One study reported that a bilberry extract reduced blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes more effectively than a placebo.
The extract provided the equivalent of 50 grams of fresh bilberries.
Another eight-week study showed that a diet enriched with fresh bilberries increased insulin secretion in adults with metabolic syndrome; a cluster of conditions that increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Experts believe that the berries prevent the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates in your gut, similarly to some blood-sugar-lowering medications.
You can be active anywhere as long as what you’re doing gets you out of breath.
Type 2 diabetes – how to spot it
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising – this is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
The NHS recommends seeing a GP if:
- You have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
- You’re worried you may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.