A crucial aspect of diabetes management is regulating the untimely elevation of blood sugar levels(glucose). But this approach of intensive glucose control to achieve low blood sugar targets in type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of mortality, says a new study.
For the study, the team analysed data collected from 300,000 people in the UK, collected between 2004 and 2015, researchers found that lower levels of glycated haemoglobin was linked with increased mortality risk as compared to moderate levels. The risk increased if the intensive control was coupled with intensive treatments that could cause hypoglycaemia.
The researchers said that treatment guidelines are tended towards strategies that aim for low levels of glucose control, on the basis of common understanding that it reduces risk of macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke. But the study had a different story to tell, hinting towards an association with increased mortality risk and what is considered to be good glucose control.
The study also suggested that neither randomised trials nor observational studies have been able to demonstrate a consistent pattern of association between levels of glucose control and adverse outcome, which makes it difficult to pin the optimal target for glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes
The study published in the in Journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism also suggested that the pattern of mortality in relation to glucose control differed in relation to differing types of diabetes drugs. The researchers believe that there are many questions unanswered when it comes to glucose control in diabetes.
Here are foods that could help you manage your blood sugar levels naturally and better
1.Barley
Eating a special mixture of dietary fibres found in barley can help reduce your appetite as well as high blood sugar levels. "Whole grains like oats, brown rice or millets like jowar and ragi contain both soluble and insoluble fibre that helps with sugar control," shares Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Rupali Datta.
2.Bananas
Studies claim that starch found in foods such as bananas, potatoes, grains and legumes, may benefit your health by aiding blood sugar control, supporting gut health and enhancing satiety. This is a form of starch that is not digested in the small intestine and is, therefore, considered a type of dietary fiber.
3.Nuts
Nuts contain unsaturated fats, proteins and a range of vitamins and minerals that lower cholesterol, inflammation and insulin resistance.
4.Bitter gourd (Karela)
Bitter gourd contains an insulin-like compound called Polypeptide-p or p-insulin which has been shown to control diabetes naturally.Consumption of bitter gourd tends to increase the uptake of glucose and improves glycemic control.
5.Protein rich foods
According to Dr. Rupali Datta, "Proteins from eggs, meat fish and chicken or from vegetarian sources like dals, paneer or besan help control blood sugar levels. Whole dals like rajma, Kabuli chana, sabut moong, and masoor are recommended at least once daily. Studies have proven that proteins have a neutral effect on blood glucose levels.
