An autoimmune disease that leads an unhealthy amount of glucose to build up in a child’s blood, type 1 diabetes is beginning to be common among kids. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin hormone is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism in the body. The sugars and carbohydrates we eat are digested and ultimately converted to glucose in the gut. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream. Insulin then drives this glucose from the blood in the cells where it is used to produce energy.
How does type 1 diabetes happen?
Our immune system has cells that protect us from pathogens and other foreign cells. These cells ‘recognise’ self-body cells. Sometimes though, due to genetic reasons or viral infections in early life, these cells fail to differentiate between self and non-self cells and attack the ‘beta cells’ of the pancreas. This leads to impaired or negligent insulin formation.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly and are:
- Fatigued child
- Weakness in limbs
- Sudden weight loss
- Extreme hunger usually associated with eating disorder
- Irritable mood and frequent mood swings
- Frequent urination that may be associated with bed-wetting
- Increased thirst
- Blurring of vision.
Treatment of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes has no cure. It can, however, be managed by taking regular (physician prescribed) insulin shots and diet and lifestyle changes.
Constant high level of sugar in blood causes certain complications which affect major organs of the body and may detoriate the quality of life of the child.
Complications of type 1 diabetes
- Increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems like coronary artery disease, angina, hypertension, atherosclerosis etc.
- Excess sugar may cause neuropathies by preventing the nerves from getting the required nourishment
- Eyesight problems
- Kidney damage (nephropathy)
- Diabetic foot etc.
To prevent such complications, it is very important to control the blood sugar level of the child. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and insulin shots are the primary treatment and should not be avoided. However, dietary changes and a few lifestyle habits may help in controlling the blood sugar levels better. After all, it is our duty to help the insulin shots do their job!!
12 Natural Remedies to maintain blood glucose levels in Type 1 Diabetes
Here are 11 natural remedies you can try to treat type 1 diabetes in your child:
Tender mango leaves help control diabetes by normalizing sugar levels in the blood. Boil a few mango leaves in a glass of water. Cool and leave overnight. Strain the liquid and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
Read More: Health benefits of green mango for babies
Flax seeds are rich in fibre and help absorb fats and sugar from blood. By consuming flax seeds, kids can lower their blood sugar levels. To get the best out of flax seeds, one teaspoon of it should be added to a glass of warm water every morning on an empty stomach.
Read More: Health Benefits of Flaxseed for Babies
Tulsi leaves are rich in antioxidants that help ease oxidative stress. They also contain essential oils that help reduce blood sugar levels in the child’s body. To treat your child’s type 1 diabetes, take two tablespoons of basil leaves and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Jamun
Better known as Indian blackberry, jamun is known to be very effective in treating type 1 diabetes. The seeds, berries and leaves of this plant help balance the blood glucose level and prevent insulin surges. Powder the dried leaves or seeds of this plant, mix it in water and drink the solution twice a day.
- Green tea
The polyphenol content of green tea helps reduce blood sugar insulin levels in your child’s body. It’s antioxidant properties also reduce the degenerative changes in the eye and nerves. So, let your child drink a cup of green tea every morning on an empty stomach.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Not only does apple cider vinegar have acetic acid, but also amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts which heal the body and keep one fit. Children with type 1 diabetes can find relief by taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water at bedtime. It will help reduce sugar levels in the blood and keep them just right.
- Indian gooseberry
By drinking the extract of this fruit, the pancreas functions optimally. Amla contains Vitamin C which helps keep blood sugar levels under control. By adding two teaspoons of the juice with a glass of water and drinking this on an empty stomach every morning, your child will get the required relief.
- Vitamin and mineral-rich diet
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps keep the blood sugar levels under control. Vegetables like bitter gourd, beets and carrots are very good for managing diabetes.
Rich in fibre, drumsticks can boost energy and increase that feeling of fullness. They also lower blood sugar levels.
- Cinnamon water
Powdered cinnamon with a little water can help increase metabolism.
Rich in fibre, fenugreek seeds are great for diabetes control. You can help your child by soaking fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drinking the next morning. These seeds can increase the secretion of insulin, which is dependent on glucose. This can be drunk for a few months to normalize blood sugar levels.
Garlic is a good choice to manage a child’s diabetes and keep it under control. It lowers blood sugar and removes all harmful toxins in the body. A few cloves of garlic with a glass of water each morning can do wonders for type 1 diabetes.
The above-listed remedies can help alleviate some symptoms and complications of Type 1 diabetes, however, the lifestyle disease has no permanent cure. You may need to depend on regular insulin shots for the rest of your life. But, with these remedies, you will certainly be able to better manage your health condition.
But worry not, Halle Berry, Tyler Moore, Nick Jonas and Dorian Gregory are some of the famous people with type 1 diabetes but are living to the fullest. So can your child. Just remember, take your shots and manage your sugars and you can have the world at your feet!!
Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!
