Diabetes: The 79p winter food which can prevent blood sugar spikes

Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

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Almost five million people in the UK suffer from diabetes, but the estimate of pre-diabetic people is even higher, reaching seven million. Pre-diabetes isn’t full-blown diabetes, it only describes your blood sugar levels being higher than normal, according to Diabetes.co.uk. For all conditions linked to diabetes and high blood sugar, healthy diet choices can make a difference.

There are various different ways that can help keep your blood sugar levels in check, ranging from a healthy diet to drinking plenty of water, reports Everyday Health.

According to Diabetes UK, one cheap winter food, which can prevent blood sugar spikes, is aubergine.

Aubergine is a part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, linked to improving blood glucose management in type 2 diabetes patients.

The purple vegetable is packed with fibre, essential vitamins and minerals as well as low in fat.

Aubergine is also a food with a low glycaemic index (GI).

GI explains how quickly food will raise your blood sugar levels, which is crucial information for diabetes patients, Diabetes UK states.

Plus, foods with a low GI can help manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes sufferers.

But some foods with a low GI don’t present a smart choice for diabetics, including chocolate.

Aubergines are “perfect” if you want to keep your blood sugar levels in check, the charity reports.

The vegetable is also rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to protect beta cells that make insulin and enhance insulin activity, as reported by Diabetes Meal Plans.

Another benefit of aubergines for diabetics is their fibre content.

Fibre can slow your digestion and sugar absorption, leading to overall lower blood sugar, adds National Library of Medicine.

Slower absorption prevents spikes in blood glucose by keeping levels at bay.

Diabetics are also at a higher risk of heart disease as high blood sugar levels can lead to damage in blood vessels, Diabetes UK shares.

This is due to your body not being able to use all of the glucose, so it ends up sticking to your red blood cells and building up.

Some studies suggest the high antioxidant content in aubergine may help lower your risk of heart disease as well.

The diabetes charity shares that aubergine pairs well with warming winter meals like curries and noodles.

They added: “It’s perfect griddled, sautéed, roasted, [or] skewered.”

Frying should be avoided due to the vegetables ability to soak up oil easily.

But all of these preparation options offer a great winter warmer result.

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