Fact Check: Can walking on Karela (Bitter Gourd) Cure Diabetes?

An Instagram post claims walking on Karela (Bitter Gourd) Water cures Diabetes. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that walking on Karela (Bitter Gourd) Water cures Diabetes. The user ai.doctor_sahab in the reel says, "Do you know that 74 million people are struggling with sugar today? But you can completely eliminate your sugar with this remedy. Take some bitter gourds and grind them to make juice, then pour it into a plate. Now, cut some bitter gourds and walk on this juice until you feel bitterness in your mouth. If you do this continuously for 25 to 30 days, your sugar will be completely cured. This is a miraculous remedy to eliminate sugar."

The reel has 186,099 likes and can be accessed here. 

Fact Check

The claim by the user is FALSE. While bitter gourd is known to have some blood sugar-lowering properties when consumed, simply walking in its water has no proven medical benefits for diabetes management. Further, diabetes is a chronic disease and cannot be cured. 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition that arises when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or when the body cannot use the insulin it produces efficiently. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is a common outcome of poorly managed diabetes and, over time, can result in significant damage to various body systems, particularly the nerves and blood vessels.

Can Diabetes be Cured?

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes, but it is possible for most people to achieve diabetes reversal. This involves effectively managing blood sugar levels to the extent that medication is no longer needed and maintaining that state through a consistent routine of healthy eating and regular exercise.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Karela (Bitter Gourd)?

Karela (Bitter Gourd) is a nutrient-dense vegetable with significant health benefits. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Karela is also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. Its low-calorie and low-carbohydrate content make it beneficial for weight management and diabetes control. The presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, bitter melon contains charantin and polypeptide-p, which have hypoglycemic effects, supporting blood sugar regulation.

Can walking in Karela water Cure Diabetes?

Karela (Bitter gourd) is often promoted for its potential to lower blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that consuming bitter gourd juice or extracts may help in lowering glucose levels. However,  these studies are related to consumption of bitter gourd (eating or drinking in some form) and not related to topical application. The claim that merely walking in bitter gourd-infused water can treat or cure diabetes lacks any scientific evidence or medical consensus.

Emerging research highlights the potential role of bitter guard in managing blood sugar levels. A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that consumption of bitter gourd may help lower elevated fasting plasma glucose in individuals with prediabetes.

Similarly, a study published in the International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research highlights the presence of a hypoglycemic or insulin-like compound in karela, also referred to as 'plant-insulin,' which has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing blood and urine sugar levels. 

However all the studies talk about consumption of bitter gourd or Karela and not its topical application. There is no mention in scientific literature or medical consensus that topical application such as walking on bitter gourd solution will cure diabetes 

In a conversation with Dr Aman Rathore, DNB, Critical Care Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital explained, "There’s no truth to the claim that walking in karela (bitter gourd) water can cure diabetes. This does not even make any sense. As a doctor, I understand the appeal of natural remedies, but diabetes management requires a proven approach—healthy eating, regular exercise, and, if needed, medications. While bitter gourd is known for its potential blood sugar-lowering properties when consumed, simply walking in its water has no proven physiological benefits for diabetes management. It’s always best to rely on science-backed treatments and consult a doctor for proper diabetes care."

Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, MD (Medicine) Senior Consultant Physician, Ashlok Hospital, MASSH HOSPITAL further added, "First of all there is no cure for diabetes in medical therapy. Consumption of bitter guard and its juice might help in reducing blood sugar levels to some extent but walking on bitter gourd water or mashed bitter guard doesn't help any way in treatment or management of bitter guard."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that walking in Karela (bitter gourd) water can cure diabetes is false. While bitter gourd may have some benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet, external application has no scientific basis. Managing diabetes effectively requires a holistic approach, including proper medical care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.

Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.