Health

These five foods will help you fight diabetes

While incorporating these foods into one’s diet is essential for diabetic patients, it is equally crucial to avoid consuming sugary foods and those with high glycemic acid

Published

3 years ago

May 5, 2023

OhiBaba

409 Views

Diabetes is an ever-increasing global health concern, with the number of people affected growing from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Unfortunately, diabetes is a leading cause of various serious ailments, including blindness, kidney failure, heart issues, and lower limb amputation.

In today’s fast-paced world, our unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming sugary and processed foods, have contributed significantly to the increase in diabetes cases. Research indicates that by 2040, 700 million people worldwide may have diabetes, making preventive measures crucial.

According to Dr Hansa, President of the Indian Yoga Association, managing blood sugar levels is a primary concern for diabetic patients. Food intake plays a crucial role in diabetes management as sugar enters our bloodstream from the food we consume.

To help manage diabetes, here are some foods that are highly recommended:

Green leafy vegetables:

Green leafy vegetables are an excellent option for people with diabetes as they are low in calories and carbohydrates. They are also rich in fibre and help with sugar absorption in the early stages. A diabetic patient must consume Spinach, fenugreek leaves, and drumstick in their daily meals. Drumstick leaves, in particular, have been shown to reduce diabetes as they are rich in ascorbic acid, which increases insulin secretion, thus reducing sugar levels.

Whole grains:

Replacing refined grains with whole grains can significantly help in reducing diabetes. Whole grains are rich in fibre and nutrients compared to refined greens. Additionally, they have a lower Glycemic index, which means they have less of an impact on blood sugar levels. Excellent examples of whole grains include brown rice, raggi, and rice. Raggi is an excellent option as it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which helps control diabetes.

Berries:

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and Jamun are an excellent option as they have antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, which is common in diabetic patients. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

Beans:

Beans are another excellent food for managing diabetes as they are low in glycemic index and can reduce blood sugar levels. Since they are complex carbohydrates, they digest slowly compared to other carbohydrate diets, aiding weight loss and reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Excellent examples include soybeans, kidney beans, and chickpeas.

Citrus fruits:

Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons have amazing antidiabetic properties and contain bioflavonoids. These fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals without adding carbohydrates to the food. Vitamin C found in all these citrus fruits also helps in controlling blood sugar levels.

While incorporating these foods into one’s diet is essential for diabetic patients, it is equally crucial to avoid consuming sugary foods and those with high glycemic acid. Skipping meals is not recommended for diabetic patients.

Health

Ebola: President Tinubu approves N10bn to strengthen NCDC preparedness

This follows the rapidly expanding outbreak that has already killed at least 349 people across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with the World Health Organisation declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Published

3 days ago

June 10, 2026

OCHEFA

46 Views

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to strengthen the operational preparedness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and prevention and support critical national public health emergency response activities.

The President also established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Control.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the task force would be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with membership drawn from relevant ministries, departments and agencies .

The task force was constituted following a stakeholder meeting convened by Gbajabiamila to review Nigeria’s preparedness.

It was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Lagos State Government, among others.

Health

Senate passes bill to establish Malaria Elimination Agency

The bill, sponsored by Ned Nwoko, scaled third reading on Wednesday after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Ipalibo Banigo.

Published

1 week ago

June 4, 2026

OCHEFA

87 Views

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a National Agency for Malaria Elimination saddled with the responsibility of preventing, controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by Ned Nwoko, scaled third reading on Wednesday after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Ipalibo Banigo.

Presenting the report on behalf of Banigo, Sampson Ekong said the proposed agency would serve as the central body responsible for coordinating national efforts aimed at preventing, controlling and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria.

The Senate said the agency seeks to mark a shift in the country’s approach to malaria management from treatment-focused interventions to preventive and elimination strategies.

“The agency, when established, will help shift the country’s approach from curative measures to prevention and eventual elimination of malaria,” it stated.

(Source: The SUN)

Health

Cross River restores molecular laboratoy for TB, HIV, Mpox testing

This place is arranged to address issues of TB, HIV and other outbreaks. Mpox, Lassa fever and even Ebola-related surveillance can be handled here. Most of the essential services have now been restored,” he said.

Published

1 week ago

June 3, 2026

OCHEFA

83 Views

Photo : Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State

The Cross River State Government has announced that the molecular laboratory services at Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital now conducts molecular testing for tuberculosis, HIV and Mpox while retaining the capacity to support surveillance and response efforts for emerging public health threats..

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the hospital alongside journalists in Calabar.

Ayuk said that the molecular laboratory, which serves as one of the state’s key public health surveillance centres, has resumed most of its essential functions following rehabilitation efforts supported by the state government and development partners.

“This place is arranged to address issues of TB, HIV and other outbreaks. Mpox, Lassa fever and even Ebola-related surveillance can be handled here. Most of the essential services have now been restored,” he said.

The commissioner explained that although the facility suffered extensive damage during the EndSARS unrest, significant progress has been made in rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring laboratory operations.