Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of your food is broken down into glucose, or sugar, and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin acts like a key, unlocking the cells in your body so that glucose can enter and be used for energy.
With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. As a result, glucose builds up in your blood. Over time, high blood sugar can damage your nerves, blood vessels, and organs.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can develop at any age.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to obesity and physical inactivity.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who have never had diabetes before. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after childbirth, but it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Causes of Diabetes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A combination of genetic and lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits causes type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Home Remedies to Manage Diabetes
Several home remedies can help you manage your diabetes and improve your overall health. These remedies include:
Diet:
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to manage your diabetes. A healthy diet for diabetes includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats is also important.
Exercise:
Regular exercise is another important part of diabetes management. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and lower your blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Weight loss:
If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help improve your blood sugar control. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan for you.
Stress management:
Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Herbal supplements:
Some herbal supplements have been shown to help manage diabetes. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, as they can interact with other medications you are taking.
Some specific home remedies that may help manage diabetes include:
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. You can add cinnamon to your food or take a cinnamon supplement.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek is a herb that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. You can add fenugreek to your food or take a fenugreek supplement.
Bitter melon: Bitter melon is a fruit that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. You can eat bitter melon raw or cooked, or you can take a bitter melon supplement.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. You can add turmeric to your food or take a turmeric supplement.
Garlic: Garlic has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. You can add garlic to your food or take a garlic supplement.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that can be managed with a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. Some home remedies may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It is important to talk to your doctor before using any home remedies.
