Quick Take
According to a social media post, intake of neem leaves may cure diabetes in just seven days. After verifying the claim, we discovered that it is completely false.
The Claim
An Instagram post with the description ‘नीम के पत्ते 7 दिन चबा लो Diabetes हो जाएगी जड़ से ठीक’ proposes that daily consumption of neem leaves – 1 leaf per 10 kg of body weight on an empty stomach will effectively reverse diabetes in just 7 days.
Fact Check
Does Ayurveda recommend neem for the management of diabetes?
Elevated blood sugar levels are a hallmark of diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease caused by either inadequate insulin synthesis or decreased cellular response to insulin. If we fail to manage this metabolic disease, uncontrolled blood glucose levels could lead to serious complications.
Ayurveda views diabetes as Madumeha, a disorder characterised by sweet urine and frequent urination. Traditional medicine manages the illness according to its symptoms and underlying causes. As part of its holistic approach, Ayurvedic therapy promotes:
- Detoxification
- Insulin sensitivity
- Blood glucose regulation
One of the natural remedies utilised for managing diabetes is Azadirachta indica, also referred to as neem.
It gains credibility from Dr. Thulasi K, who is currently connected to Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala and Punarjani, who adds that neem, or Nimba as it is known in Ayurveda, is a miracle remedy. It is tiktha kashaya in rasa and katu vipaka. the herb aids in lowering inflammation in long-term illnesses like diabetes, which helps to stabilise metabolism. Even though Nimba is the principal constituent in a variety of formulations, such as Nimbadi kashayam, Nimbasavam, Nimbadi choornam, etc., it can still be utilised as an adjuvant rather than a cure-all for many chronic ailments.
Despite its many advantages, excessive neem intake can have detrimental consequences. Neem is a vital medicinal supplement, but it shouldn’t be regarded as a stand-alone diabetic therapy alternative. Consequently, neem should be used sparingly.
Do neem leaves have the potential to combat diabetes in just 7 days?
No, not at all. This is due to the fact that diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that, while it can be controlled, cannot be completely cured by a single herbal remedy like neem. It is characterised by persistent hyperglycemia brought on by decreased insulin secretion, action, or both.
Neem may reduce blood glucose levels by around 1% during HbA1c, 8 mg/dL during fasting, and 23 mg/dL during postprandial. Neem extracts may improve insulin resistance, insulin signalling, and even the enzymes that break down glucose, in addition to lowering oxidative stress. It is imperative to highlight that these findings are preliminary and call for further research.
Another important consideration is the lack of scientific evidence to establish the proper dosage of neem leaves. Additionally, daily usage of neem leaves may have certain adverse effects.
This is corroborated by Dr. Shraddha Sanghani, Internal Medicine Consultant at Renova Century Hospitals in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, who maintains that neem has long been used in traditional medicine due to its blood-purifying, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. While neem leaves can be used as a supplement for certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, because of their insulin-sensitizing properties, they cannot be used for managing the condition itself.
Dr. Sanghani further cautions that consuming neem leaves uncontrolled on a daily basis may do more harm than good. It may result in hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal distress, hepatic damage, or even miscarriage. Neem should only be used sparingly and under a doctor’s supervision; it should never be used in place of evidence-based conventional medical care.
Neem may therefore be used in conjunction with evidence-based medicinal therapy for the condition under medical supervision. Given the variability in its preparation and potential toxicity, self-medication with such unregulated remedies is not recommended.
Should one consider home remedies for the management of diabetes?
Despite their allure, employing home remedies for managing diabetes necessitates caution. Those combating diabetes may opt for such options due to a lack of accessibility and financial constraints.
Aloe vera, fenugreek, psyllium, and Nigella sativa are among the remedies that have shown significant reductions in blood glucose levels, albeit these outcomes are limited to small-scale research. CAM, which encompasses mind-body and herbal therapies, has shown promise in improving glycaemic control and overall quality of life, despite its inability to treat or restore normal blood glucose levels. In addition, the quality of natural health products and practices may vary, and they may interfere with prescription medications.
Dr. Ashirwad Pawar, a general practitioner and diabetologist from Mumbai, encourages it, explaining that effective diabetes control requires lifelong adherence to healthy behaviours, frequent exercise, appropriate medical therapy, and routine blood sugar assessments. Reliance on unapproved therapies might delay necessary medical care, which can lead to major health concerns.
While some home remedies may show modest promise, they lack robust clinical trials to back them; they should not replace established therapy for diabetes. Patients should inform their doctors if they are using home remedies.
Is it appropriate to assert that persistent illnesses such as diabetes can be cured?
No. A chronic metabolic illness such as diabetes cannot be cured; however, it may occasionally enter a state of remission. Medically, a cure implies complete resolution of the illness, which may be inapplicable for long-standing insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes. Conversely, remission is referred to as retaining normal blood sugar levels for a minimum of three months without pharmacological or surgical therapy.
Usually, remission is attained by regulating weight, leading an active lifestyle, or undergoing advised bariatric surgery. Remission is a controlled state; chances of relapse are always there.
Dr. V. Mohan, Diabetologist and the founder of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, previously explained to THIP Media that the key distinction between the two is that remission simply indicates that the illness or condition has momentarily gone into a shell; it could resurface at any time if a person gains weight or returns to an irregular and unhealthy lifestyle.
From a legal perspective, the assertion that diabetes is curable is forbidden in India. under these legal restrictions. Schedule J of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945 and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954 both expressly prohibit advertising for cures of diabetes and several other chronic conditions. As a result, under these legal constraints, it is unlawful to promote any product in India as a cure for diabetes.
What should be done for optimal diabetes management?
It has already been established that certain natural therapies can be used as an adjunct to the multifaceted management strategy of diabetes. This might be explained by their dubious long-term safety profiles, lack of regulated dosage, and scant scientific support.
Evidence-based medical management for diabetes suggests:
- Prescribed lifelong therapy for type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes, marked by impaired insulin sensitivity, necessitates balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, weight regulation, and medication compliance, along with continual surveillance.
Please remember that diabetes mellitus is a progressive ailment that needs to be managed for the rest of your life. Due to rigorous adherence to evidence-based medical care, it is common to rely on experimental therapies; yet, abruptly discontinuing therapy and using risky online remedies could jeopardise overall wellness and exacerbate pre-existing conditions. Always seek medical advice before altering your recommended treatment plan.
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