Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetes, as it is commonly known, is an ailment found in people of all ages. There was a time when only people over the age of 40 were considered to be prone to this ailment. Nowadays, even school going children are found to be diabetic.
What is Diabetes?
The blood carries the sugar (carbohydrate) present in the various foods we take and it is supplied to all the cells in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and it regulates the supply of carbohydrate to various body cells. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced does not efficiently regulate the supply of sugar, the cells are starved of energy and the unassimilated sugar continues to remain in the blood and this causes an increase in the blood sugar. If the insulin produced is destroyed it is called Type I diabetes and if the body mechanism fails to respond to the insulin produced, then it is called Type II diabetes.
Causes of Diabetes:
Medical science is yet to ascertain the precise causes of diabetes. However, experts are of the opinion that obesity, change of lifestyle, lack of physical exercises, anxiety, prolonged use of certain drugs like Dilantin, alloxan, Streptozocin etc are some of the causes of diabetes. There is myth amongst many people that consuming more sugar or sweets causes diabetes. Doctors vehemently deny this argument. They say that taking excess sweets or sugar does not cause diabetes but it may cause obesity which in turn could result in diabetes.
Effects of Diabetes
Experts say that diabetes by itself is not a dreaded disease. What makes it dangerous are the side effects caused it. It makes the kidney dysfunctional, affects the eyesight, and affects the function of the heart. This makes diabetes a dreaded disease and has given it its name of ‘silent killer’.
Remedies
The medical fraternity is yet to come out with medication which can cure diabetes in its entirety. However, there are many medicines which regulate the production of insulin or management of insulin produced in the body. So, the patient can now live with diabetes. Apart from this there are many home remedies for diabetes and some of the home remedies are briefly explained here.
- Home Remedies
- Other Remedies
- Diet
Home remedies for Diabetes Mellitus
Bitter Gourd and Fenugreek
Bitter Gourd As A Home Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus
Properties: Also known as Bitter Melon, this vegetable is available throughout the world. Nutritionists are of the opinion that Bitter Gourd is a gift of nature to those suffering from Diabetes. Further, apart from regulating blood sugar it also has many other medicinal uses. It stimulates the digestive system, cures gastrointestinal disorders and malaria, chickenpox and measles. It strengthens immunity system of the body, fights cancer, relieves painful menstruation and regulates glucose. These properties make it one of best natural remedies for diabetes mellitus.
Fenugreek As A Home Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus
Properties: Belonging to the Fabaceae family and with the botanical name Trigonella foenum-graecum, Fenugreek is one of the most common spices used in everyday cooking. Largely grown in most Asian countries, Fenugreek though bitter in taste, is known for its pleasant aroma. Fenugreek is the seed derived from the plant Trigonella foenumgraecum. Fenugreek is rich in Vitamins A and C, carbohydrates, calcium, iron and many other minerals. It is a stimulant to liver and spleen and is a stimulant or an appetizer too. It is known to purify the blood and in case of nursing mothers, it helps the increase the secretion of breast milk. The leaves of the Fenugreek plants
cure wounds, rashes and boils. It reduces serum cholesterol levels and regulates glucose and is considered one of the best medicines for those suffering from Diabetes.
Using Bitter Gourd and Fenugreek as a Treatment for Diabetes:
Bitter gourd: Normally, bitter gourd is used to prepare curries. Alternatively, some even prepare juice of Bitter Gourd and take about ½ glass of this juice every day during the morning. As the very name indicates, Bitter Gourd is bitter in taste and therefore if one prefers to take the juice of this vegetable; it is advised that you start with small doses of juice.
Fenugreek: Prepare a decoction of Fenugreek. The procedure is very simple, take about two tablespoons of Fenugreek and put it in about one glass of water. Now, boil the water on low flame till the water reduces to one-fourth the quantity. Take this decoction twice daily.
Mango leaves As A Home Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus
Properties: Mango is believed to be of Asian origin and it is largely grown in Indian subcontinent. In some parts of India, Mango is called as the ‘king of fruits’. This mango tree normally grows to a height of about 15 to 20 meters. The leaves are green and they are long; which measure about 6 inches to 1 foot. There are many mango trees which are as old as 300 years. The mango fruits are known for its taste and flavor. They are also used in many culinary preparations. The medicinal value of mango includes their rich hytochemicals and many other nutrients. These properties make it among best
natural remedies for diabetes mellitus.According to researchers, Mango is rich in vitamin A, B, C, E and K, dietary fiber, amino acids, minerals like copper, potassium and many fatty acids. Nutritionists say that mango fights free radicals, fights prostrate and skin cancer, maintains blood parameters amongst elderly persons. The leaves of mango tree are used in many religious activities amongst Hindus. The leaves are also used in treating Diabetes.
