Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot manage blood sugar levels adequately, either due to a lack of insulin production or insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve, blood vessel, and organ damage over time. As a result, maintaining a healthy blood sugar range is crucial for diabetics to avoid problems and live a healthy life.
While diabetes necessitates careful medical control, some lifestyle modifications and the use of herbal therapies may assist in supplementing orthodox therapy. Natural therapies can enhance blood sugar management, minimize risk factors, and relieve diabetic symptoms when taken with medicines. Before making substantial changes to your diabetes management regimen, always consult with your doctor. In this blog, we will explore diabetes natural remedies.
How to Manage Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Diet
Blood sugar levels are greatly influenced by dietary choices. A good diabetic diet focuses on:
- Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: These give critical nutrients and fiber, aiding with satiety and blood sugar regulation.
- Lean protein sources: For continuous energy without blood sugar spikes, choose fish, chicken, beans, and lentils.
- Healthy fats: Consume healthy fats such as avocado, almonds, and seeds to promote satiety and blood sugar management.
- Processed meals, sugary beverages, and refined carbs should be avoided since they can induce fast blood sugar changes and lead to insulin resistance.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. Aim for a mix of aerobics, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Consult with a healthcare provider to develop an exercise regimen that is appropriate for your situation.
Weightloss
A healthy weight is essential for diabetes control. Losing extra weight can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management. For optimal weight control, combine dietary adjustments with frequent exercise.
Managing Stress
Chronic stress might cause blood sugar levels to rise. To increase emotional well-being and diabetes control, incorporate stress-relieving methods such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness into your daily routine.
Home Remedies for Diabetes
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels after meals. Acetic acid is the major ingredient in ACV and is thought to be responsible for many of its health benefits.
There are several evidence-based methods for utilizing ACV. Taking 2 teaspoons before bedtime might help lower your fasting sugar levels in the morning. Even better, taking 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with meals helps lower the glycemic load of a carbohydrate-heavy diet.
Berberine
This natural substance derived from many plants has demonstrated the ability to reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Current research supports its usage in lowering blood sugar and hba1c.
It should be noted that this plant can interact with the metabolism of standard medications and should never be used while pregnant.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon includes chemicals that may mimic insulin’s actions and enhance cell glucose absorption. Cinnamon may be added to your diet by sprinkling it on porridge, yogurt, or smoothies.
According to studies showed in 2016, there is evidence from human trials that cinnamon may enhance fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. During the research, however, the majority of patients continued to use their hypoglycemic drugs.
In addition, only four of the 11 studies met the ADA treatment objectives of FPG 7.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and/or HbA1c 7.0.
While HbA1c is one measure used by clinicians to evaluate diabetes, lipids, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity are all essential to research shows.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber, which can help reduce blood sugar levels.
There is also some evidence that the seed can help postpone or prevent type 2 diabetes. According to the findings of a three-year investigation from 2015, people with prediabetes were less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes while taking powdered fenugreek seed.
The trial included 66 diabetics who took 5 grams of the seed with 200 milliliters of water twice a day before meals, as well as 74 healthy volunteers who did not.
The researchers determined that ingesting the seed preparation resulted in lower blood sugar levels due to elevated insulin levels. They also discovered that the preparation resulted in lower cholesterol levels.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may provide diabetes-related advantages, such as reducing blood sugar levels.
According to a 2016 study, aloe vera may help reduce fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels. The A1C test is one that doctors use to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
Aloe vera users can add its juiced pulp to a drink, such as a smoothie, or take it as a supplement in pill form. Aloe vera skin care products should not be consumed.
Anyone interested in utilizing aloe vera products to treat diabetes should consult with a healthcare expert, as current prescriptions may need to be adjusted properly.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon contains chemicals that may have hypoglycemic properties, lowering blood sugar levels.
Bitter melon in the following forms may cause blood sugar levels to drop in certain people:
- seeds
- veggie pulp blend
- juice
- supplements
- Bitter melon can be a difficult flavor to get used to, but taking vitamins may help.
Please keep in mind that there is insufficient data to advocate taking bitter melon instead of insulin or other diabetic treatments. It may, however, help patients rely less on such prescriptions.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has traditionally been used to treat a variety of diseases, particularly as a liver tonic.
Silymarin, the milk thistle extract that scientists have been particularly interested in, is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule. These properties may make milk thistle an advantageous plant for diabetics.
According to one review from 2016, several outcomes of studies investigating the benefits of silymarin have been positive, but not promising enough for specialists to suggest the plant or its extract alone for diabetic management.
Gymnema
Gymnema is a plant that has been shown to inhibit sugar absorption in the intestines while increasing insulin production. The plant thrives in the tropical jungles of southern and central India and has been related to considerable blood glucose reduction. Animal studies have even indicated islet cell regeneration and an increase in beta-cell activity.
