20+ Home Remedies for Diabetes

India has the world’s second-largest adult diabetes population. According to The Hindu, 1 in every 11 Indians has been diagnosed with diabetes. Prevention of such a widespread condition is highly valuable as treating it has a high cost.

Apart from the pharmaceutical medicines for sugar control available, there also are several home remedies for diabetes that are practical and cost-effective to better manage blood sugar levels. But before jumping to the home remedies, let’s first understand what diabetes is.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease caused by elevated sugar levels in the blood. It also reduces the body’s ability to effectively process blood glucose. The two major types of diabetes we are going to focus on here are Type I & Type II Diabetes.

Type I Diabetes

Also called Juvenile diabetes, is a genetic condition where the body is unable to produce insulin. It cannot be prevented but can be controlled. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed early in life.

Type II Diabetes

This is the most commonly occurring diabetes. In this, the body produces insulin but doesn’t effectively respond to it. Usually happens to people above the age of 40. People with this type of diabetes can start bringing their sugar levels under control with home remedies for diabetes.

What Causes Diabetes?

The cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown. In this, our body’s immune system which usually protects us from harmful bacteria and viruses starts to attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas leaving the body with little or no insulin. In the case of Type 2 Diabetes, it is caused by a lack of enough body movements, poor sleep quality, emotional stress, or genetics.

Home Remedies for Diabetes

There are various measures to lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes that can be done easily from home with the right aahar (diet). These measures include some home remedies for sugar control, some foods you can include in your diet, a concoction of ayurvedic herbs, and exercises.

7 Foods to Eat during Diabetes (Aahar)

1. Amla

Also known as Indian Gooseberry helps in controlling blood sugar levels. It contains chromium which regulates carbohydrate levels that makes the body more responsive to insulin. You can find Amla in MyPrash for Diabetes Care.

2. Dalchini (Cinnamon)

Cinnamon has phyto bioactive compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels in your body

3. Aloe vera

Used in many skincare products, Aloe vera also helps in diabetes. It has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps lower blood sugar levels. It can be easily consumed in a form of juice, just mix 30 ml of aloe vera juice with water and consume it regularly to regulate blood sugar levels

4. Sahajan (Drumsticks)

Drumsticks are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C which makes them a perfect addition to the diet if you want to manage or treat diabetes.

5.  Methi (Fenugreek)

Fenugreek, commonly known as Methi helps maintain blood glucose levels. Drinking water with 2 tablespoons of soaked methi seeds regularly will help lower glucose levels.

6.  Cauliflower

Known to have a low glycemic index, cauliflower helps in regulating blood sugar levels. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre making it a great low-carb vegetable for diabetic patients.

7. Bittergourd

Bitter gourd, commonly known as karela has three active substances - charanti, and vicine polypeptide-p which have anti-diabetic properties and are known to have a blood glucose-lowering effect. Karela can be consumed in a form of juice or can be made in a sabzi.

5 Exercises for Diabetes (Vihaar)

Along with different natural remedies for diabetes, you should include vihaar in your daily routine. Some of these exercises can be done from the comfort of your home. These exercises will help manage blood sugar levels, weight promote overall health and well-being.

1. Walking

Walking is one of the most recommended exercises for people with diabetes. A brisk walk for 30 minutes to an hour, thrice a week will help you achieve your fitness goal.

2. Cycling

Half of the people who have diabetes have arthritis so cycling is one exercise that can help reach your fitness goals with much less strain on your joints.

3. Dancing

This exercise will not only help you lower your blood sugar levels but also help ease stress levels and burn fat. Dancing 30 minutes a day can be a fun way to get the exercise in. Zumba makes for a perfect fast-paced workout, a combination of dance and aerobic movements. It improves aerobic fitness and also helps lose weight.

4. Yoga

Using the correct yoga asanas and breathing techniques helps in lowering blood pressure, improves the quality of sleep, and also manages blood sugar levels.

Here are 5 simple yoga asanas that can help manage diabetes and overall health:

Balasana (Child Pose):

This asana engages hamstrings, spinal extensors, and rotator muscles. It encourages relaxation that helps in the increase of production of insulin-producing beta cells.

Steps:

1. Sit in a kneeling position with your knees wide apart at the same width as your hips.
2. Moving a bit backward, try touching your heels with your hips and lean forward to touch the ground with your forehead.
3. Stretch and feel the pressure on your back.
4. Relax and return to a seated position after 5 mins.

Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

It is a simple yoga asana that helps improve knee strength and concentration. It creates more space within the body that helps the internal organs to work more effectively. It increases blood circulation and increases blood circulation, and improves the body’s sensitivity toward insulin.

Steps:

1. Stand straight and put your palms together.
2. Slowly breathe in while you move your palms in the upward direction
3. Hold this position.
4. Exhale while you bring your palms down. Repeat this process ten times.

Bhujangasana (Upward-Facing Dog)

A part of Suryanamaskar and similar to balasana, this asana also engages the hamstring, spinal extensors along with quadriceps to increase the strength of the body and ultimately reduce blood sugar levels.

