Eight of ten American adults have elevated blood glucose levels. The longer a person waits to address high blood sugar, the greater the odds of developing type 2 diabetes. This deadly disease can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, kidney failure and even blindness.
It is widely-recognized that Americans eat too much sugar, but many of us don’t realize the dangers of the foods we are consuming. For example, drinking only one can of soda daily ups your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes by 18 to 22 percent. Sodas are an obvious offender, but there are many other foods to avoid.
It is important to abstain from foods and food additives that can cause your glucose blood levels to spike. Refined carbohydrates are one culprit, and this group includes not just foods with added sugar, but all “white” foods, such as potatoes, white rice, and white flour.
High-fructose corn syrup comprises more than 40 percent of the sugar-based sweeteners sold in the U.S. and added to processed foods. Among other problems, fructose does not trigger satiety signals in the way other foods do, so you tend to overeat and gain weight.
In addition to careful diet, you may want to consider adding a natural supplement called mulberry leaf. This extract has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its positive effects have now been proven through scientific research.
A 2012 study by Am J Chin Med. determined mulberry leaf supported diabetic control in people with type-2 diabetes, and it lowered concentrations of blood glucose. In addition, the supplement reduces LDL cholesterol (the “bad” type) and raises HDL (the “good” cholesterol). Based on this research, it seems likely mulberry leaf can also benefit people who suffer from glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome.
Research conducted in Italy proved mulberry leaves support weight loss. Participants in the study took 2,400 milligrams of mulberry extract daily, and were checked at regular intervals for changes in blood chemistry, waist circumference, and weight. Each participant lost an average of 20 pounds in 3 months versus 6.5 pounds in the control group (which received a placebo).
The benefits of mulberry leaf extract include:
Reduction of post-meal blood glucose spikes
Higher insulin sensitivity
Reduced overall appetite
Better daily blood sugar control
Improved cholesterol levels
It has now been demonstrated that mulberry extract can dramatically improve blood sugar levels, prevent blood sugar spikes, and prevent diabetes, as well as facilitating weight loss. You may want to add this supplement to your health regimen. Health experts recommend a dose of 100 milligrams two or three times every day.
