Blood Sugar Control And Diabetes Support With Soursop

Overview of diabetes and its impact on blood sugar

Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it well. Insulin is important for controlling sugar in the blood. When diabetes isn't controlled, it can lead to high blood sugar affecting the nerves and blood vessels.

In 2014, about 8.5% of the population aged 18 years or older had diabetes. By 2019, diabetes caused 1.5 million deaths and half of the population were less than 70 years of age. Also, 460,000 kidney disease deaths were linked to diabetes, and high blood sugar played a role in about 20% of cardiovascular deaths.¹

From 2000 to 2019, the number of deaths from diabetes increased by 3%. On the other hand, the chance of dying from the four major non-communicable diseases—heart problems, cancer, breathing issues, or diabetes—between ages 30 and 70 dropped by 22% around the world from 2000 to 2019.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood-onset diabetes. It occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin to meet the daily requirement. In 2017, there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes, mostly in developed nations.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes reacts with how your body uses sugar for energy. It makes it tough for your body to use insulin in the right amount increasing blood sugar levels.

Factors like being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, and your family history can make it more likely for you to get it.

What is soursop?

Soursop, also called graviola or guanabana, is a tasty fruit grown in tropical areas worldwide. People use its fruit to make juice, candy, and sherbet. The roots of this tree are used in traditional medicine because they are known for their anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that the leaves and seeds of this plant contain many helpful compounds. Some of these compounds might help fight tumours, kill cells that cause diseases, and fight against parasites and pests.²

In traditional medicine, soursop is known to prevent or manage type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure, even though there isn't much scientific proof for this yet.

Mechanism of soursop's influence on blood sugar

Several studies show that compounds like α-amylase and α-glucosidase affect blood sugar levels, and stopping them can reduce elevated blood sugar after eating. Lowering the elevated blood sugar level is important in managing type-2 diabetes. A research study revealed that the skin of soursop had the most total phenols and flavonoids, and bears the ability to stop α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

A few factors affecting blood sugar

• Intake of more carbohydrates than usual
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Side effects from other medications, such as steroids or antipsychotic drugs
• Any kind of Illness or stress. The body releases hormones to fight against illness and that might increase blood glucose levels
• Pain or during menstrual periods which cause changes in hormone levels

Challenges in managing blood sugar for diabetes patients

The impact of diabetes on healthcare is to treat those who have it and stop it in those who are at risk. Starting treatment early and being thorough can lower the risk of problems associated with blood vessels, and how the disease gets worse.⁴

There are a few challenges in managing diabetes right now:

• To make sure the treatment controls sugar, blood pressure, and fats in the blood
• To teach, create awareness, and manage diabetes themselves
• To help people stick to the changes in their lifestyle and take their medicine
• To make it easier for people to start using insulin earlier

Soursop: nutritional profile

A 100g raw soursop contains:⁵

• Water- 81.2g
• Energy- 66kcal
• Protein-1g
• Total lipid (fat)- 0.3g
• Carbohydrates, by difference-16.8g
• Fibre, total dietary-3.3g
• Sugars, total including NLEA- 13.5g
• Calcium, Ca- 14mg
• Iron, Fe- 0.6mg
• Magnesium, Mg- 21mg
• Phosphorus, P- 27mg
• Potassium, K= 278mg
• Sodium, Na- 14mg
• Zinc, Zn- 0.1mg
• Copper, Cu- 0.086mg
• Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid- 20.6mg
• Thiamin- 0.07mg
• Riboflavin- 0.05mg
• Niacin- 0.9mg
• Vitamin B-6- 0.059mg
• Folate, total- 14µg
• Vitamin B-12- 0 µg Assumed zero (Insignificant amount or not naturally occurring in a food, such as fibre in meat)

Antidiabetic properties of soursop

A.muricata (Soursop) can help against diabetes. It has flavonoids that stop α-glucosidase activity by bonding and changing at a specific spot in the molecule stopping the breakdown of carbohydrates and how the body turns them into glucose which lowers the amount of glucose absorbed.

The extract form of A.muricata fruit can help fight diabetes and work as an antioxidant by stopping the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase.⁶

A study revealed that A. muricata leaf extract given to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice induces a decrease in lipid peroxidation processes, which are a sign of oxidative stress, which indirectly affects insulin production and endogenous antioxidants.

Utilizing soursop for diabetes management

Incorporating soursop⁷ into dietary plans

1. Soursop smoothies: Blend ripe soursop pulp, a banana, a handful of spinach, and a splash of almond milk making it a perfect morning booster. Add other fruits like pineapple or mango according to your preference
2. Soursop yogurt parfait: A nutritious breakfast or snack by layering soursop pulp, Greek yoghurt, and your favourite granola in a glass or bowl. This parfait is packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics
3. Soursop salad: If you are a salad lover, soursop can enhance the taste of your salad. Add the soursop into small pieces and mix it with your favourite greens and some cherry tomatoes. You can add a pinch of pink salt to mix all the flavours
4. Soursop-infused water: In some traditional drinks, they offer soursop-infused water to keep you hydrated. You can keep cucumber slices and soursop together and keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours then have a refreshing drink. Add lemon or mint leaves to it while serving

Incorporating soursop into your diet can provide you with a wide range of nutrients with good nutritional value.

Risks and precautions associated with soursop for diabetics

More studies to be done to know how graviola affects the body. There are a few certain chemicals in Graviola which need to be studied according to research. These chemicals might affect nerves and cause movement issues. The nerve changes could lead to symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.⁸

One study looked at people in the Caribbean who eat a lot of Graviola and discovered they were more likely to have certain nerve changes.

Lab tests on animals revealed that Graviola might lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

But if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it is very important to talk to your doctor before using Soursop. It's unlikely that normal amounts of Graviola in drinks or food could harm you.

Always consult with your doctor before trying any kind of complementary or alternative therapy.

Summary

In conclusion, the potential of soursop in aiding blood sugar control and supporting individuals with diabetes presents a promising avenue for natural management. With its rich nutritional profile and compounds that show promise in regulating blood sugar levels, soursop offers an intriguing prospect in complementing existing diabetes management strategies. However, while research indicates its potential benefits, caution, and individualized approaches are essential due to potential risks and varying effects on different individuals.

Consulting healthcare professionals remains crucial in integrating soursop as part of a comprehensive diabetes support plan. As further studies unfold, soursop stands as a potential ally in the quest for effective blood sugar control, offering a natural and holistic approach for those managing diabetes.