According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 77 million people 18 or above are suffering from Type-2 diabetes, and nearly 25 million people are pre-diabetic in India. The numbers are staggering.
Diabetes is a rapidly spreading disease. Even bigger of a threat is that it has no cure. It can only be controlled, even with modern medicine. That said, there are ways you can control diabetes naturally. Natural foods and herbs are some of them. The best part, they don’t have any side effects, unlike modern medicine.
Before you wonder how to control diabetes naturally, you should learn what it is. Let’s dive in:
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your body can not maintain blood sugar levels. It affects your body’s ability to produce enough insulin or use it properly. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to move glucose from the blood to the cells for energy.
Our body can make glucose on its own. But it also gets glucose from the food we eat. When you have diabetes, the lack of insulin causes glucose to stay in the blood, raising sugar levels.
There are two types of diabetes, namely:
- Type 1: A condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin.
- Type 2: A diabetic condition when the insulin level is too high in the body.
There’s gestational diabetes, too, which happens to pregnant women who already don’t have diabetes. This type of diabetes can affect both the mother and baby.
Diabetes can be fatal and may also cause severe health complications. An elevated blood sugar level can cause damage to the blood vessels, resulting in organ damage. Some of the risks are:
- Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
- Kidney damage
- Eye problems
- Nerve damage
- Pain and numbness
- Foot complications like ulcers
- Susceptibility to infections
Before you ask how to control diabetes without medicine, it’s vital to know its signs and symptoms.
What are the Early Signs of Diabetes?
Some signs can help you determine whether you have diabetes or not. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should start managing them in a natural way. That does not mean a doctor's diagnosis is not needed. It is essential to seek medical help to confirm diabetes diagnosis.
Some common indications of diabetes are:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Sudden weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Tiredness
- Blurring of vision
What are the Causes of Diabetes?
Several environmental and genetic factors are responsible for causing diabetes. Type-1 diabetes is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the body.
On the other hand, type-2 diabetes happens because of unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
Gestational diabetes may occur because of hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. This hormonal imbalance can affect insulin function. Majorly, genetic and lifestyle factors are the leading causes of diabetes.
How to Control Diabetes Naturally with Food
Diabetes is a fatal disease. However, there are some natural ways to control it. If you are unsure about how to control diabetes naturally, here is a checklist of foods and herbs you can include in your diet.
Neem
This herb has been known for many health benefits for ages. According to Ayurveda, neem detoxifies the body, purifies the skin, and controls diabetes. Neem contains flavonoids, glycosides, and triterpenoids, which help manage the surge in glucose levels. You can boil its leaves and drink the boiled water, consume its extracts, take its powder, or even capsules.
Jamun
Jamun is the wonder food for diabetic people as it controls blood sugar levels effectively. Jamun is a rich source of a natural compound called jamoboline that helps convert carbohydrates into energy, regulating blood sugar levels. It also has a low glycemic index, making it a perfect fruit to eat during summer. It increases insulin sensitivity and alleviates diabetic symptoms such as excessive urination or pushing.
Karela
Not only a superfood, Karela is a perfect anti-diabetic vegetable that houses Charatin and Momordicine, the natural compounds that help control blood sugar levels. Studies continue to evaluate the positive effects of karela due to the presence of charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p.
You can drink bitter melon juice every morning and keep your sugar levels in check. To add more taste to it, you can try adding black salt or sprinkle some black pepper powder.
Giloy
Giloy is a herb used as a medicine in Ayurveda for centuries. It increases the production of insulin, which ultimately maintains blood sugar levels in the body. You can drink giloy juice or consume it in a powdered form. This herb is also useful in managing complications such as ulcers and kidney problems.
