Fact Check: Can consuming turmeric-infused water every morning cure diabetes?

Hyderabad: Several social media users claim that drinking turmeric water every morning cures diabetes completely.

As per the World Health Organisation, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false. According to HealthMatch, “There is no cure for diabetes. However, by consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels and keeping them in a healthy range, it is possible to prevent the long-term effects of diabetes. Many people can manage their diabetes through diet and exercise.”

Healthline mentions that “Although turmeric can be taken as a supplement, it isn’t a substitute for your current healthcare plan. Turmeric’s active component, curcumin, may help you manage blood sugars and has benefits for those at risk for type 2 diabetes.” It also warns that “Turmeric may increase urinary oxalate levels or worsen anaemia. Use it with caution if you have a history of kidney stones or anaemia. Be aware that although most people can tolerate turmeric, some might find that it doesn’t agree with their stomachs. Others could have allergies. Start with a smaller dosage.”

A study on the correlation between turmeric and diabetes found more than 200 research papers on the connection between diabetes and curcumin. The results suggest that curcumin can help people with diabetes in different ways, which may include improving insulin resistance and cholesterol levels.

Another study in Diabetes Care found that people with prediabetes who took curcumin for 9 months were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those taking a placebo.

NewsMeter contacted our expert, Sujatha Stephen RD Chief Nutritionist of Yashoda Hospitals, to debunk the claim.

She said, “No, it may not cause any side effects but it is not the only cure for diabetes.” She added, “Turmeric is good for health and has many anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties but taking turmeric alone may not help you in controlling diabetes or gout or cleansing system. It has to be with proper diet and a healthy lifestyle will help you in controlling diabetes and keeping your bones healthy.”