20 natural remedies for diabetes

From herbs to exercise, find out what really works to help manage your blood sugar

By Heidi Borst | Nov. 8, 2022 Medically reviewed by Lindsey Hudson, APRN, NP-C, CDCES

If you’re among the 11% of Americans living with diabetes, you probably know that eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are important ways to keep the condition under control. While medication is always an option to balance your blood sugar, there are natural options as well, from lifestyle changes to herbal remedies. Here are 20 home remedies for diabetes you might want to try—under your healthcare provider’s supervision, of course.

20 natural remedies for diabetes

About 37 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among these, an estimated 90%-95% have Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas, says Minisha Sood, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. The primary function of insulin is to lower blood glucose levels and keep them in a normal range. But when the body becomes insensitive to insulin, levels rise, and the body over-produces the hormone to compensate.

“At some point, the body is no longer able to keep up with that increased demand for insulin, and insulin is no longer effective at controlling blood glucose levels, which then begins to rise,” Dr. Sood explains. “That’s when we see the onset of Type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Sood. Here, we take a look at some natural, home remedies that may improve Type 2 diabetes.

Alpha-lipoic acid
Aloe vera
Apple cider vinegar
Jamun
Berberine
Bitter melon
Cinnamon
Chromium
Coffee
Coenzyme Q10
Fiber
Fenugreek
Garlic
Ginseng
Gymnema sylvestre
Magnesium
Nopal
Diet
Exercise
Stress reduction

1. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)

One of the complications of diabetes is neuropathy, or nerve damage, caused by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and high triglycerides that interfere with blood flow. Research indicates that alpha-lipoic acid is effective for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain, tingling, and numbness of the legs, arms, feet, and hands.

It may also help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The best way to incorporate alpha-lipoic acid into your diabetes care is to work with your provider; because of its potential blood sugar-reducing effects, it should be used carefully by those taking medications to control their blood sugar.

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2. Aloe vera

A small 2015 study found that patients with prediabetes who took aloe vera capsules twice a day for eight weeks experienced reduced fasting glucose and increased insulin sensitivity, indicating that the plant may be helpful for regulating blood glucose levels. And a 2016 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that most people tolerated aloe vera well with minimal side effects.

But according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there’s not enough data to determine whether aloe vera is an effective diabetes treatment—more research is needed.

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3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which contains acetic acid, may be helpful in the regulation of blood sugar levels, says Mahmud Kara, MD, a primary care physician and founder of KaraMD, a supplement company based in Ohio.

One small study suggests that ACV helps to move glucose out of the bloodstream at a rate that is beneficial for lowering and stabilizing blood sugar levels, which in turn can help improve insulin sensitivity, Dr. Kara explains. Another small study among adults with Type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of ACV at bedtime reduced blood glucose levels the following morning. Additionally, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of over 300 patients found that ACV has a beneficial effect on fasting glucose levels. While ACV is generally safe to consume, taking it along with drugs that lower your blood sugar may cause it to drop too low.

4. Jamun

Touted to be the miracle fruit for diabetes, jamun, or java plum, is a fruit that is widely available in India. One study found that among 50 diabetes patients who ingested 10 grams of jamun seed powder for 90 days experienced a 30% reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. A 2018 review published in the International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that consuming jamun may be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels, but more research is needed.

5. Berberine

Berberine may help improve blood glucose levels. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Diabetes Mellitus found berberine to be an effective way to control blood glucose levels in individuals with prediabetes. In another small study, 72 adults recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes were either given 500 mg of berberine or 500 mg of the diabetes drug metformin three times a day for 13 weeks; both groups experienced a similar hypoglycemic effect. But because this was a pilot study, more research is needed.

6. Bitter melon (bitter gourd)

Although it’s not an approved diabetes treatment, bitter melon, or momordica charantia, may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. One study found that ingesting 2000 mg of bitter melon each day for four weeks did have a hypoglycemic effect in patients with diabetes, but it was not as effective as the diabetes drug metformin. According to a systematic review, further studies are needed.

7. Cinnamon

The jury’s still out on whether cinnamon is helpful for diabetes. One small study showed that people with Type 2 diabetes who were given 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon daily for 40 days experienced a reduction in their blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. The more cinnamon consumed, the greater the effect.

But other studies showed no significant effect. For example, in another small study, 35 people with Type 2 diabetes were given cinnamon for 60 days. They showed no reduction in blood glucose compared with the control group. Still, according to the Mayo Clinic, there’s a possibility that the spice may help the body use insulin more effectively, and it’s relatively safe, so it may be worth trying.

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8. Chromium

The essential mineral chromium may help people with diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. A 2015 study found that individuals who supplemented with chromium were at a decreased risk of developing diabetes due to improved HbA1c values. According to the CDC, values below 5.7% are normal, values from 5.7% to 6.4% are indicative of prediabetes, and values of 6.5% or greater indicate diabetes.

Another study investigating chromium paired with biotin showed that individuals taking the combination had improved fasting glucose and HbA1c levels compared with the group taking a placebo. More research is needed to determine how beneficial chromium may be for diabetes, but it’s safe for most individuals to take.

