When 40-something Jeff Cottingham was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, his doctor immediately started him on drugs to control his blood sugar. But Cottingham worried.
Some drugs for diabetes can have dangerous side effects. In a striking example, on March 21, 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed one of the most widely prescribed diabetes drugs, Rezulin (troglitazone), from the market after it was linked to 90 cases of liver failure and 63 deaths.
Already concerned about such problems two years ago, the Aptos, Calif., resident began taking Sweet Eze, a mixture of herbs and minerals sold for diabetes. The supplement seemed to work wonders for the self-described “old hippie.”
His level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) — a protein that reflects blood glucose levels over the past two to three months — plummeted from 11 to well below the danger threshold of 6. “I feel great,” says Cottingham, who has experienced no side effects from the supplement. “I’m completely off diabetes medications now.”
A success story? Perhaps. But experts advise caution. For one thing, because Sweet Eze contains six different ingredients — and because the severity of diabetes symptoms can fluctuate on their own — it’s hard to say what exactly is responsible for Cottingham’s improvement. For another, supplements carry their own risks. Some products don’t contain the ingredients listed on their labels. Others come mixed with dangerous — and unlisted — ingredients. And scientists are just beginning to verify which ones actually work.
Fenugreek Findings
Meanwhile, other scientists are studying fenugreek seeds, a folk remedy for diabetes. Several studies, including one published in 1990 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that this herb can lower blood sugar. Researchers found that type 1 diabetics who took 50 grams of fenugreek seed powder twice daily had significantly lower blood sugar levels than those who took a placebo.
Little is known about how other herbs might help control diabetes. Stevia and bilberry have been studied in animal experiments, but have yet to undergo large, controlled human studies. The reputation of two other herbs, genome and jambul, rests on anecdotal evidence alone.
The ADA steers people away from herbal remedies altogether. “The regulation of herbs isn’t very good,” says Anne Daly, MS, RD, a diabetes educator with the organization. “And we can’t be sure that all supplements are equivalent.”
Some herbal diabetes products have turned out to be downright dangerous. In February 2000, the FDA recalled five Chinese herbal products after discovering that they contained various amounts of two prescription diabetes drugs, phenformin, and glyburide. (The products are listed at WWW.fda.gov/oc/po/firm recalls/Herbal.HTML.) Metformin has withdrawn from the U.S. market 20 years ago after it caused serious side effects, including several deaths.
Given these uncertainties, some people are turning to mineral supplements instead of herbs. One that shows great promise, chromium, is a trace element that seems to help insulin work properly.
Herbal and Natural Therapies
Many common herbs and spices are claimed to have a blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show potential links between herbal therapies and improved blood glucose control, which has led to an increase in people with diabetes using these more ‘natural’ ingredients to help manage their condition.
What herbal therapies are available?
Plant-based therapies that have been shown in some studies to have anti-diabetic properties include:
While such therapies are commonly used in ayurvedic and oriental medicine for treating serious conditions such as diabetes, many health experts in the west remain skeptical about their reported medical benefits.
In fact, because certain herbs, vitamins, and supplements may interact with diabetes medications (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects, it is often argued that the use of natural therapies could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels and raise the risk of other diabetes complications.
Whatever your intended reasons for using these specific herbs, you must always discuss your plans with your doctor and diabetes healthcare team first to ensure they are safe for your condition and determine a suitable dose.
Further herbal therapies
The herbs and plant derivatives listed below have been employed traditionally by native people in the treatment of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow.
Allium
Allium sativum is more commonly known as garlic, and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have directly linked allium with insulin and blood glucose levels, results have been positive.
Allium may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin Limited data is available however, and further trials are needed.
Bauhinia forficata and Myrcia uni flora
Bauhinia forficata grows in South American, and is used in Brazilian herbal cures. This plant has been referred to as ‘vegetable insulin’. Myrcia uni-flora is also widely employed in South America. Studies utilizing the herbs as tea infusions suggest that their hypoglycemia effects are overrated.
Coccinia indica
Coccinia indica is also known as the ‘ivy gourd’ and grows wild across the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally employed in ayurverdic remedies, the herb has been found to contain insulin-mimetic properties (i.e; it mimics the function of insulin).
Significant changes in glycaemic control have been reported in studies involving coccinia indican, and experts believe that it should be studied further.
Ficus carica
Ficus carican, or fig-leaf, is well known as a diabetic remedy in Spain and South-western Eur open, but its active component is unknown. Some studies on animals suggest that fig-leaf facilitates glucose uptake.
The efficacy of the plant is, however, still yet to be validated in the treatment of diabetes.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a collective name for a variety of different plant species.
