Natural Home Remedies For Diabetes By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction

Diabetes is slowly evolving into a global pandemic. An increased prevalence of diabetes from 4% in 1995 to 5.4% by the year 2025 was estimated¹. The IDF projects that the global prevalence of diabetes will rise to 12.2% (783.2 million people) by 2045².

Further, a prediction was made by WHO that the rise of diabetes cases will mainly be witnessed in developing countries. Insulin insufficiency (decreased insulin production) or insulin dysfunction (improper functioning of insulin) might be what leads to this complex disorder, i.e., diabetes. It is a disease in which multiple factors play a role and can lead to several complications if left untreated. Therefore, the approach to treating it might also be multi-faceted. However, the choice of treatment is at the discretion of your doctor.  

Symptoms of Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you might experience the following symptoms: 

• You might feel weak and experience tiredness³ 
• You might have an urge to urinate frequently³ 
• You might feel thirsty more often³ 
• You might experience blurring of vision³ 
• You might notice an unintentional loss of weight³ 
• You might notice that sores or cuts heal slower³ 

Other symptoms that you might notice are: 

• Men might notice a decrease in the sex drive, decreased muscle strength or erectile dysfunction⁴. 
• Women might notice frequent urinary tract infections, yeast infections and dry and itchy skin⁵.

What Causes Diabetes?

When we eat food, it gets broken down by the digestive system into its various nutrients. The carbohydrate that is present in food is broken down into glucose, i.e., sugar, which requires assistance to reach its destination, i.e., the cells. A hormone called insulin (secreted by the pancreas) assists this glucose transport to cells and plays a key role in glucose absorption into the cells. 

In diabetes, the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin, along with the cells that do not respond to the presence of insulin and cannot utilize it (Type 2 diabetes), or the pancreas does produce a very small amount of insulin (Type 1 diabetes). As a result, there is an increase in blood glucose levels, which is referred to as diabetes. However, different reasons can lead to the development of diabetes. Moreover, there are different types of diabetes.

Home Remedies for Diabetes

Active research is being conducted in various parts of the world on treating diabetes, but there is a need for more research to reach any conclusion. However, based on the currently available data, the following remedies might be helpful for diabetes. Please make a note that diabetes is a serious condition and must be diagnosed and treated only by a medical doctor. 

1. Stress Management

Stress might be the reason behind your rising blood sugar levels. Learning ways to manage stress might be of help in such conditions. Deep breathing, walking, meditation, working out, pursuing a hobby, gardening, and listening to your favourite music might be helpful to de-stress. Approaching a mental health counsellor and asking for help might also be a good first step towards coping with stress better. Therefore, you should discuss this with your doctor and reach a proper conclusion regarding methods of stress management. 

2. Eating Right

It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist and decide on a suitable diet plan for your health needs. Your doctor might recommend that you eat foods that are rich in fibre, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables etc. They might recommend drinking water instead of juices and soda. These carefully devised dietary changes, prescribed by your doctor, might prove to be helpful for diabetes. 

3. Exercise

Your doctor might recommend that you stay active most days and exercise regularly to stay fit and active. This might be helpful to lose weight if you are overweight, maintain a healthy weight, and control blood sugar levels as well. You can start exercising by taking frequent and short walks during the day. Then, you can slightly ramp up your exercise routine by trying out various other forms of exercise like yoga, stretch bands, etc. However, you should consult a professional before deciding on and adapting to a new exercise routine. 

4. Onion

An animal study⁶ on rabbits found that dried onion powder might have a potential blood sugar-lowering (anti-hyperglycaemic) effect. Another study⁶ on rats showed that a bioactive compound present in onion might have a blood glucose-lowering effect. In yet another study⁶ conducted on patients with diabetes, the blood sugar-reducing potential of onion juice was noted. However, more research is required to prove the effects of diabetes home remedies Ayurveda might have to offer. Kindly consult an Ayurvedic physician before using any herbal supplement or remedy, keeping in mind the potential risks associated with any form of supplement and therapy, along with the risks involved when being treated with multiple forms of therapy simultaneously . 

5. Bel

Bel, also known as Bengal quince or Bilva, is scientifically referred to as Aegle marmelos. It was seen in studies^{6, 7} that the leaves of the bel tree might have the potential to lower the sugar, urea, and cholesterol of the blood. It might also help to stop the sudden rise of blood sugar that usually occurs after eating food. However, more studies are required to prove the effects of such a natural cure for diabetes. Please do not use it without consulting a doctor. 

