Avocados

Avocadoes are used in a number of different foods, and are especially known as the main ingredient of guacamole. They are valued for their very stark taste, which can add to the overall experience of any food in which they are used. They also provide a large number of health benefits, and as such can be great foods for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

Vitamins

A great many vitamins and other important dietary substances can be found in avocados. For instance, avocados contain vitamin C, which can help lower the amounts of glucose in the bloodstream. This is essential to the regulation of blood sugar in the diabetic patient. Vitamin E helps with this same function, and also helps to fight and prevent the clogging of arteries which is often associated with high cholesterol (a high risk factor in the development of diabetes).

Avocados also contain vitamin B6. This vitamin is important to pancreatic function, as it helps to metabolize carbohydrates. Pancreatic function is further improved by the presence of vitamin K, which can help to make the body less resistant to insulin’s effects. Vitamin K can also help promote weight loss, aiding in the prevention of diabetes. All of these vitamins combined play a role in the prevention and management of diabetes through their effects on blood sugar and metabolic rates.

Other Nutrients

Avocados also contain potassium and magnesium. Potassium is something of a double-edged sword in that levels must be maintained without excessive increase or decrease. If potassium decreases too much, it can lead to a complication known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which leaves diabetics incredibly ill. It can even put a person into a coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis can also overcompensate for the lack of potassium, increasing potassium levels in the blood to the point that they become dangerously high. Such levels can create complications affecting the heart, including arrhythmia and heart attacks. It is therefore important not to consume too much avocado, for fear of heart defects.

Magnesium helps to keep glucose levels stable, and can also protect against some of the other conditions associated with diabetes such as high blood pressure and heart attacks. Many sufferers of diabetes are lacking in magnesium levels due to the symptomatic increase in urination. As such, the magnesium provided by avocados can be highly useful.

Monounsaturated Fats

One of the additional benefits provided by avocados is the consumption of monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats and trans-fats are incredibly unhealthy, and can greatly increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes. Monounsaturated fats can help to improve cholesterol by lowering negative LDL and raising positive HDL. By lowering “bad” cholesterol and raising “good” cholesterol, people suffering from diabetes are able to improve their overall health. Those at high risk of diabetes may actively prevent the onset of the disease by making such a positive change to their health.

Conclusion

Avocados are rich in a number of nutrients which can prove vital to preventing or managing diabetes. While some nutrients such as potassium must be consumed in somewhat regulated amounts, consumption of avocados in general can help to keep these nutrient levels stable. This is important for the maintenance of proper pancreatic function as well as overall health.