There are several home remedies that may help to reduce blood sugar levels:
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a spice that is derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that consuming cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can be taken in the form of a supplement, powder or adding it to your food.
One study found that taking cinnamon supplements at a dose of 120 milligrams per day for four months led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, another study found that consuming 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day for 40 days led to a reduction in HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) in people with type 2 diabetes.
You can include cinnamon in your diet in several ways:
- Adding it to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies or coffee
- Sprinkling it over your toast with peanut butter
- Adding it to sweet potato or carrot dishes
- Making cinnamon tea by steeping cinnamon sticks in hot water
Apple Cider Vinegar: Consuming apple cider vinegar before a high-carb meal may help to slow the digestion of carbohydrates and reduce the rise in blood sugar levels that typically occurs after eating. The acetic acid in vinegar has been shown to inhibit an enzyme that helps to digest carbohydrates, which can help to slow the absorption of sugar from the bloodstream.
One study found that consuming 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime led to lower blood sugar levels in the morning in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study found that consuming 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a high-carb meal led to a 20% reduction in the rise in blood sugar levels.
You can incorporate apple cider vinegar in your diet by:
- Mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a glass of water and drinking it before a high-carb meal
- Mixing apple cider vinegar with olive oil to make a salad dressing
Fenugreek: Fenugreek is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar levels. The seeds of the fenugreek plant contain a type of fibre called galactomannan, which has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Fenugreek can be consumed in the form of a supplement or powder.
One study found that taking fenugreek supplements at a dose of 30 grams per day for 8 weeks led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study found that consuming fenugreek seeds at a dose of 10 grams per day for 3 months led to a reduction in HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
You can include fenugreek in your diet by:
- Adding fenugreek powder to soups or stews
- Soaking fenugreek seeds overnight and consuming them in the morning
- Using fenugreek leaves as a seasoning for vegetables or meat dishes
Aloe vera: Aloe vera juice or gel may help to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Aloe vera contains compounds called anthraquinones that can help to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production.
One study found that taking aloe vera gel at a dose of 50 milligrams per day for 8 weeks led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study found that consuming aloe vera juice at a dose of 50 millilitres per day for 2 months led to a reduction in HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
You can incorporate aloe vera in your diet by:
- Drinking aloe vera juice before meals
- Adding aloe vera gel to smoothies or juices
- Applying aloe vera gel to your skin as a moisturizer
Bitter gourd: Bitter gourd is a vegetable that is commonly used in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar levels. It contains a compound called charantin, which has been found to have a hypoglycemic effect on the body. Charantin has been found to help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
One study found that consuming bitter gourd juice at a dose of 50 millilitres per day for 12 weeks led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study found that consuming bitter gourd at a dose of 500 milligrams per day for 3 months led to a reduction in HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
You can include bitter gourd in your diet by:
- Adding bitter gourd to curries or stir-fries
- Drinking bitter gourd juice before meals
- Eating stuffed bitter gourd
Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Curcumin has also been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to protect against the complications of diabetes.
One study found that taking turmeric supplements at a dose of 500 milligrams per day for 9 months led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study found that consuming turmeric at a dose of 2 grams per day for 3 months led to a reduction in HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
You can include turmeric in your diet by:
- Adding turmeric to curries or soups
- Drinking turmeric milk
- Mixing turmeric with honey and applying it to the skin as a face mask
It is important to note that, while these home remedies may help to reduce blood sugar levels, they should not be used in place of medical treatment for diabetes. If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, it is important to speak to a doctor before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan, also to monitor your sugar level regularly.