Can Diabetics Eat Rice?

Can Diabetics Eat Rice?

Good news for diabetics: Rice has been found to have varying glycemic indices.

How Does Diabetes Affect Blood Sugar?

For persons with type 2 diabetes, managing their blood sugar is an important daily task. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or ignores it. When food is digested, insulin is what carries sugar from the blood to be processed as energy. If blood sugar builds up and gets too high, diabetic complications may result.



One way to stabilize blood sugar is to eat a low GI (glycemic index) diet [1], meaning foods that are digested slowly and don’t cause blood sugar spikes. Simple sugars, like candy, are high GI, digested quickly and cause blood sugar levels to peak. This can be dangerous for diabetics.

Low GI Foods Can Help

Many natural foods are known for being low GI, such as cabbage, mushrooms, green beans, and vegetables. Carbohydrates are generally the element most responsible for varying blood-sugar levels and it can be a tricky balance to provide the body with nourishment without upsetting blood sugar levels.



A recent study has found, however, that many varieties of a classic dietary staple are low GI [2].

New research from the International Rice Research Institute and CSIRO’s Food Futures Flagship recently published that most varieties of rice have a low to moderate GI; and they also discovered the gene in rice that determines its glycemic index.

The study found that the GI of rice ranges from a low of 48 to a high of 92, with an average of 64, and that the GI of rice depends on the type of rice consumed. As a point of reference, low GI foods are typically those measured 55 and less, medium GI are measured between 56 and 69, while high glycemic index measures 70 and above.

Diabetes is a problem for many people and getting a variety of nutritious foods in their diet is a must. It’s encouraging to have another food option to add to a well-balanced diet. Especially rice, which is incredibly versatile and popular.

Organic Rice is Best

However, with respect to the study, I was concerned by the mention that the discovery of the glycemic index gene had rice breeders enthused by the, “opportunity to develop varieties [of rice] with different GI levels.” It’s unfortunate that a positive discovery into the makeup of food has some researchers chomping at the bit to get in the lab and, “make it better.”

• Body Cleanse Starter Kit
• $106.85
• [Learn More]
• BUY NOW
• The Body Cleanse Starter Kit is your ticket to fresh rejuvenation and contains everything you need to cleanse your liver and colon. If you're looking for an easy plan that is cost effective and doesn't require major lifestyle changes, the Body Cleanse Starter Kit is for you!

The study found that there are many varieties of rice that, in their natural, unprocessed, unmodified state, already qualify as a sensible food. Is it necessary to genetically modify or breed new rice? Why not just leave it alone? GMO foods http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33160 aren’t good and as history has shown, the process of giving mother nature some unrequested help can be a slippery slope with unintended consequences.

Modifying foods also fosters a, “shortcut” mentality. When it comes to living a healthy life, the fundamentals are what they are, and there are no shortcuts. Generally speaking, most people fall short of their healthy living goals because they didn’t stick to the plan, not because they didn’t have enough shortcuts.

My hope is that everyone, not just those with type 2 diabetes http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/dd/diabetes.php, incorporate healthyhttp://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=32132, organic, and natural foods into their diet.

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Queiroz KC, Novato Silva I, de Cássia Gonçalves Alfenas R. Influence of the glycemic index and glycemic load of the diet in the glycemic control of diabetic children and teenagers http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=historysearch&querykey=15. Nutr Hosp. 2012 Mar-Apr;27(2):510-5. doi: 10.1590/S0212-16112012000200024.

2. M. A. Fitzgerald, S. Rahman, A. P. Resurreccion, J. Concepcion, V. D. Daygon, S. S. Dipti, K. A. Kabir, B. Klingner, M. K. Morell, A. R. Bird. Identification of a major genetic determinant of glycaemic index in rice http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12284-011-9073-z. Rice. colume 4 issue 2, pp 66-74. doi:10.1007/s12284-011-9073-z.

Read more

Diabetic Ulcer – Natural Care and Regimen

Diabetic Ulcer – Natural Care and Regimen

Nearly 15% of diabetics will develop diabetic sores. These skin ulcers are also known as “diabetic foot ulcers” because they most often appear on the feet; however, they can develop anywhere on the lower body. These sores usually appear due to poor circulation or improper and slow function of the veins, a condition also known as venous stasis. [1] If untreated, sores can give rise to complications that can be as serious as an infection. This infection can lead to amputation of the afflicted toes or foot. Proper care and attention is vital to help avoid complications.



What are Diabetic Ulcers?

When diabetes is present, so is high blood sugar, and this is a problem that weakens the heart and vascular system, leading to poor circulation in the feet and legs. The skin on the feet and legs become weak and susceptible to injury — especially open wounds, aka ulcers.

What Causes Diabetic Ulcers?

Alcohol, tobacco use, obesity, heart disease, and kidney disease are just a few factors that increase the risk of these ulcers. Poor-fitting shoes can also cause blisters on the toes and sole of the foot that can worsen quickly. High blood sugar suppresses immune response, so infection can create complications.

Preventative Measures for Diabetic Foot and Leg Ulcers

For a person who has diabetes, checking their feet and legs every day for new or developing ulcers is critical. Early detection and daily care are absolutely mandatory to ensure quick healing and avoiding serious problems.

Many people also report that washing and moisturizing their feet daily, giving their feet air and changing their socks regularly, wearing comfortable shoes, changing bandages often, and using products that cleanse the skin and deter bacterial and fungal growth are excellent measures for daily preventative care.



Diabetes and Natural Ulcer Remedies

Not only can having diabetes lead to ulcers, it can make it very difficult for the ulcers to heal. In fact, amputation of the toes and feet is a very real end result for many people — about 15%. This underscores the absolute vital importance of daily care and attention.

When a wound begins to develop, keeping the area clean is priority one. Beyond that, I recommend using natural salves to encourage wound healing as they are safe and without the side effects you’ll find in a lot of harsh, unnatural products.

Natural, raw organic honey (not the processed stuff) is one ulcer remedy that works great. Researchers have found bandages and dressings soaked in natural honey keep wounds clean, speed healing, and even help to avoid amputations. [2] Olive oil also improves the speed and quality of healing without side effects. [3] Colloidal silver and Chinese herbal applications have also been shown to have positive effects for encouraging fast healing.

• O2-Zap
• $29.95
• [Learn More]
• BUY NOW
• Europeans are now using this as their #1 beauty secret for oxygen facials. O2-Zap is a super-saturated formula containing 98.5% pure oxygen with 1.5% ozone in organic cold pressed virgin olive oil!

Benefits of Using Ozonated Olive Oil for Diabetic Ulcers

One of the most effective methods to keep wounds clean and speed healing is to deliver oxygen right to the affected area, and one of the best ways to do that is with ozonated oils. [4] Research shows increasing oxygen stimulates your skin’s natural healing power. [5] Plus, it soothes nerves in the affected area and reduces discomfort, swelling, and redness.

When an ozonated olive oil like O2-Zap® was applied to a deep wound it produced faster healing and reduced wound size compared to oil alone. [6] In my opinion, O2-Zap® is an excellent natural skin solution for a variety of skin concerns. We’ve received great feedback from people who’ve used it as a natural remedy for diabetic sores and ulcers. Read more