Apple Cider Vinegar for Diabetes: Does it help?

Type 2 Diabetes is chronic but a preventable disease that affects how your body controls glucose in your blood. Medication, daily diet and exercise are collective treatments used to help control diabetes and as per recent studies something that has been getting the hype is apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar in its raw, organic and unfiltered form is usually the best choice. This raw form is added to cider or other fluids to start the fermentation of vinegar and is found in high-quality vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is considered safe if you have diabetes and is worth trying.

What do studies say?

As per studies apple cider vinegar alongside a meal high in carbohydrates saw and effect on blood sugar levels in participants who had type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Meals that are high in carbohydrates typically cause a spike in blood sugar levels immediately after eating. However, less than an ounce of apple cider vinegar can significantly reduce blood sugar levels.

Another study in type 2 patients compared apple cider vinegar with water. It was found that consuming 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a snack (with cheese) before bedtime was enough to significantly lower blood sugar levels the following morning.

So why does this work?

It is believed that a component of apple cider vinegar called acetic acid can help slow down the conversion of complex carbohydrates into sugar in the bloodstream.

This provides more time for sugar to be flushed from the bloodstream, allowing the body to keep blood sugar levels constant and limit the sudden spikes.

At the end of the day, the most effective way to prevent diabetes and managing its symptoms is eating a healthy and balanced diet which includes healthy carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

It is best to limit the intake of refined and processed carbohydrates, such as foods with added sugar.Try opting healthy, nutrient-dense, fibrous carbohydrates such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Also remember to have regular physical exercise along with time to time blood sugar test using a Control D glucometer.

All these changes collectively can help you manage your condition better