Steps

1. Lie on your stomach and keep your legs straight and your forearm1. s perpendicular to the floor.
2. Take your arms on the floor adjacent to the last ribcage and try to lift your body.
3. Do not hold your body on your feet. Instead, create pressure on your feet and firm your hip muscles.
4. Look straight or slightly upward. Breathe normally and hold this position for at least 15 seconds before you sit in and relax.

Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Spinal Twist)

It is a restorative twisting pose done lying on the back. It helps with pain and stiffness in the spine, back, and hips stimulate abdominal organs, and controls blood sugar levels.

Steps:

1. Lie on your back with your arms stretched out at shoulder level.
2. Bend your knees towards the chest and move your knees together to the left side.
3. Use your left hand to put slight pressure on the bent knees.
4. Relax and breathe for 30 seconds.
5. Slowly, stretch out your legs. Now, repeat the same on the other side of the body.

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Done at the end of a yoga session, Shavasana helps in relaxing the body. It allows the body to cool down and enter into a meditative state.

Steps:

1. Lie down on the floor and close your eyes.
2. Relax your body and try not to think of anything else to relax your mind.
3. Hold this position for 20 minutes.
4. Stand up to feel a stress-free body.

5. Pilates

According to a 2020 study, in older adult women with type 2 diabetes, Pilates has helped manage and control blood sugar levels. It is also designed to improve core strength and coordination.

Before starting with any diet, natural remedy, or exercise, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a qualified medical opinion.         

What Not to Do with Diabetes

We have already listed what should a diabetic patient eat to manage their blood sugar levels. Let us see all the foods you should avoid or habits to include in your lifestyle if you are a person with diabetes.

Foods to Avoid

These foods may have a negative impact and should be removed at once from your diet if you have diabetes.

1. Whole Grains

Grains with Gluten in them which are usually high in carbohydrates and can raise a person’s blood sugar levels.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is harmful to the liver as well as to people with diabetes. It also attacks the pancreas that produces insulin so should be specifically avoided.

3. Cow’s Milk

Dairy milk is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Compared to goat and sheep milk which helps in maintaining blood sugar levels, cow’s milk contains carbohydrates which could have a negative impact on a person with diabetes.

4. Refined Sugar

Consumption of refined sugar can show an immediate spike in your blood sugar levels. It also has a direct effect on your liver as well as an indirect effect on increasing your body’s weight

Better Vihaar Habits that can help manage Diabetes

1. If you are overweight, try to lose some weight

Not everyone having Type II diabetes is overweight but the majority of them are. You can choose to follow exercises that can be done from home or require to go out from the above-mentioned list.

2. Drink a lot of water

Choose water as an alternative to the other beverages which are loaded with sugar and other preservatives.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking is linked with a lot of other serious diseases. It is known that people who smoke are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 than people who don’t smoke.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Diabetes

If we look into Ayurveda for diabetes, many ayurvedic herbs help with managing blood sugar levels and treating diabetes -

1. Guduchi/Giloy

It consists of detoxifying, rejuvenating, and immune-boosting properties making it a potent herb for diabetes.

2. Shardunika/Gudmar

Generally known as the destroyer of sugar, Shardunika is known to balance blood sugar levels.

3. Kutki

Kutki helps in cleansing the gut and expelling the unwanted contents from the body. It is effective as a liver tonic and also helps in controlling diabetes.

4. Punarnava

Punarnava has bitter, cooling, and purifying properties that help reduce symptoms of diabetes.

How to make an ayurvedic remedy using these herbs?

While it is possible to make the churan with thees herbs at home, it’s easier and more effective if you take doctor-curated formulations like Dr. Vaidya’s Diabex.

Diabex Capsules is Dr. Vaidya’s top-selling Ayurvedic medicine for managing sugar levels. It can help regulate blood sugar levels by inhibiting sudden drops in blood sugar levels and also promotes Glucose metabolism. This doctor-formulated Ayurvedic blood sugar regulator is made with all-natural ingredients and is not known to cause any side effects.

Following the home remedies for diabetes includes eating the right aahar (diet) and following the right vihaar (lifestyle choices). Ayurveda also supports the use of Chikitsa (medication) to help naturally manage diabetes.

FAQs on Home Remedies for Diabetes

How can I treat diabetes without medication?

With the help of a proper diet, exercise, and natural remedies, you can manage diabetes more effectively. These natural remedies or ayurvedic treatments for diabetes can make it easier to live with diabetes.

How can I reduce diabetes at home?

To reduce diabetes at home, you can work towards controlling your body weight with exercises that can be done from home. Also, you can take care of what to eat and what not to eat with diabetes. Taking Ayurvedic medicine for blood sugar also helps manage sugar levels.

What drink lowers blood sugar?

Drink and Juices with Karela, Amla, Tulsi, Jamun, and Guduchi, which is one of the most valuable ayurvedic herbs for diabetes, also Methi can help lower blood sugar. Regular consumption of these ingredients can help optimize blood sugar levels.

What foods can lower blood sugar quickly?

Superfoods like Beetroots, Tomatoes, Mixed Nuts, Bitter Gourd, Jamun, Guava, and Tumeric can help better manage blood sugar levels and improve your body’s response to insulin.