Herbal Treatments for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It is typically characterized by increased levels of fasting and postprandial blood sugar. Diabetes is now one of the most common diseases worldwide. Its global prevalence is estimated to increase from 4% in 1995 to 5.4% by 2025. Studies conducted in India in the last decade showed that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly in the urban population, given to their stressful life and unhealthy eating habits. Diabetes mellitus is the medical term for the complex metabolic disorder that results from either insulin insufficiency or insulin dysfunction. Type I or insulin dependent diabetes is caused due to insulin insufficiency and hence patients suffering from this are totally dependent on exogenous source of insulin while those suffering from Type II diabetes are unable to respond to insulin and can be treated with dietary changes, exercise and medication. Type II diabetes is the more common form of diabetes and about 90% of the diabetic population suffers from it.

Herbal Treatments for Diabetes

Herbal Treatment for Diabetes:-

There are many herbal remedies that have been suggested time and again for diabetes and diabetic complications. Medicinal plants are the main ingredients of these herbal formulations. Given below is a list of medicinal plants and their related beneficial effects for diabetes:

Azadirachta Indica (Neem):-

This plant not only has anti-diabetic activity, but also has anti-bacterial, antimalarial, antifertility, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects.

Acacia arabica (Babhul):-

It is found everywhere in India and grows mainly in the wild habitat. Its extract acts as an antidiabetic agent by acting as secret gouge to release insulin.

Cinnamon:-

Cinnamon is getting acknowledged as a good herbal treatment for diabetes. It has been observed that its active ingredient, methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP), increases the body’s cells’ sensitivity to insulin. This helps in improving the efficiency of insulin and increases the conversion of glucose to energy. It has been claimed by some that cinnamon may triple insulin’s efficiency, whether natural or injected.

Bitter Melon:-

Bitter melon was extensively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. It has capabilities to lower the blood sugar level and this is why it has attracted diabetics to this herbal supplements for centuries. Charantin, one of the active ingredients in Bitter melon, is a potent hypoglycemic agent and has similar effects as many hypoglycemic drugs that are used in diabetes treatment. Momordica, which is another active ingredient of Bitter Melon, has insulin-like effects, which further helps in decreasing blood glucose levels. Due to the potent hypoglycemic effect this supplement should be administered with care when other medications are also being used to control diabetes.

Fenugreek:-

Fenugreek has strong anti-diabetic properties, as well as effects to lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in the body. It has been observed that it supports HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Herbal Clinics for Diabetes in India:-

Some of the herbal clinics in India where you can get herbal treatment for diabetes are Cure Veda Clinic , Family Care Clinic etc. Here, you can get completely natural and herbal treatment for diabetes.