Home remedies that can help you manage Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term medical condition in which your body does not use insulin properly, resulting in high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The primary source of energy for our body’s cells, tissues, and organs, is glucose. Our pancreas makes a hormone, called insulin, and releases it into the bloodstream to control the level of glucose in the blood. If our body does not make enough insulin, glucose starts building up in the body, thus depriving the cells of energy. It sets the stage for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. In the case of type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells are not able to respond to insulin, leading to several symptoms and can cause serious health problems, like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

 

The biggest problem with type 2 diabetes is that you will not be able to notice it until it affects your health. According to US government data, over 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. 

 

What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

 

Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly and about 1 in 4 people with the condition do not know that they have it. In India, Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent than Type I diabetes. Some of the symptoms that develop slowly over time include:

 

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Feeling very hungry or thirsty
• Increased need to urinate (usually at night)
• Slow healing of cuts
• Numbness in your hands or feet
• Unexplained weight loss

 

Serious complications include:

 

• Kidney disease (nephropathy)
• Wye problems (diabetic retinopathy)
• Numbness in your extremities
• Heart attack or stroke
• Gum disease

 

How can you take care of diabetes at home?

 

Cinnamon

Some studies mention that having certain types of food can help people effectively manage their blood sugar levels. Spices such as cinnamon may help counter some effects of diabetes. The antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of cinnamon help boost metabolism by flushing out toxins.

 

You can make detox water by adding a 1-inch cinnamon stick in one litre of water. Keep it overnight and drink throughout the day. 

 

Aloe Vera

 

As per a study in ScienceDirect, aloe vera gel may be beneficial in helping people get better fasting blood glucose levels. Aloe vera is well known to speed up the healing of skin problems and irritations.

 

Fenugreek

 

Fenugreek is a unique herb that has long been used in cooking as a spice and flavoring agent. It has been beneficial in preventing or treating several health conditions. There are various studies which suggest that fenugreek seeds may provide benefits to people with diabetes. The high fiber content of fenugreek helps to slow down the absorption of sugar in the blood.

 

Bitter gourd

 

Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and minerals like iron and potassium, bitter gourd is known to contain an insulin-like compound called polypeptide-p or p-insulin that helps to reduce blood sugar levels. It also contains compounds such as charantin and vicine, which are collectively found more effective in diabetes management. Bitter gourd is consumed in form of juice, blended vegetable pump, seeds, and supplements. 

 

Gymnema

 

Gymnema is called the destroyer of sugar in India. It contains a compound called gymmemic acid as it suppresses the taste of sugar – providing a beneficial effect in treating diabetes. Gymnema has proved useful in lowering LDL cholesterol (measured commonly by Lipid Profile Test) , lowering blood sugar, and the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines. It is also used for treating problems such as liver disease, constipation, and water retention.

 

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes/faq-20058472
https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/can-aloe-vera-help-with-type-2-diabetes/
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/aloe-vera-may-improve-blood-sugar-control-type-2-diabetes-prediabetes/
https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/fenugreek-blood-sugar#fenugreek-and-diabetes
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/bitter-melon-help-diabetes
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gymnema-sylvestre-benefits#:~:text=In%20one%20study%2C%20Gymnema%20appeared,complications%20of%20diabetes%20(5).