Before
looking at the natural remedies for diabetes, we must understand its meaning
and forms. Diabetes mellitus, commonly
known as Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas
does not produce enough insulin or when the cells of the body do not respond
properly to the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood
sugar. Hyperglycaemia, 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.
Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure,
heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
Types of Diabetes:
There are three main types of diabetes which include Type 1,
Type 2, and Gestational diabetes
Type 1 diabetes:
This form, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile
diabetes results from the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin due
to loss of beta cells, the loss of beta cells is caused by an autoimmune
response. People with type 1 diabetes
need to take insulin every day. Up to 10% of people who have diabetes have
type 1. It’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults (but can develop at
any age). Neither the cause of Type 1
diabetes nor the means to prevent it are known.
Type
2 diabetes: This form starts with insulin resistance, a condition
where your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or your body’s cells don’t
respond normally to the insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes. Up
to 95% of people with diabetes have type 2. It usually occurs in middle-aged
and older people. Other common names for type 2 include adult-onset diabetes
and insulin-resistant diabetes. The most common cause of type 2 diabetes is a
combination of excessive body weight and inadequate exercise.
Gestation diabetes: This third form occurs
when pregnant women without any history of diabetes develop high blood sugar
levels.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects the blood. There is
no known cure for diabetes, however, treatments such as life style changes,
some medication and complementary therapies may help provide relief from
symptoms and reduce risks of complications.
More often than not, patients
with type 2 diabetes look towards natural medicine in addition to their
conventional medicine for help in treating their disease. Natural
medicines and using food as medicine is a wonderful way to complement your
diabetes treatment. However, if added without the correct knowledge or
guidance, mixing herbs, supplements and medicines can lead to a drop in blood
sugar called hypoglycemia.
NATURAL
HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS
It is advisable to consult a
doctor before starting any treatment, here are five (5) herbs and supplements
that may be beneficial to people with diabetes.
Fiber and Barley: Eating fiber decreases blood sugar
and insulin concentrations. The recommended amount of fiber is
around 30 grams per day. While you can take fiber supplements like
psylium husk, eating veggies is a more effective way to reach your goal.
Barley is a high-fiber, high-protein grain which could help people with
diabetes manage blood sugar levels and lose weight. Barley can be cooked in less than 15 minutes
on the stove top with just some water and salt.
Aloe Vera:
Consuming aloe vera gel may help control diabetes and achieve
better fasting blood glucose levels. The pulp of aloe vera leaves can be
beneficial in treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2 diabetes). It also helps to
decrease swelling and for faster healing of wound injuries caused by diabetes. Therefore, make sure to get
the juice of the gel and infuse it into your meals.
Cinnamon: A common spice added to sweet and savoury dishes all over the
world but also medically beneficial as it help to lower blood sugar and
cholesterol levels.
Fenugreek: A seed commonly used as a food spice, it contains fibre and
other chemicals that may slow digestion and the body’s absorption of
carbohydrates.
Gymnema: This herb is mostly found in the tropical forests of India,
Africa and Australia. The leaves have been used in the ancient Indian medicinal
practice Ayurveda for thousands of years.
It helps to increase insulin production in the body and also helps to
lower blood sugar levels.
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. You can consume
ACV alone, prior to a meal or mix it into salad dressings or teas.


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