Health Impacts of Sweet Potato: Diabetes Management

The prevalence of diabetes has increased steadily over the last few decades and will continue to rise with the aging population. Diabetes management is indispensable to avoid the further complications for diabetic subjects. In managing the diets of diabetic patients, the major consideration should be given to reducing hyperglycemia and preventing hypoglycemic episodes in insulin-treated diabetes. Ingestion of certain vegetables and fruits can help reduce blood glucose. Sweet potato is one such vegetable that has a glucose-reducing effect. In my present study, Sweet potato had showed a glucose-lowering effect on persons with diabetes; Caiapo showed a similar, but smaller effect in healthy participants. White Star and its skin showed better results as indicated by the postprandial glucose level and insulin responses. Therefore, production and consumption of root crops like sweet potato should be encouraged to ensure the adequacy and diversity of the supply of beneficial carbohydrates. Moreover, the role of the pharmaceutical industry is also important for the development of this active ingredient in refined form.