A balanced diet and healthy weight are also essential in preventing type 2 diabetes, which results in abnormally high levels of blood glucose, or sugar. According to the International Diabetes Foundation, there are 18.2 million Americans with diabetes. Unfortunately, approximately 5.2 million are unaware that they are ill.

Diabetes is now the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is becoming more common due to Americans’ increasing obesity and failure to exercise.

Type 2 diabetes sufferers either cannot use or do not produce enough insulin, which is the hormone used by the body to convert sugar and starches into energy. As glucose builds up in the bloodstream, symptoms of diabetes worsen. If left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, heart disease and stroke.

Lifestyle changes including diet and moderate exercise can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But for those already affected by the disease, there are treatments. Medications are readily available to replace low insulin levels, and supplements, such as fiber and chromium, are popular additions to the diabetic diet.

Studies suggest that a high-fiber diet may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes as well as lower the glucose and insulin levels of those who have already been diagnosed. It may also improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels of diabetic sufferers.

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin B complex have been shown to have positive effects on the symptoms of diabetes.

Keep in mind that even small adjustments to your diet and exercise routine can make a big difference in your overall health. And when you are healthy, you feel better, emotionally as well as physically, opening the door to a brighter future as well as a longer life. Eating Healthy Chocolate may help with lowering your insulin level.