5 Best Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Diabetes

There are several advantages of using apple cider vinegar for diabetes management. In the United States, diabetes affects more than 30 million adults. During the past two decades, diabetes cases among adults have doubled (1).

According to some studies, apple cider vinegar can treat diabetes (2). Vinegar may promote blood sugar control by enhancing carbohydrate metabolism. Managing diabetes symptoms may become easier with ACV since it promotes blood sugar metabolism.

Further research is needed to understand how ACV may contribute to diabetes treatment. This article discusses the benefits of apple cider vinegar, how to use it and side effects. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Apple Cider Vinegar

What Is It?
Vinegar made from crushed apples, yeast, and sugar through fermentation.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

Who Can Consume It?
Can be used by all adults.

How Often?
Can be consumed regularly, as required.

Caution
Consult with a doctor while consuming it alongside other regular medications.

What Research Says About Apple Cider Vinegar And Diabetes

An Iranian study conducted on rats stated that ACV might have positive effects on blood cholesterol levels. ACV could lower bad cholesterol levels and elevate good cholesterol levels in diabetic rats (3).

Another small study found that ACV could regulate the levels of blood sugar and insulin in the case of type 2 diabetes (4).

However, some anecdotal evidence states that ACV may actually worsen glycemic control, and this may aggravate diabetes symptoms. A few other theories suggest that ACV may slow down the rate at which food and fluids leave the stomach, making it harder for any individual to control blood sugar.

ACV may also interact with certain medications, and its strong taste may not be okay for all.

Diabetes mellitus is caused by a lack of insulin production by the pancreas or insulin resistance (2). While apple cider vinegar has been used to improve insulin sensitivity and digestive health, it may also promote weight loss (4). It can thus potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes while also providing important health benefits that can be enhanced through proper nutrition and practice of alternative medicine approaches.

That’s a bag of mixed results. What’s the conclusion? Should you try it? ACV is not harmful, per se. It is considered safe and can be worth a try. But ensure you use organic, unfiltered, and raw ACV – because it will be higher in beneficial bacteria (and it appears cloudy too).

Trivia

Raw or unpasteurized apple cider vinegar contains “the mother”, an undefined microbial culture (left behind in the fermentation process of making ACV before distillation) rich in beneficial enzymes and healthy bacteria.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Diabetes

1. Apple Cider Vinegar And Water

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons of ACV
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 oz cheese

What To Do

Mix the ACV and water. Consume the mixture, along with the cheese, before bedtime.

How Often You Should Do This

Try it for a week, and consult your doctor post the results. Follow their advice.

Why This Works

ACV contains acetic acid, which is known for its antiglycemicⁱ  A substance that helps lower glucose levels in the body, commonly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. effects.

The acid can reduce starch digestion. Cheese and vinegar may have a synergistic effect. Cheese also contains amino acids that provide glucogenic substrates, which may benefit people with type 2 diabetes (these substrates, in the presence of insulin, convert to glycogenⁱ  The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen to help maintain optimal blood sugar levels in the body. ) (5).

Trivia

Apple cider vinegar is made of 94% water, 5% acetic acid, and 1% carbohydrates. It contains no protein or fat and only has a negligible amount of micronutrients.

2. Cinnamon And Apple Cider Vinegar

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon of ACV
• ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of stevia

What To Do

Mix all the ingredients and take the concoction post meals.

How Often You Should Do This

Twice a day. Consult a doctor post results.

Why This Works

Cinnamon can help lower fasting blood glucose

(6). Though stevia sweetens the drink, it has a glycemic index of zero and is not absorbed by the intestines.

3. Honey And Apple Cider Vinegar

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon of ACV
• 1 teaspoon of honey (or even less)
• ½ cup of water

What To Do

Mix all the ingredients and take the drink post meals.

How Often You Should Do This

Once or twice a day. Visit your doctor post the results.

Why This Works

Honey can offset the acidic taste of ACV.

