Useful AntiDiabetic Plants (Herbs) to Control Diabetes

Though diabetes is an incurable disease, but it can be controlled to large extent by taking care of your food diet. Eating herbs can be really beneficial. Most preferable list of antidiabetic plants has been mentioned below. These top natural antidiabetic herbs have shown some promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and all.

Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar or Miracle Fruit)

Gymnema sylvestre known as Gurmar is one of the most powerful herbs for controlling blood sugar. Sugar crusher/destroyer, translating it in Hindi, is well known for reducing the ability to detect sweetness. It boosts the activity of enzymes helping the cells use glucose. Thus the sugar level decreases or it stimulates the production of insulin. Though, all its effects or possible side effects still hasn’t been studied extensively, but no report of serious side effects has been found.

Azadirachta Indica (Neem or Indian Lilac)

Azadirachta indica, popularly known as Neem is widely popular as one of the best medicinal plant used for treatment of diabetes. Since immemorial time, this has been used as an antidiabetic plant, even mentioned in the early Vedic text. It is used alone or combined with other antidiabetic herbs for decreasing the sugar levels. But in some cases it is found that the blood sugar level went too low due to the use of neem. So it is advised to monitor your blood sugar level regularly while using neem as an antidiabetic herb and change the dose of it according to the need.

Morus Indica (Mulberry)

Morus indica or mulberry leaves are recommended by ayurvedic medics to decrease the sugar level and fight against diabetes. According to the research, it is found that using mulberry for at least 15 days on a regular basis with recommended dose will reduce the sugar level almost 38 to 40 %. Correcting lipid abnormality using mulberry leaves is also popular. Diabetic patients can use this plant for the protection from oxidative stress as it improves the antioxidant defence system of the body. No report of side effects has been found.

Momordica Charantia (Karela or Bitter Gourd)

Also known as Bitter Gourd, Momordica charantia has set a good example as a natural remedy for diabetes and also used extensively in ayurvedic medicines. It helps fighting diabetes by increasing the insulin secretion hence improving the function of beta cells of the pancreas. Bitter gourd fruit pulp helps in increasing the number of beta cells in the pancreas.  No serious side effect has been reported.

Eugenia Jambolana (Jamun or Java Plum)

It is known to us that diabetes makes it harder for the body to heal a wound. Eugenia Jambolana seed extract makes wound healing process faster for a diabetes patient. This is the reason of it being a preferable herb in the list of antidiabetic plants. Its fruit and seeds reduce the sugar level effectively by stimulating the secretion of insulin. It also helps in reducing the risk of kidney dysfunction in diabetes. It has no side effects.

Curcuma Longa (Haldi or Turmeric)

Studies have found that Curcuma longa lowers plasma glucose level. It is a promising ingredient in functional food aiming at preventing different kinds of diabetes. It raises the secretion of insulin and thus glucose level stays in control. It has no side effects. It even helps in fighting different other diseases as well.

Tinospora Cordifolia (Guduchi or Heart-Leaved Moonseed)

Tinospora cordifolia is an herbal bush found usually in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Its leaves, stems and root have different uses in Ayurveda. This plant not only reduces high cholesterol and allergic rhinitis, but also very useful in controlling diabetes. It has antioxidant effects. Tinospora cordifolia also helps in improving the immunity system and fight against diabetes. No noticeable side effect has been recorded. It is not only a medicinal plant used for treatment of diabetes but also cures diseases like Cancer, RA, and PUD too.

Best Diabetes Checking Machines (Glucometers)

These are the various glucometer machines which are easy to use, less painful than others and highly accurate. You can choose the one your doctor recommends or check the features to see which machine aligns with your priorities and then make a choice.

Accu-Chek Active Glucometer

Accu-Check is an easy to use Diabetes machine and is less painful than other similar machines. To check your blood sugar level, you simply need to prick a finger and take a tiny droplet of blood on the provided strip. The strip is then inserted into the machine and the time taken to show the result is nearly 5 seconds. The accurate result is displayed on the digital screen. It also has a customized test reminder feature which is quite useful.

