Glucose intolerance is sometimes referred to as pre-diabetes. It is a condition that results in higher-than-normal blood sugar levels in the blood, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If the results are between 100mg/dl and 126mg/dl, it indicates pre-diabetes, or glucose intolerance, and increases risk for developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Talk to your doctor prior to taking herbs for glucose intolerance to make sure they do not interfere with current medications or conditions. Herbal treatment can help decrease blood sugars and help reverse glucose intolerance.
Chinese Cinnamon
Cinnamon is normally used as a spice ingredient in foods, but has been found to have medical benefits. According to the World's Healthiest Foods Foundation, putting cinnamon on a high-carbohydrate food can help decrease its effect on blood sugar levels, and slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, therefore reducing the rise in blood sugar after a meal. Eating 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon per day can lower your blood sugar, and is a good, reasonably-priced option for people with glucose intolerance.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a fiber harvested from a shrub-like herb that's used in nutritional supplements and is a primary ingredient in products like Fiberall and Metamucil, used for constipation relief. According to an article by Dr. Rallie McAllister, psyllium reduces blood sugar levels by as much as 20 percent after eating a meal. The National Library of Medicine states that psyllium can cause allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis in healthcare workers who prepare large amounts of bulk laxatives containing psyllium.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a member of the pea family. It is used as both an herb and spice, and is commonly used in curry dishes. It has a hypoglycemic effect in which it binds to fats and sugars in the body before they are absorbed in the intestines, slowing digestion and therefore reducing the overall level of fats and sugars absorbed by the body. Fenugreek also regulates blood sugar by inhibiting sucrase and alpha-amlyase enzymes, which are used to break down carbohydrates. If carbohydrates cannot be fully broken down into sugars, then fenugreek is a useful herb in lowering blood sugar levels.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is a tropical herb that is used to reduce blood sugar levels. According to United Wellness, this herb has been used in India for more than 2000 years in the treatment of diabetes; the Hindi name "gurmar" actually means sugar destroyer. It lowers blood sugar levels by suppressing the transport of glucose into the bloodstream.
