Diabetes is a disease characterized by chronic high glucose or blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to insulin effects. Both types of diabetes lead to high blood sugar levels that can increase the risk for obesity as well as heart disease. Evidence suggests that certain supplements help control diabetes by improving blood glucose levels. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Cashew Seed Extract
Cashew seed extract might have anti-diabetic potential, according to an animal study conducted by researchers from the University of Montreal, Canada, and the Universite de Yaounde, Cameroun. Scientists discovered that cashew seed extract was effective in stimulating glucose uptake by cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. Researchers stated that anacardic acid was the main compound responsible found in cashew seed extract that was responsible for the results. Although these findings are promising, further research needs to be conducted, noted the July 2010 issue of the journal "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research."
Cinnamon Extract
Cinnamon extract might help improve impaired glucose levels associated with diabetics. Lead researcher Richard Anderson and colleagues from the U.S. Department of Agriculture randomly assigned participants with impaired blood glucose levels cinnamon extract or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, which was published in the August 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," scientists observed that the cinnamon extract group experienced decreases in glucose levels compared to the placebo group.
Bitter Melon Extract
David James led a team of researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research who investigated the effects of bitter melon extract on glucose metabolism. They discovered that bitter melon contains compounds that stimulate the activation of the enzyme AMPK, which enhances glucose uptake by cells and lowers glucose levels in the body, according to the Science Daily website.
Black Tea Extract
Black tea might help fight type 2 diabetes, according to lead researcher Dr. Graham Rena and colleagues from the University of Dundee. They discovered that black tea contains the compounds theaflavins and thearubigins, which mimic the action of insulin in the body. This can increase the removal of glucose from the blood and into cells. Scientists reported their findings in the February 2008 issue of the journal "Aging Cell."
