Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known to support weight loss and improve health. In particular, many people believe that apple cider vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it an attractive choice for people with diabetes.
However, experts warn that combining apple cider vinegar with diabetes medication requires caution, as there may be some dangerous interactions.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is created through the process of fermenting apple juice, converting sugar into wine, then into acetic acid - a major component in vinegar.
According to Dt. Swatee Sandhan, a nutritionist at Jupiter Baner Hospital (India), apple cider vinegar not only contains acetic acid but also provides minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.
Some studies show that apple cider vinegar can help increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels after meals, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.
Sharing the same view, Dr. Hiran S. Reddy, a diabetes specialist at Gleneagles Hospital (India), gave some notes on the use of apple cider vinegar in combination with diabetes medications such as insulin or blood sugar lowering drugs that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
"This condition can cause dizziness, confusion or fainting, which is very dangerous for patients," Dr. Hiran S. Reddy emphasized.
Side effects of apple cider vinegar and diabetes medication
Dr. Reddy adds that consuming too much apple cider vinegar can cause digestive problems such as nausea or slow down the emptying of the stomach. This can affect the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the blood and change the effectiveness of diabetes medication.
How to use apple cider vinegar safely in people with diabetes
To ensure safety when using apple cider vinegar, people with diabetes need to maintain a moderate level, usually 1 -2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water per day.
Before adding apple cider vinegar to the diet, patients should consult a doctor for appropriate advice, based on the type of medication being used and specific health condition.
"Although apple cider vinegar can help reduce blood sugar levels gently, it cannot replace diabetes medications," emphasizes nutritionist Sandhan. Apple cider vinegar does not cure diabetes, but it only helps reduce blood sugar levels partially. Effective diabetes management requires a comprehensive approach, including a healthy diet, regular exercise and health monitoring".
Apple cider vinegar can benefit people with diabetes if used properly and at a reasonable level.
However, combining apple cider vinegar with diabetes treatment should be done under the guidance of a doctor to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia or other side effects. It is important for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and always monitor their health condition to effectively control diabetes.
