Did you know diabetes levels are at an all-time high in the U.K.? On average, there are around 3.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes, and expected to increase by 4.9 million by 2035!
That’s a lot.
Whether you’re at risk of diabetes, have diabetes, or are conscious about your health, there’s one thing you do have control over that’s a significant contributor – your blood sugar.
Diabetes isn’t the only condition attributed to high blood sugar levels; if you have them, you could be at risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
However you can take control of these risks, by focusing on your diet, exercise and sleep. Uncover specific dietary advice and information about tea that helps lower blood sugar in this post today.
What is the right blood sugar level?
Before discussing the topic in detail, we must first discuss blood sugar. Also referred to as blood glucose, it’s a sugar that comes from the food and drink you eat. This sugar is then digested and circulated in your bloodstream. Blood glucose provides energy for your body, whereas excess is stored in cells for later use. Too much blood sugar stored in cells for later use can be harmful to your body and lead to other health risks.
| Target levels by type | Upon Waking | Before meals | 90 minutes after meals |
| Non-diabetic | 4.0 to 5.9 mmol/L | under 7.8 mmol/L | |
| Type 2 diabetes | 4 to 7 mmol/L | under 8.5 mmol/L | |
| Type 1 diabetes | 5 to 7 mmol/L | 4 to 7 mmol/L | 5 to 9 mmol/L |
Source: Diabetes UK
The tables above are target ranges for ideal blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose should be checked every 3, 6, and 12 months. If you have no diabetes or are not at risk, an annual check should suffice; however, speak to your healthcare provider first.
Signs of high blood sugar
Apart from having high blood sugar levels detected from a blood test, there are a few signs that could signify high blood sugar, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Yeast infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Headaches
- Slow healing of sores and cuts
If you have any of these, please book an appointment to see your doctor to take the next steps. Depending on your blood sugar levels, your doctor may advise lifestyle changes to reduce them.
Tea that helps lower blood sugar- does one exist?
Yes, tea also helps lower blood sugar! In fact, tea can be just as important as food to help control your levels, and when it comes to herbal teas, several are beneficial. The more you incorporate the right type of food and drinks into your diet, the better protection you have from conditions related to high blood sugar, such as diabetes. One of the easiest ways to make changes is to start with low-calorie and caffeine alternative drinks, such as herbal teas.
Here are some teas that help lower blood sugar naturally
Chamomile tea
When thinking about the best tea drink for diabetes or to lower blood sugar, chamomile tea isn’t probably the first one that springs into your mind. However, it is an herbal tea that can help optimise blood sugar and protect your body from oxidative stress, which, if present too much, can contribute to diabetes-related complications. One interesting fact about chamomile tea is its high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which help manage oxidative stress.
A study even examined 64 people with diabetes who drank chamomile tea three times a day after each meal for eight weeks. After eight weeks, the study showed significant reductions in HBA1c levels (blood glucose) and insulin levels compared to the control group.
Balance your blood sugar with: Chamomile and Valerian, a calming tea that can help support your digestive system, sleep and immune system.
Hibiscus tea
Herbal teas containing petals from the hibiscus plant could help reduce blood sugar levels. The petals of the hibiscus plant contain a range of antioxidants, such as organic acids and anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, preventing insulin resistance. Research even suggests that consuming hibiscus tea may contribute to increased HDL and low LDL cholesterol.
Balance your blood sugar with: NutraTrim, our low-caffeine premium blend that supports fat metabolism, weight management, and digestion.
Holy basil tea
Holy basil tea, also known as tulsi tea, may help lower your blood sugar levels. This popular herb is native to India and is used regularly in Ayurvedic medicine due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Growing research shows that tulsi and neem leaves can help reduce diabetic symptoms like blood glucose and blood pressure. Tulsi is also high in vitamin C and contains many antioxidants that help fight off free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect your body from insulin resistance.
Balance your blood sugar with: NutraLipid, our premium blend of cinnamon, artichoke, red yeast, garlic, turmeric, fenugreek, and green tea. This tea helps maintain a healthy blood glucose level.
Cinnamon tea
While you may associate cinnamon with delicious pastries and foods, cinnamon can be a fantastic insulin tea. Again cinnamon is high in antioxidants which can help lower blood sugar levels and oxidative stress. There was a study which showed consuming 1 gram of cinnamon a day for 12 days can reduce fasting blood sugar and oxidative stress, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. There was also a further review conducted comparing 16 studies, showing Cinnamon may also significantly help towards blood sugar management reducing fasting blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. However more research is needed!
Another important point about cinnamon is that it can help reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. It’s believed that cinnamon may slow down the rate at which food empties out of your stomach.
Balance your blood sugar with: Liquorice & Cinnamon a caffeine free herbal tea which supports energy levels and blood sugar management.
Fenugreek tea
Another blood sugar tea you might want to consider is fenugreek tea. This herbal tea contains fenugreek seeds, which are known for their medicinal properties and are regularly used in India. These seeds are extremely high in soluble fibre, which supports lowering blood sugar, reducing digestion, and encouraging the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing spikes from rising after meals.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has compounds that work in a similar way to insulin lowering your blood sugar levels. Thus providing your cells with more energy to undergo normal bodily processes. It may also help your body retain nutrients by blocking the pace they convert to glucose in your bloodstream.
Balance your blood sugar with: NutraGlycemia, a low-caffeine herbal tea containing bitter melon, fenugreek, and cinnamon. It helps maintain normal blood glucose levels and insulin metabolism.
Lifestyle factors to implement to lower blood sugar
Remember, it’s not just tea that’s going to significantly decrease your blood sugar; it’s also what you eat and how you go about your life. If you notice signs that could potentially signify high blood sugar or have a history of high blood sugar, then try incorporating more of the following:
- Exercise: At least five days a week, a minimum of 30 minutes, and do a mixture of cardio-based and resistance training.
- Hydration: Drink at least 3 litres of water a day to reduce the likelihood of dehydration. Don’t consume sugary drinks.
- Food: Stick to a balanced diet abiding by the Eatwell Guide.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re looking for a herbal tea for diabetes or a tea that helps lower blood sugar levels, there are many options out there. But don’t just depend on that tea alone to change your blood glucose levels.
You should be exercising daily, eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated to help keep such levels in check. If you feel you might have high blood sugar levels it’s important you book yourself in for an appointment with your GP to get a blood test.
High blood sugar levels are manageable, but you’ll also want to prevent them, like drinking teas to help lower blood sugar, as there are a lot of high-risk health complications associated with it.
If you’re looking for an alternative other than tea for blood sugar, why don’t you check out our article on tea alternatives?
