5 Natural Supplements You Need To Manage Diabetes
Diabetes is a complex condition that requires careful management to maintain optimal health and well-being. It runs in many families, including my own, and although I wish I had known more about it before losing my parents, I’m grateful that I have learned about managing it naturally. I had initially wanted to share my findings with relatives living with diabetes, but I figured I was not alone. And, I’m certainly not the only advocate for naturopathy.
While conventional medications play a crucial role, integrating herbs and natural supplements can complement pharmacological treatments and support overall diabetes management. As an aromatherapist and herbalist, I’ve facilitated and witnessed the transformative power of natural remedies with my clients. So, in this article, I’ll be discussing five of the best and somewhat uncommon herbs and supplements for managing diabetes.
1. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon helps increase glucose uptake and improves glucose tolerance. This tropical fruit is jam-packed with bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and triterpenes that help reduce blood glucose levels, especially in people who have type 2 diabetes.
- Forms: Fresh fruit, juice, dried powder, or capsules.
- Dosage: 50–100 ml of juice or 2,000 mg of powder daily.
2. Cinnamon
Whether sprinkled on oatmeal or brewed into tea, cinnamon is the tastiest spice to use to improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin resistance. Studies have found that taking 1–6 grams per day can reduce fasting blood glucose levels by 18–29%, triglycerides by 23–30%, LDL cholesterol by 7–27%, and total cholesterol by 12–26% in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Forms: Whole sticks, ground powder, and supplements.
- Dosage: 1–6 g of cinnamon powder per day, divided into two or three doses.
3. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber and alkaloids that can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. Fenugreek can also improve metabolic symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance.
- Forms: Seeds, sprouts, powder, and capsules.
- Dosage: Up to 10 g of fenugreek powder twice daily, or 2.5 g of fenugreek seeds twice to thrice daily.
4. Holy Basil
Otherwise known as ‘tulsi’, holy basil is revered in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can prevent diabetes-related complications.
- Forms: Fresh leaves, dried leaves, powdered extract, and teas.
- Dosage: 1,000–2,500 mg of dried leaf powder per day, or 2–4 g of dried leaves steeped in water twice daily.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng contains compounds called ginsenosides, which have anti-diabetic effects by enhancing insulin secretion and sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Korean red ginseng improved glycemic control after 24 months of treatment. It also helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes complications.
- Forms: Fresh and dried roots, powdered extracts, capsules, and teas.
- Dosage: 1–3 g of American ginseng daily 40 minutes before meals, or 200 mg of Korean red ginseng per day.
Conclusion:
We often use some of the aforementioned remedies as ingredients in our soups, stews and other meals, not know the amazing effects they have on our immunity. By mindfully incorporating these herbs and natural supplements into diabetes management regiments, we can offer additional support in controlling blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing the risk of complications in the long term.
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professionals such as endocrinologists, and dieticians before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re already taking medications for diabetes. One consultation can help prevent any potential negative interactions or adverse effects. When given the all-clear, harness the power of nature and take proactive steps towards better diabetes management and overall well-being.
Take care of yourselves, and each other. ❤
References
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology; Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Melon Compared With Metformin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients ; A. Fuangchan et al.; January 2011.
- Alam Khan, Mahpara Safdar, Mohammad Muzaffar Ali Khan, Khan Nawaz Khattak, Richard A. Anderson; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes . Diabetes Care 1 December 2003; 26 (12): 3215–3218.
- Gaddam A, Galla C, Thummisetti S, Marikanty RK, Palanisamy UD, Rao PV. Role of Fenugreek in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in prediabetes. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2015 Oct 2;14:74. doi: 10.1186/s40200–015–0208–4. PMID: 26436069; PMCID: PMC4591578.
- https://www.diabetes.co.uk/natural-therapies/fenugreek.html
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2017/9217567/
- Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VYY, et al. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) Reduces Postprandial Glycemia in Nondiabetic Subjects and Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(7):1009–1013. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.7.1009