One Touch Simple Glucometer

One-touch simple glucometer is a complete Diabetes testing kit as it comes with a good number of strips as well as lancets along with the machine. It doesn’t require coding and the result displays instantly within a second on screen. An alarm rings when you have low, high, or extremely high blood pressure. The machine is blazingly fast and probably the fastest blood glucose meter available in the market.

DrMorepenGluco One BG 02 Glucometer

DrMorepenGluco One is an amazing glucometer and no coding is required to check your blood sugar level. It is small in size with a big display and has a capacity of 450 recordings along with date and time. Only 0.7 microliter blood is required and within 7 seconds, the results are displayed. The kit contains 25 strips and 10 lancets which are enough for a few days. DrMorepen glucometer is available quite easily at online shopping sites.

Omron HGM 112 Glucometer

This glucometer from Omron is quite light in weight and is ideal for a Diabetes test at home. Only 0.1 microliter blood is required and the result appears in less than 5 seconds. It helps you in monitoring your sugar level with great ease. The Diabetes blood test machine indicates when the strip is damaged, reused or expired when inserted in the glucometer. It also has a facility of pre-meal and post-meal marking. The kit comes with 10 strips and 10 lancets.

OneTouch Ultra

OneTouch is among the finest blood sugar monitoring devices available which require a small sample and is quite accurate as well. There are 50 strips included in the packet which is more than enough for a long period of time. Most doctors recommend using OneTouch’s Diabetes blood test machine as it is quite reliable and trustworthy.

Truworth G 30 Glucometer

Truworth G 30 Glucometer is less painful and pretty quick. Only 0.5 microliters of blood is required and in less than 5 seconds, you will get to know whether the blood sugar level has increased or decreased. It also has pre and post meal facility. Around 450 test memories are saved with date and time for you to check at a later stage. The results are easily transmitted to computers or smartphones which you can show to your doctor during your Diabetes check up.

Dr. Gene Accusure Glucose Monitor

If you are looking for an affordable solution with around 25 strips and 10 lancets, the Dr. Gene Accusure Glucose Monitor is the perfect machine. It is widely trusted for being long lasting and for its accuracy.  The Diabetes checking machine is equipped with a strip ejection feature which makes sure that it prevents all kinds of blood contaminations.

Arkray Glucocard 01-Mini Glucometer

Arkray is a reputed brand among the various blood sugar testing machine brands available in the market. The blood sample required for measuring in the machine is extremely low at around 0.3 micro-liters. This is far less than the sample required by other machines available in the market. You can get your results in just 5 seconds by taking this Diabetes test at home.

Important Diabetes Tests

Here are various blood tests which can be conducted for the diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes but one can also do a Diabetes test at home. You can use a Diabetes checking machine to check your blood sugar level and know what the results are, almost instantly. If you want to know your insulin levels, you can simply carry out an insulin test for Diabetes. Check them out –

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

The Oral glucose tolerance test is a diabetic test which is majorly performed on women during pregnancy. It is accurate in letting us know if a pregnant woman is suffering from Gestational Diabetes. In this test, the blood is normally taken for test once to know the average blood sugar level and later, you will be given a syrupy glucose solution. After this, your blood is taken every 30 to 60 minutes for the next 3 hours to see how your blood is handling the surge in sugar. The results for this Diabetes blood test can vary depending upon the grams of glucose in the solution.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

When we talk about test for patients with Type 2 Diabetes, the most common Diabetes test name that crops up is the Fasting Blood Sugar test. This medical test is extremely easy to perform and thus, is highly preferred by all. One needs to fast overnight in order to take this test in the morning. Usually, a normal blood sugar level from this test ranges from 70-99 mg/dl or less than 5.5 mmol/L. Many also use a Diabetes machine to conduct this test.

Two Hour Postprandial Test

The blood sugar level is also reflected accurately after a meal and the two hour postprandial test does that. You need to have a normal meal and then wait for two hours to get this test done. If your blood sugar level is 70-145 mg/dl or less than 7.9 mmol/L then this is the normal range, and you can be worry free. If the test indicates otherwise, you need to immediately go to a doctor for getting a Diabetes check up.