Ginger
Ginger is another plant used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Ginger is frequently used to treat digestive and inflammatory disorders.
A 2015 study discovered that it might also help cure diabetes. The researchers came to the conclusion that ginger reduced blood sugar levels but not insulin levels. As a consequence, they hypothesized that ginger might lower insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics.
However, the method by which ginger achieved this was unclear, and the researchers requested more studies to corroborate the findings.
Ginger was proven to lower both fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in a small 2017 study.
Green tea
Polyphenols, which are antioxidants, are found in green tea.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the primary antioxidant in green tea. Laboratory studies have revealed that EGCG may have a variety of health advantages, including:
- lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease
- better glycemic control
- improved insulin activity
Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd has chemicals that help to prevent hyperglycemia or a rise in blood sugar levels. You may boost your consumption of bitter gourd in your diet by eating it as a cooked vegetable or dish once a week. You may also drink the raw vegetable juice on an empty stomach every morning.
Barley and fibre
Fibre in the diet reduces the absorption of fat and sugar from meals. This reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by preventing blood sugar increases. Barley is an excellent source of fiber, with around 6 grams per cup.
This not only improves blood sugar levels but also decreases inflammation and cholesterol levels. You may eat barley bread as is or prepare it with veggies for a tasty snack.
Supplements for Diabetes
Magnesium
Magnesium is required for insulin action and blood sugar management.
According to one study, insufficient magnesium levels may affect blood glucose management in type 2 diabetes. According to the same study, magnesium supplementation may aid with insulin resistance by boosting insulin sensitivity.
Consider taking magnesium supplements under the supervision of a doctor and food and drug administration FDA approved, or incorporate magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds in your diet.
Chromium
Chromium is a vital trace mineral that aids in glucose and fat metabolism and helps body cells respond effectively to insulin. One study discovered that those who took a chromium supplement during the preceding month had a decreased risk of developing diabetes.
It can be gained via foods such as broccoli, whole grains, and lean meats, or as a supplement under medical supervision.
Zinc
Zinc is involved in the storage and release of insulin. Zinc levels must be adequate for appropriate insulin action. Zinc has been found in studies to offer a range of advantages for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It appears to help glycemic management while promoting healthy triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Low-dose zinc supplementation of less than 25 milligrams (mg) appears to improve fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.
Include zinc-rich foods like meat, legumes, and seeds in your diet, or get medical advice before taking supplements.
Conclusion
While natural therapies provide promising alternatives to orthodox medicine for diabetes management, seeing your doctor before beginning any new treatment is critical. They can advise you on the best course of action depending on your specific needs and medical history.
Remember that controlling diabetes necessitates a multifaceted strategy. Combining a healthy lifestyle with natural therapies and standard medical care can help you regain control of your health and achieve optimal blood sugar management.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on 10 Effective Ways to Lower Blood Sugar.
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., received his medical doctorate from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. During his medical school training, Dr. Hsu worked with various patients, including adult and pediatric patients with acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Hsu’s interests include neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and sleep medicine.
Before medical school, Dr. Hsu finished a master’s degree at Harvard University and wrote a thesis on neuroimaging in schizophrenia patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospital. Dr. Hsu was also a part of the 2008 NASA Phoenix Lander Mission team, which sent a robotic spacecraft to the North polar region of Mars. Dr. Hsu also had research experience on neuroimaging in neonates at Boston Children’s Hospital, another Harvard Medical School-affiliated Hospital.
Since graduating from medical school, Dr. Hsu has worked as a full-time medical writer and consultant. In addition, he has experience writing and ghostwriting books and articles for physicians and health technology start-up companies. Dr. Hsu believes good communication between healthcare providers and patients creates the best results.
Publications
-Peer Reviewed Journal Article:
Kounaves, S.P., Hecht, M.H., West, S.J., Morookian, J.-M., Young, S.M.M., Quinn, R., Grunthaner, P., Wen, X., Weilert, M., Cable, C.A., Fisher, A., Gospodinova, K., Kapit, J., Stroble, S., Hsu, P.-C., Clark, B.C., Ming, D.W. and Smith, P.H. The MECA wet chemistry laboratory on the 2007 phoenix mars scout Lander. Journal of Geophysical Research. 2009, Mar; 114(E3): 10.1029/2008je003084.
-Poster Presentation:
2011 Harvard Psychiatry Mysell Poster Session; Boston, MA
Hsu, P.C., Rathi, Y., Eckbo, R., Nestor, P., Niznikiewicz, M., Thompson, E., Kubicki, M., Shenton, M.E. (March, 2011). Two-Tensor Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Acoustic Radiations in Schizophrenia