In some studies utilizing American ginseng, decreases in fasting blood glucose were reported. Varieties include Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng and Japanese ginseng.
In some fields the plant, particularly the pan-ax species, are hailed as ‘cure-all.’ As is the case with many of the herbs employed around the world in the treatment of diabetics, further long-term studies are needed to verify the efficacy of ginseng.
Seven herbs and supplements for type 2 diabetes
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Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Treatment includes lifestyle strategies and sometimes medication, but some complementary therapies, such as herbs and supplements, may help.
In diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or produces insulin that the body does not use properly.
Herbs and supplements will not cure diabetes and do not constitute a standalone treatment, but some may combine with conventional treatment to provide relief from symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
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7 herbs and supplements
Here are seven herbs and supplements that may be of benefit to people with type 2 diabetes.
1. Aloe Vera
Consuming aloe Vera pulp might help repair and protect the pancreas.
Aloe Vera is a common plant with many different uses. Many people are aware of its benefits for skin care, but it may also have other benefits, including slowing the progress of type 2 diabetes.
One review, published in 2013, looked at the use of aloe Vera to treat symptoms of diabetes in rats. Findings suggested that aloe Vera might help protect and repair the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The researchers believed this might be due to aloe’s antioxidant effects.
The researchers called for more research into aloe and its extracts to be sure of these effects.
Ways of taking aloe include:
- adding the juiced pulp to a drink or smoothie
- taking capsules that contain aloe as supplements
People should not eat aloe vera skin care products.
Aloe Vera juice may offer a number of health benefits. Find out more here.
Click here to purchase aloe vera supplements online. Please note that this link will take you to the website of an external vendor.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice that comes from the bark of a tree. It is a popular ingredient in sweets, baked goods, and other dishes.
It has a taste that can add sweetness without any additional sugar. It is popular with people with type 2 diabetes for this reason alone, but it may also offer other benefits.
It did not appear to have a significant impact on hemoglobin A1C. The A1C test is a standard test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.
Nevertheless, lipids, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity are all important markers for people with diabetes.
In both studies, the researchers note that the results may depend on:
Most studies have not involved humans, so there is a lack of evidence about how cinnamon might affect people, including its possible side effects. Scientists need to carry out more research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of cinnamon as a therapy.
Anyone who is thinking of using cinnamon supplements should speak to their doctor first.
3. Bitter melon
Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is a medicinal fruit. Practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have used bitter melon for centuries. People can cook the fruit and use it in many dishes. Some scientists have been looking into its potential medicinal uses.
There is some evidence that bitter melon may help with the symptoms of diabetes. One review has noted that people have used many parts of the plant to help treat diabetes.
Research has shown that taking bitter melon in the following forms can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels in some people:
Eating or drinking the bitter melon can be an acquired taste, but taking supplements may make it more palatable.
There is not enough evidence to support using bitter melon instead of insulin or medication for diabetes.
However, it may help people rely less on those medications or lower their dosages.
Learn more here about the impact bitter melon can have on blood sugar levels.
4. Milk thistle
Milk thistle may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially useful for people with diabetes.
People have used milk thistle since ancient times for many different ailments, and especially as a tonic for the liver.
Silymarin, the extract from milk thistle that has received the most attention from scientists, is a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are the properties that may make milk thistle a useful herb for people with diabetes.
Many of the studies on silymarin are promising, but the research is not strong enough to recommend the herb or extract alone for diabetes care, according to one review published in 2016.
There appear to be no reports of significant side effects, and many people take milk thistle as a supplement. However, it is best to speak to a doctor first before using any supplements.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another seed that may help lower blood sugar levels.
The seeds contain fibers and chemicals that help to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar.
There is also some evidence that the seeds may help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Findings of a 3-year investigation published in 2015 noted that people with prediabetes were less likely to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes while taking powdered fenugreek seed.
The researchers concluded that taking the seed led to:
The study involved 66 people with diabetes who took 5 grams (g) of the seed preparation twice a day before meals, and 74 controls, who did not take it.
6. Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre is a herb that comes from India. Its name means “sugar destroyer.”
A 2013 review noted that people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes who took gymnema showed signs of improvement.
In people with type 1 diabetes who took the leaf extract for 18 months, fasting blood sugar levels fell significantly, compared with a group who received only insulin.
Other tests using gymnema found that people with type 2 diabetes responded well to both the leaf and its extract over various periods.
Using either the ground leaf or leaf extract may be beneficial. But once again, talk to your doctor about using it before starting.
7. Ginger
There is some evidence that ginger can lower blood sugar levels.
