Summer tweaks ward off diabetes

Keeping blood sugar steady isn’t just key to preventing diabetes. New research in The Lancet reports it cuts risk of COVID-19 complications by 65%! That’s because great blood- glucose control energizes immune cells, shoring up defenses against invading germs. Here’s help

Toss some lil’ sacks

Just a few minutes a day playing cornhole (or croquet or bocce ball) could cut your risk of blood-sugar troubles by 45%, suggests research in the journal PLOS ONE. Study co-author Ken Terui, M.D., explains that’s because the combination of childlike fun with a little movement drastically reduces your production of cortisol. This stress hormone sabotages blood-sugar control by stopping muscles from soaking up and burning blood glucose for fuel. So easy, so fun!

Munch on a peach

Juicy peaches are at their peak of flavor right now, and enjoying one daily could cut your risk of blood-sugar ups and downs by 40%. The reason? According to researchers at Texas A&M University, peach compounds (beta-carotene and caffeic acid) heighten your pancreas’ ability to produce insulin and keep blood sugar steady.

Snap pics of flowers

Up to 77% of us are spending more time in our gardens, taking photos of our beautiful flowers. Having midday photo sessions could heighten your blood-sugar control by 33%. Boston University researchers say the vitamin D-3 skin produces when exposed to sunshine switches on sugar-controlling genes in every cell of your body.

Drink tea

Sipping 6 oz. of iced tea after each meal could cut your risk of blood-sugar troubles by 48%, suggests new research. Explains study co-author Peter Clifton, M.D., polyphenols in tea help prevent blood-glucose spikes by slowing the body’s absorption of carbohydrates.