In an era where health-conscious individuals follow trends for natural remedies and holistic approaches, others seek natural methods to manage more serious health issues. While medication and medical interventions play a vital role in managing blood sugar levels, diabetics also try other means to take control of their blood sugar without needles or pills. But is this safe?
Diabetes Alliance chairperson and public health specialist Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie from Pretoria says he is not familiar with any way to reduce blood sugar “naturally”. However, he explains how the body uses “sugar” as a source of fuel, and the hormone it uses to do that is insulin.
“With insulin, our body is able to regulate the levels of sugar in the blood naturally. When the body is not able to produce insulin or is not able to use the insulin it produces, there is a problem, and that’s when a person develops diabetes, which is high levels of sugar in the blood.”
He points out that he is unaware of any natural product that can regulate the levels of sugar “naturally” and recommends lifestyle habits such as eating healthy and exercising regularly to assist in managing blood sugar levels.
As someone who has struggled with blood sugar management, Tshidi Yika from Johannesburg highlights that her journey has led her to uncover lifestyle habits to help manage her blood sugar.
“For almost three years, I’ve been off insulin and other medications, and my reading ranges from 4 to 7. So I manage my blood sugar naturally through a healthy diet plan for type 2 diabetes, which is the best way to manage it successfully,” she says.
Managing blood sugar
Yika adds, “I have cut off starch and sugar. I’ve gone three years without pap, bread, rice, and sugar. I’ve also included the banting diet, where I only eat veggies and meat, or banting bread. If you want to live a happy life, free of starch and sugary foods, you will thank me later.”
Mahlatse Mdubanya from Limpopo, who has been living with diabetes since the age of 13, says managing her blood sugar has been the hardest thing, but she tries to make it work.
“I always try to eat healthy by having a balanced diet, avoiding junk food, and doing some cardio workouts. Also, what helps me is drinking my okra water first thing in the morning to help control my blood sugar levels. I also take insulin (Ryzodeg) in the morning and again later in the evening.”
Morena Harebatho from North West shares the difficulty in managing his blood sugar due to being unable to afford certain things.
“It is so difficult to manage my blood sugar and diet because of the small salary I get, but I try by all means to control my blood sugar by training and taking metformin twice a day. The challenge is that I don’t have enough money to get good food and good herbs for the natural route, which helps me manage my blood sugar because I also use traditional herbs and eat healthy when I have the money, and they help me a lot.”
Stick to healthy lifestyle changes
After being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 9, Pitso Molemame, a diabetes activist from Johannesburg, mentions that he has since stuck to simple, healthy lifestyle changes, even though they were not entirely easy to make.
“I keep my blood sugar levels under control by honouring three priorities: taking medicine consistently as prescribed by my doctor, eating a healthy blood sugar diet, and exercising so I can be physically active.”
Pitso Molemame
“I avoid foods with sugar and foods that are high in carbohydrates. A diabetic-friendly diet is one that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in protein and fibre.”
“Make these three things part of your life to live longer. Take your medicines every day. Avoid foods with sugar and eat only the correct foods. Walk, jog, and do housework to keep your body active. Also, remember that healthy diets do not mean expensive foods.”
Lastly, Dr Piote advises, “Eating a balanced diet low in carbohydrates will lead to low levels of sugar in the blood by basically reducing production because the carbohydrates we consume are broken down into glucose (sugar).
“Exercising regularly will lead to low levels of sugar because exercising will lead to the body using the sugar available, and in the long term, it might lead to a reduction in body weight,” he says.
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