Type II Diabetes is one of the most common, non-communicable diseases affecting adults and increasingly more and more children within the western hemisphere. Simply put, diabetes is a disease where blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high for extended periods of time.
Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and comes from the food that we eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food to get into our cells to be used for energy. If the pancreas does not produce enough (or any) insulin or the cells in the body are not able to use insulin well, then glucose is not effectively used by cells and it remains in the blood.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause various health complications, including heart disease, nerve degeneration, eye dysfunction, kidney damage, poor circulation and more. Type II Diabetes is a form of the disease that is mostly caused by unhealthy lifestyle practices (for example, poor diet and infrequent exercise) as well as genetic predisposition (if it runs in your family). Although diabetes is quite serious if left unmanaged, you can take steps to manage the disease naturally and stay healthy.
How to manage type II diabetes naturally.
Eat Fewer Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are quickly and easily broken down into glucose when digested and have the tendency to increase blood glucose within those who are unable to absorb those sugars effectively (diabetics). Be sure to minimise the consumption of sugary/sweet foods, bread, pasta, and other flour products, as well as very ripe fruits and provisions.
Be Physically Active
Physical activity is a good way to have the body use immediately available glucose as energy and bring stability to blood glucose levels. Moderate exercise for 30 minutes every day, that induces sweat and raises the heart rate, can be of great benefit for reducing blood sugar levels.
Eat Ochro/Okra or Drink its Water
I learned about this from a friend and, upon research, discovered it to be true: ochro/okra can be used as a natural aid in reducing blood glucose levels. Used in many Eastern countries in the treatment of diabetes, ochro has proven its benefits in increasing the body’s ability to absorb glucose from the blood (insulin sensitivity), is high in dietary fibre and helps to lower the glycemic index (how quickly glucose enters when digested). To use ochro/okra to manage diabetes, you can boil two to three medium or large-sized ochros in two cups of water and drink the cooled water throughout the day. Alternatively, you can eat two to three raw, young ochros before every meal to aid glucose absorption and stabilize blood glucose levels.
Drink Mango Leaf Tea
Being in the Caribbean has many benefits. One of them is easy access to mango leaves which are high in compounds called tannins that aid in treating the disease by increasing insulin sensitivity in cells. To use mango leaves to manage diabetes, boil five to 10 medium-sized, mature leaves in three to four cups of water. Let cool, and drink this tea upon waking and before bed on an empty stomach.
Use More Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a wonderful spice with a wide range of health benefits. One of them is managing blood glucose levels. Cinnamon aids in reducing the rate of food absorption and hence, stabilising the glycemic index. To use cinnamon, you can add ? teaspoon of its powder to a glass of water and drink after every meal.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Like cinnamon, apple cider vinegar has a wonderful range of benefits for the body. As proven by multiple studies, it can also be used in the management of blood glucose levels by improving insulin function and aiding cells in the uptake of glucose from the blood. To use this method, add one to two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink upon waking and before bed.
Be sure to speak with your physician before trying any of these tips, to determine what may work best for you.
I hope that these methods are helpful for you along your journey to better health.
