also

Top 5 Fruits & Vegetables to Fight Obesity

The Importance of Organic Ingredients in Your Smoothies

How To Avoid Common Juice & Smoothie Mistakes