Scientists from various parts of the world involved in a 6 million study have come up with an interesting revelation: Long-term remission from type 2 diabetes is possible just by losing 1 gram of fat from the pancreas. While this finding comes as a surprise to many, there are some facts about blood sugar that we are all aware of. Type 2 diabetes has a strong association with your lifestyle. What you eat determines your susceptibility to this condition and also, how well you can manage it.

Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to either produce insulin or to use insulin effectively, you need treatment to keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Although there are numerous treatment options available to keep your blood sugar levels in control, home remedies can work wonders in achieving this task. Here are top 10 effective home remedies to maintain your blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life with diabetes.

#1 Holy Basil (Tulsi) Leaves
The leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Collectively these compounds help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) to function properly and increase sensitivity to insulin. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.

Tip: Consume two to three tulsi leaves whole or about one tablespoon full of its juice on an empty stomach to lower the blood sugar levels. Here are top 10 health benefits of tulsi.

#2 Flax Seeds (Alsi)
Due to their high fibre content flaxseeds help digestion and aid in the proper absorption of fats and sugars. Consuming flax seed helps reduce a diabetic’s postprandial sugar level by almost 28 percent.

Tip: Consume one tablespoon of ground flaxseed powder every morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. However, do not have more than 2 tablespoons per day, as it can be detrimental to your health. Here are 11 ways to include flaxseeds in your diet.

#3 Leaves Of Bilberry (Neelabadari) Plant
The leaves of bilberry have been used in Ayurveda for many centuries to control diabetes. Recently, the Journal of Nutrition stated that the leaves of the Bilberry plant contain high amounts of anthocyanidin, which enhance the action of various proteins involved in glucose transportation and fat metabolism. Due to this unique property, bilberry leaves are a great way to lower one’s blood sugar levels.

Tip: Crush bilberry leaves in a mortar and pestle and consume 100 milligrams of this extract every day on an empty stomach.

#4 Cinnamon (Dalchini)
Also known as dalchini, it improves insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Having as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day can improve one’s insulin sensitivity and help controlling weight, thereby decreasing one’s risk for heart disease.

Tip: Include about 1 gram of dalchini into your daily diet for about a month to help lower blood sugar levels. Read more health benefits of cinnamon.

#5 Green Tea
Unlike other tea leaves, green tea is unfermented and is high in polyphenol content. Polyphenol is a strong antioxidant and hypo-glycaemic compound that helps control the release of blood sugars and helps the body use insulin better. Read more 10 types of flavoured green tea that have 20 health benefits.

Tip: Steep a bag of green tea in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the bag and drink a cup of this tea in the morning or before your meals.

#6 Drumstick Leaves
Also called moringa, the leaves of this plant are best known for their ability to boost one’s energy. These have also been declared a superfood. In the case of diabetics, the moringa leaf increases satiety and slows the breakdown of food and lower blood pressure.

Tip: Take a few drumstick leaves, wash and crush them to extract their juice. Now take about 1/4th cup of this juice and drink it on an empty stomach, every morning to keep your sugar levels under control.

#7 Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)
Also known as psyllium husk is often used as a laxative. When isabgol comes in contact with water, it swells to form a gel-like substance. This slows the breakdown and absorption of blood glucose. Isabgol also protects the stomach lining from ulcers and acidity.

Tip: Cosume isabgol after every meal, ideally with milk or water. Avoid having it with curd as it can lead to constipation. Read in detail about 8 health benefits of isabgol or psyllium husk you didn’t know.

#8 Bitter Gourd (Karela)
Bitter gourd is rich in plant insulin-polypeptide-P, a bio-chemical that mimics the insulin produced by the human pancreas and thus, reduces sugar levels in the body. It is also known to be highly beneficial for diabetics owing to the two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, which are the key compounds in lowering one’s blood sugar levels.

Tip: Consume karela at least once a week either as a subzi or in a curry. If you want quick results, try having a glass of karela juice on an empty stomach once in three days. Read more about 8 healthy reasons to drink bittergourd or karela juice!

#9 Neem
Found abundantly in India, the bitter leaf has a number of amazing medicinal properties. Neem enhances insulin receptor sensitivity, helps improve blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels, lowers blood glucose levels and reduces one’s dependence on hypoglycemic drugs. Here are more health benefits of neem.

Tip: Drink the juice of the tender shoot of neem leaves on an empty stomach for best results.

