Diabetes is a group of diseases in which the body does not produce enough insulin, does not use the insulin properly, or combinations of both. In any of these cases, the blood sugar of the diet gets too high leading to high blood sugar levels.
One of your main sources of energy is glucose, the form of sugar found in your blood. Therefore, an insufficient or resistant insulin causes sugar levels in your body to build up, resulting in many health problems.
The three main types of diabetes are:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
What causes diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes
It is believed that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. This leads to your immune system destroying cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. The damage is permanent.
Although the causes of the attacks are not understood, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Lifestyle factors are not thought to play a role.
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance is the cause of type 2 diabetes. This means your body cannot work with insulin efficiently. As a result, your pancreas makes more insulin, but it cannot meet demand. Insulin production decreases, leading to high blood sugar levels.
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. Contributing factors may include:
- genetics
- lack of exercise
- being overweight
The symptom may be caused by other factors, including environmental influences.
Gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy due to hormones that block insulin. Diabetes, is a metabolic disorder, occurs when the body either doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or produces enough insulin that it does not use correctly.
Diabetes is not cured by herbs and supplements, however they may be beneficial in combination with conventional medical treatment to reduce the chances of complications and provide relief from symptoms.
Best Herbs For Diabetes
These are a few supplements and herbs that may be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes.
1. Aloe vera
There are a number of different ways in which aloe vera can benefit humans. It is widely recognized for its medicinal properties toward the treatment of a variety of ailments, such as the treatment of skin aging.
In 2013, researchers published a review of the use of aloe vera for the treatment of diabetes in rats. Findings indicated aloe vera was beneficial for protecting and repairing beta cells, which produce insulin. Researchers believed that this may be due to aloe’s antioxidant effects.
Further research is needed into aloe and its extracts to make sure these effects are accurate.
Ways of taking aloe include:
- adding juiced pulp to a drink or smoothie
- taking capsules that contain aloe as supplements
People should not eat aloe vera skin care products.
2. Cinnamon
Traditionally, cinnamon is used as an ingredient in a number of delicate dishes, including sweets, baked goods, and baked potato dishes.
This food is notable for adding sweetness to foods without the addition of additional sugars. People with type 2 diabetes prefer this fruit because of its natural shape and taste, but it may also provide other benefits.
A 2010 review found evidence from studies involving humans that cinnamon may improve levels of:
- glucose
- insulin and insulin sensitivity
- lipids, or fats, in the blood
- antioxidant status
- blood pressure
- lean body mass
- digestion
Another study published in 2013 suggested that cinnamon may lead to:
- lower fasting blood glucose levels
- less total cholesterol and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- higher levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
- a reduction in triglycerides, or fat, in the blood
- increased insulin sensitivity
There was no significant effect observed in the hemoglobin A1C test. The A1C test is a standard for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. However, plasma glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity are all crucial signs for diabetes.
In both studies, the researchers note that the results may depend on:
- the type of cinnamon, as the amount of active ingredient depends on the type
- the amount or dose
- the individual’s response to cinnamon
- other medications the person may be taking
There is a lack of evidence from human studies on cinnamon, so scientists need to do more research to confirm its safety and efficacy as a therapy. Most studies have not included humans, which means there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of cinnamon.
People can take cinnamon:
- in a variety of cooked dishes and baked goods
- in teas
- as a supplement
It is recommended that anyone using cinnamon supplements consult their doctor first.
3. Bitter melon
Some scientists have been investigating the potential medical uses of momordica charantia or bitter melon. It has been used for centuries by herbal practitioners of Chinese and Indian medicine. It can also be cooked and cooked in many dishes.
There is some evidence that bitter melon may have an effect on diabetes symptoms, as one review observed that the plant’s primary growth compound may be used to 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:
- seeds
- blended vegetable pulp
- juice
- supplements
There is limited evidence to support the use of bitter melon as a replacement for insulin or other medications for diabetes.
4. Milk thistle
Since ancient times, people have used milk thistle for many different ailments, and especially as a tonic for the liver. Because it may contain anti-inflammatory compounds, it may prove useful for diabetics. The silymarin extract from milk thistle has received the most attention from scientists as it is believed to have anti-oxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory factors. These qualities make milk thistle suitable for individuals with diabetes.
A recent review of silymarin research reported that many studies are promising, but the evidence is not sufficient to recommend only silymarin as a treatment for diabetes in everyday life, according to that review. Most people take milk thistle daily as a supplement, and there does not appear to have been any significant adverse effects reported. However, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
5. Fenugreek
It is thought that the seeds of Fenugreek may slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar. The seeds contain fibers and chemicals that may help to curb the blood sugar level.
There is also some evidence that the seeds may help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
According to three years of research , the authors noted that people with prediabetes were less likely to get a diagnosis of diabetes due to the use of powdered fenugreek seed.
The researchers concluded that taking the seed led to:
- increased levels of insulin in the body, leading to a reduction in blood sugar
- lower cholesterol levels
Researchers studied 66 diabetic individuals who took 5 grams (5g) of the seed preparation twice daily before meals and 74 control individuals who did not take it.
A person can:
- include fenugreek as a herb in certain dishes
- add it to warm water
- grind into a powder
- take it as a supplement in capsule form
6. Gymnema
In 2013, a study concluded that people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes who took gymnema demonstrated improvement. A 2013 review noted that the herb was effective for both types of diabetes. The use of gymnema for 18 months had a significant impact on quickly falling fasting blood sugar levels, compared to a control group given only insulin. Further studies with the leaf and the extract also found the effects on patients with type 2 diabetes you and their counterparts.
Some people experienced:
- lower blood sugar levels
- higher insulin levels
Both the ground and leaf extracts may be beneficial. However, always talk to your physician before attempting to use the medication.
7. Ginger
In traditional medicine systems, ginger is one of the herbs that has been used for thousands of years with the aim of lowering blood sugar levels. Ginger is commonly used to treat digestive and inflammatory disorders.
The results of a review published in 2015 suggest that ginger may also contribute to the treatment of diabetes. The findings show that ginger helped decrease blood sugar levels, but did not lower blood insulin levels.
Due to this, researchers suggest that ginger may help lower insulin resistance in diabetes patients. But the researchers were unsure of how ginger might prove to be effective, and they suggested further studies to verify the findings.
People can take ginger:
- By adding ginger powder or chopped, fresh ginger root to raw or cooked food
- Brewed into tea
- As a supplement in capsule form
- By drinking it in a ginger ale.