If you have diabetes or help care for someone who does, perhaps you have wondered if there is a good way to control and manage a diabetic condition without prescribed medication.
While it certainly is possible and encouraged, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The fact of the matter is that the best way to maintain diabetes without medication depends on your specific circumstances and health condition.
Some people with diabetes may be able to maintain their blood sugar levels without taking insulin, while others may require medical supervision to do so. Patients who are not consistently able to keep their blood sugar levels within a target range may need medication to help them manage their diabetes.
Others, however, may be able to improve their health in a more natural manner. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables; getting regular exercise, and avoiding high-carbohydrate foods and drinks can greatly improve blood glucose levels while also boosting your overall health. Even if you are taking prescription drugs for diabetes, leading a healthy lifestyle has major benefits.
Take a look at the tips below to better manage your diabetes, manage blood sugar, and avoid the cost and side effects of medicine.
What medications are used to control diabetes?
To start with, let's take a look at the many medications used to control diabetes. The most common are pills or injections.
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. It is usually taken by mouth, but can also be injected under the skin. Insulin therapy helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
There are various types of insulin, each with different actions and side effects. People who have diabetes generally need to take a combination of insulins from time to time in one of two different methods: basal-bolus, which means an injection is given first thing in the morning and before meals. Then they can have a snack, followed by another insulin shot at bedtime; or sequential therapy (Protaphase Insulin), where each person's dose differs from day to day/meal to meal.
There are many other drugs that can be used to treat diabetes and keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. These drugs can help control blood sugar levels and improve blood vessel function. Some common types of medications used to treat diabetes include oral antidiabetic medications, insulins, glargine injections, and sulfonylureas.
Metformin is used as an antidiabetic medication. It may improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels.
A healthy diet and regular physical activity can also help keep blood sugar levels under control.
Our 3 Takeaways
1. There are many benefits to using natural remedies for managing diabetes, including improving blood sugar control, reducing risk of diseases related to diabetes, and achieving better overall health.
2. Depending on the medication you must take for diabetes, some prescription drugs may be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. However, physical activity should also be included as part of your daily routine to manage the disease effectively.
3. Lifetstyle changes including eating better, exercising regularly, and getting a good night's sleep can help you manage diabetes without meds. Doing so also helps with weight loss and improves your overall health.
Alternatives to medication to control diabetes
There are a number of different alternative therapies that can be used to help control diabetes. We share a few here.
Manage your carbohydrate intake
Carbohydrates are used as energy by our body. When consumed in moderation, carbs have an effect on blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM). People with DM often face difficulty in losing weight and controlling their blood sugar levels.
There are many ways to manage carb intake:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Try to avoid eating too many processed foods, sugary drinks and refined grains.
- Use healthy substitutions for common high-carb foods, such as using unsweetened almond milk in place of cow’s milk, opting for whole-grain pasta instead of white pasta, or swapping out regular bread for Ezekial’s low sodium whole grain bread.
Diabetes without medicine can be cured with carb counting and proper nutrition. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body and counting carbs is a very simple way to control diabetes without medicines. You should focus on eating foods that have low carb content such as vegetables, fruits, breads etc. so that you do not experience any side effects related to high blood sugar levels.
The best way to count carbs depends on your specific diet and lifestyle. Generally speaking, you can count grams of carbs rather than calories when tracking your eating habits. Check the packages of the foods you eat or look online to find how many carbs are in the items you consume.
Eat foods rich in chromium and magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that helps with the metabolism of sugar in the body. Chromium, likewise, can help balance blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance. It also works to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce weight gain associated with diabetes. Magnesium also aids in maintaining normal heart function while chromium helps maintain healthy nerve functions as well as helping to keep your bones strong.
Magnesium is found in foods like leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Chromium is found in many foods, including spinach, potatoes, tea, crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimp, and arctic char, and supplements.
Depending on the individual's diabetes and overall health, different vitamins and minerals may be more beneficial than others. Besides magnesium and chromium, some of the nutrients that have been shown to be especially beneficial for people with diabetes include vitamin D and fiber.
Spinach can be a great asset to most people that are struggling with diabetes. Spinach is known to have the ability to limit blood sugar and increase your immunity. It has many nutritional properties that make it an important food supplement for diabetic patients as well as prevention against cancer, heart disease, and strokes, etc.
Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly can help you manage your diabetes and control body weight and cholesterol levels without medicine. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
If you have not been exercising regularly, it is recommended that you start exercising for at least 30 minutes daily and gradually increase the duration of exercise as per your comfort level.