Cure for Diabetes Mellitus using Mango leaves:
Take some mango leaves, wash them thoroughly and soak the leaves in fresh water overnight. In the morning, remove the leaves and take this water on empty stomach. Alternatively, dry the mango leaves in shade and when it is completely dry, make powder of these leaves. Every day take one teaspoon of this powder and mix it one glass of water and drink this water on empty stomach every day.
Sweet potato and Ash Gourd As a Home Remedy for Diabetes Mellitus:
Sweet Potato As a Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus:
Properties: This root vegetable is called as Ipomoea batatas in botanical language. Also called as ‘Yam’ in America, Sweet potatoes are sweet in taste but are starchy. The leaves are of medium size but bear the shape of heart and alternatively arranged. Young leaves and shoots of Sweet potato are often used in many culinary preparations. Sweet potato or Yam is one of the most often used vegetable in every home. According to nutrition experts, Sweet potatoes are rich in many vitamins, carbohydrates, beta carotene, dietary fibers and many antioxidants. Interestingly, Sweet potatoes although sweet in taste, have the characteristics of regulating blood sugar level. It also induces the body mechanism to accept the insulin. So, Sweet potatoes are very beneficial to those suffering from diabetes.
Ash Gourd As a Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus:
Properties: Largely grown in most of the Asian countries, Ash Gourd is said to be used in many of the ancient Indian herbal medicines. This is a creeper also called as climbing creeper, and has wide green leaves. Some of the Ash Gourd weighs as much as 10 to 15 kgs! Ash Gourd is nearly whitish green in color and it has small amount of fiber, carbohydrate and protein. It has essential vitamins, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, thiamine, phosphorous, iron and host of antioxidants. These properties make it one of best natural remedies for diabetes mellitus. It is particularly rich in Vitamin C. It fights tuberculosis, anemia, peptic ulcer, and removes waste materials from the body, helps in growth of tissue, fights dandruff and dryness of scalp.
Cure for Diabetes Mellitus using Sweet Potato and Ash Gourd:
Take about five leaves of Sweet Potato leaves and about three teaspoon of Ash Gourd. Put them in water and boil the water for about 10 minutes in low flame. Now stain the mixture. Drink this water every day, preferably in empty stomach.
Amalaki As A Home Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus:
Properties: It is actually the fruit of the Indian Gooseberry also called as Amla. The Amalaki is greenish in color; round in shape and it is in the size of a lemon. Researchers have said that Amla tree and Amalaki which is the fruit of the Amla tree have great medicinal importance. According to researchers, Amalaki is rich in Vitamin C and it plays vital role in neurotransmitter mechanism. These properties make it one of best home remedies for diabetes mellitus. It is also known to regulate the blood sugar level in the body. In fact according to ancient Indian Medical system called as Ayruveda, Amalaki ensures proper growth of the body. It ensures health of eyes, brain, and hair and even fights infection and inflammation. .
Cure for Diabetes Mellitus using Amalaki:
Take about four Amalaki and dry them in shade. When it is fully dry, cut them to small pieces. Remove the seed inside the Amalaki. Take about one teaspoon of fenugreek. Powder them. To this add turmeric powder and mix them thoroughly. Take about one tea spoon of this powder and add it to about one teaspoon of honey. Take this medicine thrice a day. Those who have been using this medicine claim that within two months the diabetes will be under control.
Jamun As A Natural Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus:
Properties: Also known as Jambul, has its botanical name as Syzygium cuminiv. Jamun tree grows under tropical conditions and is believed to be native of India. The dense tree of Jamun is popular for its shade. This seasonal fruit which normally grows during March to June has some mythological stories around it. The fruit of Jamun turns crimson black and shining from its early greenish color. Interestingly, those who eat Jamun will have their tongue becoming purple in color which of course, gradually vanishes. The fruit is mild sour in taste. According to nutrition experts jamun is rich in calcium, phosphorous, protein, sodium, potassium, fiber, ash, and other vitamins. Researches carried out indicate that Jamun purifies blood, has anti bacterial properties, regulates blood sugar and glycosuria, and has soothing and cooling effect. The bark of the tree has antithelmintic qualities making it one of the best home remedies for diabetes mellitus. .
Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus using Jamun:
Take about four leaves of Jamun tree. Wash them thoroughly and chew the leaves every day. Another method is to mash about five leaves in half a cup of water and drink the water every day. Yet another method is to take about 10 fully ripe Jamun fruits and wash the fruits thoroughly. Put them in about one glass of water and boil the water in low flame. Once the water reduces to half its content, remove the container from the flame. Mash the Jaum and sieve. Now allow it to cool. Divide this drink thrice a day.
Neem and Bilva As A Natural Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus:
According to Indian herbal medicine science called Ayurveda, Neem and Bilva are considered to be wonder trees which holds key to
cure various ailments. They say that Diabetes is one such ailment which can be cured with Neem and Bilva.
Neem As A Natural Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus:
Properties: This tree, called as Azadirachta indica in botanical language grows to a height of about 10 meters. Young leaves are purple in color and later they turn green. The leaves are pinnate in shape. The flowers are white in color and quite small in size. Every part of Neem tree has medicinal importance. Scientists say that there are enough scientific studies which prove the medicinal importance of Neem tree. The neem oil is considered to be effective in combating lice. It fights scabies and a good cosmetic too. The neem oil regulates blood sugar, fights fungus infections including eczema, tooth ache, ringworm, ulcer etc. It is a wonderful insecticide and a veterinary medicine particularly in curing fleas of cats and dogs.
Bilva As A Natural Remedy For Diabetes Mellitus:
Properties: This tree apart from its botanical name of Aegle marmelos has many other names like wood apple, Bengal quince, stone apple etc. Bilva is a tree which grows to a height of about 30 feet. It grows in most parts of Asia. It bears fruits which are covered by shell having wood color. The shell is very hard and it is normally broken open by hitting with a hard material. Juice is prepared from the Bilva fruit. This is a seasonal fruit. The pulp inside the shell is taken out and it is mixed with sugar or honey or jaggery and enough water is added. The green leaves normally appear in a bunch of three in number. For Hindus, Bilva is a very sacred tree. The Bilva juice stops bad breath, excessive thirst, clears phlegm,
cures asthma if powdered Bilva leaves is taken with honey, heals wounds, heals swelling of joints,
cures anemia, regulates blood pressure and morning sickness particularly in expectant mothers, improves memory and provides healthy skin.
Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus using Neem and Bilva leaves:
Take about four leaves of Neem and four leaves of Bilava and dry them in shade. When it is fully dry powder them. Mix this powder in water and drink the water in empty stomach every day. Alternatively take two leaves of Neem and Bilva leaves respectively and chew these leaves every day in the morning. This regulates the blood sugar.
Other home remedies for Diabetes Mellitus:
There are many herbal pills, capsules and pastes which are known to reduce blood and urine sugar. But, these medicines are advised to be taken under medical supervision.
Take about 10 curry leaves and chew it every day. Curry leaves are known to cure diabetes, particularly this is helpful for those who have diabetes by hereditary.
Take some Cinnamon and powder them. Take about one teaspoon of this powder and add it to one glass of water and take this medicine in empty stomach every day in the morning.
Let your daily meals include garlic, cucumber, onion, celery, ring beans which go a long way in regulating the blood sugar.
Those who are diabetic are advised to reduce taking sweets or sugar because by this the blood sugar level increases. Such persons are advised to take long walk or do some physical exercise so that the extra sugar in the body is burnt. Doctors advised that at least 45 minutes of brisk walking must be made every day.
Yoga is known to cure diabetes. But, practice Yoga under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Practice meditation also regularly. This will keep the mind calm. At the same time Pranayama also is known to regulate the blood sugar. But, ensure that Pranayama is also practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
Those who are diabetic must take proper care of their foot. This is because any injury to foot may result in gangrene which may result in many other complications.
Visit the doctor regularly and have your blood sugar and urine sugar levels examined.
Diet for Diabetes Mellitus:
Do not eat junk food or oily food, starchy or deep fried food. Ensure that those suffering from diabetes should take food low in calories and whatever the calorie consumed must be burnt.
Restrict on Coffee and Tea and eat in small quantity and only when you feel hungry.
Take low calorie food. For example, cucumber, spinach are vegetables which are low in carbohydrates as diet for diabetes.
Fish and Soy can be taken and normally experts do not restrict on their use even by those who are diabetic.
It is advised that those who are diabetic should restrict on mutton. Instead, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and cheese as diet for diabetes.
Nutrition experts say that Grape juice (without sugar) will be of great benefit to cure Diabetes.