Home Remedies To Control Sugar the Natural Way

Pancreas produces insulin, a hormone, which helps to pass glucose from the blood stream into cells, and thereby, generate energy. High blood sugar, which is also associated with diabetes, occurs when the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin or use it effectively. As diabetes can have a detrimental effect on almost all parts of the body, it is crucial to efficiently manage blood glucose levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. Over the last few decades, the number of diabetics in India has increased, largely due to poor exercise routine, stress, and lifestyle-related disorders, among others. Read on to know more about this and to see easy home remedies for high sugar. 

Symptoms of high or low blood sugar

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level becomes low, and its symptoms include: 

• Pale skin 
• Fatigue 
• Irregular or rapid heartbeats 
• Anxiety 
• Hunger pangs 
• Irritability 
• Sweating 

Other general causes are overdose of alcohol, serious health conditions, hormonal imbalance and excess production of insulin. At times, hypoglycemia is visible after meals with high sugar content as the body produces additional insulin than needed. This is known as reactive hypoglycemia or postprandial hypoglycemia. 

In hyperglycemia or high blood sugar level, the following signs will be visible: 

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Frequent urination 
• Excessive thirst 
• Fatigue 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Dryness in mouth 
• Shortness of breath 

In order to maintain better health, a diabetic can adopt home remedies for high sugar.  

Types of diabetes

Type 1, Type 2 and gestational are the three main types of diabetes. Type 1 is not characterised by age or gender, but mostly develops in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in adults. It is important to know how Type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ to address them better. 

High blood glucose during pregnancy can lead to complications for an expectant mother and child. This condition normally disappears after delivery, but such women and/or children are at a risk of contracting type 2 diabetes during later years. Gestational diabetes needs to be treated at the earliest and you can consider simple home remedies for diabetes during pregnancy to mitigate its effects.

Home remedies to lower blood sugar

Adopting a healthy diet is the one of the most effective home remedies for diabetics. Given below are some suggestions.

Control intake of carbs

Carbohydrates are broken down into sugar and thereafter insulin helps the body use and store the sugar for energy. This process breaks down if the food comprises carbs in a large proportion or there are insulin-function issues. Thus, the blood glucose level can rise. By keeping track of the carbs consumed, you can avoid facing this risk. 

Ensure proper hydration

Drinking sufficient water can help keep the blood sugar level in check. Apart from easing dehydration, water also enables the kidneys to flush out excess sugar.

Enhance fibre in the diet

Fibre slows down digestion of carbs and sugar absorption and leads to a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. There are two kinds of fibre: soluble and insoluble. The former is known to considerably aid blood sugar management. Whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables are high in fibre.

Continue an exercise routine

Exercise helps to maintain normal weight and raise insulin sensitivity. Some common forms are brisk walking, dancing, swimming, hiking and running.

Adopt portion control

By regulating calorie intake, you can sustain moderate weight. This promotes healthy blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Follow this as one of the home remedies for diabetes during pregnancy too and avoid overeating.

Regularise sleep pattern

Sufficient sleep is necessary to promote overall good health. An improper sleep cycle can adversely impact blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. It can even increase appetite and weight. 

Track blood sugar levels

Regularly checking blood glucose levels can help in determining whether there is a need for making adjustments to medications or meals as well as your body’s reaction to some foods.

De-stress periodically

Stress can significantly impact blood sugar level as hormones like cortisol and glucagon are secreted. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and other relaxation practices are good for overall well-being. 

In addition, it is best to have food and drinks that the body can absorb slowly as they do not result in sudden spikes or decrease in blood sugar. Also, food items with low or medium glycemic index (GI) are considered helpful. Some of these home remedies to control sugar are listed below.

How to monitor sugar at home?

If you have diabetes, you can self-test your blood sugar level at home with a blood sugar meter, a portable electronic device, or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). 

Tests recommended by a diabetologist

[caption id="attachment_4359" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Consult a diabetologist for appropriate treatment and management of diabetes. Some appropriate tests are mentioned below,[/caption]

Foot assessment 

A diabetic can feel numbness in the feet due to nerve damage from the condition. For example, you may have a blister or cut and not realise it. In fact, it is necessary for the diabetologist to check the feet at every visit. This can prevent small wounds from becoming major issues.  

A1c test 

It shows an average of the blood sugar level for the last three months. This percentage will be low for a healthy person. Higher the percentage, greater the chances of an increase in blood sugar levels. You can take this test at least twice during a year. 

Kidney function 

Diabetes is known to be the leading cause of kidney-related diseases. If kidneys are damaged, waste and other fluids cannot be filtered optimally and can even lead to kidney failure. Two tests are normally performed to check the condition of kidneys: (i) urine albumin test to detect protein leakage; and (ii) identifying creatinine level through a routine blood test. 

Lipid report 

Diabetes can be linked to high LDL cholesterol, which is referred to as the bad cholesterol. It can result in high triglycerides that leads to narrow or clogged blood vessels. Hence, it is necessary to undergo cholesterol tests at least once a year.

Eye and dental check-ups 

Most diabetics are at a risk of developing blindness due to eye problems like glaucoma or retina damage. Regular check-up of eyes can help in detecting the signs at an early stage. Also, diabetes can increase the risk of mouth infection, cavities and gum diseases such as bleeding and swelling. The best remedy is to go for a general check-up at least twice in a year. 

As you can see, it is not that easy to manage diabetes effectively. If you are a diabetic or facing difficulty in blood sugar management, it is important to work with your doctor to commence a treatment plan at the earliest. It takes effort and practice, and you may be able to progress considerably with the help of a qualified diabetologist.

Now, you can book appointments with the best diabetologists near you on Bajaj Finserv Health. Schedule in-person appointments or video consultations in seconds, access health plans and get deals and discounts from partner clinics and labs as well as obtain a wealth of health-related resources at your fingertips. health insurance for diabetes is one of the best options to protect yourself from diabetes.