Several studies have revealed that individuals with diabetes have a higher possibility of contracting diseases when compared with others. High content of sugar in the blood, renders the functions of the immune system weak. There are greater chances that higher blood sugar levels make the immune system not kill the harmful invaded microbe.

Therefore, diabetic patients are more prone to come in contact with infections and when the level of blood sugars drops to a normal level, the immune system starts its work and wards off diseases.

When a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, they are more inclined to have foot diseases, yeast infections, weak immunity, surgical site infections, and urinary tract infection.

There are basically two types of diabetes – Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: In this type of diabetes, immune cells attack beta cells in the pancreas, putting a stop in producing insulin – a hormone that regulates blood sugar level in the body.

Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is caused by lack of our body’s ability to produce insulin in addition to the body’s own resistance which functionally makes it unusable.

In both types of diabetes, the immune system is impacted in several ways. Diabetics of any type results in higher propensity to infections as WBC function is severely impacted resulting in immunodeficiency. Here are some of the best food habits and daily meals that can help you to boost your immune system

Nuts

Nuts have a number of impressive health benefits when it comes to fight free radicals and protect fats in our cells that can get damaged by oxidation. It has been in most of the study that compared to fish; nuts have greater capacity in neutralizing free radicals and combat oxidative stress.

Rich in vitamin E, Selenium, Magnesium and loaded with antioxidants – nuts promotes weight loss and lowers triglyceride level as well as cholesterol.

Fermented Food

Filled with probiotic bacteria, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory, fermented food adds beneficial bacteria to our intake and therefore enhances the gut microbe and digestive enzymes.

It decreases the level of fructosamine and A1C which eventually helps diabetes patients with Type 2. Rich in fibre and vitamin C – fermented food facilitates easy digestion and thereafter reduces the risk of blood sugar levels.

It plays a major role in increasing the immune system as its high probiotic content boost our immunity and reduce the risk of getting infected.

Citrus Food

Listed amongst the superfood for diabetics – oranges, grapefruit, lemons, etc are the citrus food which is full of fibre, potassium and folate. Due to vitamin C and fibre, citrus food takes the longest time to break down the food and digest which enables the slow release of sugar in the blood.

It helps in normalizing the blood pressure and fights inflammation which is a risk factor for heart diseases. It also raises healthy HDL cholesterol and reduces harmful LDL cholesterol in diabetes patients.

Onion and Garlic

Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, these plants of the allium genus have countless health benefits. Their medicinal properties have been treating headaches and heart diseases from ancient times.

Garlic has proven to be an immunity booster that stabilizes the level of blood sugar, decreases cholesterol, manage Type 2 diabetes and improves brain health.