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Herbal supplements for diabetes -

Supplements can be costly and if not taken carefully may do harm, especially if you are taking certain medications or have other health conditions. There are different types of diabetes and different treatment options for each type, so it's difficult to generalize which supplements all people with diabetes should not take.

That's one of the reasons it is so important to talk to a health professional. All that said, here are five supplements you may want to reconsider if you have diabetes, as they may interfere with certain medications, disrupt blood sugar levels or cause unwanted side effects. Chromium is a mineral that is found in a number of foods, such as meat, vegetables, grains, fruits and nuts.

A deficiency in chromium may cause high blood sugar; however, deficiency is very rare. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other oral medications aimed to reduce blood sugar, taking chromium may increase the risk of hypoglycemia low blood sugar.

The American Diabetes Association cautions anyone with kidney disease against taking chromium because supplementation can worsen kidney disease.

Chromium supplementation may also interfere with levothyroxine a medication commonly used to treat hypothyroidism. Bitter melon is an herbal supplement that has been studied for its use in reducing blood sugars in people with diabetes. Its components—charantin, vicine and polypeptide-p—are thought to have a similar structure to insulin the hormone involved in blood sugar control.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis in Nature , researchers found that the data on bitter melon supplementation continues to remain inconsistent.

Studies that have been done are short, and the doses of bitter melon used vary. More research is needed to determine long-term effects and safety. In addition, if you are prone to low blood sugar, bitter melon may increase your risk of low blood sugar and may not be appropriate for you.

Drinking green tea has been shown to provide benefits for people with diabetes. For example, in a meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , researchers found that drinking green tea had favorable effects, such as decreased fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1C three-month average of blood sugar.

However, there is little research on the effectiveness of a green tea supplement outside of studies conducted on animals, and most studies have been very short in duration. Therefore, additional supplementation beyond drinking green tea is probably not necessary.

More research is needed on the use of St. John's wort and diabetes, due its potential effects on diabetes medications, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. One small study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology , which evaluated the use of St. John's wort and metformin in 20 healthy male subjects, found that taking it in conjunction with metformin can increase insulin secretion and lower blood sugar after a glucose tolerance test.

However, another very small study, including 10 healthy male subjects, found that there were no changes in insulin sensitivity when taking St. John's wort alone.

Instead, researchers noted less insulin secretion, which can increase blood sugar levels. These very small studies had conflicting results and did not include diverse populations or people with diabetes or have a long enough duration to examine the long-term effects.

Therefore, more studies are needed to explore the drug-herb interactions, as well as insulin secretion effects of St.

John's wort. In addition, if you have diabetes and heart disease and are taking blood thinners, the ADA recommends avoiding St. John's wort, as it can increase bleeding.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help combat oxidative stress, a precursor and contributor to type 2 diabetes. But, vitamin E can interact with blood thinners and increase the risk for bleeding by blocking the clotting effects of vitamin K.

Therefore, unsupervised supplementation is not recommended if you have diabetes and are taking blood thinners. Before spending lots of money on supplements that may not work or can cause harm, focus on making simple yet sustainable dietary changes.

Whole foods contain a variety of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals. Aim to increase your intake of plants—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds—that are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats.

Fiber is the indigestible part of carbohydrate that can help to reduce blood sugar spikes because it is metabolized slowly. One simple way to eat more fiber is to ingest one fruit or vegetable at each meal, make half of your grains whole grains, and add one serving of unsalted nuts each day.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 25 to 38 grams of fiber daily. If you are not accustomed to eating fibrous foods, increase your intake slowly and drink ample amounts of fluids to reduce the risk of stomach discomfort, such as gas. When eating carbohydrates grains, potatoes, beans, corn , pair them with nonstarchy vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats.

This food combination will not only provide satiating power, but also it will help you up your intake of vitamins, minerals, essential fats and protein. A simple yet effective strategy is to use the plate method.

Fill half of your plate with nonstarchy vegetables, one quarter with lean protein, and the other quarter with a complex carbohydrate. For example, roasted chicken with stir-fried broccoli and baked sweet potato is a balanced and filling meal.

It is very important not to replace medical treatment with over-the-counter products that claim to treat diabetes. Treatment of diabetes is ongoing and requires daily diabetes self-management. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious diet, weight loss when indicated , physical activity, adequate sleep and reducing stress can help you manage your diabetes.

Unfortunately, there is no supplement that will cure you. If you are deficient in a vitamin, you may benefit from supplementation. And if you have complications of diabetes, some supplements—including vitamin D, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics—may help with symptoms or delay the progression of complications related to diabetes.

Vitamin D : Having low levels of vitamin D is associated with the development of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Low vitamin D levels are also associated with an increased risk of foot ulcers and other infections, feelings of depression and impaired bone health, to name a few.