#10 Indian Blackberry (Jamun)
A glycoside present in the seeds of Indian blackberry prevents the conversion of starch to sugar. It lowers blood sugar and helps prevent insulin spikes. Jambul also has properties that can protect you from heart diseases and other vascular disorders.

Tip: Eat around 5 – 6 jamuns in the morning to control your blood sugar levels. Alternatively, you can also add a spoonful of jamun seeds powder to a glass of warm water or milk and drink this daily for better control of diabetes.

Diabetics need to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can trigger complications of diabetes. A diabetic may experience shifts on blood sugar levels many times. Controlling blood sugar levels is an essential part of diabetes. When blood sugar levels go uncontrolled and are high, it is called hyperglycemia. It should be controlled on time with urgent treatment. If left untreated it can cause emergencies and serious conditions like diabetic coma. There can be many reasons behind spike in blood sugar levels like doing the wrong physical activity, not taking proper diabetic medication, eating wrong food, illness and many more. There are some symptoms that one may experience when blood sugar levels are high. Understanding these symptoms can help in taking control of the situation on time.
Diabetes: High Blood Sugar levels Signs and Symptoms
1. Frequent urination
When you have high blood sugar you kidneys start to produce more urine to get rid of the excess urine. If you notice you have to go more frequently to the bathroom then you must check your blood sugar levels once. This will also increase your thirst and make you drink more water than usual.

2. Blurred vision
Spike in blood sugar levels can also affect your vision. You will notice that your vision may become blurry. This happens due to swollen lenses from fluid leaking. You may find difficulty in concentrating. It can also contribute to frequent headaches and problems while studying or driving.

3. Slow healing of wounds
When blood sugar levels are high it takes a long time for the wounds to heal. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels cause nerve damage which delays the healing process as it impairs blood circulation. Cuts, bruises or any other wound will take longer time to heal than usual. Diabetic foot is another condition that happens due to high blood sugar levels. You also need to take care of your feet as well.

4. Change in skin
High blood sugar levels can affect your skin as well. You may notice change in skin colour and cause thick areas of skin. If you are a diabetic you need to control blood sugar levels. It can also cause dryness, itchiness, discolouration or blisters. If you notice change in your skin then you must consult your doctor.

5. Dental issues
High blood sugar levels can also affect your blood sugar levels. It can majorly cause gum problems. You may experience red and inflamed gums. You may also notice blood while brushing your teeth. You must check with your doctor if you any kind of dental issue for a long time.

Popping a pill for every illness is a common course we take for most lifestyle diseases. We ignore the fact that nature offers some of the best medicines. New studies show that diabetics are at a much higher risk of neo-degenerated diseases, nearly double the risk of cancer and heart disease. It’s time now we look at eliminating the causes of the disease rather than just bandaging the problem and controlling symptoms with medication which comes with innumerable side effects. Here are 5 exceptional foods to heal diabetes.

1. Cinnamon

We all know about this spice in our kitchen, but do you know that it was used as a medicine in ancient times? The anti- diabetic compounds in cinnamon reduce the rate at which glucose enters our body. It improvises glucose uptake by the cells and helps with blood sugar spikes. Regular dosage reduces fasting blood sugar as well as elevated levels of cholesterol in the body. The dosage recommended for diabetics is between 3-6 grams a day of the cinnamon powder.

2. Daruhaldi

This thorny herb has been used as a medicine for the longest time. Nature has indeed provided us with all these herbs that we have been using and have their descriptions in our Vedic literature. The root of the herb is ground into a powder and can be taken at least 2 times in a day. The herb stimulates the pancreas to release insulin in the blood and also helps with insulin resistance among the cells. Hence, glucose enters the cell providing energy and purifying the blood of any sugar.

3. Turmeric

A natural anti-diabetic, anti- cancer anti-inflammatory and anti- allergic, haldi or turmeric helps with insulin resistance, allowing glucose to enter the cells effectively. Diabetics should drink a cup of turmeric tea i.e. add a pinch of pure turmeric in a glass of water allow it to boil and drink. This also works very well for any inflammation in the body, which is common with diabetics.

4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an effective and natural way to cure diabetes. Coconut oil contains lauric acid and medium chain fatty acids that are lighter than glucose, so it easily gets into the cells providing super fuel to the cells without any need of insulin. Coconut fat does not get stored in the human body and is utilized as energy.

5. Jamun seeds

The fruit is exceptional for managing blood sugar, not just that the seeds of the fruit, if dried and powdered are very effective in controlling sugar levels. Anything that is astringent in taste is nature's design to cure metabolic diseases caused by excessive sweetness in the body.

