Home Remedies For Diabetes: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar level increases in a person’s body. It happens because of the body’s inability to properly secrete the Insulin hormone that controls the level of glucose in the blood. The normal blood sugar level in a healthy person’s body is 120 mg/dL. Few of the easily adaptable home remedies to control diabetes are:

1. Basil Leaves:

   Basil leaves lower blood glucose levels by increasing insulin in the blood. It can be taken either as food or as a supplement. Description: Take 2.5 gm of basil powder or chew 5-8 basil leaves on an empty stomach regularly, preferably in the morning.

2. Fenugreek:

   Fenugreek is a fibrous herb easily available in the market, and are believed to have properties to reduce blood sugar level and improve glucose tolerance of the body. Description: Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek in cold water and keep it overnight.

   Drink this regularly in the morning on an empty stomach to get the desired results. You can also make powder from the seeds and have 2 tablespoons of fenugreek powder mixed in milk daily.

3. BlackBerry:

   Blackberry also known as black plum is a very common seasonal fruit available in the market. It can convert starch into energy and reduce blood sugar levels. It keeps the problem of frequent urination under control. Description: Blackberry can be eaten directly as a fruit.

4. Guava:

   Guava is rich in dietary fibre and if it is eaten without the skin, it reduces sugar absorption in your blood.

5. Exercise Regularly:

   Exercising regularly will help you lose extra weight and improve insulin functioning in your body. Increased insulin functioning implies your cells can utilize the available sugar in your blood more efficiently. Regular exercise also helps your muscles to use available sugar in the blood for energy and contraction of the muscle.

   Routinely check your blood sugar levels to learn about how you respond to various activities and maintain your blood sugar levels normal neither too high nor too low Source.

6. Control Your Carb Intake:

   The body breaks down carbs into glucose, and then insulin moves the glucose into cells of the body. When you intake carbs in high quality or you have problems with the functioning of insulin, then this process weakens, and glucose levels in the blood rise.

   As per the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendation you can control carb intake by counting carbs or using a food exchange system. Having a low-carb diet can help control blood sugar levels.

7. Increase Your Fiber Intake:

   An increase in fibre consumption helps to improve carb digestion and sugar absorption in the cell. A high-fiber diet can help to improve type 1 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains are foods that are high in fibre content.

8. Control Stress Levels:

   Stress can affect sugar levels in your blood. Stress leads to the secretion of hormones such as glucagon and cortisol. These hormones increase the blood sugar level. Practicing exercise and relaxation methods like yoga and meditation helps in stress reduction and can also improve insulin secretion in chronic diabetes.

9. karela and amla juice:

   Amla contains a mineral called Chromium which acts on insulin hormone and regulates the carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Karela is one of the best home remedies for diabetic patients. Karela is often recommended by experts. Consuming karela and amla is in best home remedies for diabetes.

10. Drink water:

    Dehydration is one of the major reasons for rising blood sugar levels. Consuming water is better than soda or soft drinks. Drinking water as much as possible is helpful to fight against diabetes.

11. Mango leaves:

    Mango leaves increase the level of insulin hormone which helps in the metabolism of glucose. Mango leaves help to control blood sugar levels. You can boil 3-4 mango leaves in water and drink it.

12. Cinnamon:

    Cinnamon helps to prevent diabetes because of the presence of a bioactive compound in it. Due to the presence of the bioactive compound cinnamon stimulates insulin function and maintains blood sugar level.

13. Aloe vera:

    Aloe vera helps to reduce the blood sugar level in the body. Aloe vera also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. You can take aloe vera along with buttermilk.

14. Drumsticks:

    Drumstick is a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Drumsticks help to lower the blood sugar level. They are one of the most effective home remedies for Type 2 diabetes.

Summary: Diabetes can be controlled by adding fiber and carb-rich food to the diet. Keep yourself hydrated by taking fluids like aloe vera, karela, amla, and mango juice. Practice a healthy lifestyle by doing exercise regularly and maintain your stress.

There are no serious side effects related to mentioned natural remedies for diabetes. However, there can be a few side effects

• Fenugreek in surplus might lead to an upset stomach, gas problem, bloating, and diarrhea. It can also cause coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and several allergic reactions to hypersensitive people.
• Basil if taken in excess can cause thinning of blood, hypoglycemia, and decreased fertility.
• Excessive intake of blackberries can cause diarrhea and unripe berries can cause constipation. These are rich in tannins that can cause nausea and vomiting in sensitive people.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance.

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking guava in any form of supplement or medicine. But they can take it directly as fruit.
• Continue having basils in limited quantity as per the direction was given. But owing to a few of its medicinal values basil should not be taken with any anti-clotting and strong diabetic medicines.
• Basil is anti-inflammatory so exercise caution if you are taking NSAIDs.

Summary: Continue to practice a healthy lifestyle by exercising daily and avoid foods that lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.

It takes at least a fortnight to get visible results with these home remedies. Sometimes it may take 1-2 weeks to reduce blood sugar level. If the blood sugar level doesn't come down then consult your doctor.

Summary: Home remedies may take 1-2 weeks to control blood sugar levels.

It is possible to cure diabetes permanently. You should keep strict restrictions on your food habits and lifestyle. Stick to a regular exercise regimen to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Summary: Taking proper precautions and leaving a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain the blood sugar level.

These home remedies generally don't cause any serious side effects, expert supervision is not required to use them. However, if you have any medical condition then it is advised to consult a physician.

Summary: No, These home remedies are natural so you don’t require any expert’s supervision to use them

• Effectiveness: High
• Side Effects: Very Low
• Time for Recovery: Medium
• Price Range: Approx Rs 10 - Rs 100