Foods to manage diabetes
India is called the world capital of diabetes and the disease is increasing at an alarming rate. Diabetes refers to a condition in which a person develops high blood glucose levels. There are two main types of diabetes - type 1 diabetes in which body does not produce insulin and people with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance which means their body produces insulin, but it’s unable to use it effectively. The good news is diabetes can be controlled by making a few diet and lifestyle changes. Here are some natural home remedies to help you keep your sugar levels in control. Have a look!
Signs and symptoms
- Frequent thirst or dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth and itchy skin
- Blurred vision
- Wounds that don’t heal
Neem
The bitter leaf of neem is an effective remedy for treating diabetes as they are loaded with flavonoids, triterpenoid, anti-viral compounds and glycosides, which may help manage blood sugar levels. To make neem powder, take some dried neem leaves and grind them in a blender until smooth. You can consume this powder twice daily for optimum benefits.
Mango leaves
Drinking tea made with fresh mango leaves works magically for people with diabetes. Boil few mango leaves for at least 15 minutes and strain. Drink this tea on an empty stomach.
Karela juice
Bitter gourd contains two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, that have blood-glucose lowering properties. Drink bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach every morning. Also, you can include one dish prepared with bitter gourd daily in your diet to reap its benefits.
Jamun seed
Jamun is known to have hypoglycaemic properties, which has the ability to reduce sugar in blood. In a glass of water, add a teaspoon of crushed jamun seed powder. Stir well and drink it regularly on an empty stomach.
Ginger
Consuming ginger regularly helps in reducing the blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. Take an inch of ginger and bring it to a boil with a cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain. Drink this 1 to 2 times daily.
Fenugreek powder
Fenugreek can also be used to control diabetes, improve glucose tolerance, lower blood sugar levels, stimulates the secretion of glucose-dependent insulin. It is effective in controlling both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Soak two tbsps of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drink the water along with the seeds in the morning on an empty stomach daily.
Curry leaves
Consuming curry leaves will reduce insulin sensitivity in your body and reduce the blood glucose levels. Chew on the curry leaves or you can add it to your favorite dishes and salads.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon controls diabetes and alleviates blood sugar levels in the body by trigeering insulin activity. Studies have shown that it helps in reducing oxidative stress which plays an important role in lowering blood sugar levels in cases of type-2 diabetes. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink it daily. You can also add cinnamon to tea, smoothies and desserts.
Aloe vera
Enriched with phytosterols, aloe vera helps in regulating blood glucose levels. Consume a cup of unsweetened aloe juice twice daily for immediate results.