With an estimated 1.5 million Americans diagnosed every year, diabetes is becoming a growing concern across the country. For those who’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have lived with it for a while, you may be looking for new ways to improve your life with diabetes. 

In this article, our aromatherapist discusses everything you need to know about diabetes, essential oils that can help you manage your diabetes symptoms and other ways to improve your lifestyle. Read on to find out more. 

Diabetes Symptoms, Causes & More

Diabetes is classified as having too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood. An increased level of glucose is often caused by a lack of insulin–a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. Sugar is used to fuel cells, especially brain cells. However, too much sugar in the bloodstream can be detrimental to one’s health if left unmanaged. 

There are four types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes

Chronic diabetes develops at any age, but especially in children and young people. With type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks insulin, creating elevated levels of glucose in the body. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Chronic diabetes that often develops in adults 40+. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body resists insulin action, causing blood sugar to build up in the bloodstream.

Prediabetes

Potentially reversible diabetes classified by above-average blood sugar levels. Like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes occurs when the body resists insulin action.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and generally resolves after birth. Gestational diabetes occurs as a result of pregnancy hormones causing insulin resistance. The pancreas in turn cannot produce enough insulin to keep up. 

The most common symptoms of diabetes include: 

• Increased appetite and thirst

• Weight loss

• Tiredness

• Changes in vision

• Irritability

• Infections

• Slow wound-healing

If you suspect you have diabetes, we recommend consulting with your doctor. 

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to the following health problems: 

• Alzheimer’s 

• Depression

• Foot Damage

• Heart Disease

• Impaired Hearing

• Infections

• Neuropathy

• Retinopathy  
  
  

Can Essential Oils Help With Diabetes?

Multiple claims about essential oils’ benefits towards diabetes have been made, but are they true? Let’s look at the science. 

• Several studies have evidenced the antidiabetic potential of cinnamaldehyde–the major component found in Cinnamon Bark and Cassia essential oil. One such study concluded that cinnamaldehyde has the ability “to improve glucose and lipid homeostasis in diabetic[s]” and therefore, it may be a sufficient complementary alternative medicine for diabetes.    

• A similar study elucidated the effects of cinnamaldehyde and gathered that diabetic subjects treated with cinnamaldehyde showed significant improvements in multiple areas, including body weight, insulin sensitivity, blood glucose levels, food intake and more. 

• Scientists studied the effects of Clove oil on diabetic subjects and deduced that Clove’s antioxidant activity may help to manage and prevent type-2 diabetes caused by oxidative stress. 

• The effects of Coriander Seed extract on insulin release were observed in diabetic subjects. Blood was drawn 1.5, 3 and 5 hours after administration of Coriander Seed. Scientists note that administration of the extract significantly reduced glucose levels and increased insulin release. Note here, extracts and essential oils are not the same but share similar properties. 

In each of the above studies, the essential oil or extract was administered orally–a method we do not suggest performing casually, especially when discussing hot oils such as Cassia and Cinnamon Bark. 

We suggest diffusing these oils and inhaling them, or consulting with an aromatherapist near you for further guidance that meets your individual needs. 

Try adding the following blend to a diffuser or personal pocket inhaler: 

• 8 drops Cinnamon oil

• 5 drops Clove Bud

• 3 drops Coriander Seed

• 2 drops Melissa (also known as lemon balm)
  
  

How To Manage Diabetes

Treatment for diabetes can range from blood sugar monitoring and taking insulin to transplantation and surgery. 

Along with incorporating helpful essential oils into your routine, doctors recommend the following for all diabetics or those at risk of developing diabetes.
 

Diet

Eating well-balanced meals, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and a good amount of fiber is something everyone should strive for, but for those with diabetes, a healthy diet is crucial. 

Doctors recommend sticking to recommended portion sizes and keeping track of carbohydrates for those taking insulin because the amount of insulin you take is based on carb intake. 

Because many diabetes medications are required to be taken at mealtime, doctors also recommend coordinating meals and medications at the same time. 

Eating sugary, processed or generally unhealthy food and drink should be avoided. 

Exercise

Again, while it’s recommended that most adults get around 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, staying active is crucial to managing diabetes. During exercise, the muscles use glucose to fuel cells quicker and more efficiently. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

1. Create an exercise plan with your doctor that’s based on your individual medical needs.

2. Check your blood sugar levels when exercising to ensure they don’t drop too low. Have a snack ready in case this happens. 

3. Schedule your exercise routine around your medications and meals, as exercise may affect how your body metabolizes both. 

4. Drink plenty of water.
   
   

Stress

Stress may cause an increase in blood sugar, therefore, it’s important to manage stress if you have diabetes. 

Doctors recommend checking your blood sugar when you feel stressed and comparing these results to when you feel neutral or relaxed. Finding a pattern can help you better understand how stress affects your health. 

Along with speaking to a psychologist or therapist, there are various ways you can manage stress at home, including practicing breathwork, meditation, yoga and diffusing stress-relieving essential oils. 

Sources: 

1. Statistics About Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes

2. Diabetes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

3. Cinnamaldehyde in diabetes: A review of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and safety. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28559210/

4. Effect of Cinnamaldehyde on Glucose Metabolism and Vessel Function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562185/

5. Essential Oil from Clove Bud (Eugenia aromatica Kuntze) Inhibit Key Enzymes Relevant to the Management of Type-2 Diabetes and Some Pro-oxidant Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Rats Pancreas in vitro https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jos/64/7/64_ess14274/_article

6. Effect of coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum L.) ethanol extract on insulin release from pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2642

7. Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963