Key takeaways
- Diabetes needs diagnosis and ongoing care from a doctor; herbal products are not a substitute.
- Ayurveda describes a group of conditions called prameha, with madhumeha closest to diabetes.
- Karela, jamun, gudmar, methi and vijaysar are common on diabetes-care labels.
- Never stop or change prescribed medicine on your own; tell your doctor before adding any herbal product.
- Check your blood sugar as advised and know the signs of low blood sugar.
Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions in India, and many people are interested in Ayurvedic and herbal products alongside their treatment. This guide explains how Ayurveda describes the condition, the herbs you will see on labels in our Ayurvedic diabetes care range, and, most importantly, how to use any such product safely with your doctor's involvement. It is general information, not medical advice.
Start with your doctor
Diabetes must be diagnosed and monitored by a qualified doctor. Treatment may include diet, exercise, tablets or insulin, and it needs regular review of blood sugar, HbA1c, kidneys, eyes, feet and heart. Ayurvedic and herbal products are not a replacement for this care.
Never stop, reduce or change your prescribed medicine on your own. If you want to add an Ayurvedic product, discuss it with your doctor first. Some herbs may add to the effect of diabetes medicines, which can make blood sugar fall too low.
How Ayurveda describes prameha
Ayurvedic texts describe a group of twenty urinary disorders called prameha. The one closest to diabetes as we know it is madhumeha, literally "honey urine". The texts link prameha with heavy, sweet and oily food, too little physical activity and too much sleep during the day, and they place great weight on diet and exercise. In that sense, the classical advice is close to modern lifestyle advice.
Herbs on diabetes-care labels
| Herb | Also known as | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Karela | Bitter gourd | Common in juices, also eaten as a vegetable |
| Jamun | Indian blackberry | Seeds and fruit used in powders and juices |
| Gudmar | Gymnema sylvestre | A climbing plant whose leaves are used in classical formulas |
| Methi | Fenugreek | Seeds widely used in Indian cooking |
| Vijaysar | Pterocarpus marsupium | Heartwood used in classical formulas |
| Giloy | Guduchi | A rasayana herb found in many formulas |
The products in this range, such as BGR-34, Glycodab, Amree Plus and karela-jamun juices, are blends. Read the composition to see exactly what each contains.
Using a herbal product safely
- Talk to your doctor first and tell them the exact product name.
- Keep taking your prescribed medicine unless your doctor changes it.
- Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor advises, especially in the first weeks.
- Add one product at a time, so you can tell what is having an effect.
- Watch for low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, a fast heartbeat, confusion or sudden hunger. Treat it as your doctor has advised and seek help if it is severe.
- Check the label for sugar: some syrups and tonics contain sugar or jaggery, and juices may contain added sweeteners.
Everyday habits
- Eat regular, balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, pulses and whole grains, and smaller portions of rice, roti and sweets.
- Be active: a brisk walk of at least thirty minutes on most days.
- Keep a healthy weight and waist size.
- Sleep well and manage stress.
- Look after your feet: check them every day for cuts or sores.
- Do not smoke, and limit alcohol.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical help for very high or very low blood sugar readings, confusion, fainting, vomiting, fast breathing, or a foot wound that is red, swollen or not healing.
Our recommendation
Diabetes care belongs with your doctor. If you would like to add an Ayurvedic product, choose it together with your doctor, keep taking your prescribed medicine, check your blood sugar as advised and buy a sealed pack from a licensed manufacturer.
