Introduction

Soy & Diabetes

Australia and New Zealand are experiencing a dramatic rise in the number of people with type 2 diabetes, due to high rates of overweight and obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Yet a healthy lifestyle can totally prevent or dramatically reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes ¹ . Healthy eating combined with regular physical activity and weight loss (if you are overweight), are the cornerstone to keep diabetes at bay or manage it if it presents. A balanced approach to life also reduces the risk of long term complications of poorly controlled diabetes, such as heart and kidney diseases.

Eating more plant foods is widely recognised to be beneficial for health, and diabetes is no exception. Increasing your fibre intake (from a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals as well as legumes - including soybeans - and a small handful of nuts) helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces your cholesterol. In addition, eating more of these plant foods in their unrefined or wholegrain form, can assist with weight control and insulin resistance as these foods are more 'filling' and generally cause a slower rise in your blood sugar levels ² .