Random Blood Sugar Test

The random blood sugar test just like its name says is done randomly to measure the blood sugar level irrespective of the time as well as the meals had prior to the test. The normal range for the random blood sugar test spans from 70-125 mg/dl or less than 7.0 mmol/L. If it is anything higher than that, you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1C Test

This is the only Diabetes test which measures the amount of sugar which is stuck in your red blood cells. These cells have a span of just 3 months but it can indicate your level of blood sugar in the recent months. It is a test which can also be conducted for diabetics to see how their recent blood sugar level is performing. If the results for this test are higher, you can make certain lifestyle changes to bring it back to normal. This test cannot be performed through a Diabetes machine.

What is Blood Sugar Level?

We all have a certain amount of sugar in our bodies and the quantity of blood sugar or glucose in blood is known as the blood sugar level. If these levels rise, a person may suffer from Diabetes. There are various tests to measure these levels and are used for diagnosis of Diabetes. Some tests are conducted after eating whereas some of them are conducted before eating and the blood sugar level for both of them differs.

National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended target blood glucose level ranges

**The non-diabetic figures are provided for information but are not part of National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Blood Sugar Level of Diabetic Patients

After a certain limit, the level of blood sugar is known as the diabetic blood sugar level which would mean that you are suffering from Diabetes. The blood glucose level differs as per age as well as gender along with other conditions such as pregnancy. Let’s see how the range differs for each type of person based on the Diabetes blood sugar levels chart.

Kids

There are many tests to determine the blood sugar levels in kids. The most common test that doctors recommend is the ‘Fasting Blood Sugar Test’. If your child has a 100 mg/dl of blood sugar level in a ‘Fasting Blood Test’ then he or she is perfectly fine and is in the normal range. But if it exceeds from that level and is below 125 mg/dl, your child is suffering from Prediabetes.

Finally, if your child has a blood sugar level of more than 126 mg/dl, he or she is suffering from Diabetes. These levels can be different for various tests and you must refer to your doctor to know whether your child is suffering from Diabetes.

Adults

Adults have a slightly higher range of normal blood sugar level as per the blood glucose chart. The normal range of blood sugar as per the ‘Fasting Blood Sugar Test’ is below 108 mg/dl. Anything which is significantly lower than this level is considered to be a low blood sugar range.

The range between 108 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl is said to be a state of Prediabetes which is an onset for the Type 2 Diabetes. The high blood sugar range for adults is above 126 mg/dl which is termed as Diabetes. You must constantly keep your blood sugar level in check by frequently referring to the blood sugar level chart.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of vital changes and the blood sugar level is impacted to a certain level. However, the normal blood sugar range for pregnant women without Diabetes is from 69 mg/dl to 75 mg/dl on a ‘Fasting Blood Sugar Test’.

For women who are suffering from Gestational Diabetes, the blood sugar level is higher than 95 mg/dl. Multiple blood tests are required during the tenure of pregnancy to diagnose Gestational Diabetes.

Blood Sugar Level

The major differentiator through which we classify both the diseases is the blood sugar level. Usually, the diabetic blood sugar level is above 126 mg/dl when tested through a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test. If it is higher, a person is said to have Type 2 Diabetes and necessary measures are taken. However, if the blood sugar level is lower than 126 mg/dl but more than 100 mg/dl, a person is diagnosed with Prediabetes. This is the prime differentiating factor through which we can label a person’s condition as Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.

Symptoms

Usually, a sugar disease like Diabetes doesn’t depict any kind of symptoms but people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes often experience increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and fatigue along with a few other symptoms. Whereas people suffering from Prediabetes often show no symptoms and it can only be diagnosed through a blood test for measuring blood sugar level.

It is recommended to go through diabetes check up for screening your blood sugar level. The mild symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can be seen in Prediabetes but most of the times there are no symptoms. This is how one can differentiate Prediabetes from Type 2 Diabetes based on the symptoms they show.

