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Insulin can be used as a diabetes treatment to keep blood sugar in control. It is a hormone made by the pancreas which manages blood sugar and plays an important role by allowing for glucose to be taken up and used by the cells for energy [1]. After eating, glucose levels rise in your bloodstream which triggers the pancreas to release insulin [1]. This hormone triggers cells to use glucose for energy, and any excess glucose gets stored as glycogen in the liver for later use [1]. Someone with diabetes has high levels of glucose in their bloodstream after eating because there is not enough insulin to take up the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells [1]. The effects of untreated high glucose levels include blindness, kidney damage and nerve damage [1]. 

Many diabetes treatments have been developed to increase insulin levels, however there are several natural medicines that can boost insulin levels. Often these natural ingredients can be consumed and incorporated into your daily diet to maintain healthy insulin levels. 

Note: It is important to consult your doctor before consuming any of these natural medicines especially while undergoing other diabetic treatments. 

Foods that Stimulate the Secretion of Insulin:

1. Bitter melon or widely known as bitter gourd, can treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes [2]. A study found that the ethanol extract found in the fruit pulp stimulated insulin secretion and greatly improved the quality and number of beta cells found in the pancreas that make insulin [2]. Bitter melon is most effective when consumed in its juice form. Beware, as its name suggests – it is very bitter! 
2. Black cumin is also great for treating all types of diabetes [2]. Studies have found that black cumin oil further activates the beta cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin [2]. It is commonly used as a spice and oil. 
3. Curry leaves are popularly used in South Asian dishes, in which they also have an antidiabetic effect [2]. Studies have found that curry leaves stimulate insulin secretion of the carbazole alkaloids present in the plant [2]. Think twice before picking out the curry leaves from your meal! 

Foods that Increase Response of Insulin Towards Glucose:

1. Green tea is a widely consumed drink that can treat diabetes by affecting the uptake of glucose through gene regulation [2]. One study found that it increases the expression of glucose transporters regulated by insulin, leading to an increase in insulin signaling pathway mRNA [2]. 
2. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acid, and also increases the expression of several glucose transporters. This effectively increases the sensitivity of insulin towards glucose [2]. Flaxseeds can be consumed by using the oil or grinding the seeds and incorporating them into meals such as smoothies and oatmeal.

These natural alternatives to insulin, along with healthy eating and daily exercise are great ways to maintain your blood sugar levels especially if you are predisposed to diabetes because of family history or other medical conditions. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Author: Aparna Mahes

References

[1] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, August 7). Diabetes treatment: Using insulin to manage blood sugar. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-treatment/art-20044084

[2[ Kazeem, M. I., & Davies, T. C. (2016). Anti-diabetic functional foods as sources of insulin secreting, insulin sensitizing and insulin mimetic agents. Journal of Functional Foods, 20, 122–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.10.013