It may not have the same effect on blood sugar levels as sugar does and could be a healthy substitute. Some research shows that honey may also help in the management of diabetes (7).

Caution

Use honey only if your diabetes is well maintained. Otherwise, it is better to skip it or replace it with stevia.

4. Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons of ACV
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• A couple of orange wedges

What To Do

1. Add one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda to a glass tumbler.
2. Pour the entire ACV into the tumbler and stir thoroughly.
3. Drink the mixture.
4. You can eat or suck on the orange wedges. This can remove the sour taste of ACV from your mouth.

How Often You Should Do This

Thrice a day.

Why This Works

The mechanism of baking soda in diabetes treatment is anecdotal. Some animal research suggests that baking soda may help prevent an infection called mucormycosisⁱ  A serious fungal infection that may cause breathlessness, sinus congestion, fever, or one-sided facial swelling. , which is a diabetes complication (8).

Caution

In case you have a digestive condition that affects the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, talk to your doctor before using this remedy.

5. Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar

This is not a separate remedy as such. Bragg is a popular brand of apple cider vinegar that is widely known for its quality. It was founded by Paul Bragg in 1912 and claims to control weight gain that is so commonly associated with diabetes.

Megan Ruth, a blogger, shared her experience of consuming apple cider vinegar. She writes on her blog, “I mean, I had given up on apple cider vinegar years ago, but then one day I had an idea. This idea included apple cider vinegar and a combination of other flavors….a few other ingredients like cinnamon (which they say helps with weight loss and boosts your immune system), lemon juice (vitamin C boost, detox, and digestion aid), and honey (help prevent cancer, regulate blood sugar, and more). Basically, I started combining all of these oh so awesome and powerful ingredients to create an actually drinkable and Super Hero version of apple cider vinegar (i).”

You can use Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar in the remedies we have discussed above. But we recommend you talk to your doctor before using the product. Though the drink is safe to consume, there are certain apple cider vinegar side effects as well and thus may not be ideal for everyone. Read on to know more.

Who Should Not Consume Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is healthy and may aid diabetes treatment when consumed in moderation. But over-consumption may cause nausea. That said, intake of ACV is forbidden for those with:

• Indigestion
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Low potassium levels
• Kidney disease

Individuals taking certain medications like diuretics, insulin-stimulating or potassium-lowering medications must also avoid ACV intake. Consult your healthcare provider to learn more about its safety and efficacy, and check for any other alternatives that may suit your current health condition.

Infographic: How To Consume Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar seems like a medicinal elixir that can help with diabetes and other health issues like weight management. However, consuming apple cider vinegar incorrectly can do more harm than good.

Check out the below infographic to learn how to consume apple cider vinegar properly.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can apple cider vinegar reverse diabetes?

No, while apple cider vinegar may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, it cannot reverse diabetes (4). You may only use it as a complementary approach alongside the right medication and a healthy lifestyle on the recommendation of a doctor.

Can you take apple cider vinegar with metformin?

Some believe taking apple cider vinegar along with metformin may lower blood sugar levels way too much. However, there is less research available. Please consult your doctor before taking ACV with the medication.

Can you take apple cider vinegar with diabetes medication?

Though there are not enough studies to show the safety of the combination, taking apple cider vinegar with diabetes medication may result in dangerously low sugar levels. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor beforehand.

What medicines cannot be taken with apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar may interact with diabetes medication, insulin shots, and diuretic drugs. It may also lower potassium levels in the body. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking ACV.

Illustration: Best Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Diabetes

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Apple cider vinegar can effectively help you alleviate some symptoms of diabetes. Watch this video to learn why ACV is beneficial and how it can help you manage diabetes.

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Alexandra DusenberryMS, RDN

   

Alexandra Dusenberry is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified personal trainer based in San Diego, California. She has 6 years of experience and works with clients around the world to help them reach their health and fitness goals.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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