Herbs and supplements for type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Treatment includes lifestyle strategies and sometimes medications, but some complementary therapies, such as herbs and supplements, can 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 stand-alone treatment, but some may combine with conventional treatment to provide relief from symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

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Here are seven herbs and supplements that may be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a common plant with many different uses. Many people are aware of the benefits of skin care, but it can also have other benefits, including reducing the development of type 2 diabetes.

A review, published in 2013, looked at the use of aloe Vera to treat symptoms of diabetes in rats. Findings suggested that aloe vera may help protect and repair the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The researchers believed this may be due to aloe antioxidant effects.

The researchers called for more research on aloe and its extracts to be sure of these effects.

Ways to take aloe include:

• add juice to a drink or smoothie
• Take capsules that contain aloe as a dietary supplement
• People should not eat aloe vera skin care products.

Aloe vera juice can provide a number of health benefits.

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 extra sugar. It is popular with people with type 2 diabetes for this reason alone, but it can also provide other benefits.

• glucose
• insulin and insulin sensitivity
• lipids, or fats, in the blood
• antioxidant status
• blood pressure
• slim body mass
• digestion

In another review published in 2013, the researchers concluded that cinnamon can lead to:

• lower fasting blood sugar levels
• lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein)
• Higher levels of “good” high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• a reduction in triglycerides, or fat, in the blood
• increased insulin sensitivity

It did not appear to have a significant effect on hemoglobin A1C. The A1C test is a standard test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Nevertheless, lipids, cholesterol and insulin sensitivity are important markers for people with diabetes. In both studies, the researchers note that the results may depend on:

• the amount or dose
• the individual’s response to cinnamon
• other medications the person may be taking

Most studies have not involved humans, so there is a lack of evidence on how cinnamon can affect humans, including possible side effects. Researchers need to do more research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of cinnamon as a therapy. People can take cinnamon:

• in a variety of cooked dishes and baked goods
• tea
• as a supplement

Anyone thinking of using cinnamon supplements should talk to their doctor first.

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3. Bitter melon

Momordica charantia , or bitter melon, is a medicinal fruit. Practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have been using bitter melon for centuries. People can make the fruit and use it in many dishes. Some researchers have looked at potential medical uses.

There is some evidence that bitter melon can help with the symptoms of diabetes. A review has noted that people have used many parts of the plant to treat diabetes. Research has shown that consuming bitter melon in the following forms can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels in some people:

• seed
• mixed vegetable mass
• juice
• supplements

Eating or drinking the bitter melon can be an acquired taste, but taking supplements can make it more tasty. There is not enough evidence to use bitter melon instead of insulin or medication for diabetes. However, it may help people to rely less on these medications or lower their doses.

4. Milk thistle

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 researchers, is a compound with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These are the properties that can 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 treatment, according to a review published in 2016. It seems that no significant side effects have been reported, and many people take milk thistle as a supplement. However, it is best to talk to a doctor before using supplements.

5. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is another seed that can help lower blood sugar levels. The seeds contain fiber and chemicals that help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar. There is also some evidence that seeds can help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Findings from a 3-year study published in 2015 noted that people with prediabetes were less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes while taking powdered fenugreek seeds.

The researchers concluded that taking the seed led to:

• increased levels of insulin in the body, which leads to a reduction in blood sugar
• lower cholesterol levels

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.

A person can:

• includes fenugreek as an herb in certain dishes
• add it to hot water
• grind to a powder
• take it as a supplement in capsule form

6. Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that comes from India. The name means “sugar protection”. A review from 2013 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 dropped significantly, compared to a group that received only insulin. Other tests using gymnema found that people with type 2 diabetes responded well to both the leaf and its extract over different periods.

Some people experienced:

• lower blood sugar levels
• higher insulin levels

Use of ground leaf or leaf extract can be beneficial. But again, talk to your doctor about using it before you begin.

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7. Ginger

Ginger is another herb that people have used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems. People often use ginger to treat digestive and inflammatory problems. However, a review in 2015 suggested that it may also help treat diabetes. The results showed that ginger lowered blood sugar levels but did not lower insulin levels in the blood. Because of this, they suggest that ginger may reduce insulin resistance in the body for type 2 diabetes. However, the researchers were unsure how ginger could do this, and they asked for more research to confirm these findings.

People can take ginger:

• by adding ginger powder or chopped, fresh ginger root to raw or cooked foods
• brewed for tea
• as a supplement in capsule form
• by drinking it in a ginger beer

Consideration for people for diabetes

People should always work with healthcare professionals before taking any new herb or supplement. Your doctor may suggest starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it until the person finds a suitable dose. Some herbs may interact with other medications that do the same job, such as blood-thinning medications and high blood pressure medications. It is important to be aware of any interactions before starting a new supplement.

People should also make sure that they get their herbs and supplements from a high quality source. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor herbs and supplements, so the products may contain various herbs and fillers, recommend an incorrect dose or be contaminated, for example with pesticides. Herbs and supplements are a complementary treatment option and should not replace medications.

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