Is Alternative Treatment for Diabetes Beneficial?

Diabetes Mellitus (known as diabetes) is a complex metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar in the body and affects millions of people in India. It is a lifelong condition and hence requires long-term treatment. There is no permanent cure for this disease; however, one can manage it with the right lifestyle choices and timely medical care. Besides, modern methods for diabetes treatment involving insulin injections and medications, there are many natural remedies and alternative therapies that work for some individuals.

While researchers are trying to find medicines that can completely cure this condition, diabetes patients can benefit greatly from natural remedies and alternative treatment for diabetes as these treatments are generally safe without any side effects. For instance, Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that focuses on medicinal plants and herbs for treating the disease. There is a mention of over 800 plants in ancient literature with therapeutic properties for curing diabetes.

We discuss how these alternative treatments work and their benefits in treating diabetes. 

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic experts often talk about the need to maintain a balance between the three fundamental doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha for achieving a healthy body. Diabetes Treatment in Ayurveda is gaining popularity in India. Numerous powerful herbs prove to be effective in achieving this balance and lowering blood sugar. For instance, Neem is a bitter herb that is known to stimulate insulin production. Similarly, Triphala, Shilajit, Amalaki or Indian gooseberry, holy basil, fenugreek, and turmeric are common herbs and ingredients used in Ayurveda for treating diabetic patients.

Yoga

Since self-management is crucial in diabetes, yoga is one of the safest options for diabetes management. Yoga is a spiritual discipline that originated thousands of years ago. It focuses on achieving harmony between mind and body. Apart from lowering blood sugar, various poses in yoga provide other health benefits like lowering blood pressure, reducing weight, improving circulation, stimulating abdominal organs, and boosting insulin production. Performing yoga regularly will pave the way for a healthy body and mind while minimising the risk of various ailments.

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy has existed for over a century and is one of the fastest-growing systems of medicine. The word Homoeopathy is derived from Greek, Homois means similar, and pathos means suffering. This system is based on the concept that ‘likes are cured by likes. It focuses on treating the medical condition with remedies, prescribed in minute doses, which are capable of producing symptoms similar to the disease when taken by healthy individuals. 

Other Ways to Manage Diabetes

• Lifestyle Choices: An inactive lifestyle is one of the root causes of several health problems, including diabetes. The condition will see tremendous improvement if one adopts a healthy lifestyle. 
• Exercises: Regular exercises are beneficial for the entire body, especially in eliminating the harmful effects of type 2 diabetes. 
• Dietary Changes: Eating a healthy diet is vital for keeping blood sugar under control. One should have low-sugar and fibre-rich foods as part of a healthy diet for diabetes. 
• Supplements: Doctors often recommend dietary supplements for diabetic patients. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are also essential for the body.
• Relaxation Techniques: Stress can be one of the trigger factors for diabetes. Studies have shown that relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can increase metabolism and lower the effects of this medical condition.

Alternative treatments mainly work in enhancing the body’s function rather than curing the condition. When dealing with any chronic medical condition, adopting a holistic approach always works. It also involves including diet and exercise as an integral part of the process while identifying the right treatment options. For people with diabetes, maintaining the sugar level is vital, which is why one should take every possible measure to achieve positive results. It is advisable to speak to your doctor before opting for a new treatment.

If you or any of your family members have diabetes, you can choose to secure your finances by opting for ‘Care Freedom’, a diabetes health insurance plan by Care Health Insurance. It offers various benefits like hospitalisation cover, annual health check-ups, and alternative treatment cover. 

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Diabetes is subject to policy terms and conditions.