The World Health Organisation predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death worldwide in 2030 – a fact that has the scientific community in a research frenzy. We took a peek inside the labs and found some exciting possibilities for the future and some healthy habits you should adopt now.
1. Rise And Dine
Starting your day with a big (2 900kJ), healthy breakfast could reduce your risk for diabetes, according to research from Tel Aviv University, which showed that the time of day that you eat affects the way your body processes your food intake. The study found a greater decrease in insulin, glucose and triglycerides in participants who ate a big brekkie, compared with those who ate larger meals at night.
2. Start Picking Up Weights
Research is showing that weight-bearing exercise is particularly helpful for type-1 diabetics. A 2013 study conducted by the American Diabetes Association found that resistance training lowers blood glucose levels during and after the workout, and goes on to keep levels more stable than aerobic exercise does. It also comes in tops for fat-burning – bonus!
READ MORE: 11 Super-Subtle Signs You Might Actually Have Diabetes
3. If You Hate Needles…
Then you’ll love this! One of the latest treatments being developed for diabetics is a new inhalable insulin powder. Currently on a clinical trial in America, the drug, called Afrezza, assists insulin levels within 14 minutes and is showing positive results for controlling both type-1 and type-2 diabetes. If successful, it could become available by early next year.
4. Cut It Out
A new cure for type-2 diabetes could be gastric bypass surgery. Yup, the same procedure that helps obese people lose weight. Experts from the South African Society for Obesity and Metabolism say that it’s now proven to put type-2 diabetes into longterm remission – prior to weight loss. Type-2 diabetics who have the surgery show normal blood glucose levels afterwards. It’s extremely invasive and certainly no quick fix, but it’s becoming an option for diabetic patients who are very overweight (BMI greater than 35) and can’t drop the kilos through diet and exercise.
READ MORE: 7 Diabetes Food Swaps Anyone Who Wants To Lose Weight Should Know
5. No More Daily Injections?
Researchers at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have discovered a hormone called betatrophin that could increase the production of beta cells (the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin). It’s currently being tested on mice, so human application is sadly still far off, but if successful, it could mean that diabetics have an injection just once a month (or even once a year).
6. Don’t Lose Count Of Calories
Carb counting is still one of the most effective ways to maintain blood sugar levels. Foods containing carbs raise blood glucose, and the more carb-dense the food, the greater its effect on your blood sugar. Work out how many grams of carbs you should limit yourself to, then read food labels and measure your portions accordingly.
