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As a nutritionist, I have come into contact with many diabetes patients in my work, and their experiences have made me deeply aware of the importance of diabetes prevention and treatment. In this article, I will share some experiences and insights about diabetes to help everyone better understand how to activate insulin and control blood sugar levels. It is worth mentioning that the champion of activating insulin is not the well-known bitter melon but something else. If you love to eat, don’t let your blood sugar go wild.
I. Sharing Experiences of Diabetes
Diabetes is a common chronic disease, and the number of diabetes patients in our country has exceeded 100 million. My patient, Mr. Zhang, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during a routine check-up. Initially, he had a limited understanding of diabetes, thinking that as long as he took his medication on time, he could control the condition. However, this was not the case. After a severe hypoglycemia episode, Mr. Zhang realized the importance of diet and lifestyle.
By adjusting his diet, increasing exercise, Mr. Zhang’s blood sugar control has improved. He shared his experience: a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and maintaining good sleep are key to controlling blood sugar.
II. The Importance of Insulin Activation
Insulin is the body’s only hormone that lowers blood sugar, and activating insulin function is crucial for diabetic patients. So, how can insulin be activated? The following methods are worth trying:
Dietary Regulation: Choose low GI (Glycemic Index) foods such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats, etc. These foods release sugars slowly, avoiding blood sugar fluctuations.
Increase Dietary Fiber Intake: Dietary fiber helps reduce the rate of food digestion, leading to a slower rise in blood sugar. Foods rich in dietary fiber include vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc.
Moderate Exercise: Exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity, helping lower blood sugar levels. It is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Maintain a Good Routine: Adequate sleep helps with insulin secretion, lowering blood sugar levels.
III. The Champion of Insulin Activation – Not Bitter Melon
In the minds of many people, bitter melon is known for its good blood sugar-lowering effects. Indeed, bitter melon contains saponins that have blood sugar-lowering effects, but it is not the champion of insulin activation. In fact, the real food that can activate insulin is – cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a common spice with a unique aroma. Studies have found that the active component in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, significantly enhances insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar levels. Cinnamaldehyde activates insulin through the following pathways:
Enhances Insulin Receptor Expression: Cinnamaldehyde increases the number of insulin receptors on cell surfaces, making it easier for insulin to bind to the receptors and exert blood sugar-lowering effects.
Inhibits Glycogen Breakdown: Cinnamaldehyde reduces glycogen breakdown in the liver, lowering blood sugar levels.
Promotes Glycolysis: Cinnamaldehyde increases the activity of glycolytic enzymes, allowing glucose to be better utilized in the body.
IV. How to Properly Use Cinnamon
Although cinnamon has the effect of activating insulin, it is not the more you eat, the better. Here are some recommendations:
Moderate Consumption: Consuming 1-2 grams of cinnamon powder per day is sufficient. Excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects.
Cooking Pairing: Sprinkle cinnamon powder on oatmeal, milk, yogurt, and other foods to enhance flavor and promote blood sugar reduction.
Note on Cooking Methods: High-temperature cooking may destroy the active components of cinnamon, so it is advisable to add it in the later stages of cooking.
In conclusion, activating insulin is of great significance for diabetes patients. A balanced diet, moderate exercise, and maintaining good sleep are key to controlling blood sugar levels. Cinnamon, as a food with insulin-activating properties, is worth our attention. If you love cinnamon, don’t let your blood sugar go wild. Of course, while adjusting diet and lifestyle, diabetes patients should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and follow doctor’s medication instructions. Start a healthy lifestyle now!
