India has a rich culture of alternative medicine, from having a ministry that recognizes the alternate solutions of therapy to grandmas with potions and poultices for everything from the common cold to chronic conditions.

So, of course when we find ourselves in a situation where we are diagnosed with anything, including type 2 diabetes. We look for things we can do by ourselves to fix them.

Whether it is using our kitchen pharmacy or the latest information on the internet to improve our health. Just as you are right now. We know you want to know all about Home remedies for diabetes.

So, let us understand if there are any home remedies for diabetes, and if there are, do they really work in helping you manage your diabetes?

Are there any home remedies for diabetes?

No. There are no “home remedies for diabetes”. But there are ayurvedic medicines and lifestyle changes that you can add to your medical management of diabetes. However, here we must ask you to read carefully.

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Poorly controlled diabetes, (having an hbA1c of >9% and above for a prolonged period) can have long-lasting consequences and increase your risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, etc.

Therefore, it is important that if you are at this level, you seek expert advice from a doctor and start medication that will help manage your blood sugar levels, once you have done that you can start your diabetes management journey by making lifestyle changes and using home remedies for diabetes. 

What about solutions like Karela juice and methi seeds being home remedies for diabetes?

So, both of these “nuskas” actually come under the umbrella of Ayurvedic medicines as their origins are based on Ayurvedic texts. Methi seeds are helpful, as they are rich in fiber, and having a diet rich in fiber and protein is crucial to managing your blood sugar levels.

So, if you soak methi seeds in water overnight and have it in the morning along with the seeds and consume them along with the water. This will increase your fiber intake.

But because we usually only soak a couple of teaspoons of methi seeds, it will not be enough to have it just in the morning. You will have to consume it before every meal, like eating a salad.

As for Karela or Karela juice, it does contain certain substances with anti-diabetic properties and it is also rich in antioxidants. While its metabolic and hypoglycemia effects have been demonstrated.

There is still a debate on how it exactly works and it is also reported to have some adverse effects. So, while karela has the potential to be a great addition to your diet it should in no way be used as a substitute for medical management or lifestyle intervention.

Also, remember that good food is only as good as its cooking method. So, make sure to cook it with less amount of fat. 

What are some of the changes that I can make in my daily life to manage my diabetes better?

1. Have a diet rich in protein and fiber

This is a point that cannot be emphasized enough. Most people due to myths and misconceptions believe that there are some specific foods that you need to eliminate to manage diabetes, such as refined sugar, sweets, fruits, rice, etc.

But the truth is, everything that you eat raises your blood sugar to some degree but foods rich in carbohydrates do so more. So, adding fiber and protein benefits in two ways: one it helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time, which limits your calorie intake and prevent hunger pangs keeping your blood sugar stable.

Secondly, it allows your blood sugar to spike steadily instead of suddenly. Which also helps with appetite fluctuations. 

2. Adding strength training to your routine

Muscles are the primary absorber of your body, so while any movement and exercise when you have type 2 diabetes is great, strength so training is especially beneficial. And we know that when we say strength training what comes to mind is probably just these extreme weight-lifting exercises.

But no, you can start small based on your fitness levels. You can start with some simple bodyweight exercises. If you are on the Fitterfly Diabetes management program we do a thorough assessment where we understand your fitness on multiple levels (flexibility, cardio, core strength, upper and lower body) along with your history of pain and injury. And based on that create an exercise plan for yourself. 

3. Focussing on sleep and stress management

Did you know that sleep is one of the main indicators of cardiometabolic health? Yes! And also that stress can directly contribute to blood sugar spikes?

Although traditional diabetes management has always been focused on diet and exercise, we know now that stress and sleep play a very important role in managing blood sugar levels.

So, here are a few things that you can do: Make sure you go to sleep at the same time, create bedtime habits that make you feel comfortable and relaxed and make sure to keep gadgets away at bedtime.

When you enroll in the Fitterfly Diabetes Management program your success coach will help you improve your sleep quality and duration. And as for stress management, we know that the moment, someone says stress management you think of someone meditating.

And that may not be for you but the truth is stress management can be personalized based on your preferences. From dance movement therapy to art therapy, we help you manage your stress in a way that will work best for you.

In the same way, you need to find a hobby or an activity that helps you manage your stress and therefore your blood sugar levels. 

Now that you know there are no shortcuts or home remedies to manage diabetes, there are lifestyle changes that can help you achieve your health goals. Get started and use the Fitterfly Wellness App to track your daily lifestyle habits. 

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While self-management is the long-term goal in managing diabetes. If you have been recently diagnosed or have poorly controlled diabetes. You must seek help from your physician or enroll in a diabetes management program that has a comprehensive approach.

And to know if whatever steps you are taking to manage your diabetes are working make sure to test your blood sugar levels regularly either using a smart glucometer, a continuous glucose monitoring device, or doing an HbA1c test every 3 months.

If you or a loved one is struggling to manage diabetes you can reach out to our program advisors here: 022 4897 1077