Some studies suggest that supplementing with vitamin D and calcium, in people who are deficient, may help to improve blood sugar control. It is important for all people with diabetes to assess their vitamin D status with their health care provider to determine if supplementation is needed. The researchers concluded that taking the seed preparation led to a reduction in blood sugar resulting from increased insulin levels.

They also found that the preparation led to reduced cholesterol levels. Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that comes from India.

One review of cell and rodent studies reported gymnema could:. One human study found those who took a mint containing gymnema reported a lesser desire for sweet treats such as chocolate. However, it did not include people with diabetes as participants.

Still, it may help people with diabetes who would like help reducing their sugar intake. Using either the ground leaf or leaf extract may be beneficial, but a person should speak with a healthcare professional beforehand.

Ginger is another herb that people have used for thousands of years in traditional medicines. People often use ginger to help treat digestive and inflammatory issues. In , a review found that it could also help treat diabetes.

The researchers concluded that ginger lowered blood sugar levels but not blood insulin levels. As a result, they suggested that ginger might reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the way that ginger accomplished this was unclear, and the team called for more research to confirm the findings.

A small study found that ginger could reduce both fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. A person should always work with a healthcare professional before taking any new herb or supplement. They may suggest starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing it until there are noticeable satisfactory effects.

Some herbs can interact with medications that do the same job, such as blood thinners and high blood pressure medications. It is essential to be aware of any interactions before trying a new supplement. The FDA does not monitor herbs and supplements, so different products may contain different herbs and fillers.

Also, packaging may recommend potentially harmful dosages, and products can be contaminated, for example, with pesticides. In addition, herbs and supplements are complementary treatment options and should not replace medications.

People can discover more resources for living with type 2 diabetes by downloading the free Bezzy T2D app for iPhone or Android.

It provides access to expert content on type 2 diabetes, as well as peer support through one-on-one conversations and live group discussions. New guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend that clinicians aim for moderate blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes….

Researchers suggest that targeting the gut microbiota could be a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes. People with diabetes can use various strategies to lower their blood sugar levels.

The options include lifestyle and dietary changes and natural…. Acupuncture has many uses, and some research has suggested that it may work for diabetes, although scientists have not explained how it might work…. The main types of diabetes are classified as type 1 and type 2.

A new study, however, says that the condition should be categorized as five types. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R. Aloe vera Cinnamon Bitter melon Milk thistle Fenugreek Gymnema Ginger Summary Lifestyle strategies and medications are the main ways to manage type 2 diabetes.

Aloe vera. Bitter melon. Milk thistle. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Related Coverage. Type 2 diabetes: New guidelines lower blood sugar control levels New guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend that clinicians aim for moderate blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes… READ MORE.

Type 1 diabetes: Does the gut hold the key to prevention? READ MORE. How can you lower your blood sugar levels? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.

Meal timing for optimal performance First: Supplements are unregulated by the Food and Drug Polyphenols and metabolism FDA. For the safest products, suppplements for the United Diabdtes Pharmacopeia USP seal on the bottle. That means diabeted Herbal supplements for diabetes meets supplemente standards of the Dlabetes. Importance of whole grains for teens your pharmacist for help viabetes visit Operation Supplement Safety. Whether or not a supplement has clinical evidence to suggest it helps with diabetes or related complications, the bigger question to ask is, are you going to be harmed by taking this supplement or vitamin? Many think that a supplement contains the same vitamins and minerals as whole foods, so why not just pop a pill? Think of it like this—whole foods contain a mix of minerals, enzymes, fiber, and other substances that may help your body absorb and use these nutrients.

Herbal supplements for diabetes -

In individuals with prediabetes , progression to type 2 diabetes is slowed or reduced. Zinc supplements are usually well tolerated if they are taken within a safe dosage level.

Consult your doctor about the correct dose for you before starting a zinc supplement. Magnesium aids in insulin action or helps improve insulin sensitivity. If your magnesium levels are low, insulin may also not work well within your body, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Magnesium is also thought to have a protective role in developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers have compared blood sugar levels between the participants taking magnesium supplements and those not receiving magnesium. Those taking magnesium had improved blood sugar levels, blood lipids, blood pressure, and improved heart disease.

Magnesium supplementation has minimal safety issues. Higher doses can lead to an increased risk of diarrhea. Probiotics and prebiotics can improve the body's response to insulin by modifying the number and quality of gut bacteria.

Fructans act as non-digestible prebiotics, and bacteria in the large intestine ferment the prebiotics and positively change gut bacteria.

Inulin, resistant starches, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and gums are also prebiotics. Studies on 2, adults living with diabetes and using prebiotics and probiotics found that participants experienced reduced fasting blood sugars and cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon, curcumin, berberine , citrus flavonoids, quercetin , garlic, red yeast rice, and neem extracts all have shown some ability to improve insulin response in the body.

However, the studies are usually small or have mixed results. One meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled studies found that cinnamon reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved insulin response compared to individuals not taking cinnamon.