The ancient Ayurvedic texts give an abundance of natural solutions to various lifestyle diseases, which now modern research is validating. Let’s go back to our roots and heal our bodies. The cookies, biscuits, breads, pastas and especially the diet and fat-free food flooded in the markets are highly inflammatory. The oils, sugar and other ingredients used are toxic. Hence, go back to a diet with 60-70 % of your diet from plants and fruits. Each meal you consume should be full of healthy foods giving each organ the nourishment its craving for.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is relatively difficult to treat. A good diet with healthy foods can do wonders in controlling the problem to a large extent. Diabetes is a condition when blood sugar levels rises at an exponential rate. It can occur if the pancreases lose their ability to release insulin or the body is unable to respond to the insulin function. Insulin is a hormone that is largely responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. A diet enriched with foods that improve insulin production and functioning may prove to be beneficial for diabetics. A little alteration in your regular meals can also do the trick. For instance, here is a healthy uttapam with a slight twist to make it diabetes-friendly. This uttapam is made with ragi and oats – two powerful foods that are considered great for combating diabetes.

Diabetics are advised to stay away from processed carbohydrates and switch to complex carbohydrates instead. Both ragi and oats contain a good amount of complex carbohydrates. They are also rich in fibre, which keeps the stomach full, eases the digestion system and makes sure that glucose is released slowly into the bloodstream.

Traditionally, uttapam is made with white rice. This recipe uses ragi, oats and brown rice instead. The addition of nutritious veggies makes this dish a star when it comes to a diabetes diet.

Here's how you can make ragi and oats uttapam –
Ingredients –

1 cup oats

1 cup ragi flour

1 cup brown rice

Half cup white urad dal

1 onion

1 tomato

1 green bell pepper

1 green chilli

Salt to taste

Method –

Step 1 - Soak rice, oats and dal in water for 4-5 hours and blend them all together into a paste. Add ragi flour to it. Add salt (as per taste) and make a smooth batter. Let it sit for at least one hour.

Step 2 – Chop onion, tomato, bell pepper and green chilli and mix them all together.

Step 3 – On a large non-stick pan, heat 1 teaspoon oil and scatter it all over the pan.

Step 4 – Pour a ladleful of the batter and spread it around the pan.

Step 5 – Sprinkle all the chopped veggies and chilli on the batter and with the help of a flat spatula, press down the veggies into the batter. Cover the pan with a lid.

Step 6 – When the top of the batter cooks, flip it over and let it cook on the other side also.

Serve this healthful uttapam with mint sauce (green chutney) and enjoy a light, delicious meal on your diabetes diet.

Modern lifestyle saw a pivotal shift from ‘primitive diet' to ‘commercial diet'. It also saw a surge in lifestyle related diseases and diabetes in one of them that has racked up a lot of concern. The way the rate of diabetes in increasing by each passing year, is a cause of worry and all measures should be taken to contain it. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas do not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. As a result, blood sugar is not able to enter the cells for storage, which leads to an abnormal spike in its level in the body. Of course, high-sugar diet is largely responsible for this situation, but it is not the only culprit, not by a long shot. There are many factors that play a role in causing it, and a great way to combat is by eating those foods on a diabetes diet that can help alleviate the symptoms.

Guava's unique nutrient composition makes it an excellent food for a diabetes diet. The light green coloured fruit with soft, seeded pulp appears mostly in the winter season. Now, if you are wondering what makes guava a preferred fruit for managing blood sugar and handling diabetes, here are the reasons:

Why Is Guava Good For Managing Diabetes
1. Guava has a low glycaemic index (GI), meaning it is digested and absorbed gradually and affects a gradual rise in glucose level.

2. Being highly rich in fibre, which is considered great for keeping blood sugar level in check. Fibres take a long time to digest, which makes sure that it is not released into the bloodstream quickly.

3. Guava is low in calories, so it helps in weight management. Excessive weight is another causal factor of high blood sugar. According to the data of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 gm of the fruit contains just 68 calories and just 8.92 gm natural sugar.

4. Guava has a low sodium content and high potassium content (417 gm per 100 gm), meeting one of the prerequisites of a diabetes diet.

5. If you thought orange is the best source of vitamin C, read this - Guava has 4 times the vitamin C content found in oranges! The nutrient is highly beneficial in building the immunity system of the body and helping it fight chronic diseases like diabetes.

Apart from all the above-mentioned properties of guavas, you should know that guava is abound with many other important vitamins and minerals required for a healthy body. Eat it raw or juice it, but do remember to stock up on guavas this winter season.