Complement your diabetes care with integrative medicine!
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
While traditional treatments like insulin and oral medications are vital for managing blood sugar levels, many are turning to integrative medicine to complement their conventional care. Integrative medicine blends both modern science and ancient wisdom, offering a holistic approach to managing diabetes.
Let’s take a look at a few of the nutritional approaches in integrative medicine:
Bitter Melon
Yes, bitter melon is bitter as the name suggests, unless you take it in the supplement form. The green vegetable resembles a cucumber with a bumpy texture. Bitter melon contains mcIRBP-19 which is an amino acid peptide that mimics insulin and improves blood glucose. Research has shown that bitter melon can improve insulin sensitivity, promote glucose uptake, and delay glucose absorption all of which can be helpful for persons with diabetes.
The vegetable can be found in Asian grocery stores and can be consumed in various ways, including as a juice, in curries, or stir-fried. For those who prefer supplements, bitter melon is available in capsule and powder forms.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb commonly used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. It can support blood sugar management. Fenugreek contains compounds like 4-hydroxyisoleucine and saponin, which can enhance insulin secretion and decrease inflammation in the body. Research has shown that fenugreek can lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, markers that reflect long-term blood sugar control.
Fenugreek seeds can be consumed in a variety of ways—either soaked overnight and added to smoothies, or used as a spice in curries and stews. Fenugreek is also available in supplement form.
Cinnamon
A common spice that many of us love, may also help lower our blood sugar. Active compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit people with diabetes. Research suggests that the spice can help enhance insulin sensitivity, lower cholesterol and may even reduce the incidence of diabetes-related complications.
Cinnamon can easily be incorporated into your diet by adding it to oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, or savory dishes. It is also available in capsule and powder forms.
Probiotics
As the talk on gut health becomes increasingly popular, more people are realizing the importance of probiotics. In people with diabetes, an imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and poor blood sugar control. Research has shown that probiotics can help to improve insulin sensitivity and inflammation. In addition, a healthy digestive system supports better nutrient absorption and overall well-being.
Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. Alternatively, you can take probiotic supplements.
In conclusion…
Incorporating any one of these complementary medicines into your diabetes management plan can offer another way to control blood sugar and improve overall health. These natural remedies are not a replacement for conventional medical treatments however, but when used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, they can complement the effectiveness of traditional therapies.
Recipe Idea: Bitter Melon with Eggs
Ingredients
- 18 ounces bitter melon (about 2 bitter melons)
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce if making this vegetarian)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Take each of your bitter melons, and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Scrape the inside of the melon clean of any white pith, which can be particularly bitter.
- Turn the melon over so that the hollowed-out side is facing the cutting board, and cut into thin slices on a diagonal.
- Fill your wok (or a medium to large pot) with water, and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil. Blanch the bitter melon for 30 seconds, and drain. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with ¼ teaspoon of salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Heat your wok until it is completely dry and just begins to smoke. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed immediately by the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs quickly so they remain tender and do not brown. When the eggs are almost cooked, remove them from the wok and back to the bowl and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, and add the bitter melon. Stir-fry for 15-30 seconds, and then add the Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok. Stir-fry for another 15 seconds, and add the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
Add the eggs back to the wok, and mix just until they’re cooked through. Remove from the wok immediately and serve.
– Kelly Ang, University of North Florida Nutrition Intern
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