Overall, researchers recommend cinnamon inclusion in a treatment plan but never to replace medications. As mentioned above, berberine can improve insulin response insulin sensitivity. Thirty-seven studies with 3, patients were included in a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and showed berberine could reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c average blood sugar level for the past three months.

Taking berberine with diabetes medications did not increase side effects or increase the risk of low blood sugar levels in most studies. Bitter melon is a green fruit found in tropical climates. Bitter melon fruit and seeds act similarly to insulin, helping to reduce blood sugar levels in the body.

A meta-analysis involving ten studies with 1, participants found that bitter melon reduced fasting and after-meal blood glucose levels and HbA1c. The study's authors stated the evidence needed to be of higher quality overall due to the small sample size and the need for more data on safety.

Animal studies find the plant may cause miscarriages and decrease fertility. Milk thistle is a member of the aster family, which includes daisies and thistles. The plant is edible. It is not fully understood how milk thistle lowers blood sugar levels.

Components in milk thistle called silymarin improve insulin response and protect the pancreas. In , a meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 1, participants found that milk thistle users had reduced fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c compared to the control group.

Additionally, a combination of berberine and milk thistle was more effective than either substance alone at reducing HbA1C in people living with type 2 diabetes.

Milk thistle is usually well tolerated, but those with daisy or ragweed allergy may experience an allergic reaction or other symptoms. Unsweetened green tea is an abundant source of polyphenols mg in one cup , a type of antioxidant. Observational studies consistently associate green tea or coffee intake with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Green tea intake is also associated with improved insulin response. Other randomized controlled trials involving participants drinking green tea have not shown improved blood sugar or insulin levels. However, consuming green tea extract powder has lowered fasting blood sugar levels.

Diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, and prescribed medications are cornerstones of managing type 2 diabetes. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting dietary supplements, especially if you are on existing medications such as metformin.

In addition to diet, exercise, and prescription medications, over-the-counter herbs and supplements can help improve blood sugar control and be a part of a diabetes management plan. Herbs that can be used to improve blood sugar control include berberine, bitter melon, milk thistle, and green tea.

A Signos CGM can help you improve your health without medication or enhance your results when taking diabetes medication. Gunasekaran V, Srinivasan S, Rani SS.

Potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Gymnema sylvestre related to diabetes. Pompano LM, Boy E. Effects of dose and duration of zinc interventions on risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Advances in Nutrition. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Facilitating Behavior Change and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes— Diabetes Care.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert.

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Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Aloe Vera. Effects of Ginseng on Blood Sugar. What Is Chromium Picolinate? Cinnamon for Diabetes Treatment. The Best Zinc Supplements. Risks of Avoiding Standard Treatment If used, these remedies should complement—not replace—your standard diabetes treatment.

Without proper medical treatment and regular blood sugar testing, diabetes may progress and lead to serious and possibly fatal complications, such as: Eye damage Liver cancer Kidney disease Nerve damage Diabetic coma Stroke.

Marijuana and Diabetes: Benefits and Precautions. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Acupressure, acupuncture and naturopathy give one some choice to reduce dependence on these medicines.

Naturopathy cures use many herbs as a part of their treatment of high blood sugar. Here are a few herbs to lower blood sugar :. Apart from home remedies, allopathic medicines play a key role in management of diabetes and prevention of its complications, be mindful of at least yearly follow-up with your physician to keep a track on the blood glucose levels and the medications.

That delicious whiff in soups and curries is because of rosemary. Not just does rosemary promote weight loss but it also balances blood sugar levels. Rosemary is also responsible for reducing bad cholesterol LDL and increasing good cholesterol HDL. As part of oriental medicine, ginseng has been in use for many centuries.

It has superlative immune-boosting properties and is anti-diabetic. Ginseng reduces the rate of absorption of carbs in the body. Ginseng also accelerates the production of insulin by the pancreas. Research has shown that sage reduces blood sugar levels to a significant amount, more so when consumed on an empty stomach.

Adding sage to the diet increases the secretion of insulin and helps manage diabetes better. It is best consumed in the form of tea. This herb has been part of ayurvedic cures for diabetes in India since time immemorial. It has gymnemic acids which neutralize the taste buds on the tongue towards sweet things.

This helps the person to control sugar cravings. The herb also helps in the utilisation of excess glucose in the blood. This herb has a two-pronged effect on high blood sugar. It increases the activity in the pancreas to make more insulin and reduces blood sugar levels by inhibiting cravings for sweets.

The glucose in the cells gets mobilised due to specific components present in oregano.

Refillable hand sanitizer strategies and medications Sipplements the main ways to manage type 2 diabetes. But, some plant Idabetes, herbs, and supplements — such as aloe vera and bitter melon — may also help. In diabetesthe body either does not produce enough insulin or produces insulin that it does not use effectively. Herbs and supplements cannot cure diabetes and cannot be a standalone treatment. However, some, combined with conventional treatment, may relieve diabetes symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.