First, you should understand that diabetes has no cure. So, whatever diabetic supplement or medication you use only works to manage your blood sugar level. But do herbal or natural treatments really help? Multiple scientific reviews have suggested that some herbs like aloe vera and milk thistle significantly help lower blood glucose count and other associated health complications. But they also don’t recommend relying solely on these natural supplements or replacing them with allopathic treatments. The beneficial herbs can be used alongside conventional medicines to improve their effectiveness and control diabetic symptoms.
Understand the Role of Natural Herbs in Diabetes Management
Lifestyle adjustments and prescribed drugs are always the standard approach for both diabetics and pre diabetics. Some people explore natural remedies to get rid of medications or complement their treatments. However, the evidence for herbal supplements is promising but not conclusive. Few studies show the benefits of aloe vera and cinnamon, but others find little to no effect. Moreover, the FDA doesn’t regulate these medicines but warns people about illegally marketed products.
There is no clear proof that herbs or supplements benefit individuals with diabetes who do not have additional conditions. (American Diabetes Association)
You must consult your healthcare professional before starting any additional treatment due to potential risks and considerations. As herbal medicines might seem harmless—they can interact with medications and cause side effects.
For instance
Berberine may cause unexpected drops in sugar levels and lead to hypoglycemia.
Your Diabetologist can guide you on safe usage and potential interactions with existing treatments. Remember–the dosage, individual health conditions, and the quality of the herb play a great role in this regard.
Studies Proven Herbal Supplements that Help in Blood Sugar Control
The body regulates blood sugar through insulin–a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose for energy. When this process is disrupted, blood sugar levels can spike and cause diabetes. Once you’ve been diagnosed with either DM type 1 or 11, diet, exercise, and medication become a compulsory part of your living. However, there are several herbs that have been traditionally used to help control blood glucose count if taken carefully.
Aloe Vera
You are all aware of aloe vera’s potential skin benefits. It may also help slow the progression of type 2 diabetes by shielding and repairing pancreatic beta cells. Aloe has been favored for decades due to its medicinal properties, such as being anti-inflammatory and wound-healing.
Research indicates aloe supplements can lower fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c. Other evidence shows that taking aloe vera powder and gel can substantially increase insulin levels and protect people from commonly diabetic-associated health problems(kidney disease, cataracts, and depression).
These studies promise that aloe vera has benefits and is a good natural herb for diabetics. You can take it orally in capsule form or make a smoothie. But, combining it with diabetic medication can cause interaction, so you need to consult a doctor to balance dosage.
Cinnamon
A well-known spice used in many baked products has gained attention for its potential to control sugar in the blood. Research suggests that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and fasting plasma glucose. Thus, it can be added to the diet as a good natural alternative to reduce spikes in sugar levels after meals.
While studying the effects of anything on diabetes, medical professionals also look for lipid and cholesterol profiles. A human-focused review concluded in 2018 indicates that cinnamon consumed in 1-6g daily can help manage triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
All of this evidence concludes that cinnamon supplements taken daily or with prescribed dosage can control blood glucose concentration in obese and overweight prediabetic individuals.
Other Beneficial Natural Plants for Diabetics
Bitter melon has been used traditionally to treat various illnesses. It is a medicinal fruit that contains nutrients and properties that may help decrease blood sugar levels and act like insulin. A recent study in 2020 reported that taking 300mg of bitter melon peptide capsules twice daily may help improve glucose concentration in people with diabetes mellitus.
Another popular natural plant, milk thistle, is used for its liver-protecting effects. Scientists have studied its active ingredients and concluded that it might help manage type 2 diabetes by reducing oxidative stress and supporting beta cell function. Exercise caution during its intake because it might significantly drop your sugar level.
Fenugreek is a widely used herbal seed to improve glycemic control and lipid profiles. It contains high dietary fiber content that slows down the digestion process of carbohydrates. Researchers found that pre diabetics taking fenugreek in powdered form can minimize their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes in the future. These seeds raise insulin levels, so taking them with precautionary measures is essential for anyone.
Conclusion
Herbal supplements can offer additional support in blood sugar management. They should not replace conventional treatment. Some herbs, like cinnamon, aloe vera, and bitter melon, have scientific backing in managing glucose concentration and insulin resistance. But there are some limitations with these natural medicines as all studies pointed out their effectiveness in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice before making any major changes to your health routine.
