Fact Check: Can Methi Cure Diabetes?

An Instagram post claims that Diabetes can be Cured and by Fenugreek (Methi in Hindi) . The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Diabetes can be Cured by Fenugreek (methi). In the reel by swekshaavyamvlogss24, it is said, "You’ll recover completely and your diabetes will be fully cured. Use desi methi (traditional fenugreek) — the one that gives off a fragrance when crushed. The other one, the hybrid or genetically modified methi, won’t release any aroma even if you roast or crush it. Take the fragrant desi methi, crush it just a little and store it. Have one spoon of it morning, afternoon, and evening. It should be slightly coarse, not a fine powder. This is such a simple remedy that it can completely cure diabetes."

The claim can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. Fenugreek, which is also called methi in Hindi, may help in managing blood sugar levels, but it does not cure diabetes, which is a chronic condition.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to use insulin effectively. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps control blood glucose levels. If diabetes is not well managed, it can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which over time can harm multiple organs, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Can Diabetes Be Cured or Eliminated?

There is no permanent cure for diabetes at present, but it can often be effectively managed and, in some cases, reversed. Diabetes reversal means maintaining normal blood sugar levels without the need for medication, primarily through sustained healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. However, this state requires ongoing lifestyle changes and constant monitoring to be maintained over the long term.

What are the Health Benefits Of Fenugreek (Methi)?

Fenugreek, also known as methi, is among the oldest medicinal herbs, is renowned for its rich nutritional and therapeutic properties. Its seeds are packed with fiber, phospholipids, glycolipids, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, choline, and essential vitamins including A, B1, B2, C, niacin, and nicotinic acid. Widely used as a culinary spice, fenugreek is also recognised for its potential health benefits, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing effects.

Can Diabetes Be Cured By Fenugreek?

The claim that diabetes can be cured by fenugreek is false. While it may offer modest blood sugar-lowering effects as part of a broader diabetes management strategy, it is crucial to understand that diabetes is a chronic condition and cannot be permanently cured.

Fenugreek (methi) has attracted scientific interest for its potential in diabetes management, thanks to its bioactive compounds. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that fenugreek significantly improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, suggesting it could be a safe and effective supportive therapy.

Ethan Basch et al. also documented fenugreek’s (methi) traditional use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various therapeutic applications, including digestion support, labour induction, metabolic enhancement, and general wellness.

Additionally, research published in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications confirmed that fenugreek seeds (methi) can significantly reduce blood glucose levels.

In summary, fenugreek (methi) may aid in lowering blood sugar when incorporated into a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan, but it does not cure the disease, which requires lifelong management as it cannot be cured.

Dr. Pooja Pillai, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, in a conversation with The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team said, "No, diabetes cannot be cured by Fenugreek or methi, but it may help in managing blood sugar levels as part of a broader treatment plan. Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber, particularly galactomannan, which slows carbohydrate absorption and digestion, potentially improving blood sugar control. They also contain compounds like 4-hydroxyisoleucine that may stimulate insulin secretion. Several small studies have shown that consuming fenugreek seeds whole, soaked, or powdered can help lower fasting blood glucose and improve glucose tolerance in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the effects are mild to moderate and vary by individual. That said, fenugreek is not a standalone treatment or cure. Diabetes, especially type 2, is a chronic metabolic condition that requires lifestyle changes, medical supervision, and sometimes medication. Using fenugreek without professional advice may interfere with prescribed treatments and could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels."

Dr Divya Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, further added, "The belief that fenugreek or methi can cure diabetes is false. While fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber and compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels, they do not offer a cure. Diabetes, especially type 2, is a chronic condition that requires a holistic management approach involving a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress control, and often medication as advised by a healthcare provider. Relying solely on fenugreek can delay appropriate treatment and increase the risk of complications. It can be included as part of a diabetes-friendly diet, but not as a standalone remedy or cure."

Health Dialogues Final Take

The claim that diabetes can be cured by fenugreek (methi) is FALSE. While fenugreek may support blood sugar control as a complementary therapy, it is not a cure. Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that requires ongoing medical care, lifestyle changes, and often medication. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.