Treatment

Treatment for both the conditions differs to a certain extent. Although some treatment methods such as a change in lifestyle, exercising as well as diet plan are necessary for both, medication can differ. Insulin injections can be prescribed for Type 2 Diabetes but it is not needed for people with Prediabetes. Since the blood sugar level is lower in Prediabetes than in Type 2 Diabetes, the treatment mode and techniques relatively differ for both of them. But as the nature of diagnosis is similar in both, some of the treatment prescribed by the doctor can be similar in some cases.

Diagnosis of Prediabetes

One of the reasons why Prediabetes has become so prevalent is because usually there are no signs and symptoms of the disease. However, you might feel some common high blood sugar level symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, etc. The only way you can know you have Prediabetes is to get screened for it. If you are diagnosed with Prediabetes, the risk factors for ‘Type 2 Diabetes’ significantly rise but is not completely inevitable.

Preventing Conversion of Prediabetes to Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes is an onset of the infamous sugar disease but you can avoid it by taking adequate measures. Some people start treating Prediabetes as a Type of Diabetes and this is the biggest myth many live with. There are various Prediabetes causes and if you want to be healthy, you must try and avoid them to prevent Prediabetes itself. But once you are diagnosed with Prediabetes, you can change your lifestyle to make it more active and follow a proper meal plan by eating all the items listed in the diet chart.

Medication of Prediabetes

Since the blood sugar level is on a rise while you are diagnosed with Prediabetes, your doctor might recommend some medicine to cure it. ‘Glucophage’ is a medicine that you will most probably be prescribed for Prediabetes. Moreover, your physician may also advise you to take ‘Metformin’ which reduces the amount of glucose that the liver produces. The treatment of Prediabetes is possible and with consultation from a good doctor, you can avail the necessary medicines.

Natural Cure and Home Remedies for Prediabetes

• As per the facts, if you exercise for just 150 minutes per week you can drastically reduce the chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes.
• Follow a healthy diet plan from a proper diabetes food list and you can get back to your normal blood sugar level.
• Changing your lifestyle is the best remedy for Prediabetes.
• If you are overweight, you might also focus on reducing your weight so that your sugar level automatically reduces.
• Sleep adequately and take good care of your health to cure Prediabetes.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood sugar level is higher than normal but not as high enough to be termed as Type 2 Diabetes. The name of the disease can be misleading as a type of diabetes but its meaning is not to be misconstrued with actually having diabetes. If there is no treatment or diagnosis from a medical professional, it will turn into Type 2 diabetes within a few years. However, if treated with proper medication and lifestyle changes along with a weight loss program, a patient of Prediabetes can stop the blood sugar level from converting into Type 2 diabetes and bring it back to normal.

Prediabetes Causes

Although there are no exact causes of Prediabetes which are known but there are a few probable reasons why Prediabetes occurs in people and they are as follows:

• Family history and genetics can have a huge role in the diagnosis of Prediabetes in a person.
• Low activity rate and a sedentary lifestyle are often known to raise blood sugar level which turns to Prediabetes.
• The excessive fat percentage in a body is also a major cause of Prediabetes.

Prediabetes Symptoms

Just like various other types of diabetes, Prediabetes doesn’t have any kind of signs and symptoms in most cases. However, you might still look for Prediabetes early signs which can be similar to the list below:

• Increase in thirst and hunger.
• The subsequent increase in urination.
• Blurred vision in low light conditions or even in daylight at times.
• High levels of fatigue and tiredness.

Prediabetes Risk Factors

Since Prediabetes is an onset disease to Type 2 Diabetes, most of the risk factors associated with it stand true for Prediabetes as well. Below are a few major risk factors of this sugar disease:

• The increase in weight is a common risk factor in high blood sugar level which can lead up to various other diseases as well.
• If you fail to follow a proper Prediabetes diet plan which comprises of all the necessary nutrients, it will lead to worse consequences.
• Low level of activity is one of the biggest factors which can increase the risk of Prediabetes.
• Even haphazard sleep patterns can increase the chances of a person being diagnosed with Prediabetes.

Prediabetes Facts you Must Know

• Most people are diagnosed with Prediabetes after the age of 45.
• Intestinal bacteria are known to combat Prediabetes indirectly.
• People who stay up a late stand at a higher risk of getting Prediabetes in their life.
• People who lose 7% of body weight and do 150 minutes of exercise per week can go back from Prediabetes condition to normal blood sugar level condition.
• If we look at the definition of the disease, Prediabetes is not a type of Diabetes but just an onset of it.

