Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which is characterized by high blood sugar level. Increased blood glucose level damages vital organs as well as other organs of the body causing other potential health ailments. There are two types of diabetes i.e.

1. Type 1 diabetes – Deficiency of insulin in the blood caused by the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is found more commonly in children. An abnormally high or low blood sugar level is a characteristic of this type of diabetes.
2. Type 2 diabetes - This form of diabetes usually starts with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not utilize insulin properly. At first, the pancreas adjusts with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

Benefits of eating flax-seeds for diabetes.

Flax-seeds are a good source of insoluble fiber. Just a tablespoon of flax seeds contains about 3 grams of fiber. Fiber keeps you full for longer, which in turn slows down the release of sugar in the blood stream. A significant portion of their insoluble fiber is made of lignans which are known to improve blood sugar levels.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for people with diabetes and fiber plays a major role in achieving this.Due to their high fiber content, flax seeds are considered a low-glycemic food. This means that consuming them won’t spike blood sugar levels and instead cause them to rise steadily, promoting blood sugar control.

If the body has difficulties responding to insulin, it requires greater amounts of it to lower blood sugar levels. This is called insulin resistance, and it’s a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity refers to how sensitive the body is to insulin. Improving it can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.

Flax seeds contain high amounts of lignan, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants improve insulin sensitivity and slow the development of diabetes. The lignans in flax seeds predominantly consist of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Animal studies suggest that SDG has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity and delay the development of both type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Flaxseed oil has also been linked to improve insulin sensitivity in both animals and humans. Studies show that people with obesity observe an increase in insulin sensitivity after they receive a daily oral dose of flaxseed oil.

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are very easy to cook with. They can be consumed whole, milled, and roasted, or as an oil or flour. Whole flax seeds may be harder to digest, so it is advisable to stick to the ground or milled versions.

Flax seeds and flaxseed oil have multiple health benefits that may help people with diabetes manage the condition.Since they’re rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and unique plant compounds, they improve blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.