The Ideal Ayurvedic Diet Plan for Diabetics: What to Eat & Avoid

Diabetes is called ‘Mother of all diseases’, because it can cause serious health problems if not treated well. The figures for people who have Diabetes are alarming. Still, the bright side is that the disease is preventable and controllable. There is a big role of ayurvedic remedies in diabetes management. 

Know Diabetes from an Ayurvedic Perspective

Diabetes in Ayurveda is known as Madhumeha, which translates to “sugar in the urine.” Diabetes is the result of imbalances in the body’s three energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 

In the Ayurvedic system, this occurs due to the aggravation of Kapha and Pitta doshas. Kapha dosha increases with a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, while pitta laxity results from poor digestion and a low metabolism. Madhumeha is a variety of Prameha, a disease category characterised by ‘those that lead to the passage of excess urine’. 

Ayurvedic Diet Plan for Diabetics- What to Eat?

Whole Grains: millet, Buckwheat, barley, pearl millet, wild brown rice & oats are good choices as they are low in glycemic index and high in fibre. Whole grains help to maintain blood sugar levels. Ayurveda recommends consuming grains that are at least one year old. This can help reduce the excess moisture in the grains, which can promote Kapha.

Beans and Pulses: Lentils and beans are rich in fiber, which helps support the digestive process and maintain steady blood sugar levels. Mung, Lima, Moth, and Soybean are the recommended beans.

Vegetables, and Fruits: If you are Diabetic, Ayurveda advises to include spinach, ladies finger (bhindi), cauliflower, French beans, fenugreek leaves, button mushroom, green chilli, green methi, brinjal, cabbage, beans, green peas, cucumber, beetroot, drumstick leaves, capsicum, bottle cucumber, snake gourd, radish, ash gourd, bitter gourd, round gourd, radish, pumpkin, peas, broccoli, ginger, green capsicum, green gram, coriander, turnip, mint, and curry leaf.

One should choose the following five best fruits for diabetes patients: berries, jamun, apples, monkey fruit, pomegranates, and pears, as they have a low glycemic index compared to other fruits.

Ayurvedic Herbs, Juices, or Tablets:  People with diabetes can try ayurvedic teas containing green tea, chamomile tea, and herbal combinations of fenugreek or holy basil to regulate blood sugar levels, promote digestion, and overall well-being. Using spices such as turmeric, fenugreek, and cinnamon is said to help lower blood sugar and can be incorporated into everyday cooking. Diabetic people can also try products like diaboright blood sugar care juice, as it contains Karela, Jamun, Shilajit, Neem, and Gudmar. 

Ayurvedic Diet Plan for Diabetics- What to Avoid?

Processed Sugars and Foods: These cause quick spikes in blood sugar and should be avoided—for instance, white sugar, candy, sweets, cakes, and pastries. Jaggery should also be avoided.

Dairy: Opt for lighter dairy options, such as almond or coconut milk, which are lighter and help prevent Kapha imbalances.

High-Glycemic Fruits: Mangoes, Litchi, Dates, Sapodilla, bananas, and grapes should be restricted as they contain a high level of sugar.

Other Vegetables: Kathal (Jackfruit), Suran (Yam), Sweet Potato, Arbi (Taro Root), Potato, and Frozen or Canned Vegetables.

Beverages: Whole milk drinks, alcoholic drinks, cream liqueurs, carbonated beverages, canned or packaged soup, fruit juices, and sugarcane juice.

Cold Foods: Prefer fresh, hot foods that are easy to digest and help balance the dosha in the body.

End Note

Diabetes, or Madhumeha in Ayurveda, is a serious condition linked to Kapha and Pitta dosha imbalances, often caused by poor lifestyle and digestion. It’s also related to Prameha (excess urination) and obesity. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes, focusing on dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and herbal remedies to balance the doshas and address the root causes. To keep diabetes under control, check diabetes management products from MMPL. We’ve sugar care juice, and tablets made with ayurvedic herbs.