01:17 PM
Friday 09 September 2022
Type 2 diabetes results from impaired production of insulin, a hormone whose main role is to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Research indicates that a surprising food can help control these levels, within “minutes”, which is chocolate, according to Russia Today.
Creamy and sweet chocolate is a beloved snack for many. While most are usually packed with sugar, there is an exception to every rule.
According to research published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, a certain type of chocolate can be effective in managing high blood sugar levels.
The research shows that high blood sugar following eating is associated with complications in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Accordingly, the study set out to investigate how sugar-free dark chocolate affects postprandial blood sugar levels.
Compared to regular dark chocolate, the type used in the study was sweetened with stevia, erythritol and inulin.
The researchers recruited 13 participants who ate 34 grams of sugar-free dark chocolate or 34 grams of conventional dark chocolate.
Next, the research team measured blood glucose levels 120 minutes following eating.
The study found that sugar-free chocolate lowered blood glucose compared to traditional dark chocolate during the same time.
While this study appears promising, the researchers added that the long-term effects on glucose control “remain to be determined.”
Another reason why dark chocolate is beneficial for diabetics is its high magnesium content.
Read also: Calories in dark chocolate.. How many pieces are allowed in the diet?
The National Institutes of Health explains that high blood sugar levels as well as diabetes have been associated with micronutrient deficiencies, including magnesium deficiency.
Furthermore, the health website notes that magnesium has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives suggested that dark chocolate may help ward off type 2 diabetes.
The results say: “Overall, the evidence from these studies suggests that cocoa may be beneficial in slowing the progression of type 2 diabetes and improving insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome. There are plausible mechanisms for the antioxidant effects of cocoa polyphenols to directly influence insulin resistance, and thus Reducing the risk of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
The main symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Urinating more than usual (especially at night)
Feeling thirsty all the time
Feeling very tired
Unintended weight loss
Slow wound healing
Blurred vision
