Blood sugar levels tend to rise after eating, which can pose a problem for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, it has been scientifically proven that a cheap snack may have the opposite effect within minutes of consumption, according to the British newspaper "Express."
#### Insulin Resistance
Type 2 diabetes arises from a dysfunction in the way the body processes insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin production is hindered if the individual has type 2 diabetes, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Unstable blood sugar levels can disrupt the body, so individuals with type 2 diabetes must follow measures to control and stabilize their blood sugar levels. The risk of high blood sugar levels is more pronounced after meals because as the food is digested in the stomach, levels increase sharply. Fortunately, some foods can resist the spike in blood sugar levels within minutes of being consumed.
#### Results of Recent Scientific Research
Research indicates that consuming raisins counters high blood sugar levels. According to findings from a recent study published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine journal, the 12-week randomized study assessed the effects of regular dark raisin consumption against alternative processed snacks on glucose levels in 51 participants with type 2 diabetes.
#### Within 120 Minutes
The results showed that those who consumed raisins experienced a significant 23% reduction in glucose levels after eating. Blood sugar levels are tested within two hours of a meal to determine how the patient's body responds to sugar and starch after eating. The study’s results indicate that raisins lower blood sugar levels for participants within 120 minutes of consumption.
#### Fasting Glucose
When compared to snacks, those who consumed raisins also exhibited a 19% decrease in fasting glucose and 0.12% in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Fasting glucose is the average blood sugar level after eight to ten hours of fasting, while HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
#### Significant Drop in Blood Pressure
Additionally, compared to those who consumed alternative processed snacks, the group that consumed raisins witnessed a significant drop in blood pressure readings. Researchers concluded that "overall, this data supports raisins as a healthy alternative compared to processed snacks, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes."
#### The Secret Behind the Benefits of Raisins
Researchers note that the blood sugar-lowering effect from consuming raisins is not surprising, given that dried fruit ranks low on the glycemic index (GI), a measure used to determine how a specific type of carbohydrate affects blood sugar levels in the human body. Foods with low or moderate GI are broken down more slowly and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time, including certain fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods like oats and porridge.
#### Weight Loss
Low glycemic index foods contribute to a slower rise and fall in blood sugar, which helps individuals feel full longer. This can be beneficial for appetite control and aids in weight loss.
#### Silent Symptoms
The danger of type 2 diabetes lies in the fact that many patients are unaware that it could be the cause of silent symptoms that do not necessarily make them feel ill or fatigued, which include:
- Increased urination, especially at night
- Constant thirst
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss without attempting to lose weight
- Itching around the genital area
- Longer healing time for wounds
- Blurred vision.
