With the surge in diabetes cases, a study has suggested a healthy lifestyle and diet coupled with anti-diabetic properties of herbal formulations can help control blood sugar levels.

The study, conducted by researchers from Patna on a patient suffering from high levels of blood sugar, has been published in the International Ayurvedic Medical Journal (IAMJ).

As per the study, the team, led by Assistant Professor Prabhas Chandra Pathak, prescribed the patient a combination of research-based traditional medicines, including herbal formulations like BGR-34, Arogyavardhani Vati, Chandraprabhavati, cholesterol-reducing drugs, lifestyle adjustments and a specific diet for two weeks.

After 14 days, the treatment was slightly altered. The patient showed significant improvement, for instance, the sugar level which was 254 mg/dl at the time of admission, came down to 124 mg/dl.

The study says it was found that Daruharidra, Giloe, Vijaysar, Gudmar, Methi and Majishtha in the BGR-34 showed anti-diabetic properties, which helped cut down the sugar levels in the blood. This medicine is prepared by the country’s research institute, CSIR, after research.

Owing to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits, diabetes is on the rise in the country. As per the latest data, there are 72.9 million people suffering from diabetes in India.

Researchers said that during the study, the patient was also recommended an hour’s walk daily. The patient's fasting sugar level, which was 254 mg/dl before the start of treatment, came down to 124 mg/dl. Similarly, the sugar level after breakfast decreased from 413 to 154 mg/dl. All these parameters indicate an effective reduction in blood sugar levels.

Encouraged by the positive results of the treatment plan, the researchers have suggested a comprehensive larger study for its further assessment.

In fact, earlier a study by AIIMS Delhi found that BGR-34 is effective not only in reducing sugar but obesity as well.

Sanchit Sharma, Executive Director, said since diabetic patients have to depend on lifetime medicines, the outcome of the study holds significance.

“These herbal preparations also have elements to increase immunity as well as anti-oxidant levels,” he added.