DIABETES AND ITS NATURAL REMEDIES

Please note our content is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used in place of official medical advice.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.In 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 years and older had diabetes. In 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths and 48% of all deaths due to diabetes occurred before the age of 70 years. Another 460 000 kidney disease deaths were caused by diabetes, and raised blood glucose causes around 20% of cardiovascular deaths (1).Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3% increase in age-standardized mortality rates from diabetes. In lower-middle-income countries, the mortality rate due to diabetes increased 13%.By contrast, the probability of dying from any one of the four main noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases or diabetes) between the ages of 30 and 70 decreased by 22% globally between 2000 and 2019. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetes may occur suddenly. In type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can be mild and may take many years to be noticed.Symptoms of diabetes include:

• feeling very thirsty
• needing to urinate more often than usual
• blurred vision
• feeling tired and weak
• losing weight unintentionally
• Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough available insulin.
• Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
• Having slow-healing sores.
• Getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.

Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes can cause permanent vision loss by damaging blood vessels in the eyes. Many people with diabetes develop problems with their feet from nerve damage and poor blood flow, skin and mouth conditions, hearing impairment. This can cause foot ulcers and may lead to amputation. With type 2 diabetes Alzheimer's and sometimes depression related to diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. In 2017 there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes; the majority of them live in high-income countries. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated.Over time, type 2 diabetes can cause serious damage to the body, especially nerves and blood vessels.Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics.Early diagnosis is important to prevent the worst effects of type 2 diabetes. The best way to detect diabetes early is to get regular check-ups and blood tests with a healthcare provider.Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild. They may take several years to be noticed.  Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, after complications have already arisen.More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was formerly called non-insulin dependent, or adult onset. Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring increasingly frequently in children.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with blood glucose values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. These women and possibly their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than through reported symptoms.

Complications of gestational diabetes

Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for you and your baby.Complications in your baby can be caused by gestational diabetes, including:

• Excess growth. Extra glucose can cross the placenta. Extra glucose triggers the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin. This can cause your baby to grow too large. It can lead to a difficult birth and sometimes the need for a C-section.
• Low blood sugar. Sometimes babies of mothers with gestational diabetes develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. This is because their own insulin production is high.
• Type 2 diabetes later in life. Babies of mothers who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Death. Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to a baby's death either before or shortly after birth.

Complications in the mother also can be caused by gestational diabetes, including:

• Preeclampsia. Symptoms of this condition include high blood pressure, too much protein in the urine, and swelling in the legs and feet.
• Gestational diabetes. If you had gestational diabetes in one pregnancy, you're more likely to have it again with the next pregnancy.

Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glycaemia

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) are intermediate conditions in the transition between normality and diabetes. People with IGT or IFG are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable.

Prevention

Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:

• reach and keep a health body weight
• stay physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day
• eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar and saturated fat
• not smoke tobacco.

Diagnosis and treatment

Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing of blood glucose. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections for survival. One of the most important ways to treat diabetes is to keep a healthy lifestyle. Some people with type 2 diabetes will need to take medicines to help manage their blood sugar levels. These can include insulin injections or other medicines. Some examples include:

• metformin
• sulfonylureas
• sodium-glucose co-transporters type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

Along with medicines to lower blood sugar, people with diabetes often need medications to lower their blood pressure and statins to reduce the risk of complications. Additional medical care may be needed to treat the effects of diabetes:

• foot care to treat ulcers
• screening and treatment for kidney disease
• eye exams to screen for retinopathy (which causes blindness).

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1. Stress Management

Stress might be the reason behind your rising blood sugar levels. Learning ways to manage stress might be of help in such conditions. Deep breathing, walking, working out, pursuing a hobby, gardening, and listening to your favourite music might be helpful to destress. 

2. Eating right

It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist and decide on a suitable diet plan for your health needs. Your doctor might recommend that you eat foods that are rich in fibre, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables etc. They might recommend to drink water instead of juices and soda. These carefully devised dietary changes, prescribed by your doctor, might prove to be helpful for diabetes.

3. Exercise

Staying active most of the days and exercise regularly to stay fit and active. This might be helpful to lose weight if you are overweight, maintain a healthy weight, and control blood sugar levels as well. You can start exercising by taking frequent and short walks during the day. Then, you can slightly ramp up your exercise routine by trying out various other forms of exercise like stretch bands, etc. However, you should consult a professional before deciding on and adapting to a new exercise routine

4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The primary compound in ACV is acetic acid and is believed to be responsible for many of its health benefits.   There are many evidence-based approaches to using ACV.  Taking 2 tablespoons before bedtime can reduce your morning fasting sugar levels.   Even better, 1-2 tablespoons of ACV taken with meals can decrease the glycemic load of a carbohydrate rich meal.   I generally tell patients to either consume ACV alone, prior to a meal or mix it into salad dressings or teas.   

5. Fiber and Barley
Eating fiber decreases blood sugar and insulin concentrations.   The recommended amount of fiber is around 30 grams per day.  The best way to reach your goal is to eat your veggies!  Barley is a high-fiber, high-protein grain which has lots of data to support its role in helping improve blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol and general inflammation.  Barley does not requiring soaking and usually can cook in less than 15 minutes on the stove top with just some water and salt.  

6. Zinc
Those with diabetes are commonly found to be zinc deficient.  Studies have shown zinc supplementation can reduce blood sugar and A1C, have an antioxidant effect, lower blood sugar and even help treat some of the complications related to diabetes.   Large doses of zinc can inhibit the absorption of other minerals like copper, so be sure to ask for guidance of the appropriate dosing.  

7. Berberine
This is one of my all-time favorite botanicals found in plants such as goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape root and Coptis.  Current evidence supports its use for decreasing blood sugar and hba1c. Be aware that this herb can interfere with metabolism of traditional pharmaceuticals and should never be taken while pregnant.  

