The medical term for diabetes is Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The disease is characterized by a high level of sugar in the blood for long time periods. Some of the common symptoms of the disease include increased thirst and hunger, and frequent urination. Some of the long term medical complications that diabetes gives rise to, when untreated, include kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, eye damage and others.. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas (the glands that produce insulin for sugar metabolism) does not produce the hormone. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by lesser or no secretion of the hormone insulin. While Type 1 disease may be caused by hereditary and genetic factors, Type 2 diabetes is caused by obesity and a sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise). A regular physical exercise schedule, healthy diet and avoidance of tobacco use may both treat and prevent the disease. There are also certain home remedies for Diabetes. The home remedies provide for a normal blood sugar level, so that the people having the disease may enjoy a better quality of life and a more normal life pattern.
Here Are 10 Home Remedies For Diabetes Mellitus
1. Indian Black Berry
Indian Black Berry, Black Plum or Jamun has lots of minerals and is also a good treatment for diabetes. The compounds in the fruit provide for the active conversion of starch into energy, thereby reducing the blood sugar level. Jamun consumption controls both glycosuria (sugar in urine) and hyperglycemia. People affected by diabetes should not miss the fruit during season.[1]
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon, the worldwide famous spice can lower the sugar level in blood by enhancing insulin activity. While cinnamon cannot used in excess as it has toxins that can damage liver, diabetic people can take around half-a-table-spoon of the spice, by dissolving it in a cup of warm water each day, for controlling blood sugar.[2]
3. Bitter Gourd
Bitter Gourd (or Bitter Lemon) enhances the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. It also lowers insulin resistance. The 3 substances that are found in the vegetable-fruit providing anti-diabetes benefits include charantin, vicine and polypeptide-p. The lectin contained in the vegetable also decreases appetite. Both bitter gourd juice and a recipe/dish containing the vegetable can provide for sugar control.[3]
4. Indian Gooseberry
Amla or Indian Gooseberry contains “polyphenols” that can protect the body from the oxidative stress, which is caused a high blood-sugar level. The polyphenols also provide for the prevention of insulin resistance and hence can provide for proper insulin absorption. The Vitamin C rich food provides for lowering of blood sugar levels in all diabetic individuals, whether they belong to Type 1 or Type 2 class.[4]
5. Fenugreek Seeds
The aromatic plant Fenugreek has lots of culinary uses. The seeds of fenugreek are high in fiber and improve digestion so that blood sugar levels are better controlled. According to a study, Type 1 diabetics can have lower blood sugar levels, reduced bad cholesterol level, and a better tolerance towards glucose by having 100 grams of the seeds in their daily diet.[5]
6. Leaves Of Mango Tree
The leaves of Mango tree not just help in creating the delicious mango fruit; they are also quiet effective in controlling blood sugar levels. Tannins, by the name anthocyanidins, which are found in the Mango leaves, provide for treatment of diabetes. For using the mango leaves for treating diabetes, soak the leaves in some water overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid and drink it. The leaf extracts also treat hyperglycemia, and initiate the synthesis of glycogen through the compounds ethyl acetate and 3-beta teraxerol that they contain.[6]
7. Curry Leaves
Oxidative stress often results in damage to tissues and diabetes is one major cause of it. Curry leaves extracts resemble glibenclamide, a substance used to treat hyperglycemia. The spice plant can be added to any dish and recipe for availing the anti-diabetes benefits.[7]
8. Okra
Okra or Ladies Finger is also rich in polyphenols that can reduce the oxidative damaged caused by the disease diabetes. Okra can be included in the diet more often for attaining anti-diabetic and sugar control benefits.[8]
9. Guava
Guava, like Indian Gooseberry, is rich in Vitamin C and fiber, and reduces the oxidative stress, apart from maintaining the blood sugar level. Diabetics should peel the skin of fruit and then consume it.[9]
10. Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera plant has a number of benefits for skin and health. It is also rich in “phytosterols”, compounds that have a hyperglycemic effect. Aloe Vera leaves are combined with turmeric and bay leaves, and the mixture turns out to be a potent anti diabetic-medicine. You can prepare the medicine at home itself, by mixing half-spoon of turmeric and bay leaves with 1 spoon of aloe-vera gel. The mixture can be consumed 2 times every day before meals for better blood sugar control.[10]
