5 Best Nigerian Food For Diabetes Patient

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high glucose levels in the body caused by insulin related abnormalities within the body. That is, when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin.

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas. This hormone facilitates the production of energy from glucose provided by carbohydrates in the food we consume.

Types of Diabetes.

1.) Type 1 Diabetes

2.) Type 2 Diabetes

3.) Gestational Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes.

This occurs most frequently in children and adolescent ( young adults ), but can develop at any age. This is caused by autoimmune reaction where the body's defence system attacks the cells that produce insulin, and as a result of this, the body produces very little or no insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes.

This is common in the adults. It occurs when your body does not make proper use of the insulin it produces. This Diabetes exhaust the pancreas, resulting in the body producing less and less insulin, causing even higher blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes.

This consist of high blood glucose during pregnancy and is associated with complications to both mother and child.

Gestational Diabetes usually disappears after pregnancy but women affected and their children are at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetic Patient are strictly warned and prescribe to on the kind of food they eat in order to have a healthy life. Not all food are good for a diabetic Patient, except the ones prescribe to them by a Doctor.

Here are 5 Best Nigerian Food for a Diabetics Patient.

1.) Bitter leaf Soup

This is a traditional ingredient in Africa soups. It is known as Vernonniamydalia, it's bitter taste makes it distinct from many other ingredients used for preparing soups.

Bitter leaf helps to reduce blood sugar levels. The aqueous extract of bitter leaf at a high concentration decrease the level of blood glucose. It's efficacy to lower blood glucose level is comparable with that of chlorpropamide.

2.) Water Leaf Soup

This helps to regulate the blood sugar level which contains Talinum Triangular, essential for managing diabetes mellitus. The high dietary contents of this vegetable can help to slow down the digestion and conversion of starch to simple sugar.

3.) Ewedu & Amala

This is known as Jute Leafs which is found to be nutritious. It contains vitamin A, C and E which aids the body from certain diseases such as diabetes, indigestion and high blood pressure.

Amala contains dietary fiber. It helps to reduce the level of Cholesterol in the body which prevent cardiovascular diseases.

4.) Unripe Plantain

This is one of the most healthy food which serves as a curative agent for diabetes. It is a natural way to manage diabetes which helps to control blood sugar.