On average, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Sadly, African Americans are more likely to develop diabetes than whites and twice as likely to die from it. In addition, Black people are more likely to suffer complications from the disease, such as kidney disease and lower-extremity amputations.
No one would argue that diabetes is the scourge of the Black community.
But there are a few things you can do to help manage your diabetes. First, make sure your doctor keeps tabs on your insulin levels and overall health. Diet is also another essential factor to monitor. Making healthy lifestyle changes like adding exercise will also help battle the bulge. And if you’ve been prescribed meds for your condition, make sure to take them as indicated.
There are also natural home remedies that can lower blood sugar levels:
Blueberry Tea: The tea could have the potential to treat type 2 diabetes, according to researchers from the Menzies Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. The tea’s main ingredient is blueberry that can reduce dependence on injected insulin. The researchers concluded that fruit plays a vital role in maintaining the health of a person with diabetes. The blueberries regulate the gastrointestinal tract and decrease the risk of a heart attack—a risk higher in those with diabetes. Add a tablespoon of dry blueberries to a cup of boiling water and let them steep for at least 10 minutes. Drink often as needed.
Parsley Water: Parsley contains an antioxidant called luteolin, which helps flush out toxins from the body. It is also a natural diuretic herb that can cleanse the kidney. It can be consumed fresh or dried, but making parsley water is most beneficial. Parsley water treats hypertension, urinary disease, cardiac diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders, all of which have connections to diabetes. Put eight tablespoons (1/2 cup) of fresh chopped parsley into boiling water for 5 minutes. Let it cool and drink up to 3 cups daily.
Cinnamon Water: Cinnamon has been proven to reduce blood pressure. It also positively affects blood markers, which is important for those with type 2 diabetes. When it comes to type 2 diabetes, cinnamon is a big help in lowering blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can lower your blood sugar by up to 29%. Try putting four cinnamon sticks into a glass bottle with room temperature water. Let it soak overnight in a fridge, and drink the cinnamon water throughout the next day.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): The primary compound in ACV is acetic acid and is believed to be responsible for many of its health benefits. There are many evidence-based approaches to using ACV. Taking two tablespoons before bedtime can reduce your morning fasting sugar levels. Even better, 1-2 tablespoons of ACV taken with meals can decrease the glycemic load of a carbohydrate-rich meal. You can either consume ACV alone before a meal or mix it into salad dressings or teas.
Ginger: Consuming ginger regularly helps in reducing blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. Take an inch of fresh ginger and bring it to a boil with a cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain. Drink this 1 to 2 times daily.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is not only good for the skin but for diabetes as well. Recent studies have shown that consuming approximately 600 mg of Vitamin C daily can improve blood sugar levels significantly. People who have chronic diabetes should consume foods rich in Vitamin C every day. Some foods rich in Vitamin C are amla, orange, tomato, and blueberry.
Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds: The high magnesium found in pumpkin seeds is thought to be why they can be beneficial in lowering blood sugar. Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds contain a type of polyphenols or antioxidants that may reduce blood sugar. In many Asian countries, pumpkin is used as a form of daily treatment for pre-diabetic or diagnosed diabetic patients. Magnesium which is high in pumpkin is something many people in the U.S. lack in their daily nutrition.