A great way to commit to exercising is finding a partner who shares the same goals as yourself so that both can be motivated to work towards achieving them together.
Besides that, the key to exercising with diabetics is finding the right type of exercise that works for you and your condition. It can be as simple as going on an evening walk, playing a favorite sport, or running at the gym, or it could mean doing aerobics while keeping blood sugar levels under control by eating healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Even if you have Type 1 Diabetes (which means insulin therapy) exercising will help keep weight off.
Exercises such as walking, jogging, and running can help reduce blood sugar levels by up to 25%. If you are inactive for long periods of time your body starts storing fat in order to be able to meet its energy needs when it becomes active again.
Programs that can make a difference naturally
Controlling and beating diabetes doesn't just depend on eating right and exercising. It takes an entire mindset shift and plan that can be challenging to develop on your own.
Fortunately, many coaching, mentoring and guidance opportunities are available at affordable costs. Here are revies of a few of our favorites:
Stop smoking
Smoking is one of the most common diseases in the United States. The smoking habit is associated with many health problems like lung cancer, heart disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes by more than 50 percent among people who already have it
If you have been smoking for years, and it has already taken its toll on your health, then quitting smoking may be the best option for you. Smoking can harm your heart, lungs and kidneys. When smoking damages these organs they are not able to function properly which in turn causes them to fail faster than normal leading to complications like heart disease or kidney failure.
Many methods are available to help people stop smoking, including using smokeless tobacco products, using nicotine replacement therapy, and seeking professional assistance. Some people may be able to quit smoking on their own, while others may need help from a health care provider or support group.
Try supplements
Supplements can be beneficial to diabetics in a few ways. First, they can provide the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals that are important for blood sugar control. Second, some supplements may help control blood pressure or lipid levels. Third, some supplements may help promote better dental health and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
Some commonly recommended supplements for people with diabetes include chromium, omega-3 fatty acids, fenugreek, and fiber. Also, make sure to check out our review of the best blood sugar supplements.
Fenugreek has been traditionally used as a natural supplement to support metabolism, improve gut health and boost libido. In addition, it is believed to be effective in treating anxiety and depression, reducing inflammation, and supporting joint function. In addition to Fenugreek, you may try other herbs for your diabetes.
Get a good night's sleep
There are many benefits of getting a good night's sleep for people with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, good sleep:
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes complications such as heart disease and stroke
- Can improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
- Helps you feel more alert and energetic during the day
- Can help manage stress levels, which can lead to overeating
Having trouble sleeping? Learn more about the Deep Sleep Diabetes Remedy.
Bottom line
It is no secret that diabetes is a big problem that is not going away anytime soon. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate its effects and improve your life without resorting to medication.
There are many benefits of using natural remedies for managing diabetes. These include improving blood sugar control, reducing the risk of diseases related to diabetes, and achieving better overall health.
By following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, drinking lots of water, and getting a good night's sleep, you can drastically reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and more.
As always consult with your doctor before starting any new regimen or changing your medication.
Best of luck in your journey! See our FAQ section below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions we hear about managing diabetes without the use of medications and drugs.
What can I do to lower my risk of developing diabetes?
There is no one single answer to this question as the best way to lower your risk of developing diabetes may vary depending on your individual lifestyle and health history. However, some general tips that may help include: practicing regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and limiting your intake of sugar-sweetened drinks and foods.
What foods should I avoid if I want to control my blood sugar levels?
Some foods that may be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels include lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and low-fat dairy. Some of these foods can also help to curb your appetite. Consume in moderation processed foods and those with a high amount of carbohydrates, such as junk food, sweets, milk, cheese, eggs, peanuts, and white bread.
What are the benefits of using natural remedies for managing diabetes?
There are many benefits of using natural remedies to manage diabetes, including:
- Improving blood sugar control.
- Reducing risk of diseases related to diabetes.
- Achieving better overall health.
What are the side effects of diabetic medications?
The side effects of diabetic medications can vary depending on the medication, but may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Eye problems, such as vision changes or blindness
- Foot problems, such as infections or nerve damage
Can meditation help reduce blood sugar levels and manage diabetes effectively?
Some meditation may be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, you may also deal with side effects from certain drugs. If you must take meds, your doctor can guide you on what might work the best for your condition.
What physical activity is important for people with diabetes to include in their daily routine?
People with diabetes should include aerobic activity, such as walking, biking, or light jogging in their daily routine. Depending on what you are physically capable of, you may also try different activities, such as racketball, tennis, pickleball, or swimming laps in the pool. Yoga is also known to benefit diabetics.
