In the search for foods that lower blood glucose, diabetics sometimes run across reports suggesting that ginger can effectively lower blood sugar and treat diabetes. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support or refute this claim, and few recommendations regarding how much or how often to consume ginger for a beneficial effect. However, the use of ginger in cooking might be a harmless way to add a spicy flavor to meals that might also affect your blood sugar levels.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects the way the body uses glucose, the main source of energy for all of your body's cells. Some diabetics don't produce enough insulin, the hormone that controls the use of blood glucose, while other diabetics have trouble utilizing existing insulin. When insulin cannot effectively metabolize the glucose in blood, blood sugar rises while the body simultaneously suffers from a lack of fuel.
Ginger
The underground stem of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for a variety of disorders. Ginger can also be used as a spice for cooking and is generally considered safe when used in food doses. Ginger root is available fresh or dried and components of ginger root are extracted and sold in supplemental form. Some people experience mild side effects, such as heartburn, diarrhea or stomach upset when taking ginger.
Usage
Ginger might lower blood glucose levels, but the jury is still out as to whether ginger is an effective treatment for diabetes. No human studies exist on ginger and blood sugar, but animal studies have shown an impact on blood glucose levels. Ginger might also be useful for reducing complications and symptoms of diabetes. One preliminary study in 2003 in "The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics" found that ginger helped reduce gastrointestinal distress caused by high blood glucose levels in healthy individuals. The study has not yet been replicated in diabetic individuals, but the effect might operate in the same way.
Considerations
Because no evidence yet exists for using ginger as a diabetes treatment, there are no specific recommendations for how much to take. Food doses of 2 g or less per day appear to be safe and healthy for most people. If you are taking medication or insulin for your diabetes, your dose might need to be altered if you regularly consume ginger or take ginger supplements. Ask your doctor before adding ginger to your daily regimen.