RELATED: Normal A1C levels

9. Coffee

It’s possible that drinking coffee might be among Type 2 diabetes natural remedies, research suggests. According to a 2014 study published in Diabetologia, people who drank about a cup and a half of coffee per day for a four-year period had an 11% lower risk for Type 2 diabetes. But for people who already have diabetes, the results of coffee on blood sugar are variable (it may raise or lower it). If you’re considering using coffee to help control your blood sugar levels, it’s best to do so under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

10. Coenzyme Q10

A nutrient that’s vital to the human body, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps cells convert food into energy and may reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. According to a 2016 literature review, CoQ10 reduced fasting blood glucose. In a recent meta-analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials, CoQ10 was found to enhance glycemic control in diabetes patients. To achieve these effects, taking 100-200 mg per day is suggested, although no official recommendations exist.

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11. Fiber

According to the CDC, only half of adults in the United States get the recommended daily allowance of fiber. But fiber is helpful in the prevention and management of diabetes. That’s because it helps to control blood sugar by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates that could cause blood sugar to spike, lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and maintain a healthy body weight by increasing satiety.

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12. Fenugreek

Supplementing with fenugreek seeds may help individuals with diabetes lower their blood sugar by decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates and increasing insulin production. In fact, one study assessing the impact of fenugreek seed in patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus found that ingesting 10 grams per day works synergistically with diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemic agents/insulin to lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1C levels. A 2015 randomized control study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found evidence that fenugreek can delay the onset of diabetes in individuals with prediabetes by lowering blood glucose.

13. Garlic

Garlic is known to improve high blood pressure and lower cholesterol, and it may help lower blood sugar in diabetic patients. One small study showed that garlic was as effective as the diabetes drug metformin in reducing fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels. A 2017 meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was also promising, indicating that garlic may reduce blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, but more research is needed to support these findings.

14. Ginseng

The herb American ginseng (panax quinquefolius) is an adaptogen that contains ginsenosides, chemicals that appear to affect insulin levels and lower blood sugar. A 2019 research review suggests that American ginseng extract is effective and safe in the management of Type 2 diabetes. While evidence suggests the herb helps to decrease blood glucose, larger scale clinical trials are necessary to evaluate its long-term effects.

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15. Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in animal studies, possibly by stimulating insulin secretion. And it’s been used in the treatment of diabetes in ayurvedic medicine for 2000 years. But does it work? A systematic review published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture suggests that the herb has hypoglycemic properties, but further research is needed to establish this effect.

16. Magnesium

Magnesium is important for glucose metabolism, and supplementing with the mineral may help the body process insulin more effectively. Research suggests that the magnesium can help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. And a 2017 systematic review found evidence that magnesium supplementation helps reduce insulin resistance, helping people with diabetes better manage their blood sugar.

17. Nopal (prickly pear cactus)

Preliminary evidence shows that nopal, or prickly pear cactus, may decrease blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Although some research has been conducted into its benefits of nopal, studies are inconclusive. But nopal is high in fiber, which can help keep blood sugar under control.

18. Diet

Maintaining a healthy weight is a proven way to keep diabetes symptoms in control. “There’s not a specific diabetes diet per se, as long as it doesn’t exceed your daily caloric needs,” Dr. Sood says. Rather, a nutritional approach that balances the macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) is ideal. Minimize your intake of processed foods and refined sugars, and balance healthy carbohydrates (like whole grains) with lean proteins and moderate amounts of healthy fats at meals. Many of the foods and drinks listed above are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that are not only good for blood sugar control but also your general well-being.

19. Exercise

According to the American Diabetes Association, logging 150 minutes of physical activity each week can help to manage diabetes. Dr. Sood says that multiple types of movement will lower blood glucose levels. Incorporate regular cardiovascular exercise with strength training into your movement routine. Doing this helps to create a healthy muscle system that can process glucose in a much better way than in someone who’s sedentary.

20. Stress reduction

Consistently managing stress over time is a wonderful way to lower certain hormones that raise blood sugar, such as cortisol, growth hormones, and adrenaline, says Dr. Sood. When it comes to the best strategy for stress reduction, a person can choose whatever modality they feel serves them best. Some research-backed stress-reduction techniques for diabetes include alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and biofeedback.

Diabetes remedies that don’t work

Because there are a lot of diabetes products on the market, it can be hard to determine what’s legit and what’s too good to be true. Even many natural remedies listed above, despite limited evidence, haven’t been scientifically proven to be effective. For example, some people believe that lemon water reduces blood sugar, but Dr. Sood says there is no evidence of this. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any home remedy for diabetes control and before taking herbal supplements to lower blood sugar naturally.

How to treat diabetes when natural remedies don’t work

Prescription medications are available to help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar low. They include:

When to see a healthcare provider for diabetes symptoms

Classic signs of significant blood glucose elevation include unexplained weight loss, increased urination (especially at night), a noticeable increase in appetite, and blurry vision, says Dr. Sood. Although these symptoms can be signs of other conditions. For example, increased urination can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and unexplained weight loss could indicate thyroid issues or cancer, these symptoms are red flags that you should seek medical attention.