Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
A social media post claims that Giloy treats diabetes. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Half True.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that Giloy treats diabetes.
We have attached a screenshot of the post below:
THIP MEDIA as also debunked drinking okra soaked in water cure diabetes. In another story we refuted, banana flower cure diabetes.
Fact Check
What is Giloy?
The scientific name of Giloy is Tinospora cordifolia. It is a herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its various health benefits. Giloy greatly impacts the immune system and is used in Ayurveda to boost immunity, promote longevity, treat fever, improve digestion, and manage various other health conditions.
Can Giloy treat diabetes?
Possible. Research suggests that Giloy may also have potential benefits for managing diabetes. Incorporating Giloy into your diet can help manage diabetes. However, we need more human trials to confirm these findings. Most of the research on Giloy and diabetes has been done in animals or cells.
We found no research that can explain the mechanism in detail through which Giloy treats diabetes. We need more rigorous and extensive clinical trials to understand the mechanism and establish its efficacy and safety specifically for diabetes treatment for commercial use.
Here are some ways Giloy may help with diabetes:
- Lowering blood sugar levels: A study found that Giloy may help to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Another study suggests that Giloy has immune-modulatory, anti-hyperglycemic (blood sugar-lowering), antioxidant, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, and hormone regulator properties. It also contains isolated phytoconstituents like tinosporin, berberine, jatrorrhizine that could potentially aid in managing diabetes. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Research also suggests that the healing characteristics of Giloy extracts were linked to their phytochemical composition, encompassing steroids, alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, and glycosides.
- Improving insulin sensitivity: Giloy may help to improve the body’s ability to use insulin, which can help lower blood sugar levels.
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major factor in diabetes and its complications. Giloy has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
- Protecting the kidneys: Diabetes can damage the kidneys. Giloy has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to protect the kidneys from damage.
Our research shows that Giloy should not be a substitute for conventional diabetes medications. It is important to talk to your doctor first before incorporating Giloy in diet.
Giloy can interact with certain medications, and it is not suitable for everyone.
Dr Ayush Chandra, Consultant Diabetologist and Founder of Nivaran Health, Delhi NCR, further elaborates on this by stating, “Diabetes management should include proper medications and insulin therapy if required, and that too under the guidance of a clinician. It also requires a balanced diet with macro & micronutrients, daily physical captivity, adequate consumption of water, mental wellness, and regular blood sugar monitoring”.
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, BAMS, currently practicing in Delhi, explains, “Herbs possess remarkable potency, and when administered in the right form and dosage, they hold the potential to address chronic ailments effectively. Guduchi, included in certain formulations, has shown promise in reducing blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that relying solely on guduchi to cure diabetes is incorrect”.
Can diet cure diabetes?
No. Currently there is no known cure for diabetes, and diet alone cannot cure diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. A healthy diet is a vital aspect of managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels. However, it is typically just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
We have previously debunked the herb Brahmi control diabetes to show that diabetes management usually requires a multifaceted approach, considering multiple factors. It includes lifestyle modifications, meditation or insulin therapy, blood glucose monitoring, awareness, and regular medical check-ups.
Kajal Gupta, Dietician, and Nutritionist, says, “Diabetes occurs due to permanent damage of pancreatic cells, or it becomes sensitive to insulin, so it can’t be cured completely but can be managed through proper medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.”
Dr Utsav Sahu, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist states, “People with diabetes need to carefully manage their blood sugar levels to avoid serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. This means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed by their doctor.”
What can be the dangers of trying to cure diabetes through Giloy at home and not seeking medical advice?
Seeking medical advice is crucial for controlling diabetes. Attempting to cure diabetes at home without medical advice can result in delayed or inadequate treatment, incorrect self-diagnosis, lack of monitoring, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, and increased risk of health complications.
Besdies this, evidence also shows that giloy can cause constiption or liver injury. Giloy can also be harmful for people with certain autoimmune disorder.
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