This Morning: Type 2 diabetes can be 'devastating' says expert
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Diabetes is a very common condition that affects around five million people in the UK. One of the easiest ways to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes is to make a few changes to your normal diet habits.
About 90 percent of all diabetes cases in the UK are caused by type 2 diabetes.
The condition is caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Without enough insulin, you'll struggle to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.
That might lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels, which can have a number of deadly consequences.
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© GETTY ImagesDiabetes diet: Four of the best herbs and spices
Making some small changes to your diet is the best way to control your blood sugar levels at home.
It can be combined with any prescribed medication to make a huge impact on your overall health.
More specifically, if you have diabetes, you might want to consider swapping your dinner seasoning for certain herbs and spices.
Some types of herbs and spices have been claimed to help diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels.
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Cinnamon has been linked to lower blood sugar levels, as well as improving insulin sensitivity.
You could add cinnamon to your diet either as a supplement, or by simply sprinkling it over your food.
Ginger has also been used as a diabetes remedy for a number of years, as well as for digestive and inflammatory problems.
Scientists have claimed ginger reduces insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients, and can simply be brewed into a tea.
© EXPRESSDiabetes diet: Speak to a doctor if you're
Meanwhile, fenugreek is a type of seed that can be used in the same way as regular herbs.
Medical website Medical News Today said: "The seeds contain fibres and chemicals that help to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar."
You could also lower your risk of diabetes symptoms by adding more Gymnema sylvestre to your diet, it's been claimed.
The ground leaf extract, which translates to 'sugar destroyed' could lead to higher levels of insulin in the body, and subsequently lower blood sugar levels.
"Herbs and supplements will not cure diabetes and do not constitute a standalone treatment," it added.
"But some may combine with conventional treatment to provide relief from symptoms and reduce the risk of complications."
You should speak to a doctor before adding any new supplement to your diabetes diet.
It's also important to combine your diet swaps with regular exercise, as well as your prescribed medication.