What Is an FBS Test and How Can Ayurveda Help Maintain Healthy Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?

Question

I recently had a routine blood test, and my doctor told me that my FBS test results were slightly higher than normal. At first, I did not think much of it, but after researching, I learned that FBS test stands for Fasting Blood Sugar test, which helps measure how well my body regulates glucose after fasting for several hours.

My doctor said that an elevated FBS test could be an early warning sign of prediabetes, which has me very concerned. I do not have obvious symptoms of high blood sugar, but I do feel sluggish after meals and occasionally experience sugar cravings. Could my diet, stress, or lack of exercise be affecting my FBS test results? Also, does dehydration or poor sleep influence fasting blood sugar levels?

Since I want to take a natural approach to my health, I am looking for Ayurvedic ways to keep my FBS test within a healthy range. Are there herbs, like Neem or Vijaysar, that help regulate blood sugar? Does Ayurveda recommend any specific meal timing strategies to improve glucose metabolism?

I also wonder if emotional health and digestion play a role in fasting blood sugar levels. If anyone has successfully improved their FBS test results using Ayurveda, I would love to hear about what worked for them and whether they noticed long-term improvements.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Namaste, 
A slightly elevated FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test can be an early sign of insulin resistance or prediabetes, but it is often reversible with lifestyle changes. Factors like poor diet (high in refined carbs and sugars), stress, lack of exercise, dehydration, and poor sleep can all contribute to higher blood sugar levels. Cortisol (stress hormone) spikes and disrupted sleep cycles can interfere with insulin function, causing fluctuations in fasting glucose. Even late-night eating and digestive imbalances can affect FBS levels.

Ayurveda focuses on balancing metabolism (Agni) and reducing excess Kapha (which contributes to insulin resistance). Herbs like Neem, Vijaysar, Gudmar (Gymnema), and Methi (Fenugreek) help regulate blood sugar naturally. Drinking Triphala or Methi seed water in the morning, eating small, balanced meals with fiber and protein, and following early dinner (by sunset) and intermittent fasting (12-14 hours overnight) can improve glucose metabolism. Avoiding sugar, processed foods, and heavy dairy while including bitter foods (like karela/bitter gourd) and spices like turmeric and cinnamon helps maintain stable blood sugar.

Yes, emotional health and digestion play a role in fasting blood sugar. Stress increases cortisol, which raises blood sugar levels, so practicing yoga, pranayama (deep breathing), and meditation can help. Proper digestion and gut health (avoiding bloating, constipation, or acidity) ensure better glucose absorption and insulin function. Many people see improvements in 3-6 months with consistent Ayurvedic practices.

What Is an FBS Test and How Can Ayurveda Help Maintain Healthy Fasting Blood Sugar Levels? - #16028

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