AIDS, Cholera, Dengue.… no, none of these, in our daily life, Diabetes or Diabetes mellitus has now become an epidemic in India. November 14 is the day when millions around the world come together to raise awareness about diabetes, the silent killer of the modern day world. Every year on November 14, World Diabetic Day is celebrated throughout the world with various awareness programs. It’s a global campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
In the world, China is the most affected country by this disease and then India. But the number of fastest-growing diabetic patients in India seems to have left China behind India in the next 20-25 years. About 415 million adults were living with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to around 642 million or one in ten adults by 2040. (Here is a fact sheet on diabetes released by the WHO). We had a common perception that people may have this disease at the age of 60-70. But now there is no restriction on the age of Diabetes, it may occur before or after 25-30 years of age. It is not just a loss of a person, but if the youth of a country is gradually affected by this disease, then it will be a major loss to the nation. Like many diseases, diabetes can’t be completely eradicated, but controlling blood sugar levels can lead to normal life.
Why are people suffering from this disease? There are no specific reasons. In India, some genetic problem and our daily lifestyle are the main reason for this. There are two types of Diabetes: Type I diabetes also called juvenile diabetes, which is common (more than 1 million cases per year in India). In this, the body does not produce insulin, it can’t be cured, but treatment may help. Type II diabetes also called adult-onset diabetes, is very common (more than 10 million cases per year in India). It is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It is treatable by a medical professional. In many countries, diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation. However, there are some simple ways that we can put in our daily lifestyle to prevent diabetes or fight against it.
Here we have 10 home remedies that effectively fight with diabetes:
Bitter Gourd or Karela:
Bitter gourd is also known as Karela that helps in lowering the blood glucose effects. Bitter gourd juice is highly beneficial for treating blood glucose metabolism in the entire body. Bitter gourd contains an insulin-like compound called Polypeptide-p or p-insulin that effectively controls diabetes. It is good for both type I and type II diabetes. You can drink fresh bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach daily and see improvement in your blood glucose levels.
Fenugreek Seeds or Methi:
Fenugreek seeds, better known to us as ‘Methi’ that controls blood sugar levels in diabetic people by slowing down the sugar absorption rate in the blood. Fenugreek contains Saponins that help to reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods. It is also effective in controlling both type I and type II diabetes. Take two tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds and soak them overnight in a bowl of water. Next day in the morning, drink the Fenugreek extract water on an empty stomach daily.
Guava:
Guava has a high concentration of lycopene (an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer), a good amount of vitamin C, potassium and a high amount of dietary fibre which are helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level. For diabetics, eating one whole or sliced guava without its skin can reduce the sugar absorption in your blood, according to an I-Shou University study. You can also drink a small glass of guava juice.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in the body by stimulating the activity of insulin. It may help improve glucose and lipids levels in patients with type II diabetes. Consuming up to 6 grams of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type II diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetics Care. Take some water and boil it for 10 minutes, then add Cinnamon into the boiling water. After boiling for 5 minutes, just filter this boiled water into a glass and drink on empty stomach daily.
Neem:
Neem is a quite popular natural remedy for reducing sugar levels in patients with type II diabetes. It scientifically reduces glucose levels without causing any side-effects. Neem enhances the insulin receptor sensitivity in Beta cells and lowers blood glucose levels. Both the Neem leaves and Neem seed oil are very useful to improve insulin receptor sensitivity in Beta cells. It allows the body to regulate sugar levels even in the presence of smaller amounts of insulin. One tablespoon of Neem leaves juice taken daily in the morning on empty stomach is helpful in diabetes.
Green Tea:
This home remedy has recently been shown to be an effective treatment for diabetes. Green Tea contains Polyphenol that is a strong antioxidant and hypo-glycaemic compound, which effectively helps in controlling the release of blood sugars and helps in maintaining the body use insulin better.
Basil leaves or Tulsi:
Basil leaves packs antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene, these compounds are very useful to improve insulin sensitivity in pancreatic Beta cells that store and release insulin. Consume two to three tulsi leaves whole or one tablespoon of Tulsi leaves juice taken daily in the morning on empty stomach is helpful in diabetes.
Indian Gooseberry or Amla:
Indian Gooseberry or Amla has a high amount of vitamin C, which is helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level. The Indian Gooseberry or Amla juice significantly helps in production of insulin to lower blood sugar from the body. It stimulates the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin, thereby reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and keeping them balanced and healthy. Consume one cup of Amla juice on an empty stomach every day to lower the blood sugar levels.
Black Plum or Indian Blackberry:
Black Plum or Indian Blackberry, better known to us as “Jamun” that controls blood sugar levels in diabetic people by slowing down the sugar absorption rate in the blood. Black Plum significantly reduces the symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination and thrusting. The extracts from the bark, seeds, and leaves are too beneficial in the treatment of this condition. Indian Blackberry helps to convert starch into energy and keep your blood sugar levels in check. Scientists say that consuming around 100 grams of Black Plum or Jamun everyday show improvement in your blood glucose levels.
Exercise:
Any kind of physical activity such as Yoga, Aerobics, Gym, playing sports can significantly improve blood sugar level by maintaining your body structure and controlling your overweight. Not only this, Walking also reduces blood sugar levels significantly in patients with type II diabetes.
