Flaxseed comes from the flax plant, an herb that has been used since ancient times for a variety of purposes, including some medicinal uses. For medical purposes, people can eat the whole seeds of the flax plant, scientifically known as Linum usitatissimum, or they can grind the seeds into powder or extract the oil. Both the seeds and their oil could be dangerous for patients with diabetes because they could elevate blood sugar.
Uses
MayoClinic.com reports that flaxseed has been traditionally used to treat diabetic kidney disease, or nephropathy, although there is no scientific evidence to support this use. Many people use flaxseed for constipation, arthritis, to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, or as an anti-cancer agent, although none of these uses are scientifically proven either. Diabetics should use flaxseed with caution because its effectiveness is not proven, and it might have dangerous ramifications for controlling blood sugar.
Flaxseed and Blood Glucose
The effects of flaxseed on levels of glucose in the blood are not clear, with studies demonstrating varying results. MayoClinic.com concludes that there is not enough evidence to support the use of flaxseed to treat diabetes. The effects on obesity, an important contributor to diabetes, are likewise unclear.
Active Ingredients
Flaxseed contains two different classes of medically active ingredients. The seeds --- but not the oil derived from them --- contain chemicals called lignans that act as antioxidants and also bind to estrogen receptors. The seeds and their oil both contain high levels of a fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid. In the body, alpha-linolenic acid converts to omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to improve cardiovascular health, among other effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center says, however, that diabetics might not be able to convert alpha-linolenic acid into the omega-3 fatty acids that are most easily absorbed and used by the body.
Warnings
MayoClinic.com cautions that people with diabetes should be prudent about taking flaxseed or flaxseed oil because the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can increase blood sugar. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that diabetics should only take flaxseed with the consent and supervision of a doctor. The caution applies to any flaxseed formulation taken by mouth.
Dosing
If under a doctor's supervision a diabetic uses flaxseed, MayoClinic.com recommends a dose ranging from 10 to 250 g of flaxseed powder. Alternatively, users can mix about 1 tablespoon of whole flaxseed with 6 to 12 oz. of water and drink the preparation up to three times per day.
