With the cost of medicine on the rise, many people with chronic diseases are looking for alternative treatment methods. For diabetics, using testing supplies, like glucose strips, syringes, and lancets, can add up. Fortunately, some diabetics may be able to reduce their need for medicine by eating more natural prevention foods, including nopal pear and nuts.

Nopal Pear

Nopal pear is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. However, diabetics may be more familiar with this tart, green cactus plant's ability to fight diabetes. Since diabetics absorb glucose faster than normal, they experience a rise in blood sugar after a meal. With the help of nopal pear, diabetics can slow down the absorption process and reduce their blood sugar levels, making it easier to manage the chronic disease.

In addition to controlling diabetes, eating nopal pear may also help keep your heart healthy and promote weight loss. Having diabetes increases one's risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack; however, consuming nopal pear can lower artery-clogging cholesterol. Increasing your intake of nopal pear can also help you achieve your optimum weight. Like other vegetables, nopal pear contains a substantial amount of fiber. Eating foods high in fiber make you feel fuller longer. This helps you to eat less and lose weight. Hundreds of nopal pear recipes are available online. If you're planning on preparing a nopal pear dish, you can purchase the cactus plant from your local grocery or health food store. To avoid injury, remember to remove the cactus needles with a pairing knife.

Nuts

Despite being high in saturated fat and calories, nuts are a healthier alternative to carbohydrates. Not only can nuts help Type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar, but they may also lower one's LDL cholesterol level. Insulin deficiencies can cause blood sugar to rise; however, eating nuts may improve insulin function in your body. Nuts are packed with magnesium. This essential nutrient helps your pancreas produce insulin. In addition to aiding insulin production, magnesium affects how your body's cells absorb glucose. This can help control one's blood sugar level.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular conditions. However, with the help of nuts, you can lower your "bad" cholesterol, reducing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can clog your arteries. Over time, clogged arteries can damage your heart. To protect your heart, you should consume 2 ounces of nuts at least 5 times per week. Nuts that promote heart health include raw, unsalted or dry roasted. If you're concerned about calories, pistachios possess the fewest. Most types of nuts are healthy; however, diabetics should avoid macadamia nuts because they contain too much fat and calories to be beneficial. Since all nuts are high in fat, it's important to enjoy them in moderation.

Foods like nopal pear and nuts may prevent diabetes from worsening; however, they should not replace prescribed medication. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including medication, diet, and exercise, is the best way to manage diabetes. Talk with your doctor to learn more about preventative foods.