Ginger is another herb that people have used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems.
People often use ginger to help treat digestive and inflammatory issues.
However, in 2015, a review suggested that it may also help treat diabetes. The results showed that ginger lowered blood sugar levels, but did not lower blood insulin levels.
Because of this, they suggest that ginger may reduce insulin resistance in the body for type 2 diabetes.
However, the researchers were uncertain as to how ginger might do this, and they called for more research to confirm these findings.
The health condition in which the level of blood sugar is higher than normal but is not high enough to be categorized as diabetes is medically termed as per-diabetes. ‘Impaired glucose tolerance’ is another term to describe the same condition. Predicates is considered to be an at risk state, with high chances of developing diabetes. While, prediabetes is commonly an asymptomatic condition, there is always presence of prediabetes before the onset of diabetes. The elevation of blood sugar is a continuum and hence prediabetes cannot be considered an entirely benign condition. Although most people with prediabetes have no symptoms, one might notice extra thirst, peeing a lot more, having blurred vision or extreme fatigue in the prediabetes conditions. Predictable condition can be diagnosed by performing one of three different blood tests, the fasting plasma glucose test, the oral glucose tolerance test, or the hemoglobin A1c test.
Pre-diabetes is a condition that affects a significant number of people across the whole globe. Latest research shows that, more than 470 million people will be affected by the condition by 2030 [1]. Majority of the cases suffering from per-diabetes, if left unattended, develop type-2 diabetes and type-1 diabetes over time. However, it is possible to halt or reverse the progression of ore-diabetes, or at least delay the development of diabetes. People with per-diabetes are often deficient in vitamins and nutrients that are needed to help the body function properly.Studies have shown that most per-diabetics are vitamin D deficient. Supplementing with vitamin D can help ensure calcium absorption in the body and can also help control high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
There has been a great deal of research surrounding diabetes over the years, due to the fact that there are a large number of sufferers worldwide [2]. Patients often struggle to make the necessary lifestyle changes to control blood sugar levels, and current medications have limitations and can have adverse gastrointestinal side effects. Clinical studies and research have often recommended the use of natural or herbal cure for diabetes, rather than relying solely on drugs. Traditional herbs may offer a new option for managing blood sugar levels, either alone or in combination with other treatments. Some of the important herbs in this row include the following.
The Best Herbal Supplements for Type 2 Diabetes
Although research is limited in this area, some herbal supplements do show promise in treating type 2 diabetes, including:
- Curcumin. The compound curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, has been shown to both boost blood sugar control and help prevent the disease. In a nine-month study of 240 adults with per-diabetes, those who took curcumin capsules (which are available over-the-counter) completely avoided developing diabetes while a sixth of patients in the placebo group did.
- Ginseng. Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 2,000 years. Studies suggest that both Asian and American ginseng may help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. One study found that extract from the ginseng berry was able to normalize blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity in mice who were bred to develop diabetes.
- Fenugreek. This herb has been used as a medicine and as a spice for thousands of years in the Middle East. Benefits of fenugreek for diabetes have been demonstrated in both animal and human trials. In one study of 25 people with type 2 diabetes, fenugreek was found to have a significant effect on controlling blood sugar.
- Psyllium. This plant fiber is found in common bulk laxatives and fiber supplements. Psyllium has also been used historically to treat diabetes. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes who take 10 grams of psyllium every day can improve their blood sugar and lower blood cholesterol.
- Cinnamon. Consuming about half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can result in significant improvement in blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Aloe Vera. This plant has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties. Some studies suggest that the juice from the aloe Vera plant can help lower blood sugar in people with types 2 diabetes. The dried sap of the aloe Vera plant has traditionally been used in Arabia to treat diabetes.
- Bitter melon. This is a popular ingredient of Asian cooking and traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to relieve thirst and fatigue, which are possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that extract of bitter melon can reduce blood sugar.
- Milk thistle. This flowering herb is found around the Mediterranean Sea. It has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It is sometimes known by the name of its active component, silybinin. Milk thistle may reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have liver disease.
- Holy basil. This herb is commonly used in India as a traditional medicine for diabetes. Studies in animals suggest that holy basil may increase the secretion of insulin. A controlled trial of holy basil in people with type 2 diabetes showed a positive effect on fasting blood sugar and on blood sugar following a meal.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is still not enough good evidence to support the use of herbal supplements as effective type 2 diabetes treatments. While many of these supplements show promise, until results from additional studies come out, do not take herbal supplements to treat type 2 diabetes without first consulting with your doctor. Herbal supplements have side effects and can interfere with other medications.