Cure of Prediabetes

The cure for Prediabetes or way of lowering the blood sugar level is widely known and you can follow the various tips so that it doesn’t turn into Type 2 Diabetes. Make strong lifestyle changes which include changing your diet and activity level in a great way. Indulge in moderate exercises which are suitable for people with high blood sugar level. By proper consultation with a dietician, start a diet plan which is aimed at weight loss and contains elements that help in lowering the blood sugar level.

Recommended Diabetes Exercises for Diabetics

The doctors from all around the world also recommend the diabetic patients to do regular exercises to burn fat and sugar. But, most of them don’t know what exercises could be done easily. If you are a diabetic patient and looking for some recommended exercises then here is the list of the best Diabetes exercises for you.

Brisk Walking

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercises which most of us tend to ignore. If you are looking for mild exercises for diabetic patient, brisk walking can work like wonder. Even your doctor will advise you to do the same when you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Although slow or moderate walking will not yield any significant results, brisk walking can be highly effective as a daily form of exercise. Brisk walk for half an hour daily until you feel a little breathlessness so that it improves your cardiovascular functioning.

Low Weight Training

Getting active without a little weight training seems quite frivolous. You can either join a gym with a personal trainer who can create a diabetic workout for you or else get dumbles and start a basic workout yourself at home. There are innumerous benefits of weight training not only for diabetics but for anyone who wants to stay fit. Include a mix of weight training in your weekly exercise regime and you will see the difference in your fitness as well as your blood sugar levels.

Yoga

Yoga exercise for Diabetes is highly effective in keeping your blood sugar level in control. It will also help you in reducing your lower body fat and make your body combat insulin resistance to a great extent. Yoga is also believed to be a great stress buster and thus it must be included in your daily activities. When the stress levels go high, your blood sugar level shoots up too. So, try yoga daily to keep your stress levels in check and eventually lower your blood sugar levels.

Swimming

Aerobic exercises work best for diabetic patients and the best exercise for Diabetes control in this regard is swimming. It is also an effective and ideal exercise for Diabetes Type 2 patients since there is no pressure on your joints when you indulge in swimming. Moreover, swimming isn’t too hard on your feet like another form of exercises such as jogging or brisk walking. If you enjoy swimming, you can do it daily or else try scheduling it for at least 2-3 times in a week.

Bicycling

Bicycling is another aerobic exercise which is aimed to improve your cardiovascular health and lower body mobility. If you don’t have access to proper bicycling infrastructure or a bicycle, you can simply use the stationary cycle at your gym to exercise. It is termed as the most effective exercise for Diabetes patients as it significantly improves the blood flow to your legs. Cycling is also said to be an ideal form of exercise for Diabetes Type 1 patients due to the various benefits it provides.

Tai Chi

Although very few are aware of this form of exercise, it has existed for centuries now. Tai Chi was originated in China and later spread across the world owing to its stress reduction techniques and the ability to improve overall fitness. It is also said to be a good Diabetes exercise because it reduces nerve damage and improves your balance, both of which are essential for every diabetic patient. Tai Chi involves slow body movements and you can practice it daily for half an hour to get the best results.

The Last Words

These are the various effective forms of exercises which people who suffer from Diabetes must practice. All of them are proven to either reduce your blood sugar levels or are great stress busters. Include them in your exercise schedule so that you combat Diabetes in the best possible way.

Best Fruits for a Diabetic Patient

For those who were wondering what fruits are best for diabetics, this list will help to solve their problem. So without a doubt include these delicious Diabetes fruits in your diet.

Peaches

Peaches are one of the best fruits for diabetics to eat. This fragrant and juicy fruit is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, Potassium, and fibre, all of which are very essential for your body. One can easily make a delicious smoothie using peach slices with buttermilk or crushed ice. You can even add a pinch of ginger or cinnamon to the peach salad to enhance the taste.

