How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat and Prevent Diabetes (Based on Medical Research)
With an estimated 86 million Americans diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and a further 29.1 million having being diagnosed with diabetes,1 it is time to take a serious look at the nutrients that can help regulate or reduce the factors that are responsible for diabetes.
Lets have a look at how you can use apple cider vinegar (ACV) for diabetes (type I and type II).
Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Type II Diabetes
Diabetes is classified into type I and type II diabetes. In type II diabetes, two of the biggest factors responsible for the condition are blood sugar and insulin levels.
Type II diabetes occurs when you lose the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, either as a result of insulin resistance or because of a lack of insulin.
Nutrients that facilitate the ability to regulate blood sugar levels are therefore highly beneficial for helping individuals reduce or treat type II diabetes. ACV has gained a reputation as one of these nutrients. I have already mentioned the amazing health benefits of ACV and about the 11 ways you can use it to revolutionize your health.
Here are a number of studies that show you how to use apple cider vinegar for regulating blood sugar and how much you need to consume.
Apple Cider Vinegar can have Similar Effect to Diabetes Medications
Certain diabetes medications are designed to block the digestion of sugars and starches. By blocking the digestion of these compounds, these medications can effectively prevent blood sugar spikes, and they can therefore help to regulate healthy blood sugar levels.
According to Carol Johnston, Professor and Associate Director of the Nutrition Program of Arizona State University, ACV can also help to block your body’s ability to digest sugar and starch, which means that apple cider vinegar is similar in its actions as some diabetes medications.2
Research – Apple Cider Vinegar for Type 1 diabetes
Meals can pose the biggest problems for individuals who suffer from type I diabetes. When you eat, the sugar and carbohydrates contained in your meals are converted into glucose, which enters the blood stream. For patients with type I diabetes, this sudden increase in blood sugar levels can be dangerous.
In a study published by the American Association of Diabetes, researchers found that apple cider vinegar helped to decrease the blood sugar levels after meals in type I diabetes patients.3 The conclusion of the study suggests that adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a meal can be very effective in helping to regulate blood sugar levels after the meal.
Research – Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance plays a very important role in some patients who have been diagnosed with type II diabetes. Finding healthy ways to improve insulin sensitivity is therefore highly beneficial for these individuals.
In a study published in Diabetes Care, 29 patients were given 40 grams of apple cider vinegar with 40 g of water and 1 teaspoon of saccharine after a meal composed of a white bagel with butter and orange juice. Blood glucose levels and insulin levels were measured to ascertain whether apple cider vinegar had an effect on insulin sensitivity.
The study found that the consumption of apple cider vinegar improved insulin sensitivity in the insulin resistant and type II diabetes patients.4
Other Studies on Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes
Consumption ACV after meals
ACV is not only effective in individuals with type I or type II diabetes. In a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers studied the effects of the acetic acid from vinegar on the blood glucose response after a meal in healthy people.
In that study, researchers gave the test subjects a meal comprised of a salad with or without vinegar as part of the salad dressing. The results of the study showed that the acetic acid from the vinegar had a significant effect on the glycemic response of the individuals. In other words, the addition of vinegar helped to regulate blood sugar levels after the meal in healthy people too.5
ACV and fasting blood sugar levels
ACV may even be beneficial for helping to regulate fasting blood sugar levels which are your blood sugar levels after a period of fasting. These levels are most often determined when you wake up in the morning before you eat anything.
In a study published in Diabetes Care, researchers studied the effects of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime to determine if ACV had an effect on fasting blood glucose.
The results of the study showed that two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime helped to regulate fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type II diabetes.6
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Take for Diabetes?
A tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar seems to be sufficient to obtain the benefits associated with apple cider vinegar and blood glucose regulation.
To help regulate blood sugar after a meal, adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your salad dressing or to a glass of water could be sufficient to help regulate blood sugar levels after your meal.
Some people like to consume apple cider vinegar together with garcinia cambogia as this plant has shown in research to improve blood glucose readings and reduce insulin resistance.
For the purpose of regulating fasting blood sugar levels, two tablespoons of vinegar at bed time could also be beneficial for regulating your blood sugar levels while you sleep.
Adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water before bedtime could therefore help you to manage blood sugar levels.
As a general note, don’t consume undiluted apple cider vinegar as it erodes tooth enamel and can cause burns to the sensitive tissues in the mouth and throat.
Related: How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Drink?
Benefits of Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people like to add honey to their ACV to offset the acidic taste and to enjoy the combined health benefits of apple cider vinegar and honey.
Although honey offers some health benefits, it is important to understand that honey is mostly sugar and it increases your calorie and carbohydrate intake. For managing diabetes, honey should be calculated as part of your total carbohydrate intake.
Various studies on honey showed that it may not have the same impact on blood sugar levels as sugar does. If you have well-managed diabetes, are not overweight and are otherwise healthy, then honey as a replacement for sugar can be beneficial.7 If you have any doubt, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
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- Best 22 Foods for Type 2 Diabetes
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