Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly use insulin, a hormone that converts glucose molecules into energy. As a result, blood glucose levels rise, and if untreated, can lead to serious health problems, including nerve damage and cardiovascular disease. In some cases, it may be possible to control Type 2 diabetes with dietary measures alone, but many people with this condition require prescription medicines to help stabilize their blood glucose. The herb bitter melon may also help to lower blood sugar levels, but it should not be used in place of treatments your doctor prescribes.
Properties
Bitter melon is a tropical plant, the fruit of which is often consumed as a food or used to make medicines for diabetes, viral infections and immune disorders. Also known as wild cucumber, bitter melon contains a number of active ingredients including alkaloids and glycoproteins. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that bitter melon may lower high blood glucose levels in both healthy and diabetic patients, and adds that it may heighten the effects of prescription diabetes medicines. Bitter melon may be taken as a tea or as an herbal tincture, but can also be taken in capsules or tablets if you dislike the taste.
Efficacy
The results of an animal-based study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in September 2003 show that bitter melon reduced fasting blood glucose levels by 48 percent, leading the authors to conclude that it may be a safe and effective way of reducing blood glucose. Clinical study findings published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" show that bitter melon has modest hypoglycemic effects, but is less effective than the diabetes medicine metformin.
Safety Considerations
The drug information website RxList.com notes that short term, bitter melon is likely safe, but adds that it may lower your blood glucose levels too much. Get your blood sugar levels checked regularly if taking bitter melon. Don't use bitter melon if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Other Potentially Helpful Herbs
A number of other herbs may also be beneficial for patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These include American ginseng and cinnamon, although like bitter melon, they must not be used in place of medicines your doctor prescribes. Also bear in mind that these herbs may lower your blood sugar levels too much, or may not be suitable for you. For example, American ginseng is contraindicated in schizophrenia and hormone-sensitive conditions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Bitter Melon
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Antihyperglycemic Effects of Three Extracts From Momordica Charantia; J. Virdi et al.; September 2003
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Melon Compared with Metformin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients; A.Fuangchan et al.; January 2011
- RxList: Bitter Melon
- MedlinePlus: American Ginseng