Pumpkin Seeds
Loaded with antioxidants and fibre, pumpkin seeds help in blood-sugar regulation. According to studies, pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, which make them an ideal choice for managing diabetes. You can eat pumpkin seeds with breakfast to get diabetes under control naturally.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the right answer to how to control Type-2 diabetes naturally. According to a study, olive oil can control Type-2 diabetes by over 50%. It contains monounsaturated fats that help reduce risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which are known to maintain the flexibility of blood vessels and provide balance to blood glucose levels. Studies have found that polyphenols present in green tea have an anti-diabetic effect. This means a cup of green tea can help you boost glucose metabolism.
Pulses
Lentils, peas, beans, and chickpeas contain fibre and protein. They are also low in fat and calories. Fibre decreases the rate of sugar absorption in the blood. You can add pulses to any dish you like and meet your dose of protein and fibre easily. If you are still wondering how to control diabetes in a natural way, pulses are your delicious answer.
Oats
Oats are the powerhouse of antioxidants, fibre, Vitamin B1 and E. Oatmeal is healthy for diabetic people as studies suggest that oats have a low glycemic index. This natural food helps stabilise blood glucose levels in your body.
Vitamin C Rich Foods
Studies show that diabetic people have low levels of Vitamin C in their bodies. All fruits rich in Vitamin C (Berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and Kiwifruit) are a great option for patients suffering from diabetes.
Turmeric
Belonging to the ginger family, you can find this herb in every kitchen in India. As per recent studies, turmeric has an active compound curcumin that helps decrease the level of glucose in the blood, helping control Type-2 diabetes. Besides, it can prevent many diabetic complications and boost liver function.
Natural Diabetes Management Products
You can find a range of Ayurvedic or natural diabetes management products to manage diabetes naturally. For example, Diabecip is an all-natural solution to diabetes with 100% organic ingredients. It is made from Neem, karela, jamun, and many other powerful herbs, which not only boost your liver function but also keep the blood sugar level balanced. This syrup is your perfect answer to how to control diabetes naturally at home.
How to manage diabetes naturally with lifestyle changes
Besides switching to a healthy diet, there are other ways to control diabetes naturally. These include some lifestyle changes such as:
Exercise
Diabetes leads to cardiovascular risks that further put your body at risk. Regular exercise helps you improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart attack. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight and increase tissue sensitivity to insulin. Just start with a 20-minute moderate-intensity exercise each day. Cycling, brisk walking, and swimming are a good way to exercise your body.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is also important as it helps your body get rid of excess glucose, regulating blood sugar levels. You must also check your glucose levels in extremely hot seasons and drink at least 10 glasses of water each day to stay well-hydrated.
Practice Stress Management
Your blood glucose levels go up whenever you are stressed. When you are anxious, your body may not be able to manage diabetes properly. Practise deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to bust stress and don’t forget to stay happy inside out.
Quit Smoking
Diabetes is the root cause of many health problems like foot disease, nerve damage, heart disease, eye disease, stroke or even kidney damage. If you smoke, you are at even higher risk, as smoke constricts blood vessels. Sticking to a healthy lifestyle is the only option if you want diabetes controlled naturally.
Control Your Alcohol Intake
If you drink alcohol, watch out for how much you drink. Make sure you don’t overdo it. Alcohol makes your blood sugar level either too high or too low. Always check your blood sugar level before and after you drink alcohol.
When to seek medical help
You should consult your doctor and get regular checkups done at least twice a year. If you experience any diabetes symptoms, seek medical help right away. Discuss the pros and cons of taking medicines and keep a note of recommendations by the doctor. It’s also important to learn how to control your diabetes naturally.
Conclusion
Diabetes management is one of the critical parts of a diabetic patient’s daily routine. While many people just have to rely on modern medicines, some prefer to find out how to control diabetes naturally.
Incorporating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can help you control your blood sugar level better. Don’t forget that an unhealthy lifestyle is one of the leading reasons behind diabetes. So, if you want a better approach to control your diabetes, consider leading an active lifestyle as well. Also, you can consider including Neem Karela and Jamun juice, such as Diabecip, as it can help lower blood sugar levels naturally.