Natural Remedies in Diabetes Management

Expert-reviewed by Ashwini S.Kanade, Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator with 17 years of experience
Fact-checked by Aditya Nar, B.Pharm, MSc. Public Health and Health Economics

Whether you’ve used it yourself, heard someone talk about it or suggested it to a friend or relative, most of us know that methi seeds (fenugreek) are a great choice for diabetes

But what makes this bitter herb a go-to home remedy for so many diabetics? Let’s find out.

Fenugreek or methi seeds to manage diabetes

Fenugreek seeds contain fibre that can help to slow down your digestion, reduce the rate at which your body absorbs sugar, and also increase the amount of insulin that your body releases.

They are a good source of soluble fibre and contain galactomannan, which helps to bring down the rate of digestion and also lowers the absorption of carbohydrates in the body. This helps to bring down your blood sugar levels and also improves your overall glucose tolerance. ^[1]

In addition, it also helps to improve the body’s insulin secretion as well as insulin sensitivity, which can help in better managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. ^[2]

So, what’s the best way to use this natural remedy?

In one study, 24 participants with type 2 diabetes were given a daily dose of 10 gm of methi seeds soaked in hot water for eight hours. At the end of the trial, it was recorded that there was a significant improvement in their blood sugar levels, and soaking the methi seeds in hot water had actually helped to lower the level of blood sugar in their body. ^[3]

Read about some more home remedies for managing diabetes.

A very simple way to use fenugreek or methi seeds for diabetes is by soaking it in hot water and then having it. You can soak it overnight and drink the water in the morning, and use the seeds in various dishes. Or, you can soak the methi seeds in hot water for at least three to four hours before you want to use them in your food, to get the maximum benefit out of this herb.

Delicious and healthy methi recipes

1. Methi oats thepla

Oats are super rich in its fibre content and low in the glycemic index, making it a perfect combination with methi.

Courtesy: YouTube/Speak Health

2. Methi and oats muthia

Here is yet another recipe that combines the goodness of methi with that of oats.

Courtesy: YouTube/Tarla Dalal

While using methi seeds in powdered form can also help to keep blood glucose levels in check, the most effective way to gain the maximum benefits out of these seeds is by soaking them in hot water and then using in your recipes. ^[4]

Have you ever tried having methi seeds soaked in hot water or used them in your recipes? If yes, do share your tips here with other readers.

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock

References:

[1] Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990 Apr;44(4):301-6. PubMed PMID: 2194788.

[2] Kumar P, Bhandari U, Jamadagni S. Fenugreek Seed Extract Inhibit Fat Accumulation and Ameliorates Dyslipidemia in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:606021. doi:10.1155/2014/606021.

[3] Kassaian N, Azadbakht L, Forghani B, Amini M. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2009 Jan;79(1):34-9. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831.79.1.34. PubMed PMID: 19839001.

[4] Kassaian N, Azadbakht L, Forghani B, Amini M. Effect of fenugreek seeds on
blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Vitam Nutr
Res. 2009 Jan;79(1):34-9. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831.79.1.34. PubMed PMID: 19839001.