Improving diabetes control with soy yogurt and blueberries

After eating a meal, blood sugar levels increase and then peak before coming down, as shown on the graph above. This blood sugar “excursion” is exaggerated in people with diabetes compared to those who are not diabetic.

OK, but what’s this got to do with yogurt?

One way to reduce the peak blood sugar level — and thereby improve diabetes control — is to slow the absorption of sugars from the intestines by inhibiting the action of the gut enzymes, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase.

To evaluate the value of yogurt to reduce the peak blood sugar levels after a meal, peach, strawberry, blueberry, and plain yogurts made by four different brands, including a soy brand were tested for their ability to inhibit each of these enzymes.

And the winner is.

Soy yogurt enriched with blueberries was the most effective. Peach and strawberry enriched yogurts also fared well in their ability to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase.

Caution: This research is in its early stages. Yogurt does not cure diabetes, and should not be considered a primary treatment for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

I thought I would mention that, lest anyone be confused.

11/10/06 20:27 JR