Approximately 8.3 percent of people in the United States have chronically high blood sugar levels, a condition called diabetes, reports the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. If you're one of these people, treatment with a natural herb called fenugreek may help you gain control over your blood sugar levels. More research is necessary, however, to examine the blood-sugar-lowering effects of fenugreek in humans.
Warning
The amount of fenugreek needed to reduce your blood sugar levels may vary depending on your health, age and weight. A doctor who knows your full medical history is the only person who can recommend an appropriate dosage of fenugreek for your health condition. Seek guidance from your physician before taking fenugreek to help control your diabetes.
Recommended Dosage
If you have type 2 diabetes, health professionals with the University of Michigan Health System recommend taking 2.5 to 15 g of fenugreek daily. As a high-fiber herb, fenugreek aids in blood sugar reduction by decreasing the rate at which your body metabolizes carbohydrates. While taking fenugreek, it's important for people with diabetes to consistently and carefully monitor their blood sugar levels to ensure they don't drop too much. If you have type 1 diabetes or need more personalized fenugreek dosage recommendations, consult your doctor before beginning treatment with this medicinal herb.
Medication Interactions
Avoid using fenugreek in conjunction with diabetes medication unless you're under the care of a doctor. Combining these treatments may severely lower your blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia. If you become hypoglycemic, you may experience shakiness, headache, confusion, sweating, hunger, dizziness or blurred vision. Treatment with fenugreek may also enhance the effects of blood-thinning drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, warfarin and heparin, which may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding.
Safety Information
Even when used as directed, fenugreek may cause mild side effects, such as gas or stomach discomfort. Treatment with fenugreek may also make your urine or sweat temporarily smell like maple syrup. Avoid taking fenugreek if you are allergic to green peas, peanuts, chickpeas or soybeans. If you're hypersensitive to these foods, you may also be allergic to fenugreek. Exposure to fenugreek may cause nasal congestion, hives, coughing, wheezing or facial swelling in allergic individuals. Seek emergency medical care if you experience trouble breathing after taking a dose of fenugreek.
