Giloy for diabetics: How it helps manage blood sugar

Diabetes has taken over the lives of millions of people around the globe. It brings with it several complications, and in many cases it can become fatal. A constant on-the-go life, jumping from one task to another, disturbed sleep cycles and lack of exercise brings about disturbances in our hormonal levels leading to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

Especially in today's climate, where the pandemic has taken over the world, it is imperative that diabetics or borderline diabetics keep their health in check, Dr Manoj Kutteri, Wellness Director at Atmantan Wellness Centre told IANSlife.

The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) says, 463 million people have diabetes in the world out of which 88 million people are in the Southeast Asia region. Of these, an approximate of 77 million people belong to India. IDF says, the prevalence of diabetes in the population is 8.9 per cent. The disease may have its roots in the genes, but its levels can be controlled by a moderated way of life. There are small steps which one can take in order to control blood sugar levels and keep your diabetes in check.

There are two kinds of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, wherein your body produces little to no insulin. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent of all diabetes cases and is commonly observed in adults. Here, the body is unable to make good use of the insulin produced by it and is given external insulin/ drugs to maintain blood glucose levels.

'Giloy' or Tinospora cordifolia, often referred to as the root of immortality in medicinal Ayurveda is considered to be a magical herb which helps regulate blood sugar. Consumed in powder, juice or capsule form, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic and its properties give it the name, Madhunashini, in ancient ayurvedic texts which literally translates to "Destroyer of sugar".

Mix a glass of freshly strained Giloy juice, made from its stem and leaves, with a few drops of lemon juice and drink it first thing in the morning to kick-start a day full of wellness.

Dr Manoj Kutteri explains how Giloy helps you battle diabetes:

Giloy has properties known to burn extra glucose, making it easier for the body to moderate blood sugar

Giloy is also said to act as a hypoglycemic agent that helps the body in lowering glucose levels in the system

Giloy helps increase the production of insulin, naturally

According to a study undertaken by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Giloy has significant anti-diabetic activity and has an efficacy of 40 percent to 80 percent compared to insulin

Giloy aids the digestive system to function more efficiently and improves gut health. Giloy in its many forms can assist in making the journey to health easier