Learn natural cures of diabetes.

With over three million people dying annually because of diabetes complications, it is just natural that many people are curious about natural cures for diabetes. Even before the manufacture of anti-diabetes medication, primarily Metformin and Sulfonylureas, cultures all over the world relied on traditional herbal medicines to manage diabetes and avert its complications.

We’ve gathered some of the most known and trusted natural cures that people have been using for centuries before the advent of the medication we use now.

1. Bitter Gourd

A well-known superfood that has been traditionally used as an anti-diabetic for years, the bitter gourd is infamous for its bitter taste. Despite this, it is widely consumed in Southeast Asia and in India. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and the genus Momordica, this vegetable is related to the watermelon, squash, cantaloupe, and cucumber. Green with warty skin, the bitter gourd turns orange and splits open at the bud end when it ripens. The most important part of the bitter gourd, though, is polypeptide-p or plant insulin. This compound can only be found in the bitter gourd and it naturally normalizes the body’s blood sugar.

Including a lot of bitter gourd in your diet might not be enough, though, to manage diabetes naturally. It would be advisable if you’ll also take herbal food supplements for diabetes that has bitter gourd as the main component. Since the supplements have the concentrated plant insulin, your body will be able to directly receive the p-insulin that it needs in relation to the increased blood sugar level.

2. Cinnamon

One of the world’s most favorite spices, cinnamon is somewhat synonymous with desserts. In ancient times, this delicious spice is very rare and valuable, but now, it is available in almost all supermarkets and can be found in a variety of recipes, some of them even savory. Coming from the bark of the cinnamomum tree, this spice is also famous for its medicinal properties. All around the world, it has been used as traditional medicine for thousands of years. Among the many health benefits is its ability to help the body lower its blood sugar level.

In 2003, a study published in the journal Diabetes Care stated that when it gave varying doses of cinnamon to the subjects with type 2 diabetes for 40 days, the fasting blood sugar levels and the lipid levels of the subjects drastically improved. Further studies seem to confirm this fact, making cinnamon, not just for dessert but for diabetes as well.

3. Vitamin C

Mostly identified with citrus fruits, Vitamin C is one of the most crucial nutrients that the body needs. It is essential for certain bodily functions and for a healthy immune system. Newly discovered, though, is its ability to help diabetics cope with the disease and then for non-diabetics to prevent it. How is this possible, you might think, for a vitamin that’s usually grouped with sweet and tangy fruits?

For starters, free radicals target the cell and the DNA for diabetics. The antioxidant Vitamin C can help prevent the damage. Furthermore, according to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vitamin C can help prevent endothelial dysfunction (diabetes-induced blood vessel damage).

4. Aloe Vera

Already used in herbal medicine for thousands of years due to its medicinal qualities, the Aloe Vera is a prickly but succulent plant that is native to the Caribbean, Latin America, and South Africa. It is widely used these days for ointments, creams, and shampoos. Also, a bitter liquid known as aloe latex can be used in mouthwash, toothpaste, juice drinks, and capsules. It can be found on the skin of the Aloe Vera leaves. On the other hand, its anti-diabetic properties, while still being investigated by experts, appear to be extremely promising.

A pooled analysis of nine studies suggests that Aloe Vera should further be investigated as an anti-diabetic compound. This analysis is composed of nine studies that examined the effect of Aloe Vera taken orally by diabetics and prediabetics.

5. Exercise

We know, we’re a bit cheating with this one, but then, who would dispute that exercising regularly and generally being active don’t help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels naturally? Exercising makes diabetes easier to control, keeping your blood sugar level normal, and thus averting the complications of diabetes.

During any physical activity, your active muscles use glucose as a source of energy, Regular exercise can help prevent glucose from building up in your blood.

Need a Professional Opinion

It goes without saying that you need to consult your doctor first before attempting any natural way to manage your diabetes. There are many factors to consider before making the jump and by rushing headfirst into this, you might be doing more harm than good.