The diabetes capital of the world, India has many challenges to face in the upcoming years. If World Health Organization report is to be believed, India will have more than 100 million people suffering from Diabetes by the next 15 years.  India witnessed the leading number of cases of type-2 diabetes (more than 50 million) than any other nation.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes described as a `lifestyle disease`because it is more common in people who don`t do enough physical activity, and who are overweight or obese. It is strongly associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an `apple` body shape, where excess weight is carried around the waist.

A. Marthanda Pillai told NYOOOZ, “It is a genetic predisposition of Indian population to get Diabetes. Lack of exercise and food habits are the real culprits for increasing number of cases in Diabetes.”

However, medical experts feel that timely detection and right management can go a long way in helping patients lead a normal life. And a few home remedies, bit of tweaking in daily food habits can make living for diabetic patients easier than ordinary.

1. Bitter Gourd or `Karela`

The bitter vegetable that is dreaded at the dinning table can work wonders in weight management and controlling blood sugar level. Consuming in the forst of a curried vegetable or plain boiled and salted or as a juice with adash of lime influence the glucose metabolism all over your body rather than a particular organ or tissue. It helps increase pancreatic insulin secretion and prevents insulin resistance.

2. Fenugreek or `Methi`

 

This popular spice has shown great results in controlling diabetes and hence is widely accepted. Fenugreek can improve glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels due to its hypoglycaemic activity. It also stimulates the secretion of glucose-dependent insulin. Being high in fiber, it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars. Fenugreek can be consumed soaked in water overnight along with the fenugreek water or in powdered form mixed with milk. The leafy vegetable is a great appetizer.

3 .Cinamon or `Darchini`

This hot Indian spice is great for diabetic patients. It has the ability to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin activity. It contains bioactive components that can help prevent and fight diabetes. Consume it powdered mixed with hot water or lime juice or boil it with water and consume it empty stomach first thing in the morning.

4. Indian Gooseberry `Amla`

The humble Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, is rich in vitamin C  and is a remedy to many ailments including pancreatic disorder, loss of appetite, weight gain and diabetes, low metabolism. Take two to three Indian gooseberries, remove the seeds and grind it into a fine paste. Put the paste in a cloth and squeeze out the juice. Mix two tablespoon of the juice in one cup of water and drink it daily on an empty stomach. Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice in a cup of bitter gourd juice and drink it daily for a few months. You can also have it sun-dried and tossed with rock salt and red chilli powder.

5. Mango Leaves or `Aamchur`

The delicate and tender mango leaves can be used to treat diabetes by regulating insulin levels in the blood. They can also help improve blood lipid profiles. The favourite Indian beverage, Aaam panna sans sugar hence is a remedy to diabetes. You can also dry the leaves in the shade and grind them. Eat one-half teaspoon of powdered mango leaves two times daily. 

Incorporate them in your daily diet and let us know how you feel!