Nearly 8 percent of all adults living in the United States have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. If managed poorly, diabetes can lead to a host of complications, including erectile dysfunction, elevated cholesterol and stroke, the New York Times reports. To minimize the risk of diabetic complications, follow the recommendations given to you by your doctor and dietitian. Also, certain natural herbs can help keep blood sugar under control. While goldenseal may benefit diabetics, it's not the only herb that has potential benefits.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek originated in India as an ingredient for condiments. According to Gloria Yeh of Harvard University, fenugreek may aid in the control of diabetic blood sugar. In a research paper published in the April 2003 issue of "Diabetes Care," the active constituent in fenugreek delays the passage of food into the bloodstream, boosts insulin sensitivity and stimulates the pancreas to produce extra insulin. Yeh notes that while large-scale randomized control trials have not been done using fenugreek as a treatment for diabetes, the results from preliminary research are promising. No side effects have been reported from fenugreek supplementation, Yeh says.
Bauhinia Forficata
Bauhinia forficata is a natural herb that has been used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat diabetes. The nickname for Bauhinia forficata in Brazil is "vegetable insulin," When combined with another herb, Myrcia uniflora, Bauhinia forficata can improve the long-term control of diabetes, known as HbA1c. However, Yeh notes that the results from research investigating Bauhinia forficata have not been conclusive.
Ginseng
Ginseng exists in a number of varieties, including Chinese ginseng and American ginseng. The active compounds in ginseng appear to be triterpenoid saponin glycosides, which are responsible for ginseng's ability to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels, Yeh says. Yeh adds that high-quality human trials have consistently shown that ginseng prevents glucose spikes after a meal and reduces HbA1c levels. Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with a heightened risk of diabetic related complications. Yeh states that ginseng works by boosting pancreatic insulin production, regenerating dead insulin producing cells and improving carbohydrate storage within the body.
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