Diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2 revolves round one common element- a body hormone called Insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, and it performs the major function of regulating the levels of blood sugar (glucose) in the human body. A defect in insulin secretion leads to a condition known as diabetes, and they are of two types: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disease condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes is a disease condition that describes the body’s inability to produce enough insulin, or when the body resists the activities of insulin, a condition also known as insulin resistance.

With early diagnosis and proper medical surveillance, it is possible to live a healthy life while managing diabetes, and there many medications and therapies available to help treat the condition. The general treatment methods for diabetes aim to increase the efficiency and production of insulin in the body, based on the type of diabetes being treated. Common treatment routines for diabetic patients include exercise, insulin therapy, diet, and oral medication, however there’s a novel treatment supplement option- herbal remedies.

If you’re a diabetic patient, you might want to add herbs to your list of treatment options. Herbs have been shown to have massive potential in the treatment of various diseases of the human body, and diabetes is no different. These herbs serve as a supplement to the common treatment options, so using them will definitely help in treating the source of the problem.

Note: These herbal remedies are not meant to replace the prescriptions of a medical personnel. They are only supplements, meaning they are to be used to support the activities of the major treatment options, not as sole treatment options.

Here Are a Few of The Best Herbal Remedies For a Diabetic Patient:

1. Cinnamon

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Cinnamon contains a bioactive compound known as methylhydroxychalone (MHCP), a water-soluble polyphenol compound that imitates pancreatic insulin, thereby reducing blood sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity by increasing the rate of glucose transport into cells. It serves the function of treating diabetes and preventing its onset, making it a very valuable herb in the fight against diabetes. In fact, studies have indicated that the intake of cinnamon can reduce blood sugar levels by as much as 18% in a month. However, the intake of cinnamon must be done in moderation, since high levels of coumarin (a compound in cinnamon) in the body can cause liver damage. 

2. Ginger

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Ginger is a common mention when it comes to the treatment of various diseases, and it features here once again. Studies suggest that ginger might play a massive role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because of its ability to lower levels of blood sugar. Gingerol, a major bioactive component of ginger has been proven to increase insulin sensitivity, which indirectly leads to increased intake of glucose into cells. Also, ginger doesn’t trigger a spike in blood sugar levels because of its low glycemic index (GI). This means that the components of ginger are broken down slowly to glucose unlike some other food components that are broken rapidly, thereby causing a spike in blood sugar levels.

3. Aloe Vera

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Aloe Vera is also a common herb that helps deal with many disease conditions. In the case diabetes, aloe vera has been proven to treat liver diseases (including hepatitis) and lower the high concentration of blood lipids in the system of type 2 diabetic patients. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the swelling of body parts of diabetic patients, and induce faster healing of open wounds. Basically, the gel from aloe vera helps in dealing with the signs and symptoms of diabetes and provides soothing relief to diabetic patients.

4. Nopal

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Pads and leaves from Nopal, also known as the prickly pear cactus can be quite effective in the treatment of diabetic patients. The cactus plant is known to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels, regulate insulin levels, and control the level of lipids in the blood- all activities that help with the management of diabetes. 

5. Fenugreek

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This is an herb native to southern Europe and western Asia, and its seeds have been linked to show healing properties against many diseases, one of which is diabetes. Fenugreek seeds contain a healthy amount of fibers that slow the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar into the body- this highlights the reason why they are considered a potent element in managing type-2 diabetes. These seeds have also been proven to significantly increase insulin production by the pancreas and the rate at which the body utilizes blood sugar.

6. Tumeric

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Tumeric’s diabetes treatment properties lie in the fact that it possesses a chemical compound known as circumin. Circumin serves anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant functions in the body of diabetic patients, thereby reducing and stabilizing their levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. The herb is quite common, so you can easily pick a few at a local store in your area.

7. Gymnema

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Gymnema, also known as the Australian Cowplant is a potent agent in treatment and managing episodes of diabetes. Gymnema performs its anti-diabetic functions by helping diabetic patients fight the urge/cravings for sugary substances, inducing insulin secretion by the pancreas, and finally, trigger the regeneration of the β-cells of the pancreas- all of which serve the same purpose of reducing blood sugar levels in the body. One danger of using gymnema with insulin medication is that its excessive and uncontrolled use can drastically reduce the levels of blood sugar, so much that it leads to a condition known as hypoglycemia. 

Other notable mentions for the treatment of diabetes include:

• Berberine
• Ginseng
• Holy basil
• Psyllium

DISCLAIMER: The content of this article does not stand as medical advice, and should only be followed if advised by a medical health personnel.