Diabetes is a disorder that occurs when your body struggles to metabolize glucose effectively. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the hormone responsible for glucose metabolism. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is probably producing enough insulin, but your body cannot use it properly. If untreated, diabetes can cause a number of life-threatening complications, including cardiovascular problems and kidney disease. If you suffer from diabetes, your doctor will likely prescribe insulin and other drugs that help control blood sugar levels. Some herbs may help to balance your blood sugar levels, but as their efficacy is unproven, you should not use them in place of medicines your doctor prescribes.
Examples and Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several herbs that may help to control blood sugar levels, and therefore may be useful for diabetics. These include American ginseng and bitter melon. American ginseng is primarily used to boost the immune system, but MedlinePlus notes that taking 3g of American ginseng before a meal may lower post-meal blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Bitter melon may also exert hypoglycemic effects in both healthy and diabetic patients, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Both herbs are available as powders or in capsules or pills. Ask your doctor how much of each herb you need to take to control your blood sugar levels.
Effectiveness
Research by A. Fuangchan and colleagues published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that bitter melon has a modest hypoglycemic effect and significantly reduced blood sugar levels among patients with Type 2 diabetes who received 2000mg daily. However, the authors note that it was less effective than the prescription diabetes drug metformin. The results of a study by V. Vuksan et al., published in the April 2000 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine," show that taking American ginseng 40 minutes before a meal lowers post-meal glucose levels in healthy patients and in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Safety and Side Effects
MedlinePlus states that short-term use of American ginseng may be safe for adults and children but adds that it may cause side effects, including diarrhea, insomnia, headache and nervousness. It may also affect your blood pressure. Using bitter melon for up to three months is likely safe, according to RxList. However, ensure you regularly check your blood sugar levels while using both these herbs.
Considerations
These herbs are not suitable for everyone with diabetes. For example, you should not take bitter melon or American ginseng if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. American ginseng may worsen sleeping problems in people with schizophrenia and insomnia. Both herbs may also interact with your diabetes medicines so talk to your doctor before using them.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- MedlinePlus: American Ginseng
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bitter Melon
- PubMed: Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Melon Compared With Metformin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients
- PubMed: American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius L) Reduces Postprandial Glycemia in Nondiabetic Subjects and Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- RxList: Bitter Melon
