Olive oil and diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread disease in industrialized countries. Its pathogenesis is linked to inadequate production or utilization of insulin, leading to a disorder in the glucose metabolism and also the lipid metabolism.

Several investigations found that a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil and monounsaturated fats lowers blood glucose levels, it also reduces the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides as well as insulin requirements. These results are even more evident if a comparison is made between a diet rich in olive oil and a diet particularly recommended for diabetic patients, as is a diet rich in carbohydrates.

Extra virgin olive oil is very good for reducing the risk of diabetes

It has recently been shown that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil in healthy people, lowers glucose levels by 12%. These results does suggest that olive oil significantly improves use of glucose by the body's cells.

It should be noted that extra virgin olive oil, as well as reducing glucose levels, also reduces blood levels of insulin in healthy people, this indicates that with less of this hormone a normal level of blood glucose is better maintained. It follows that extra virgin olive oil helps to the better use of glucose by cells and enhances sensitivity to the hormone, so it avoids the exhaustion of the pancreas and prevents the development of diabetes in the future.

  Extra virgin olive oil helps prevent diabetes.

Demonstration studies show that people with diabetes mellitus,control it best when sticking to a diet rich in monounsaturated fat, the main component of extra virgin olive oil. Furthermore, this type of diet is very beneficial because it regulates cholesterol and triglycerides.