6. Neem

Animal studies⁶ have shown that neem might help lower blood sugar. It might help increase glucose uptake by cells and deposition of glycogen (complex sugar-containing glucose) in rats. However, more human studies are required on the possible use of neem for diabetes. You should consult a doctor. 

7. Babul

Its scientific name is Acacia arabica. It is found commonly all over India in the wild. It might have an anti-diabetic effect by potentially helping the release of insulin hormone and lowering blood glucose levels. In animal studies⁸, the seeds of babul were found to have the potential to decrease blood glucose levels by affecting the cells of the pancreas, which might help in insulin production. However, more studies are required to prove such claims; therefore, you should consult a doctor. 

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another such herb which might have the potential to aid in managing diabetes. Animal studies⁸ have shown that Aloe vera might potentially decrease blood glucose and increase the capacity of cells to utilize glucose. It might also influence the secretion of insulin from the pancreatic cells⁹. However, more research is required to prove the potential uses of aloe vera for diabetes. Therefore, please consult a doctor. 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies in diabetes, these are insufficient. There is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment.

Several medicinal plant have shown to be effective in different stages of diabetes, such as curcumin is proposed to be used as one of interventions in pre-diabetes therapy to prevent the progression of T2DM due to its proven benefits and safety profile,26 whereas, cinnamon can be a better option for diabetic patients who are having co-existing hypertension, and on the other hand, the extract of Aloe vera leaf gel with doses of demonstrated increased levels of insulin from regenerated pancreatic beta-cells¹⁰.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

When to Seek Medical Help

Suppose you have not been diagnosed with diabetes and notice the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, increased thirst, etc.; then you should visit a doctor and get a clear diagnosis. Your doctor will examine you thoroughly and reach a conclusion.  

If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, then you should visit a doctor if: 

• Your blood glucose levels are outside the target range in spite of medicines 
• If you develop new symptoms 
• If you experience worsening of any existing symptoms. 

You must not rely on home remedies alone for the treatment of the condition and should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for the condition if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.   

It is important to undergo foot examination, eye examination, and perform kidney function tests at least every six months to one year for a diabetic patient (type 1 or type 2) as per international guideline recommendations as these are commonly involved organs which show complications as the disease progresses.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Conclusion

Diabetes is a complex medical condition, and many factors might have a role in it. There are many factors that may affect the blood glucose level. It might occur due to the improper production or function of insulin, which is released from the pancreas. If you have diabetes, you might experience weakness, increased thirst, frequent urination, etc. Some home remedies that might help with diabetes are stress management, proper diet, onion, bel, etc. However, you should consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. If you are a known diabetic, ensure that you regularly consult your doctor, especially when your glucose levels reach out of the target range. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. King H, Aubert RE, Herman WH. Global Burden of Diabetes, 1995–2025: Prevalence, numerical estimates, and projections. Diabetes Care. 1998 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/21/9/1414/22253/Global-Burden-of-Diabetes-1995-2025-Prevalence 
2. Sun H, Saeedi P, Karuranga S, Pinkepank M, Ogurtsova K, Duncan BB, et al. IDF Diabetes Atlas: Global, regional and country-level diabetes prevalence estimates for 2021 and projections for 2045. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2021 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356803701_IDF_Diabetes_Atlas_Global_regional_and_country-level_diabetes_prevalence_estimates_for_2021_and_projections_for_2045 
3. Symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html 
4. Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI. Erectile Dysfunction and Low Sex Drive in Men with Type 2 DM: The Potential Role of Diabetic Pharmacotherapy. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2016 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5296448/#sec19 
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, Sexual, & Bladder Problems. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/sexual-bladder-problems 
6. Modak M, Dixit P, Londhe J, Ghaskadbi S, Devasagayam TPA. Indian herbs and herbal drugs used for the treatment of diabetes. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2007 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2275761/ 
7. Sarkar T, Salauddin M, Chakraborty R. In-depth pharmacological and nutritional properties of bael (Aegle marmelos): A critical review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2020 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154320300624 
8. Patel D, Prasad S, Kumar R, Hemalatha S. An overview on antidiabetic medicinal plants having insulin mimetic property. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3609288/
9. Noor A, Gunasekaran S, Vijayalakshmi MA. Improvement of insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Aloe vera extract. Pharmacognosy Research [Internet]. 2017 Jan 1;9(5):99. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5757335/ 
10. Choudhury H, Pandey M, Hua CK, Mun CS, Jing JK, Kong L, et al. An update on natural compounds in the remedy of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2017 [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017301049 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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