Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). Typical symptoms include thirst, polyuria (the frequent need to pass urine particularly at night), and weight loss if raised blood sugars are not controlled.

Diabetes is caused by a defect in insulin secretion or insulin action. Insulin is the main hormone regulating glucose uptake from blood into muscle and fat cells. Diabetes can also cause a high prevalence of Cardio Vascular Disease.

Here’s how porridge oats can help. Oats are really special due to their multifunctional characteristics and nutritional profile. Oats provide a good source of dietary fiber especially glucan, minerals and other nutrients. Beta-glucans have outstanding functional properties and are of immense importance in human nutrition.

Beta glucans have been tested to be effective in lowering blood glucose concentrations and decreasing hyerlipidemia (raised blood lipids) and hypertension (raised blood pressure). In tests patients with type 2 diabetes who were given oats or oat bran rich foods showed much lower rises in blood sugar compared to those who were given white rice or bread. This is because oats reduce the feeling of hunger caused by rapid decrease in blood glucose – for longer.

Obesity is closely related with diabetes. It has been proved that several factors are present in patients who are obese including raised lipid levels (for example cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood and insulin resistance. Both can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

By starting out the day with a bowl of porridge you can help to keep blood sugar levels under control especially when eaten in conjunction with other foods that contain good sources of wholegrain and fibre.