8. Cinnamon
A medically beneficial indulgence to help lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  

9. Fenugreek
A seed commonly used as a food spice has been used abroad for centuries for its medical benefits to lower cholesterol and hba1c.  If your urine smells like maple syrup, not to worry, this is a known side effect and is harmless.  

10. Nopal
Rest assured, you’re choosing a food that help lower your blood sugar.  Nopales are the pads of the prickly pear cactus and when cooked right are delicious!

11. Neem

The bitter leaf of neem is an effective remedy for treating diabetes as they are loaded with flavonoids, triterpenoid, anti-viral compounds and glycosides, which may help manage blood sugar levels. To make neem powder, take some dried neem leaves and grind them in a blender until smooth. You can consume this powder twice daily for optimum benefits. 

12. Mango Leaves

Drinking tea made with fresh mango leaves works magically for people with diabetes. Boil few mango leaves for at least 15 minutes and strain. Drink this tea on an empty stomach. 

13. Karela

Bitter gourd contains two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, that have blood-glucose lowering properties. Drink bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach every morning. Also, you can include one dish prepared with bitter gourd daily in your diet to reap its benefits. 

14. Ginger

Consuming ginger regularly helps in reducing the blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. Take an inch of ginger and bring it to a boil with a cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain. Drink this 1 to 2 times daily. 

15. Curry Leaves

Consuming curry leaves will reduce insulin sensitivity in your body and reduce the blood glucose levels. Chew on the curry leaves or you can add it to your favorite dishes and salads.

16. Aloe Vera

Enriched with phytosterols, aloe vera helps in regulating blood glucose levels. Consume a cup of unsweetened aloe juice twice daily for immediate results. 

17. Ochro/Okra/Lady Finger

Okra, popularly known as bhindi or ladyfinger, is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a low-calorie and low glycemic index diet. For people who continuously think of “home remedies for high blood sugar”, Okra is a perfect food item for them. Studies have shown okra improves glycemic control in diabetes patients.Myricetin present in Okra helps in increasing cellular absorption of blood glucose. The green peel and the seeds of the plant help in lowering blood sugar by slowing down the sugar absorption from the intestines. Thus, it helps in reducing blood sugar levels. Make your Okra drink and improve your blood sugar levels.

Needed ingredients

• Lady finger
• Water

Methods of Preparations

• Cut the lady’s finger horizontally and take out the seeds from it.
• Put the seeds to dry under the sunlight or at room temperature.
• Make the powder of dry seeds.
• Add the powder of the dry seeds to 2 glasses of water.
• Mix well and drink.
• Use the peeled skin for making curry.

18. Moringa Or Drum Sticks

Moringa is constituted with rich medical benefits that assist in regulating the levels of blood glucose as well as one of the best home remedies for high sugar. It is found to contain antioxidants and vitamin C. Studies have also found moringa helps in increasing insulin production in your body.

Needed ingredients

• Moringa
• Water

Methods of Preparations

• Some Moringa pieces are cut and added into a jug full of water, all you need to do is keep sipping whenever you feel thirsty!
• Toss some in your dal as well as explore its richness.

19. Oats

Oats, often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, offer a multitude of health benefits, particularly for individuals dealing with diabetes. These versatile grains have gained recognition for their remarkable impact on blood sugar regulation and overall well-being.Studies have shown oats help in boosting glucose control and improve lipid profiles. Dive into the world of oats and explore how this humble yet potent food can play a pivotal role in supporting a healthy lifestyle for those managing diabetes.

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats
• Water or low-fat milk
• Optional toppings: berries, nuts, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey (use sparingly)

Methods of Preparation:

1. Basic Oatmeal:

• Boil water or milk in a saucepan.
• Add rolled oats (½ to 1 cup, based on serving size) and reduce heat.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are creamy and soft.
• Serve hot with desired toppings.

2. Overnight Oats:

• In a container, combine rolled oats and a liquid (water, milk, or yogurt).
• Add chopped fruits, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Mix well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
• Enjoy a delicious no-cook oatmeal in the morning.

Some home remedies for low sugar are as follows:

1. Honey Cashew Syrup

Ingredients

• Warm water
• Crushed cashew nuts
• Honey

Methods of Preparations

• Take one glass of warm water.
• Add two tablespoons of crushed cashew nuts.
• Add one tablespoon of honey.
• Mix it well and drink it every night for better results.

Check sugar after 15 minutes. If it is above 100 mg/dL, you are fine. Otherwise, take half a cup of the same syrup again.

2. Applesauce

Ingredients

• 3 Apples
• Sugar
• Water

Methods of Preparation:

• Rinse & peel apples.
• Chop them and place them in the pan.
• Pour water in the pan with apples such that apples are covered with water.
• Put the pan on low flame.
• Add sugar if needed.
• Keep stirring till the apples are cooked.
• Mash the apples or blend them.
• Your apple sauce is ready. Refrigerate it and use it.

Take ½ cup of applesauce whenever your sugar is low.

3. Black Grapes & Apple Juice

Ingredients

• Black grapes
• Apples
• ½ tablespoon Sugar
• Water

Methods of Preparation

• Take an apple and chop it.
• Add one cup of black grapes.
• Add some water and a tablespoon of sugar.
• Make juice & drink half a cup of it anytime.
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4. Raisins Milk Blend

Ingredients

• Milk
• Raisins

Methods of Preparation

• Take one glass of hot water.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of raisins and mix them well.
• Drink this every day as it helps in regaining your blood sugar level in no time.
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5. Honey & Milk

Ingredients

• Milk
• Honey

Methods of Preparation

• Take one glass of milk.
• Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of honey.
• And drink it whenever you feel that your blood sugar level is getting down.