Apricots

Highly available during summers, Apricot is a sweet mouthwatering fruit that has found its spot pretty high in the Diabetes diet chart. The nutritional value of one Apricot is 17g of calories and 4g of carbohydrates. Including 4 of them in your diet will provide you with 50% of your daily Vitamin A requirement. Being a good source of fibre, you can add it to your salad or cold cereal as well.

Apple

As the famous saying goes, “An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”, Apple truly is a nutrient-packed fruit that will keep your health in check and also increases your fitness quotient. It is rich in Vitamin C and fibre. Apple is considered as one of the best fruits for diabetics as its outer skin too is high in nutritional values and is loaded with antioxidants, which are useful to prohibit the oxidation of molecules in our body.

Tart Cherries

Tart Cherries are undoubtedly a popular choice among Diabetes patients due to its taste. It is for a reason known as the best fruit for diabetic patients as it has low GI level and is quite rich in antioxidants. Having a bowl of Tart Cherries regularly will help a person to tackle heart diseases, cancer, and other diseases as well. You will be surprised to know that Tart Cherries are also good at fighting inflammation. Tart Cherries are the best dried fruit for diabetics and must be consumed daily by them.

Berries

Whether it’s Strawberry, Blueberry or any other type of berries that you love to have, these tiny fruits are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and are high in fibre as well. They are also low in GI levels. The nutritional value for a three-quarter of a cup of Blueberries is approximately around 67 calories and 16g of carbohydrates, which is just perfect for evening snacks. The berries are a proud member of the Diabetes diet family.

Kiwi

One simply cannot avoid eating the delicious Kiwi fruit. If someone ever asks you, “What fruits are best for diabetics?” then without a second thought, prompt them Kiwi followed by other Diabetes friendly fruits. Kiwi is not only rich in Potassium but also fibre and Vitamin C that helps in maintaining your blood sugar levels.

Oranges

Without a doubt, Oranges are among the best Indian fruits for Diabetes. Packed with Vitamin C, including one or two Oranges in your daily routine will fulfill your Vitamin C requirement. Potassium and Folate present in Orange also helps to maintain blood sugar levels.

5 Foods That Cause Diabetes – Worst Food for Diabetic Patient

Here is a list of food items that are known to be among the worst foods for diabetics and rank high on the diabetic food list that causes the disease. Make sure that you stay away from these food items if you want to avoid diabetes or even if you are already diagnosed with it.

Sugar Candies

Sugar is highly dangerous for people suffering from diabetes. Even for healthy and fit people, it is advised to avoid too much of sugar. There is nothing good that sugar does. You must try and find substitutes that can play its part in your diet such as honey. In all kinds of diabetic food, sugar-free tablets are used to sweeten the food item. Diabetics or even non-diabetic people must not consume sugar candies too often for maintaining a good health.

White Bread

White bread must be avoided at all costs in your daily diet in case you consume it for your breakfast. It is not directly linked to diabetes but it leads to some factors which in the long term can become the cause diabetes or aggravate it. It has some direct impacts on obesity which is one of the causes of diabetes. Although this food item is often skipped when talked about what food causes diabetes but food authorities have advised using alternatives like brown bread or whole grain bread which are healthier than white bread.

White Rice

White rice is a highly processed grain and thus must be taken with precaution if you are a diabetic. The best advice would be to avoid it altogether but if you are habituated to it, you can moderate the amount of white rice you are consuming. You will find it in every diabetic food list among the worst food items for the diabetics.

Pickles

Although pickles do not cause much harm in provocating diabetes but if you want to keep your sodium levels in check, it is advisable that pickles must be avoided. If you include a small amount in your diet occasionally, it is fine as well but if you overdo it, your sodium levels can rise and thus the chances of getting diabetes increase.

Fruit Juices

There is a huge doubt over whether a diabetic must even consume fruits or not. But fresh fruits do no harm to regular people as well as the diabetics. But when you think upon what food causes diabetes, fruits are definitely not among them. However, avoid fruit juices as they contain high amounts of sugar for sweetening the juice which is harmful. Some people might also give you a list of diabetes fruits to avoid but it is a myth that eating fruits cause diabetes.