World Diabetes Day 2018: 12 Tried And Tested Home Remedies For Diabetes

Diabetes is a widespread and persistent problem and India, which is why India is called the world capital of diabetes. In general, there are two main types of diabetes - type 1 diabetes in which the body does not produce insulin at all and type 2 diabetes in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced does not work properly to absorb sugar from our blood. Diabetes affects more than 62 million Indians today. This hormonal disorder can lead to heart diseases, strokes, kidney failure, liver damage and cataract, apart from other less serious health problems. With the sweet disorder becoming increasingly common and life-threatening, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to prevent diabetes from taking your life. But home remedies are the best remedy for curing diabetes. These remedies includes eating karela, dalchini, methi, amla, jamun, herbs, spices, etc.

Here are the top 10 home remedies you should use to fight diabetes:

1. Bitter Gourd (Karela)

RELATED STORIES

How Air Pollution Increases The Risk Of Diabetes

With India already being home to the second-largest population of diabetics globally, understanding the role of air pollution in exacerbating this epidemic is critical for effective prevention and public health intervention.

Did You Know Adding Ghee To Your Diet Can Support Fat Loss?

Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal mentions why you should consume ghee for fat loss.

Bitter gourd is helpful in controlling diabetes because of its blood glucose lowering effects. This happens because of its chemical called Charantin. Karela tends to influence the glucose metabolism all over the body and not just of a particular organ. It increases pancreatic insulin secretion to prevent insulin resistance. Thus, bitter gourd is beneficial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, it cannot be used to entirely replace insulin treatment. It's ideal to drink bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach each morning. Also, you can include one dish prepared with bitter gourd daily in your diet for maximum benefit.

2. Cinnamon (dalchini)

Cinnamon controls diabetes and reduces blood sugar levels in the body by stimulating activity of the insulin. Its bioactive components cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, cinnamic acid, and numerous essential oils can help you prevent diabetes. Studies have shown that it can work as an effective option to lower blood sugar levels in cases of uncontrolled type-2 diabetes. It should however not be taken in excess as it can lead to breathing problems and increase the heart rate, causing excessive sweating. You can mix one-half to one teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of warm water and drink it daily. You can also add cinnamon to tea, smoothies and baked desserts.

Cinnamon prevents type 1 diabetes
Photo Credit: iStock

3. Fenugreek (methi)

Fenugreek can also be used to control diabetes, improve glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels since it is high in fibre. Eating this slows down our digestion, allowing blood sugar to be absorbed properly. This aromatic plant also stimulates the secretion of glucose-dependent insulin. It is effective in controlling both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as studies in various experiments show. You can soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drink the water along with the seeds in the morning on an empty stomach.

4. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C which is a diabetes-fighting antioxidant. Amla juice also promotes proper functioning of your pancreas which initiates production of insulin to lower blood sugar from the body. You can take 2-3 amla fruits, remove the seeds and grind it into a fine paste. Then put the paste in a cloth and squeeze out the juice. Mix two tablespoon of the juice in one cup of water and drink it daily on an empty stomach to reduce your insulin resistance.

Amla promotes and initiates production of insulin

5. Black Plum or Indian Blackberry (Jamun)

Black plum or jamun can help a lot in controlling blood sugar level because it contains anthocyanins, ellagic acid and hydrolysable tannins which are a type of antioxidants. Almost every part of the Jamun plant like the leaves, berry and seeds is a superfood for those suffering from diabetes. Research has shown that the seeds of this plant have hypoglycemic effects, which means that they reduce blood sugar and urine sugar rapidly, though not below normal levels. You can make a powder of dried seeds of jamun fruit and eat this powder with water twice a day.

6. Mango Leaves

The delicate and tender mango leaves can be used to control diabetes by regulating insulin levels in the blood. The leaves contain Vitamin C, A and tannins, which are powerful antioxidants that help in early treatment of diabetes. Other compound called 3beta-taraxerol, and ethyl acetate extract synergise with insulin to activate GLUT4 and stimulate the synthesis of glycogen. To use this, soak 10 to 15 mango leaves in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, filter the water and drink it on an empty stomach.

7. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are useful in preventing and controlling diabetes as they slow down the rate of starch-to-glucose breakdown in people with diabetes, according to research at King's College, London.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel helps lower fasting blood glucose levels. It contains phytosterols that have possible anti-hyperglycemic effects for type 2 diabetes. The combination of aloe vera gel, bay leaves and turmeric is helpful for controlling blood sugar. Aloe vera juice can also decrease blood fat and swelling, a common side effect of diabetes.

Aloe vera gel helps lower fasting blood glucose levels

9. Guava

Due to its high vitamin C and fiber content, eating guava can be really helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level. It slows down metabolism, allowing better absorption of sugar from food to lower blood sugar. It is best for diabetics not to eat the skin of the fruit to reduce sugar retention. However, too much consumption of guava in a day is not recommended since it contains potassium which can be toxic for the body.

10. Basil (tulsi) leaves

The leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils to increase sensitivity to insulin. Collectively These compounds, like eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene help the pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for storing and releasing insulin, to function properly. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress. Additionally, it has been found that tulsi boosts insulin production and lowers fasting glucose levels by 7% and post-meal blood glucose levels by 17%. You can have two to three tulsi leaves whole or about one tablespoon full of its juice on an empty stomach to lower the blood sugar levels.

11. Flax seeds (Alsi)

Flaxseeds are rich in antioxidants and their consumption can lead to a drop in insulin resistance, possibly due to the reduction in oxidative stress in the body. They are also high in fibre and so aid in the proper absorption of fats and sugars. Consuming flaxseed helps reduce a diabetic's postprandial sugar level by almost 28 per cent and increase insulin sensitivity considerably. Consume one tablespoon of ground flaxseed powder every morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. However, do not have more than 2 tablespoons per day.

12. Neem

Found abundantly in India, the bitter leaf of neem is an effective cure for diabetes. Neem enhances insulin receptor sensitivity in Beta cells, lowers blood glucose levels and reduces one's dependence on hypoglycaemic drugs. It has been found that it reduces the need for insulin by the body by up to 60%.