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Diabetes

Health benefits of fibre

Fibre keeps your blood sugar steadier, your digestion running smoothly, your heart healthier, and your appetite properly satisfied β€” and most of us in the UK aren't getting nearly enough of it. If you take one thing from this article, let it be this: fibre isn't a "nice to have" tucked away in the small print of a healthy eating plan. It's one of the most powerful, accessible tools you have for feeling well, day to day and for years to come. The good news? Getting more of it doesn't require anything complicated, expensive, or restrictive. It simply means choosing foods closer to how nature made them. Let's look at why fibre matters so much, and how to bring more of it into your everyday meals...

Blood sugar explained

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is simply the amount of sugar travelling through your bloodstream at any given moment. It comes from the food you eat, and it's your body's main source of fuel β€” powering everything from your muscles to your brain. The goal isn't to avoid sugar altogether; it's to keep your levels steady, rather than letting them swing sharply up and down. That steadiness is where energy, mood, and long-term wellbeing really come from. Can exercise really cure diabetes? The answer is – it depends. Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools to help manage blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy BMI. However, exercise alone is not enough if poor lifestyle habits remain. Watch: Can Exercise Cure Diabetes? | The...

Obesity explained

Obesity simply means carrying more body fat than is healthy for your frame β€” typically defined in the UK as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. But that one-line definition barely scratches the surface. Obesity isn't a character flaw or a lack of willpower; it's a complex condition shaped by genetics, hormones, gut health, sleep, stress and the food environment we all live in. The encouraging news is that, for most people, it's also something that can be gently and sustainably improved β€” not through punishing diets, but through working with your body rather than against it. Are you ready to take control of your health and tackle obesity-driven diabetes head-on? In this engaging 45-minute webinar recording, we share practical, proven tips...

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used efficiently by the body's cells for energy. The good news is that, for many people, type 2 diabetes is largely influenced by lifestyle. With the right combination of nourishing food, regular movement, stress management and professional guidance, many people can significantly improve their blood sugar control and overall wellbeing. The earlier it's recognised, the better the opportunity to make positive changes. πŸ”₯ Living with Type 2 diabetes doesn't mean giving up the life you love. With the right daily habits, you can take...

What are unhealthy fats?

Many people think all fats are bad, but that's simply not true. Unhealthy fats are fats that can contribute to inflammation, poor heart health, weight gain, insulin resistance, and other long-term health problems when eaten regularly in excess. The main unhealthy fats are artificial trans fats and diets that are consistently high in heavily processed fats found in many packaged and fried foods. Some foods high in saturated fat may also be worth limiting, especially when they come from ultra-processed sources rather than whole foods. The good news is that your body actually needs healthy fats. Rather than fearing fat altogether, it's far more beneficial to focus on choosing natural, nourishing sources of fat while reducing heavily processed foods that can place extra stress on your...

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot move glucose from the bloodstream into its cells to be used as energy. This means blood sugar levels rise β€” and without management, this can become dangerous. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 is not caused by lifestyle choices. It can develop at any age, though it most commonly appears in childhood or early adulthood. Can exercise really cure diabetes? The answer is β€” it depends. Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools to help manage blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy BMI. However, exercise alone is not enough if poor lifestyle habits remain. Watch:...

What are healthy fats - avocado, nuts, oily fish and olive oil banner

What are healthy fats?

Healthy fats are natural, minimally processed fats that support your body β€” nourishing your brain, protecting your heart, balancing your hormones, and fuelling you with steady, lasting energy. They are found in whole foods like avocados, olive oil, oily fish, nuts, seeds, and coconut, and unlike the damaged, processed fats found in most packaged foods, they work with your body rather than against it. For years, fat was painted as the enemy. Low-fat products lined the supermarket shelves, and we were told to avoid it wherever possible. But the reality is far more nuanced β€” and for many people, getting enough of the right kinds of fat has been one of the most important shifts they've made for their long-term health. πŸ₯— Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice...

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are natural compounds found in food that help protect your body's cells from damage. They do this by neutralising harmful molecules called free radicals β€” unstable particles that, when left unchecked, can contribute to inflammation, accelerated ageing, and a range of chronic health conditions. That's the short answer. But understanding why antioxidants matter β€” and how to get more of them into your life β€” can genuinely change the way you eat, feel, and age.   πŸ“ Not all fruit is safe for diabetics β€” some spike your blood sugar faster than a chocolate bar. Which ones are actually safe to eat? Which fruit is best for Diabetes?       The Problem: Free Radicals To understand antioxidants, you first need to know about free radicals. Free radicals are produced...

What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial food products that have been manufactured using combinations of refined ingredients, artificial additives, preservatives, colours, flavourings, and emulsifiers β€” substances that are rarely, if ever, found in a home kitchen. In short, they are foods that have been taken far from their original natural state. Think of the ready meal that lists twenty-plus ingredients you can't pronounce. The brightly coloured cereal aimed at children. The flavoured yoghurt with a shelf life that seems impossibly long. The diet snack bar engineered to taste indulgent without any of nature's goodness. These are all ultra-processed foods, and they now make up a significant proportion of what many people in the UK eat every single day. But why does this matter, and what does...

What are whole foods?

A Planet Wellness Guide to Eating Close to Nature Whole foods are simply foods that are as close to their natural state as possible β€” unprocessed, unrefined, and free from artificial additives. Think an apple straight from the tree, a handful of oats from the field, or a bowl of lentils soaked overnight. Nothing added. Nothing taken away. Just food, as nature intended. It's a beautifully simple idea, and yet in today's world of ready meals, protein bars, and ingredient lists you need a science degree to decode, eating whole foods has become something of a conscious choice rather than a default. The good news? Once you understand what whole foods are and why they matter, making the shift feels far less overwhelming β€” and...