A common long-term menopause health risk & what you can do to lower your risk | Deon Hall Garriques

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), a common long-term health risk associated with menopause.

Menopause and diabetes often occur during the same phase of life.

Menopause can lead to an increased risk of diabetes because of how cells respond to the hormone insulin.

Diabetes is a chronic condition and relates to how the body uses energy. It is considered one of the long-term health risks of menopause because of hormonal changes (particularly with estrogen and progesterone).

If you currently have diabetes, menopause can also make it more difficult to manage. However, it should be noted that menopause alone, does not cause diabetes.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing T2D

Start your meal with protein or fresh produce

Eating too many carbs can cause your blood sugar to spike. To assist with this, the research suggests starting your meal with a little protein or fresh produce before having your carbs (rice, pasta, etc.). Doing this can lower your blood sugar by 24% over three days.

Having the carbs later gives your pancreas the time it needs to make insulin and other hormones required to quickly use blood sugar for fuel and energy.

Walking after meals

Rapid spikes in blood sugar after meals can strain the pancreas, which produces insulin, increasing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over time.

A simple solution to help lower your blood sugar is taking a walk within 30 minutes after a meal, as it helps to reduce post-meal blood sugar levels.

Losing weight

Losing weight is one of the hallmarks of reducing the risk of high blood sugar. Losing approximately 10 pounds can reduce the risk of high blood sugar and T2D by 58%.

The reason behind this result is that when you lose weight, your liver, pancreas, and other organs respond by ramping up their production of healthy hormones that help keep blood sugar balanced.

Eating about a cup of berries a day (fresh or frozen) can help you to lose as much as 5 pounds every month. This is because berries block fat absorption in the intestine and speed up the fat-burning process in the body.

Eating Avocados

According to researchers at Yale University, eating just half an avocado a day cuts your risk of high blood sugar by more than 22% which is quite astounding.

This is because there are certain compounds in avocados called phytosterols that help your liver absorb excess blood sugar and turn it into glycogen. Your liver stores this glycogen until your blood sugar gets low and you need an energy boost.

I know someone is saying as they read, but I don’t like avocados, not to worry, I got you covered. Instead of avocadoes, you can get the same benefits by eating 3 Tbs. of hemp or flax seeds every day.

Use this information for yourself or share it with someone you love

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

In Good Health,

Deon

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and a broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.